Each new year brings with it new challenges, troubles and concerns, as well as new opportunities, new relationships, etc. One perennial activity is making New Years resolutions, promising to get rid of some behavior, habit, issue and so on, in an attempt to make life better.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Years resolution, like a 12-step program. .
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Atheists seeking to deny Jesus Fail again
After numerous failed attempts to take Christ out of Christmas, atheists have launched a new attack on the celebration of Christ‘s birth-a placard in state capitols with a declaration of non-faith and non-belief in God. This is intended to refute the message of Christmas. In Washington state, such a placard was placed in the state capitol with the blessings(?) of the Governor. Many people protested loudly.
This attempt dampen the celebration of Christmas is led by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (Madison, Wisconsin). The placards declare this to be a season of Winter Solstice, and that, "…There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, believes atheism deserves a place alongside the overtly religious Nativity scene. "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table.". However, his next statement seems to directly contradict the first, According to Barker, “…Christians basically stole this season from us human beings by using the hate speech of the nativity scene, which damns all of us to hell if we don't bow down before that little baby who became the dictator. What a horrible insult to what it means to be a human being!”
For some time, Washington state did not allow any religious symbolism on its capitol grounds, except a Christmas tree, or, as it is called, a “Children’s Holiday tree”. A Jewish group complained, and was allowed to place a Menorah in the Capitol, which prompted a Christian, Ron Wesselius to request that a nativity be allowed. He was denied, but sued, on the basis that a national holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. He won, and a Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again in 2008.
Dan Barker was then allowed to place the placard alongside the Nativity scene in the state capitol. Wesselius was asked whether the placement of the atheist display next to the Nativity scene bothered him. He replied, "I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.".
The atheist sign is two-sided, with their message of denial of God on the front, and "Keep State/Church Separate" on the back. But, since the U.S. Constitution does not mention such a separation or freedom from religion, but clearly protects freedom of religion in its First Amendment, this premise also fails miserably .
Conversely, Wesselius’ point that the nativity speaks for itself is most profound and true. Indeed, the quiet scene depicting the birth of a child who came to save us from our sins speaks volumes in it’s quiet, unassuming way. Yet, it angers those who hate God to the point that they believe that placing a contradictory statement next to the manger can somehow decrease the effectiveness of the Christmas story and destroy its truth. Such attempts to destroy what God has ordained are futile. None of us, (atheists included) had any hand in our creation, and our existence in human form equates to the blink of an eye, yet they defiantly shake their fists at the creator of the Universe, believing that their silly declaration can somehow silence and or diminish the power of God.
Of course, the Bible says it best, in Psalms 53, “…The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” God can use even their failed efforts for good. Tourists standing before the two displays will clearly see which one reflects ‘hate speech‘ and which on reflects truth and unconditional, underserved love!
This attempt dampen the celebration of Christmas is led by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (Madison, Wisconsin). The placards declare this to be a season of Winter Solstice, and that, "…There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, believes atheism deserves a place alongside the overtly religious Nativity scene. "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table.". However, his next statement seems to directly contradict the first, According to Barker, “…Christians basically stole this season from us human beings by using the hate speech of the nativity scene, which damns all of us to hell if we don't bow down before that little baby who became the dictator. What a horrible insult to what it means to be a human being!”
For some time, Washington state did not allow any religious symbolism on its capitol grounds, except a Christmas tree, or, as it is called, a “Children’s Holiday tree”. A Jewish group complained, and was allowed to place a Menorah in the Capitol, which prompted a Christian, Ron Wesselius to request that a nativity be allowed. He was denied, but sued, on the basis that a national holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. He won, and a Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again in 2008.
Dan Barker was then allowed to place the placard alongside the Nativity scene in the state capitol. Wesselius was asked whether the placement of the atheist display next to the Nativity scene bothered him. He replied, "I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.".
The atheist sign is two-sided, with their message of denial of God on the front, and "Keep State/Church Separate" on the back. But, since the U.S. Constitution does not mention such a separation or freedom from religion, but clearly protects freedom of religion in its First Amendment, this premise also fails miserably .
Conversely, Wesselius’ point that the nativity speaks for itself is most profound and true. Indeed, the quiet scene depicting the birth of a child who came to save us from our sins speaks volumes in it’s quiet, unassuming way. Yet, it angers those who hate God to the point that they believe that placing a contradictory statement next to the manger can somehow decrease the effectiveness of the Christmas story and destroy its truth. Such attempts to destroy what God has ordained are futile. None of us, (atheists included) had any hand in our creation, and our existence in human form equates to the blink of an eye, yet they defiantly shake their fists at the creator of the Universe, believing that their silly declaration can somehow silence and or diminish the power of God.
Of course, the Bible says it best, in Psalms 53, “…The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” God can use even their failed efforts for good. Tourists standing before the two displays will clearly see which one reflects ‘hate speech‘ and which on reflects truth and unconditional, underserved love!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Real Answers™jj134Copyright: ©2008 James J. Jackson615 words
SEEKING SAFE INVESTMENTS DURING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
By: James J. Jackson
The current economic climate has people literally worried sick. Extremely erratic world markets make investors jumpy. Some are considering withdrawing their funds and burying their money in the back yard in glass jars. In fact, the evening news recently reported a noticeable increase in the sales of glass jars.
Trillions of dollars of wealth have been lost in only a few months. The usual finger-pointing has begun, blaming one political party or the other, Big Oil, Big _____ (fill in the blank), etc. This current economic downturn, however, appears to be world-wide, and not the fault of any political party or industry giant.
The fact that no one is able to offer a viable solution is frightening to the private sector. There is much hand-wringing, as helpless investors tearfully watch their nest egg evaporate before their eyes. There is a rising fear of another Great Depression.
While in college, I worked at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of the ’old timers’ remembered the Depression. They said they had watched from the windows of the Fed building as people who had lost everything in the stock markets jumped to their deaths from the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was frightening to look at that building and imagine people committing suicide because of financial ruin.
It was disturbing to think that people loved their money to that extreme. I recall deciding right then and there that, as for me, I would never let any circumstance make me even consider such an act. A chapter in my book, ‘In All Things..’ (Tate Publishing, 2008), entitled, “Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”; I discuss the after-effects of suicide on the family left behind. I fear that, sadly, the current economy may lead to an increase of such acts of desperation.
An evangelist once stated that many people have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in their heart that they try to fill with anything but God. The truth is, only God can fill the void -- not money -- not success -- not material things. God is the only piece of the puzzle that will fit correctly, and without Him, the puzzle can never be complete. Yet, people are extremely creative in seeking other ‘pieces’ of life and trying to cram them into the space that only the Lord can fill.
There is nothing wrong with storing up wealth for the future, or setting aside a ‘nest egg’ for old age. In fact, it is admirable to be frugal and to save some of the fruits of our labor. It is good to invest, as Jesus demonstrated in at least one of His parables. It is when the mind-set becomes fixated on material wealth, and greed causes one to worship that wealth, and refuses to use some of it to help others, that it becomes an idol. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is, “…money is the root of all evil”. It actually warns that “…The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Instead of focusing upon gathering and keeping wealth, Jesus tells us in Matthew “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; …for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we think of our wealth as belonging to God, and entrust it to Him, we need not worry about losing it. Surrendering all to our loving Father will bring true peace, even in the face of such uncertainty.
SEEKING SAFE INVESTMENTS DURING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
By: James J. Jackson
The current economic climate has people literally worried sick. Extremely erratic world markets make investors jumpy. Some are considering withdrawing their funds and burying their money in the back yard in glass jars. In fact, the evening news recently reported a noticeable increase in the sales of glass jars.
Trillions of dollars of wealth have been lost in only a few months. The usual finger-pointing has begun, blaming one political party or the other, Big Oil, Big _____ (fill in the blank), etc. This current economic downturn, however, appears to be world-wide, and not the fault of any political party or industry giant.
The fact that no one is able to offer a viable solution is frightening to the private sector. There is much hand-wringing, as helpless investors tearfully watch their nest egg evaporate before their eyes. There is a rising fear of another Great Depression.
While in college, I worked at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of the ’old timers’ remembered the Depression. They said they had watched from the windows of the Fed building as people who had lost everything in the stock markets jumped to their deaths from the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was frightening to look at that building and imagine people committing suicide because of financial ruin.
It was disturbing to think that people loved their money to that extreme. I recall deciding right then and there that, as for me, I would never let any circumstance make me even consider such an act. A chapter in my book, ‘In All Things..’ (Tate Publishing, 2008), entitled, “Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”; I discuss the after-effects of suicide on the family left behind. I fear that, sadly, the current economy may lead to an increase of such acts of desperation.
An evangelist once stated that many people have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in their heart that they try to fill with anything but God. The truth is, only God can fill the void -- not money -- not success -- not material things. God is the only piece of the puzzle that will fit correctly, and without Him, the puzzle can never be complete. Yet, people are extremely creative in seeking other ‘pieces’ of life and trying to cram them into the space that only the Lord can fill.
There is nothing wrong with storing up wealth for the future, or setting aside a ‘nest egg’ for old age. In fact, it is admirable to be frugal and to save some of the fruits of our labor. It is good to invest, as Jesus demonstrated in at least one of His parables. It is when the mind-set becomes fixated on material wealth, and greed causes one to worship that wealth, and refuses to use some of it to help others, that it becomes an idol. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is, “…money is the root of all evil”. It actually warns that “…The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Instead of focusing upon gathering and keeping wealth, Jesus tells us in Matthew “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; …for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we think of our wealth as belonging to God, and entrust it to Him, we need not worry about losing it. Surrendering all to our loving Father will bring true peace, even in the face of such uncertainty.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What Is Committment?
What Is Commitment?
By James J. Jackson
The concept of commitment has been victimized by today’s extreme focus upon self. Loyalty and dedication are considered undesirable or even laughable traits. Commitment in marriage, family, child rearing, business or politics is considered antiquated and inessential by current cultural dictates.
Pre-nuptial agreements were mostly unheard of years ago. Today, most advisors encourage such agreements to protect each partner’s rights to money, children and possessions. Had I suggested a prenuptial when I proposed to my wife, she probably would have suggested we enter into a ‘no nuptial’ agreement, and go our separate ways. Marriage was ordained as an institution that should be approached reverently, spiritually and permanently. When initiated within the proper spirit, a man and woman can enter into the ‘free fall’ of committed love. Trust is essential in marriage; the kind of trust shown in a reliance-building game in which one partner falls backward and trusts the other person to catch him or her. Today’s TV talk shows would rather the person allow their mate to collapse to the floor for the humor of it. It’s all about trust. A pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t reflect true trust and commitment. In fact, it illustrates just the opposite-mistrust and selfishness.
Many people enter into marriage with little or no commitment, focusing only upon themselves. Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, wh1ich should be enjoined only after prayerful meditation. Mark 10:7-8 says, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Society tells us that each partner should remain an individual. One young couple who insisted upon a church wedding expressed that their commitment was based upon a ‘12-24 check’, whereby they would check after one year, and again after two years to determine whether they really loved one another. If not, the marriage would end. The marriage lasted less than two years. With such lack of loyalty, failure was a foregone conclusion.
The appalling divorce rate could be greatly decreased if people would, first of all choose a mate who shares their values, who shares the same belief system, and is willing to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Some of the new practices often included in weddings today make a mockery of the love that should emanate from marriage, such as the bride and groom smashing wedding cake into each other’s face. Commitment means making a ‘bottom line’ pledge to each other that every situation, disagreement, major decision, problem, will be handled in the framework that their love for one another is the bottom line, and that no circumstance could change that. When commitment is foremost in marriage, child rearing or any sort of partnership, the probability of success is greatly enhanced. But, commitment is the one ingredient lacking in so many relationships.
For example, too many parents neglect the covenant between themselves and their children. God gives specific and frequent direction to discipline children in love, and to train, guide and protect them from harm. Especially, we are commanded to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord. Today, people abuse, neglect and harm children, in spite of Christ’s dire warning, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2; Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). Apparently, many do not realize the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Many parents allow children to make dangerous decisions and call the shots in situations where the child cannot possible have the information or cognizance to make correct choices.
God also expects us to be committed when we take on job, enter a partnership, sign an agreement, take an oath (for we are swearing before God) or promise to do something. He wants us to show the greatest measure of commitment by fulfilling His Great Commission by making disciples for Christ, and teaching them obedience to all that He has taught us. We must be committed enough to approach every relationship and every task from His perspective. His call to commitment is fulfilled when others see Christ in us.
By James J. Jackson
The concept of commitment has been victimized by today’s extreme focus upon self. Loyalty and dedication are considered undesirable or even laughable traits. Commitment in marriage, family, child rearing, business or politics is considered antiquated and inessential by current cultural dictates.
Pre-nuptial agreements were mostly unheard of years ago. Today, most advisors encourage such agreements to protect each partner’s rights to money, children and possessions. Had I suggested a prenuptial when I proposed to my wife, she probably would have suggested we enter into a ‘no nuptial’ agreement, and go our separate ways. Marriage was ordained as an institution that should be approached reverently, spiritually and permanently. When initiated within the proper spirit, a man and woman can enter into the ‘free fall’ of committed love. Trust is essential in marriage; the kind of trust shown in a reliance-building game in which one partner falls backward and trusts the other person to catch him or her. Today’s TV talk shows would rather the person allow their mate to collapse to the floor for the humor of it. It’s all about trust. A pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t reflect true trust and commitment. In fact, it illustrates just the opposite-mistrust and selfishness.
Many people enter into marriage with little or no commitment, focusing only upon themselves. Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, wh1ich should be enjoined only after prayerful meditation. Mark 10:7-8 says, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Society tells us that each partner should remain an individual. One young couple who insisted upon a church wedding expressed that their commitment was based upon a ‘12-24 check’, whereby they would check after one year, and again after two years to determine whether they really loved one another. If not, the marriage would end. The marriage lasted less than two years. With such lack of loyalty, failure was a foregone conclusion.
The appalling divorce rate could be greatly decreased if people would, first of all choose a mate who shares their values, who shares the same belief system, and is willing to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Some of the new practices often included in weddings today make a mockery of the love that should emanate from marriage, such as the bride and groom smashing wedding cake into each other’s face. Commitment means making a ‘bottom line’ pledge to each other that every situation, disagreement, major decision, problem, will be handled in the framework that their love for one another is the bottom line, and that no circumstance could change that. When commitment is foremost in marriage, child rearing or any sort of partnership, the probability of success is greatly enhanced. But, commitment is the one ingredient lacking in so many relationships.
For example, too many parents neglect the covenant between themselves and their children. God gives specific and frequent direction to discipline children in love, and to train, guide and protect them from harm. Especially, we are commanded to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord. Today, people abuse, neglect and harm children, in spite of Christ’s dire warning, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2; Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). Apparently, many do not realize the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Many parents allow children to make dangerous decisions and call the shots in situations where the child cannot possible have the information or cognizance to make correct choices.
God also expects us to be committed when we take on job, enter a partnership, sign an agreement, take an oath (for we are swearing before God) or promise to do something. He wants us to show the greatest measure of commitment by fulfilling His Great Commission by making disciples for Christ, and teaching them obedience to all that He has taught us. We must be committed enough to approach every relationship and every task from His perspective. His call to commitment is fulfilled when others see Christ in us.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Creationism
The origin of the earth has always been a mystery to scientists. They say Creationism is improbable, but seem willing to accept evolution or almost any other alternative as fact, with no tangible proof to back it up.
Many people feel uncomfortable with the thought of a Creator, somewhere out in the heavens, judging them and holding them to His standards. Our rebellious human nature feels more at ease with the belief that humans as no different than animals or bacteria. And that are here by accident, live as we please, die and return to nothing. They believe we will one day solve that ‘death’ thing, also
Evolution is taught as fact, even though it fails on so many fronts. Still, science continues to research other possible answers to our origin. The scientific community will glom on to almost any theory rather than accept the presence of an all-knowing Creator.
Polls show that a majority (although a shrinking majority) of us still believe in divine creation. 58% of the respondents to a recent web poll believe that some unnamed ‘intelligent entity’ created us. 17% of those polled believed the earth was created when a comet (s) struck the earth; 15% believe life crawled out of an ancient lake, and the remaining 10% believe aliens from outer space brought life to earth.
The “Big Bang” theory, which has been widely held b many scientists, was not mentioned in the poll. One Christian writer once wrote that this may be the closest theory to reality, opining that, “God spoke, and ‘Bang!’, all creation came into existence.
The obvious, almost elementary response to anti-Creation theories is, “Who created the ‘ancient’ lake, or the aliens, and who set the comet into motion? Each theory raises more questions than answers as to who designed the whole process. Science can explain things like the changing of the seasons; the earth, moon and sun and their paths; how birds know to migrate, etc. If all these things were the result of a ‘mistake’, then why doesn’t the sun rise from a different direction each morning, and why do the seasons rotate in order, and why does the moon go through the same phases each time; why not eight phases one month, then 12 phases, etc?
And why does only mankind have the ability to reason, to solve problems and to build relationships and communicate verbally? Animals operate from instinct, which is a code placed in their genetics. Every member of one kind of animal family will operate exactly the same as another. They cannot use reason to operate outside of their genetic limits. Although they can be taught tricks, and the semblance of mathematical reasoning, it is only possible through repetition and a simple ‘carrot/stick’ reward/punishment process.
It seems that God, in creating the Universe, deliberately left many questions unanswered. Perhaps he knew that he had endowed us with inquisitive minds, and therefore left many questions for us to discern. For centuries, many people worshipped the moon, believing that ‘the man in the moon’ watched over us. Over the years, mankind figured out that the moon had a distinct effect upon ocean tides and other atmospheric conditions.
People believed that the moon was made of green cheese. When we landed on the moon, we found absolutely nothing to explain the moon’s effect on the earth. Perhaps the most explanation for the moon, the stars, the sun, and the whole universe including life on earth can only be realized through faith.
I would rather depend upon fact than theory. Our origin is clearly stated in the Bible, “In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…”
Many people feel uncomfortable with the thought of a Creator, somewhere out in the heavens, judging them and holding them to His standards. Our rebellious human nature feels more at ease with the belief that humans as no different than animals or bacteria. And that are here by accident, live as we please, die and return to nothing. They believe we will one day solve that ‘death’ thing, also
Evolution is taught as fact, even though it fails on so many fronts. Still, science continues to research other possible answers to our origin. The scientific community will glom on to almost any theory rather than accept the presence of an all-knowing Creator.
Polls show that a majority (although a shrinking majority) of us still believe in divine creation. 58% of the respondents to a recent web poll believe that some unnamed ‘intelligent entity’ created us. 17% of those polled believed the earth was created when a comet (s) struck the earth; 15% believe life crawled out of an ancient lake, and the remaining 10% believe aliens from outer space brought life to earth.
The “Big Bang” theory, which has been widely held b many scientists, was not mentioned in the poll. One Christian writer once wrote that this may be the closest theory to reality, opining that, “God spoke, and ‘Bang!’, all creation came into existence.
The obvious, almost elementary response to anti-Creation theories is, “Who created the ‘ancient’ lake, or the aliens, and who set the comet into motion? Each theory raises more questions than answers as to who designed the whole process. Science can explain things like the changing of the seasons; the earth, moon and sun and their paths; how birds know to migrate, etc. If all these things were the result of a ‘mistake’, then why doesn’t the sun rise from a different direction each morning, and why do the seasons rotate in order, and why does the moon go through the same phases each time; why not eight phases one month, then 12 phases, etc?
And why does only mankind have the ability to reason, to solve problems and to build relationships and communicate verbally? Animals operate from instinct, which is a code placed in their genetics. Every member of one kind of animal family will operate exactly the same as another. They cannot use reason to operate outside of their genetic limits. Although they can be taught tricks, and the semblance of mathematical reasoning, it is only possible through repetition and a simple ‘carrot/stick’ reward/punishment process.
It seems that God, in creating the Universe, deliberately left many questions unanswered. Perhaps he knew that he had endowed us with inquisitive minds, and therefore left many questions for us to discern. For centuries, many people worshipped the moon, believing that ‘the man in the moon’ watched over us. Over the years, mankind figured out that the moon had a distinct effect upon ocean tides and other atmospheric conditions.
People believed that the moon was made of green cheese. When we landed on the moon, we found absolutely nothing to explain the moon’s effect on the earth. Perhaps the most explanation for the moon, the stars, the sun, and the whole universe including life on earth can only be realized through faith.
I would rather depend upon fact than theory. Our origin is clearly stated in the Bible, “In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…”
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Guard Your Heart!
GUARD YOUR HEART
By: James J. Jackson
Jordan, my little four-year-old grandson sat in our family room one Sunday afternoon, playing with a toy and singing a song, “...Don’t let the devil steal your joy.…” The song went on to express how you should ask Jesus for His joy, and you will be happy in the joy of the Lord. After listening for a while, I asked him what the song meant.
He responded that in Sunday school, he learned that the devil wants to make him sad, but that Jesus wants him to be happy. It was amazing to me that a simple little child’s song could carry such a profound message for Christians today. I thought about the fact that many Christians today seem to have no little or no joy in their lives. People often talk about casting their worries and cares upon the Lord, but then continue to carry the weight of those worries on their own shoulders.
When we dwell on our worries and sorrows, rather than giving them to the One who can remove them, we ask to be weighed down by them, and that weight shows on our faces and can affect every area of our lives. It is extremely difficult to be a good witness to others, or to speak of the joy of the Lord, when we reflect that we have no joy in our heart. Whomever we are trying to witness to will think, “Why do I want the kind of joy (or lack thereof) that shows in this Christian’s life?” Few people would want to share in a type of joy that leaves the person sad, and even angry. But, if they witness you living a truly joyous life, in spite of challenges and problems, they will be more likely to want what you have.
Satan can steal your joy if you dwell on all that is wrong and all of the challenges you face. The Lord wants you to bring your worries to Him in prayer. When we do this in earnest, He removes the weight of those worries and gives us both peace and endurance to stand up under the effects of whatever problems we are dealing with. When we dwell on our worries, we become ineffective as tools for furthering God’s kingdom. A poor witness can be counter-productive, and a turn-off to those you are trying to tell about our loving Savior.
When we allow our joy to be stolen by the devil, we become like the seed in Jesus’ parable in Luke 8, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature…” Don’t let the devil hinder your Christian maturity. Guard your heart against the danger of allowing the devil to steal your joy. Take your worries and cares to the Lord in prayer, trusting that He can heal all, fix all and put eternal joy in your heart.
That joy comes from knowing that a loving God knew our dilemma of inherited sin and our inability to be good enough to save ourselves. His eternal joy comes in the fact that He sent his only son to live a perfect life and become the perfect sacrifice for all sin. Joy comes in knowing that our sins are paid for and Heaven is offered as a free gift-not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. Joy comes from knowing that we don’t have to carry the weight of our sin or our worries, because our debt has been paid. Now, that’s something to sing about!
By: James J. Jackson
Jordan, my little four-year-old grandson sat in our family room one Sunday afternoon, playing with a toy and singing a song, “...Don’t let the devil steal your joy.…” The song went on to express how you should ask Jesus for His joy, and you will be happy in the joy of the Lord. After listening for a while, I asked him what the song meant.
He responded that in Sunday school, he learned that the devil wants to make him sad, but that Jesus wants him to be happy. It was amazing to me that a simple little child’s song could carry such a profound message for Christians today. I thought about the fact that many Christians today seem to have no little or no joy in their lives. People often talk about casting their worries and cares upon the Lord, but then continue to carry the weight of those worries on their own shoulders.
When we dwell on our worries and sorrows, rather than giving them to the One who can remove them, we ask to be weighed down by them, and that weight shows on our faces and can affect every area of our lives. It is extremely difficult to be a good witness to others, or to speak of the joy of the Lord, when we reflect that we have no joy in our heart. Whomever we are trying to witness to will think, “Why do I want the kind of joy (or lack thereof) that shows in this Christian’s life?” Few people would want to share in a type of joy that leaves the person sad, and even angry. But, if they witness you living a truly joyous life, in spite of challenges and problems, they will be more likely to want what you have.
Satan can steal your joy if you dwell on all that is wrong and all of the challenges you face. The Lord wants you to bring your worries to Him in prayer. When we do this in earnest, He removes the weight of those worries and gives us both peace and endurance to stand up under the effects of whatever problems we are dealing with. When we dwell on our worries, we become ineffective as tools for furthering God’s kingdom. A poor witness can be counter-productive, and a turn-off to those you are trying to tell about our loving Savior.
When we allow our joy to be stolen by the devil, we become like the seed in Jesus’ parable in Luke 8, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature…” Don’t let the devil hinder your Christian maturity. Guard your heart against the danger of allowing the devil to steal your joy. Take your worries and cares to the Lord in prayer, trusting that He can heal all, fix all and put eternal joy in your heart.
That joy comes from knowing that a loving God knew our dilemma of inherited sin and our inability to be good enough to save ourselves. His eternal joy comes in the fact that He sent his only son to live a perfect life and become the perfect sacrifice for all sin. Joy comes in knowing that our sins are paid for and Heaven is offered as a free gift-not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. Joy comes from knowing that we don’t have to carry the weight of our sin or our worries, because our debt has been paid. Now, that’s something to sing about!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Exciting Newly Published Book, "In All Things..."
Announcing a new book by first-time author, James J. Jackson, 'In All Things...Moral reflections..'. Published by Tate Publishing (Oklahoma City, OK)
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60462-254-6 , is an entertaining and thought-provoking paperback, which deals with everyday life issues from a moral perspective. It includes short stories that ar on the lighter side, deal with social trends and issues, or with hard-hitting topics of interest. I will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but most of all, it will make you think. Now available through Amazon.Com: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Moral-Reflections-Decisions-Issues/dp/1604622547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222433927&sr=1-1; Barnes & Noble.Com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-All-Things-Moral-Reflections-and-Decisions-on-Life-Issues/James-J-Jackson/e/9781604622546/?itm=2 and many other fine book stores. A signed copy is available by emailing the author at jjaxcoj@aol.com. Sample Chapter titles: Recapturing our Culture; Looking Forward to my Permanent Teeth; A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem; Rememebr Youir Valentine, Plumbing, a Good Source of Humility; Worth the Paper it's writen On?; Honor theyFather and Modem; The tell-Tale Heart in the New Millinium; It Depends on What 'Truth' Is, and more (a total of 293 short essays). A great read!
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60462-254-6 , is an entertaining and thought-provoking paperback, which deals with everyday life issues from a moral perspective. It includes short stories that ar on the lighter side, deal with social trends and issues, or with hard-hitting topics of interest. I will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but most of all, it will make you think. Now available through Amazon.Com: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Moral-Reflections-Decisions-Issues/dp/1604622547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222433927&sr=1-1; Barnes & Noble.Com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-All-Things-Moral-Reflections-and-Decisions-on-Life-Issues/James-J-Jackson/e/9781604622546/?itm=2 and many other fine book stores. A signed copy is available by emailing the author at jjaxcoj@aol.com. Sample Chapter titles: Recapturing our Culture; Looking Forward to my Permanent Teeth; A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem; Rememebr Youir Valentine, Plumbing, a Good Source of Humility; Worth the Paper it's writen On?; Honor theyFather and Modem; The tell-Tale Heart in the New Millinium; It Depends on What 'Truth' Is, and more (a total of 293 short essays). A great read!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
An Open Letter to My America in a time of trouble.
God has truly placed His grace upon us as a nation.
One the most popular sports today is attacking America. Many people castigate the U.S. regularly, spewing hate-filled epithets about our nation. The problem is, the leading America-haters are American citizens. We have so much to be thankful for, yet so many of us strive to dwell upon the negative.
Many politicians say that America is hated around the world, but they are wrong. In spite of efforts to foster hatred for America in other nations, most people of the world still love America and long to live here in freedom. As one who travels regularly to foreign countries, I can state factually that nearly everyone I meet in foreign countries want to come to America. A few despotic leaders hate America, mostly out of envy, but most foreign people love the U.S.
When the tsunami hit Asia in 2005, many victims in nations such as Sri Lanka told me that they knew that America would be the first and foremost to come to their aid. Countries know that the nation most likely to free them from a dictatorial, evil regime without installing their own government, is America. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, the victims can count on America responding first.
Some Americans accuse our soldiers of being as bad as terrorists who cut off the heads of innocent victims. They somehow believe that parading a prisoner on a leash or placing underwear on his head is the equivalent of beheading him. The renegade soldiers who perpetrated the acts are serving time in jail. Yet our enemies pick up the chant that our soldiers torture prisoners. Terrorist lies of U.S. guards flushing a Koran down the toilet in the Gitmo were exposed, yet many Americans still site it as factual proof of our abuse of prisoners.
America is filled with human beings who are sinful, but have a legacy of belief in the one true God, and, therefore, are forgiven human beings. We fail to love each other as we have been commanded, and we resort to all manner of evil as do all human beings. But, we believe that God has placed His providence upon this nation in ways never previously known to mankind.
Life in America is the desire of most people in the world because of our freedom and prosperity. Most of the major technological advances began or were greatly improved in America and by Americans. Most advances in medicine, industry, water and food quality, etc. can be attributed to Americans.
Many people label America as imperialist. America has never sought to build an empire. When we have conquered other nations (as we did Germany and Japan), we re-built them and handed them back to those whom we vanquished. America is the only super power in history to give foreign aid to nations that declare themselves our enemies.
America is powerful because we serve a powerful God who loves us in spite of our rebellion against Him. We have removed Him from the public place, yet our judicial halls adorned with His Ten Commandments, and we open sessions with prayer. God loves us, even in our confusion.
The Bible says, in Psalms 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”. According to surveys, around 85% of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. Many of those in political positions declare their Christianity. I believe that, in His love for us, God continues to bless our nation.
The U.S.S.R., by contrast, took a national stance that embraced atheism, and declared that God was dead. The U.S.S.R. is no longer on the map, and has broken into many individual nation-states. Perhaps God decided to make a declaration of His own; that the U.S.S.R. is dead.
Michael Moore’s recent movie depicts Cuba’s nationalized health as superior to our system. It is not, but, even if it were, what good is free medical care if the people are not free? Americans are not heading out in rickety boats to get to Cuba. With all her faults, America is still the envy of all nations. As a Black American, I thank the Lord that He chose America as my birth place, and I shudder to think what my life would be like otherwise.
God has truly placed His grace upon us as a nation.
One the most popular sports today is attacking America. Many people castigate the U.S. regularly, spewing hate-filled epithets about our nation. The problem is, the leading America-haters are American citizens. We have so much to be thankful for, yet so many of us strive to dwell upon the negative.
Many politicians say that America is hated around the world, but they are wrong. In spite of efforts to foster hatred for America in other nations, most people of the world still love America and long to live here in freedom. As one who travels regularly to foreign countries, I can state factually that nearly everyone I meet in foreign countries want to come to America. A few despotic leaders hate America, mostly out of envy, but most foreign people love the U.S.
When the tsunami hit Asia in 2005, many victims in nations such as Sri Lanka told me that they knew that America would be the first and foremost to come to their aid. Countries know that the nation most likely to free them from a dictatorial, evil regime without installing their own government, is America. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, the victims can count on America responding first.
Some Americans accuse our soldiers of being as bad as terrorists who cut off the heads of innocent victims. They somehow believe that parading a prisoner on a leash or placing underwear on his head is the equivalent of beheading him. The renegade soldiers who perpetrated the acts are serving time in jail. Yet our enemies pick up the chant that our soldiers torture prisoners. Terrorist lies of U.S. guards flushing a Koran down the toilet in the Gitmo were exposed, yet many Americans still site it as factual proof of our abuse of prisoners.
America is filled with human beings who are sinful, but have a legacy of belief in the one true God, and, therefore, are forgiven human beings. We fail to love each other as we have been commanded, and we resort to all manner of evil as do all human beings. But, we believe that God has placed His providence upon this nation in ways never previously known to mankind.
Life in America is the desire of most people in the world because of our freedom and prosperity. Most of the major technological advances began or were greatly improved in America and by Americans. Most advances in medicine, industry, water and food quality, etc. can be attributed to Americans.
Many people label America as imperialist. America has never sought to build an empire. When we have conquered other nations (as we did Germany and Japan), we re-built them and handed them back to those whom we vanquished. America is the only super power in history to give foreign aid to nations that declare themselves our enemies.
America is powerful because we serve a powerful God who loves us in spite of our rebellion against Him. We have removed Him from the public place, yet our judicial halls adorned with His Ten Commandments, and we open sessions with prayer. God loves us, even in our confusion.
The Bible says, in Psalms 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”. According to surveys, around 85% of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. Many of those in political positions declare their Christianity. I believe that, in His love for us, God continues to bless our nation.
The U.S.S.R., by contrast, took a national stance that embraced atheism, and declared that God was dead. The U.S.S.R. is no longer on the map, and has broken into many individual nation-states. Perhaps God decided to make a declaration of His own; that the U.S.S.R. is dead.
Michael Moore’s recent movie depicts Cuba’s nationalized health as superior to our system. It is not, but, even if it were, what good is free medical care if the people are not free? Americans are not heading out in rickety boats to get to Cuba. With all her faults, America is still the envy of all nations. As a Black American, I thank the Lord that He chose America as my birth place, and I shudder to think what my life would be like otherwise.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
