ALookintoT

Are you ashamed of doing something in the past or even in the present that makes you feel terrible? By definition, being embarrassed or guilty because of our actions or our associations with other’s actions, is to be ashamed. I am guilty for being who I am, not because of any hereditary gene fault, but simply being a human being. We are all guilty as charged. Do we keep going down that path of doing incredibly stupid things that we later regret and are ashamed? Maybe, if we do not learn a little humility. We may continue towards a path of destruction. Humility is an attribute us humans rarely possess. We think of ourselves to be much more important than others think. Take the joy of dancing for example. Most of us are too busy with our own steps to enjoy the human interaction with others. When we humble ourselves, we can begin to see actions of others in a different view and we can look for alternate outcomes. The events of the last few weeks, when seen through the media designed to sell sensationalism, causes us all to hold onto our own belief systems. We believe what we see which may not be reality. We also may be influenced to overact and do stupid things that we later may regret and feel ashamed. What is the outcome of going down a destructive path?

The definition of sin, in its simplest form, is when we do things void of God. When we separate ourselves from God, we have committed sin, in my opinion. In Romans 6:12-23, we are given precise instructions on how to live without sin. We learn sin has no power over us, because we are not under the law but under His grace. We learn that we become a slave to whomever or whatever controls us. We can obey only one master. If we fall into that trap of believing what we see as truth instead of the real truth, we may pay the price sin dictates and that is destruction leading to death. If we learn the truth, not through sensationalism but His grace, our outcome is life. There are two outcomes. One leads to death. The other to eternal life. Choose wisely my friend.

As we celebrate the birth of our nation on the 4th of July, may we also celebrate the real truth so we can remove those chains of slavery forever. Peace to you. T

To be apologetic means to be regrettable knowing that you may have offended someone by what you may have said or done. Some people refuse to apologize out of shear pride or stubbornness to admit that, just maybe, what they did was wrong or misunderstood. We can dig our heals in and hold onto our belief, or we can begin the process of mending the broken relationship. It is unfortunate that some relationships are never mended because neither party wants to apologize. The final closure of a broken relationship may be in the death of one. Perhaps then and only then can an apology be spoken. This is a sad outcome, but it does not have to end this way. Maybe, a better ending would be, while we have a chance, make an effort to do good. (1 Peter 3:13-16)

From a Christian Apologetic standpoint, over the centuries, theologists have made their verbal or written defense against critics of Christianity. I will be the first to admit, that the history of Christianity has not always been on the side of doing good. We do not even have to go back far in history to site examples of Christians not being very “Christ like”. But, do we throw the baby out with the bath water? No, we grow leaning on God’s grace. We try to do what is good knowing that we will make mistakes and may suffer. Where God is present, there is grace and as long as we have that growing faith, all will end good. Are we ready to defend our faith? I hope we all can recognize that we are not alone in our quest for truth for the Spirit of Truth leads us to victory. (John 14:15-21)

The audio below was recorded on May 25th, 2014. I mention my version of a Christian Apology I started writing in 2008. I have not finished it mostly because the story is still to be revealed. With this modern attack on our human existence, can we finally put away our differences and earnestly apologize?

Here is my first draft of a Christine Apology started, but not finished in 2008. “As in the early days when Christian Apologist such as Justin took it upon themselves to explain Christianity, we are at a point whereby I believe it is time for a modern response. We must stop responding in Medieval terms. Instead, we must respond in terms of today. We, the body of Christ must represent a second way where people can find peace not criticism, the truth not politics, their own unique mission not what is popular. We must restore the fundamentals of prayer, worship, sacraments and Apostolic teaching in terms of today not yesterday.” More to come. T

I do not know about you, but I have been eating a lot lately. I will need to do a check on my caloric intake soon before my clothes exceed its elasticity. LOL Yeah, but its fun to eat! Do we eat to survive or just eat because that is what we do? I believe both, but probably more of the last than mere survival. I am not going to offer a diet alternative, but suggest we eat with a purpose. My wife and I have intentionally made a mission out of buying take away food at our favorite restaurants because of this COVID-19 stay at home, stay safe directive. I am also very proud of my church for creating a new mission to help health care workers on the battle lines. It gives me great comfort in knowing we are all in this together. We can make a difference by small acts of sacrifice to our pocket books or our time. Think out of the box in your giving. I also believe that when we eat with a purpose, our eyes are opened to be made known. What do I mean made known?

In 1 Peter 1:23, we are born anew by the imperishable seed of the living word of God. That seed grows into a spiritual food that makes us grow into a new creation. But, how do we get our eyes opened to begin the growth? I believe we are made known in the breaking of the bread. There is a story about two people walking to a village called Emmaus not too far from Jerusalem. They are distraught because they have lost a loved one through an evil event. We can compare the loss of our loved ones similarly, if the event, in our eyes, are perceived evil. Examples could be death by a drunk driver, excessive smoking, overeating, murder, war or even the act of spreading a deadly virus. We can be overwhelmed to the point where we can not see a person walking along side of us for who he really is. We can be so caught up in the news of the day a comforting hand can be perceived as a stranger who has just arrived unaware of the tragedy. I can imagine that nearly all of us are in a state of uncertainty full of questions to what should we do next. Can we go out or should we just stay away from the darkness all around us, ignore strangers and stay in a state of despair? I believe the only way we can see the light is by focusing our attention on the light. I believe when we eat, with the purpose of discovering the light, then and only then, can we begin to see a new reality. When we break bread together, we can have our eyes opened to new possibilities. Mary was upset that they had taken her master’s body away until she heard his voice and then declared, “master”. Peter just wanted to go fishing and forget about his troubles so all the disciples went on a fishing excursion. They saw the light of another day and a new beginning. The two on the road did not recognize the true light until Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread. (Luke 24:35) My original question was what do I mean being made known?

I believe we will get through this when we eat with a purpose not just to eat, but to commune with each other, consider new realities in life, uplift one another and focus on what is most important in life. Above all, recognize that he is not just a visitor walking along side of you, but your savior leading you to a new beginning. Bring your church from inside to the outside world and peace be with you.

The audio message below was recorded on May 4th, 2014. Enjoy and stay blessed. T

The outcome of our faith is the salvation of our soul. (1 Peter 1:9) Outcome is the results. The finish line. It is a consequence of our actions. Connect this definition to value which is one’s judgement of what is important in life. We are in a time where what we used to think as important, does not mean a whole lot to us now. We have shifted from incidental activities in our life to most important in our life. The consequence of our actions just a few months ago now weigh heavy on our souls for some of us. Perhaps, you have been directly impacted by this invisible storm we call COVID-19 and may say, what happened? Others, who have not been affected, as of now, may say, what is the big deal? The economy is ruin and I cannot even watch my favorite sport on TV or even play the game. All I want to do is get back to normal. Guess what! We have a new normal, at least for now, so adjust your way of thinking. What is the value of a human life? I believe that question is in the eyes of the beholder. Yes, in our free world, life is considered precious, but not all are free, so human life is not valued the same. Without getting too political, I will leave you to believe what you want. No need to point fingers at this point, as we need to focus on taking actions to improve our consequence.

I believe the scripture that tells us salvation is the finish line and our faith is the action needed to reach the favorable outcome. We reach our finish line victorious if we exercise our faith. I believe in the human race and the value of human life. Unlike, those that may only consider victory at all cost, I believe true victory is achieved when we cross the finish line, with others. We should exercise ourselves to become fit for the race and then encourage others to do the same. Can we overcome the current obstacle that is affecting us all Globally? Yes, when one falls, do we have the courage to lend a hand and a heart to pick them up? That my friend is exercising your faith. Jesus found one more to cross the finish line with him. We can too. Find strength to reach your ultimate goal arm in arm singing “When we all get to Heaven”.

My audio message below was recorded on April 26, 2014. Still relevant today. Keep on keeping on. T

Dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives. Can you think of some dilemmas? Since I wrote this at the beginning of Passover, it reminds me of two dilemmas. First, do you believe the blood of a lamb will be your sign that the Almighty’s wrath will Passover your home? (Exodus 12:1-14) Second, do you believe Jesus’ last supper signified his becoming that sacrificial lamb for all who believe? Does the Jewish community participate in the Passover each year? Does the Christian community remember the passion of Christ each year? Answer to both are yes, if you believe or no if you choose an alternative choice. Belief is essential in your decisions. Another example of a dilemma is shared in the following poem.

“And people stayed home and read books and listened and rested and exercised
and made art and played and learned new ways of being and stopped and listened deeper. Someone meditated, someone prayed, someone danced, someone met their shadow and people began to think differently and people healed and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways, dangerous, meaningless and heartless, even the earth began to heal and when the danger ended and people found each other grieved for the dead people and they made new choices and dreamed of new visions
and created new ways of life and healed the earth completely just as they were healed themselves.” Quiz: Was this poem written in 1869 by Kathleen O’Mara and reprinted for the 1919 pandemic? Was this poem written in March 2020 by Kitty O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain from Wisconsin? Short answer is Kitty wrote it and there was no 1919 pandemic as it was in 1918. Does that make the poem useless? No. It does prove a point in several aspects. First, do not believe what is posted on social media without fact checking. Second, the message of the poem is valid to stay at home so we can all get back to some normality. Third, it reveals the dilemma of two alternatives. Stay at home and use this time to enrich your family lives or go out as if all is okay and continue the spread the virus. It seems obvious to me but not all things are obvious. Christianity is real to me, but not to others who choose, not to believe.

In Christianity, many of us take this week remembering Jesus’ journey to the Cross and his death called “Stations of the Cross”. There are 14 stations starting with his condemnation (Luke 22:39-44) and ending with his body placed in the tomb (John 19:38-42). He carried his cross knowing he is the good shepherd willing to lay down his life on his own accord. (John 10:17-18) His dilemma was to either walk away or pay the ultimate price. He chose to pay the price not for his sake but to save us. His dilemma and final decision makes our choices much easier to make. You think?

Happy Easter, T