Sincerity

During one of our Youth Group classes we were reading through 1 Corrinthians 9. The Apostle Paul responded to those who accused him of being in it for the fame and the money. Needless to say he was hurt and mad. His integrity had been challenged by those who didn't know him and were jealous of his popularity as he went around teaching about Jesus. So in this letter, Paul directly addresses his sincerity.

When the class reading got to the this place I asked the kids what sincerity meant? Surprisingly none knew! We waited two minutes and I realized that some important terms regarding character are not being taught thus the teens aren't ever challenged by them. The odd silence was broken when a boy hesitantly answered "is it when you are really real?"
The word used in the Greek is SINE CERA. This is where we get our word sincere, which actually means WITHOUT WAX. It refers to the sculptors that made marble statues or fine pottery. If when during their work, a piece would fall off or a crack, the project should be scrapped and a new one begun. But money mattered and dishonesty and dishonesty was prevalent. So artisans of less integrity would take some of the marble or clay dust and mix it with wax. They would use it as a cosmetic glue to restore the item to a "perfect" state and maintain the premium price.

In Greece and the surrounding areas, temperatures would rise high during the day causing the the wax to melt and the product would eventually show its flaw.
Sculptors and potters with true integrity would have no choice but to painfully abort the project and begin another. They would accept the loss of time and money for the sake of their integrity desiring to deliver a premium product. In fact these particular craftsmen would hang a sign of guarantee over their shop that would read "SINECERUS" ("WITHOUT WAX").
Our life application here is this;

When situations in your life become difficult or hot, what gets exposed? Do your true motives show? And if so, what are they? Are you really concerned for others or is selfish ambition the driver of your actions. Are you willing to sacrifice time or money for the welfare of another or do you want for yourself so much that you are willing to be phony for a time to get it?

Sincerity represents a pure heart in what we do for others. God encourages us and in many places (Proverbs especially) to be sincerely motivated and not self seeking. The rewards for that come from Him. This is what He wants from us. This is how He treats.
For those of you who try with a sincere heart (not necessarily a perfect one) God will acknowledge and bless you in someway. It is not what we do that God is interested in, it is see why we do it.

No matter the temperature of a situation, God can see the wax and dust that fills the ugly cracks in our hearts. There is a great joy and freedom in doing something for another with a sincere heart. I had to pray often and continue to do so because selfishness is always knocking at the door wanting to return to its previous place in my heart and mind. Muse over your motives in helping others. If there is lack of sincerity in your job duties, volunteer service or in your relationships. Ask God to help you to achieve a heart without wax. He would love to help get you there.

PEACE

From Here to heaven. Chaplain Pippin

On January 6th 2010 Chaplain J. Edwin Pippin passed from here to Heaven.
Father Pippin was the Chaplain for SVRS for over 5 years up until about 2007.
I had never me him but I was privileged to hear from some of the volunteers and also to read some comments about his character.
I would like to dedicate this blog to the memory and service of this godly man.
Chaplain Pippin (Ed) was described as kind, patient, compassionate, "there for you", willing and able to listen quietly. He brought a warm and loving presence and cared for the SVRS team. He attended serious scenes to be available as needed and the list goes on.

Just looking at these words that described his character, it jumps out that these are also the character traits of the God whom Ed loved and served. Chaplain Pippin was an ambassador for the Lord God Himself. As ambassadors (Christians) we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. From the testimonies of Ed's service, he succeeded in his assignment to selflessly love those around him.
Chaplain Pippin has heard those long awaited wonderful words from his Father in heaven; : "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will put you over much, enter in to the joy of your Master". Matt 25:21

Not everyone will be called to be a Chaplain or a Priest. But whatever it is God has called you to do (parent, professional, laborer, friend or soldier) do it with all your heart, and do it for the Lord of Heaven, just as Father Pippin did.
His shoes may be pretty large to fill, but he and I serve the same loving God and my hope is that I would be as obedient as Father/Chaplain J. Edwin Pippin, until it is my turn to be called Home and hear those wonderful words too.

I am thankful for all of those who have spent some time with Ed Pippin.

Amazing Peace is in the hearts of those who know God,

Who do we resemble? Part 1

Our five children lacked the option to pick who they might want to resemble. Our four year old guy, adopted from Guatemala, looks absolutely nothing like me (good for him). He's tall, has a head full of thick dark hair, looks great in everything and has a perfect nose. BUT if you spend some time with him and you will find he has the same weird humor and actions as I have plus the same major interests; tractors and automobiles. People would see him and say, "boy, I can see Frank in so much of his behavior"(maybe not so good for him).
Kids in some ways, are "images" of their parent.
When I read in Genesis (which means the beginnings) in chapter 1 verse 26, it tells us that God created mankind (us) in His image. The question of many has been; what is meant by His image?
Does it refer to physical? How about spiritual? Is it behavioral?

Does God have body parts like us? There are several descriptive passages in the Bible that makes it sound as if God does have some physical attributes of a man.

OK, then its not spiritual. Well the Bible says that God is Spirit (John 4:24)...Confused?
The text used to describe God with human parts was to help the readers comprehend certain things about Him because He is spirit and that is tough to understand. Having a human body would severely limit Him and God is not limited. (Matthew 19:26)
As I learn more about God, and watch parents and kids, I believe it simply comes down to character. God's heart was reflected in the life of His Son Jesus. So as we look at the character of Jesus in part 2 we will discover (if you are truly open and honest) that we do have the image of God in us. it is either obvious or suppressed.
If you have kids, watch them and see how they are made in your image. Come back for part 2!

The tongue

Ounce for ounce, the tongue is labeled as the strongest muscle in the body. We also know its power goes beyond the physiological. It can be used to comfort the lonely and hurt. It can encourage the weary, bring a smile to the downcast and teach the ignorant. It also has been known to destroy reputations and relationships of all types.

But we can't blame the tongue itself, for the work it does, because it is connected to the brain which is connected to the heart.
"...Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45b

In the Bible James compares the power of the tongue to the small rudder on a large ship. Wherever that rudder is turned, (by the captain) the ship goes.
So God, through Luke, is telling us what we already know. That eventually, whatever is in our heart will come out of our mouths. And alot can happen from that.
Sure we can shine others on for a time, but when things get tough we are not able to control our true feelings about a person or situation.

Many times I needed to go back and ask for forgiveness for speaking too quickly or out of turn. It gives the other person the opportunity to forgive and the relationship to continue to move forward.
I admire those who do that (such as my own Chief).

The way to achieve this is to gain knowledge and understanding of God's desire for His people. This in turn will change our thoughts and hearts, thus affecting our speach. This is a necessary step to a more peaceful and honest life.

When I became a Christian at 35, one of the first things to change was my language. It actually wasn't hard to do. Just happened because deep inside of me I didn't want to peak that way for years but didn't have the strength or accountability do to so.

So now I am take additional counsel from God's word to improve me even more ('cause there is lots more)
James gives us one valuable tool to work with. He says;
"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19
This is the origin of "think before you speak". This allows us to quickly assess the affect of our possible responses. It also allows us to consult with the Spirit of God and let Him remind us of what we have learned. We weigh our options then we choose (free will). Upon using this counsel I have found myself saying and regretting less. Replace negative words encouraging ones. It is a great way to maintain peace and also improve relationships. Jesus was a true example and master of this. He did not condemn the guilty but He cared for them enought to encourage them to change. when we do this we change also. It is wonderful.

More peaceable relationships is something you want and need. God's word will give you the ability to do that. He wants that for you too.
Learn more about Him and all His desires for each you.

I have added two help links to the face page of this site. These are to help with searching, reading and understanding the Bible more. If you don't read your Bible please start today. If you have in the past return to it. Now more than ever it is important to know what right and wrong truly are and what abundant life looks like, in any circumstance (really). And most of all who God really is and how much he does love each one of us.

The origin of Chaplaincy

According to tradition, around 300AD, there was a 20 year old french soldier whom we know as St. Martin of Tours.
While Martin was walking past a city gate, in the middle of a powerful winter, he noticed a beggar man, barely clothed asking passersby for clothing. Martin watched as many passed him. As Martin came upon him he felt that there was no option but to help. Martin had nothing with him but his sword and cloak. He had given all his possessions to those with similar needs as he passed them. Without hesitation, Martin took out his sword and cut his own cloak(cape) down the middle and covered the near naked man. Martin took the remaining half and covered himself. The crowd who witnessed this act were divided. Many laughed at Martin at how foolish he looked wearing half a cloak (cape). Meanwhile the other group was quietly ashamed because together they could have clothed this poor man without compromising their own comfort. The following night Martin had a vision of Jesus wearing one half of Marin's cape, approving Martin's compassion for the man he cared for.
Many revered Martin for his deed and were moved to hear of his vision of Jesus. The remaining half cape was held by the king as a holy item and still is.
In french, cape is called capell. Through transliteration we get the word "chapel" which is considered a place covering (comfort). Thus comes the term "Chaplain" which is a person who comes and covers (comforts) those in need.
This is a shortened version of the story. It shows how Chaplaincy practically and humbly began by giving to those in need. It is not an office but another place of service within the EMS realm of servants.
...And the King(Jesus) will answer and say to them, "assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you have given to one of the least of these, My brothers, you have done it to Me."
Matthew 25:40
Isn't that GREAT?!
Please read the entire passage in Chapter 25 verses 31 to 46. It will encourage some and convict others to change, but it will be a blessing.

May God Bless you and Keep you.

Holy-Days

Just two weeks ago I heard the familiar sound of Christmas muzak quietly flowing through speakers suspended from the 28 foot ceiling of a Super Walmart. Yep, the holidays are near.
If we were stand at the mall and ask people (kids too), what one word would best describe this time of year for them?
What would we hear?
"Fun!", "Busier", "Frustrating", "Vacation!", "Depressing", "Stressful", "Gifts!", "Relatives", "Friends", "Loneliness", "Traveling" ...
What would you say and why?
I would say complicated, because the original and basic reason for holidays, was for us to gather together and celebrate, as families, a community, a nation and a world.

The word is should be HOLYDAY.
Now, many hear "holy" and immediately think of RELIGION, and a bad taste comes to their mouths. I don't blame them me too. Because religion has added some of the complications.
God came up with the idea of HOLYDAYS. They are for us to simply take time and celebrate someting good about Him. God tells us to stop our regular routines, chill out and enjoy the day(s) with those around us.
Isn't that great! Well, it was, until people got a hold of it and turned it into something more complicated.
I mean, we actually accept the term & event called "BLACK FRIDAY" which comes immediatley after "THANKSGIVING!!!" (I won't get on my soap box)

To make something holy is to set it apart from everything else. To make it very special and different from others.
God tells Christians to be Holy just as He is Holy. That means, don't be like everyone else. Be different. And He gives us the specific ways in which they should look and they all revolve around real love. (see my previous blog)

So, holydays are to be treated in the same manner. It is the perfect time to reflect on the wonderful things God had done and is doing. To celebrate with people around us, break from the routines of our culture and enjoy. That is what God wants.
The Jews have Sabbaths and several feasts for the same purpose. Christians too as do many other faiths. But the idea came from God. It is from Him for Him and us.

So the challenge for us each holyday is to keep the main thing the main thing. Its hard to do when there are so many that have their own view of holydays. But look back and see how God intended them to be...Joyful, peaceful, simple, purposeful and to celebrate Him.
Now I know Thanksgiving isn't a biblical celebration but giving thanks sure is.

Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, "Celebrate always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is what God wants for you, through Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yes, that is a tall order for many. But if you knew what Paul's life was like, then perhaps you could try do the same. He knew deep suffering all too well, as do many of you. But Paul also knew something very special and he knew it intimately and he knew it was true. He needed that in order to celebrate or else he would have been crushed with hoplessness and misery.

God's Love, Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace are are available to everyone who wants them. Once you begin to understand these gifts, celebrating becomes a whole lot more easier and frequent even through the truly tough times.
This is what the world needs. Genuine and powerful gratitude by celebrating God and each other.

I am thankful for many things and one of the biggies is knowing what truth is and where I can find it.

Please stand strong in the promises of God. Ask your Pastor or Priest to remind you of these if you have forgotten them. If you have never heard them. Please ask someone who celebrates the Holyness of God.
He Loves You All find out how much.

May He Bless You and Keep You

What REAL love looks like

"I love restored old tractors and I love my wife." Now, I know Vicki (my wife) does not appreciate being affectionately compared to repainted 60 year old pieces of iron farm equipment. My opening statement shows the limitations of our English language. Other languages have developed ways to give clarity and show emotion. The Geek language does this. For the word LOVE, it contains four words to identify a specific type of love;
As i stated above, loving tractors and my wife are literally two different ways but the word stays the same. This causes confusion.
So let's clear it up;

Phileo: which is a love between friends (Like Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love)
Eros: is the sense of being "in love" (it is where we get the word erotic from)
Storge: is Affection, love of family
Agape: the unconditional love or going so far as to love the unlovable.

The Agape is not as common as the others, and it is the most difficult for people to do. It is a word that was developed to describe the character of God.
So what does this particular love look like?
I refer again...to the Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Perhaps you have heard or even memorized this but have you really look at it carefully?

The Apostle Paul (St. Paul) is writing to the church in Corinth (Greece). They are one of the early Christian churches and are they feeling pretty good about themselves. Ther are bragging about their spiritual gifts and their faith. But Paul sees them failing in their conduct especially toward each other!
So Paul, (inspired by God) writes to redirect them by reminding them who God is and showing them what they have become.
In the 13th chapter by Paul states great things that can be done in front of people for others. But without love, he says...they are worthless in the eyes of God.
In verses 4-8 Paul gets to the nitty gritty of what really looks like.

He writes that Agape love;
suffers long and is kind
does not envy
does not seek attention and is not arrogant
does not behave rudely and does is not selfish
is not provoked
does not keep a record of wrongs
does not rejoice in shortcomings but rejoices in the truth
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things
(Agape) Love NEVER fails

How valuable and necessary are those things in our relationships? How valuable would friendships, families and marriages be if this type of love was accessible and used? Priceless!
And of course thos relationships would never fail, how could they!
My friends, this is the character of God, and it is the type of relationship He wants to have with each one of us. How can He do this? Simple, He is selfless. This describes His love for us!!!

Whether we deserve it or not, He gives it and its out there for us. This encourages us. It gives us a strength to tolerate and motivates us to do the same for others. But a response is needed. when we find out it is there and respond, that's when it really gets good.
True love is contagious."Get infected" God is the source.

When I teach the teens in our church about this. I apply it to family, marriage and friends.
I watch the faces of the young woman react and they say "I want that".
Who doesn't?
This love passes gender, race, rank, socio-econimic and age barriers. I have enjoyed the years that I have been able to give this "greatest gift" to thers. I have been blessed to be on the receiving end too. I look forward to giving more.

Here is the challenge. Study those descriptions of real love and give them a try. Oh I know you will have opportunity. Thanksgiving is coming and so are relatives, neighbors, kids and friends. I am pretty sure you can find one (or more) who is practically unlovable. If not how about the next business meeting or shopping experience? If not there, perhaps you are the one who thinks they are unlovable and you need someone to be patient with you or even forgive you? God has already been doing that for you!!

Remember, you are not able to do this successfully on your own. You need to know that God has done this for youo first. So if you want, ask Him and He will help you.

In Closing; I phileo old tractors. My wife gets Agape and more ;-)

Next month: A Happy Holyday
May God Bless You and Keep You (In His Agape love)