No More Mister Nice Guy.

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

I love superhero movies. Ironman, Spiderman, Superman, Batman. The idea of the strong fighting for the weak and winning against strong odds. There was one superhero movie that stuck out for me more with only one scene: The Incredible Hulk.

I wasn't a big fan of the first full feature film they did, but this last one in 2008 was really good. There's a scene in this one where Bruce Banner is in a foreign worn down factory that he's worked at for a while with very little pay along with other natives of that country. Well, when Bruce steps in a helps out a lady from these rough guys, they begin to beat him up. While they are scurrying to back him into a corner, while hitting him at the same time, Bruce warns them to stop - to not make him angry (the quotable Incredible Hulk favorite), they laugh and continue in their actions.

Why does Bruce warn these guys? Don't we all secretly want bad things to happen to bad people? Maybe, maybe not. Bruce knew that if they continued, he would turn into the hulk and not be able to control himself and may perhaps kill them. This stuck out for me because it was so parallel to the Bible.

Jesus hung on a cross being beaten and ridiculed and He knew the damage that could be done to those people if God decided to step in. Would they have deserved it? Sure. But Jesus in his infinite mercy and grace did not want that.

Did you know that we hold the same power? That when we choose to let Jesus lead our lives, that same power is within our grasp. The power that miraculously takes away cancer can fight the enemy. Could not God still send a thousand angels to flip over the car that just cut us off on the freeway and end that drivers life there and then? But would we want that? Does someone truly deserve to spend an eternity in Hell because we didn't take the time to say - "Jesus loves you"? In our own anger, we need to stop and say a prayer for those that are unkind to us - because 'with power, comes great responsibility'.

Happy Valentines Day

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It's easy to think about love in the month of February. Valentine's Day has long been celebrated with roses, chocolates, cards and conversation hearts. Hallmark saw an opportunity and we fell for it hook, line, and sinker. A desperate need for that sought after emotion called "love".

The above verse in the Bible discusses what true love should be, which seems so far from our ideas. First, love is patient. Patience has never been my virtue. But, God says that's what love is. I can't really argue with that. So, every time I bend down to pick up the socks that sit two feet from the hamper, I have to remember that there is a man who wears those socks that comes home every day from work, without fail, and provides for his family. Love is kind. It's easy to be kind when someone else is kind to you, but when someone says to you "why isn't dinner ready?" after you've taught the kids all day, did the laundry, kissed the boo boos, dropped off and picked up from practice, and did the grocery shopping - not to come back with an unkind word is the love that God talks about. It's the Holy Spirit that speaks to you and reminds you that he's been stuck in an office all day dealing with people that are probably not Christian and you've been blessed to be able to spend time with your kids - he's just wanting to know you've thought about him enough to expect his return.

Love doesn't envy, boast and isn't proud. Are you envious of anyone? While I know this is a struggle for some, there's really not anything that God hasn't provided for me that I need. Sure, a new dishwasher or a new kitchen might be nice, but I wouldn't want someone else to go without it so I could have it. Boasting and being prideful go hand in hand. I would like to get credit for a job well done, but not at the expense of belittling someone else who may feel they deserve the credit.

This is just the first part of the verses that discuss God's idea of what true love is. It's not simple, it's not easy, and it doesn't happen quickly. It's like a garden that you begin to grow. You plow the dirt, you plant the seeds, you water the ground. Sometimes the storms that come make it seem like it's going to all wash away and you feel like you may lose your garden. But, if you pay attention to it, keep protecting it, soon... you begin to enjoy the fruit that comes from all your hard work.

Christmas - Politically Correct vs. Correct

At what point did we decide that we had to be politically correct about December 25th? And at what point did it become more important to be politically correct instead of just plain correct? Frankly, I don't care if you wish me a "Happy Holiday" or a festive "Seasons Greetings", but don't try to remove Jesus from the holiday or play down its importance.

Christmas became a government holiday in 1870. President Grant decided it should be observed by the country as a whole, and congress agreed. It was a time designated to celebrate the birth of Christ - we all know that an exact date is not available, so we picked one, December 25th. Yet, so many people have tried to disprove the validity of Christmas as a Christian holiday and come up with one excuse after another to get Jesus removed from it.

During this same time period, Grant also declared January 1st a holiday. New Years Day. Yet no one ever tries to doubt the validity or meaning of January 1st. No one tells the government that we've misread the stars or the alignment of the solar system and the actual first day of the new rotation of the earth is not really January 1st. The existence of January 1 being established as a holiday to celebrate the New Year has never been questioned.

As well as January 1 being established as a holiday, July 4th was also determined to be an American government holiday by Grant in 1870. A day to honor our independence as a country after the long Revolutionary War was finished. If people with British heritage were to begin an argument with the government saying that their great great grandfathers died at the hands of Americans so they are offended that we would celebrate that victory - would our government declare July 4th should no longer be established because they didn't want to offend those citizens? Absolutely not.

What about Veteran's Day? November 11th. In 2006, an estimated 37.5 million immigrants were now citizens of our country. What if they said, "we fought for the service in our previous country, we're offended that we are not recognized as veterans" - would we change Veteran's Day to include anyone who's ever served in any military any where? No - that would be ridiculous. The service men and women have worked hard to protect our rights and freedoms here in America.

But people will walk on eggshells around those who might get upset if you say Jesus should remain in Christmas. It's okay to offend Christians, those who appreciate the eternal freedom from a Savior who gave His life.

So, as an American Christian - I will continue to celebrate New Years Day - I will toot my paper horn with the excitement of what may come and a remembrance of the year gone by. I will continue to celebrate July 4th. I will fly my flag high and appreciate those men and women who fought in the American Revolution and founded our country and their sacrifice so that we can be a free nation. I will continue to honor Veteran's Day. I will thank my American soldiers for their efforts in the service even when I may not agree with what the government has done, I will uphold our Veteran's holiday. And finally, I will celebrate Christmas in the manner in which it was established - a day to thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. I will display a manger scene and a Christmas tree. I will say Merry Christmas and thank those who wish me a 'Happy Holiday". I will continue to teach my children the reason why we celebrate Christmas and continue to feel sorry for and pray for those who are offended by it.

http://zee-em-sea.blogspot.com/2009/12/live-out-loud.html - My daughter's film project, enjoy.

The Witch of Endor - It Wasn't Me, I Swear.

1 Samuel 28:9-10 But the woman said to him, "Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?" Saul swore to her by the LORD, "As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this."

Why is it when you ask a little kid if they've done something wrong, they immediately tell you they haven't? Even though you already know they did. My youngest daughter will deny everything the first time. But when I look her in the eye, ask her again with that serious tone - she comes clean. I guess it's our human nature to avoid a disaster that we perceive may happen if we give an honest answer. However, God requires it. I think, if we look at this realistically, I would rather suffer the consequences of telling the truth - than the strain on my relationship with God from not telling the truth.

Since the woman of Endor had no relationship with God, lying was not a big issue for her. She was lying to save her life. She was in hiding and knew that if someone turned her in - she would be killed. She had to be careful. Here's the irony: Saul promised her "by the Lord" that he wouldn't have her killed. By the Lord???? It's like hearing an atheist say "I swear to God" - really? How can you seek out the things the devil has lured you to and in the same breath use God to justify it?

It's the bar-hopping, unfaithful co-worker that tells you they love Jesus. How can you seek out the things of satan and still claim to have a relationship with God. We all back-slide, but the importance of having a relationship with God is seeing our error and avoiding that temptation. Saul got caught up in this and the example he could've been for the witch of Endor was lost.

The Witch of Endor - Is it a Masquerade?

1 Samuel 28:8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name."

Have you ever heard the saying, "nothing good ever happens after midnight"? I suppose in the dark of the night, when very few others are around - people tend to do things they probably shouldn't do because they think no one is watching. . . Someone is always watching.

All the mediums and spiritists in the land would not welcome Saul into their home, because they knew he would punish them if he found out they were still practicing. Saul knew this and so he waited until evening - dressed up like someone other than himself - grabbed a couple of buddies - headed to Endor and asked the witch to do her 'magic'.

Something I tell my kids is that "if you can't do it in front of me or your dad, then you probably shouldn't be doing it". As adults, the question we should ask is "if you don't want God to see you doing it, then you shouldn't be doing it" - the hard truth is - God does see you doing it. No matter what it is - are you embarrassed? ashamed? It doesn't matter if no one else is around, or if you're behind a computer screen where no one knows your identity - God knows who you are and what you're doing. Don't let satan make you think that living outside the authority of God is ever an option.

The Witch of Endor - It's October....

1 Samuel 28:3-7 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all the Israelites and set up camp at Gilboa. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her." "There is one in Endor," they said.

A little history for this - Samuel was a man of God, respected and sought after. Because the act of seeking out the dead was something God said not to do, all spiritists and mediums were sent out of the land. Now - Samuel has died and Saul is left with an army, the Philistine army, gearing up to attack.

Saul was in a predicament, so he called out to God. This makes me think of those movies where the main character comes into a situation that seems hopeless and he starts making deals with God. "If you get me out of this, I'll go to church every week" or "If you bring my son back, I'll start tithing" - when he hasn't uttered a word to God the entire movie. Now in the movies, they usually have the good ending where everything works out just fine - but for Saul, there was no light that suddenly got brighter, no voice speaking to him from out of nowhere, no dreams from the past or future - Saul got nothing. God remained silent.

This is where Saul made his mistake. If you are crying out to God and don't feel like you're getting a response - be assured, it's not because He's not there or doesn't hear you. This is the time where you need to look at your life and find out what is hindering the relationship between you and God. If you truly can't figure out what it is, ask God to show you what you need to work on. This is not what Saul did. Saul didn't have the time or patience to respect and appreciate a relationship with God - so he tries the other angle - the witch of Endor.

Our communication with God is vital to a strong walk in the Christian faith. When we are not getting the answers we want from God, are we seeking Him out, or are we searching for other solutions? It may not be as ghastly as reading horoscopes or playing with a ouija board. It can be as simple as taking the advice of a non-believing co-worker instead of waiting on God. It can be turning to food for comfort instead of waiting for comfort from God. It can be allowing our own wants to override what God wants for us. This is a good scripture on the importance of having a continual striving for a relationship with God.

Jabez - Are you a Cookie Monster for God?

1 Chronicles 4:10d - And God granted his request.

This is the last part of the prayer of Jabez. It is the outcome of the prayer of Jabez. It's not very climactic. In fact, it's completely 'matter of fact'. It's as simple as 2 + 2 = 4 ; Man of faith asked = God of all granted. So why did he have to ask in the first place?

As I studied the prayer of Jabez, how he asked for things and God simply gave them to him - and pondered whether it was a one time occurrence and only meant for Jabez, an analogy came to mind. Many times, I will go to the store and while buying groceries, I will pick up something for the kids. Maybe some cookies or snack cakes, I might even get them some special drink and put it in the refrigerator - simply because I love them. Now when I get home, and put all the groceries away and then get busy doing everything else, I will probably completely forget that I even bought those items for the kids. However, if one of the children comes up to me and says, "Hey Mom, Can I have a couple of cookies" - I will then say - "Yes, I got those for you".

Now God doesn't forget, but I do think He has things for us and He's just waiting for us to ask Him for it. Does that mean whatever we ask for it will be given to us, since God has it waiting? Even though I have cookies for the kids, if they ask me to eat them a half an hour before dinner, I'm going to say "no". But that doesn't mean 'no' forever, it just means they'll have to ask later when it's not going to hinder them by spoiling their appetite. However, like the cartoon, when we start to go after things ourselves that God has said 'no' to, disaster can strike.

God loves His children. Jabez was a faithful and honorable man, one who knew the power of the Almighty. One who wanted to serve God and have a personal relationship with Him. His prayer is truly an example of God's unconditional love for us.