A paid up eternal life insurance policy
Legendary sports announcer Ernie Harwell recently announced that he has been diagnosed with incurable bile duct cancer, but has decided against surgery or other medical treatment. He is ‘looking forward to this next adventure’.
Harwell stated that, because he trusts in Jesus Christ, he has no doubt that he is going to Heaven when dies. A friend mentioned that Harwell must be delusional, because no one can know for certain that they will get to Heaven. It’s all in God’s hands.
I explained to my friend that, like Harwell, I, too, hold a paid-up ’eternal life insurance policy’. This opened up a lively debate. My friend stated that, because of our sin, we deserve to go to Hell, so we must do all the good we can in order to balance the scale. Then, when we stand before God, He will weigh the evidence of sin against the good life we have lived, and then decide whether we go to Heaven or Hell. No one can know for sure until that day.
My friend is a Christian. He believes in Jesus and knows that He died to pay for his sins, but seems to stop trusting in Christ at that point. I explained that, according to the Bible, he may be missing a vital part of the Good News of the Gospel. I read from Romans, which says that “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ…”
If eternal life is a gift, how can we earn it? We certainly do not deserve it, and only one sin can condemn us to Hell. God is just, therefore He must punish sin. But, in His love for us, He wants us to spend eternity with Him in Paradise. In His ultimate wisdom, He solved the problem of punishing our sin and sparing us from Hell by sending His own son to earth as a human, to live a perfect life and be the perfect sacrifice as payment for all sin.
We humans cannot be good enough to work our way to Heaven We do good because of our love for Him, but Christ has done it all, on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished”, it meant that He did not leave our salvation undone, nor did He leave salvation steps for us to work out. Death and sin were conquered on the cross, and eternity is a free gift from God, Himself.
My friend thought that sounded too easy. I explained that our human nature tells us that we are somehow responsible for our salvation, but that we won’t know for sure until we stand before God. The Bible says that, when God looks upon those who are covered with the blood of Christ, He won’t see our sin, but only the forgiveness we have received through Jesus Christ.
I asked my friend to read from 1st John, which says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I pointed out that it did not say that you might hope, or guess; but that you may know… We read a few other Scripture passages that point to this free gift. I explained that it is like having a paid up, irrevocable ‘eternal life’ insurance policy, offered freely by a risen Savior. We then prayed together, and he asked Christ to come into his life and thanked Him for the free gift of eternal life. I praise God for providing me the training to be prepared to share His Good News when the opportunity arises.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Self Control: A Delicious Fruit of the Spirit
“Somebody STOP me! “ It was a line in a Jim Carrie movie that we’ve heard in comedy routines, and in every day life. A more pertinent question is, “Why don’t you stop yourself?”
Society today seems all to willing to accept the premise that any perpetrator of bad behavior is simply a victim, and it’s all someone else’s fault. Excuses are offered to those who seem unable or unwilling to control themselves. Drug addicts are given clean needles, because they are victims The addiction made them do it!
I was recently a part of a program at a county youth detention center. It was heart-rending to see children who looked to be as young as eight or nine-years old, being detained as a result of sometimes heinous crimes. Others were there because no one, including themselves, could control them.
Singer Ray Charles once told the court that his drug addiction was not his fault- someone gave the stuff to him and showed him how to use it. Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, caught on tape using illegal drugs, exclaimed that the (woman) with him had ‘set him up‘. And on and on.
We also hear a lot about ‘anger management’ classes. Judges regularly sentence out -of -control miscreants to such classes. Strangely, I can’t seem to find any reports of success resulting from these classes. Could it be due to the fact that the person’s anger is not to blame, but that the root cause is their lack of self control? I can’t find any evidence of ‘self control’ classes.
My parents worked hard to instill self control within us. They often told us the we need to strive to be in control of ourselves at all times. “You will be under someone’s control throughout your life, so you should make sure that person is you“. A child throwing a tantrum in a store needs to be taught that being out of control has consequences. When a parent takes control of the child and physically forces him to comply, it has less effect than when the child is taught to keep himself under control.
Many of the youth who are placed in anger management classes need consistent discipline, with sure punishment for failure to be under control. I was taught that people who live lives out of control eventually end up in a place where their lives are totally controlled by someone else-prison; where someone else controls when you lie down, when you arise; when you eat and sleep, exercise and when you see your loved ones.
The newspaper regularly announces meetings of a multitude of ‘support groups’. I am certain this service helps many people to come to grips with whatever their problem is, but, my research reflects that they often help people avoid confronting and taking control of areas of their lives that lack personal discipline.
The Bible warns us that, in the last days (in which many people believe we are living), self control will be, well, out of control!
Second Timothy says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..., disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited... Have nothing to do with them. Galatians lists self control as one of the Fruits of the Spirit.
That dire warning seems to clearly describe what is happening today. I try to heed it by avoiding people and situations that are out of control. And, I purpose practice self-control at all times.
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Society today seems all to willing to accept the premise that any perpetrator of bad behavior is simply a victim, and it’s all someone else’s fault. Excuses are offered to those who seem unable or unwilling to control themselves. Drug addicts are given clean needles, because they are victims The addiction made them do it!
I was recently a part of a program at a county youth detention center. It was heart-rending to see children who looked to be as young as eight or nine-years old, being detained as a result of sometimes heinous crimes. Others were there because no one, including themselves, could control them.
Singer Ray Charles once told the court that his drug addiction was not his fault- someone gave the stuff to him and showed him how to use it. Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, caught on tape using illegal drugs, exclaimed that the (woman) with him had ‘set him up‘. And on and on.
We also hear a lot about ‘anger management’ classes. Judges regularly sentence out -of -control miscreants to such classes. Strangely, I can’t seem to find any reports of success resulting from these classes. Could it be due to the fact that the person’s anger is not to blame, but that the root cause is their lack of self control? I can’t find any evidence of ‘self control’ classes.
My parents worked hard to instill self control within us. They often told us the we need to strive to be in control of ourselves at all times. “You will be under someone’s control throughout your life, so you should make sure that person is you“. A child throwing a tantrum in a store needs to be taught that being out of control has consequences. When a parent takes control of the child and physically forces him to comply, it has less effect than when the child is taught to keep himself under control.
Many of the youth who are placed in anger management classes need consistent discipline, with sure punishment for failure to be under control. I was taught that people who live lives out of control eventually end up in a place where their lives are totally controlled by someone else-prison; where someone else controls when you lie down, when you arise; when you eat and sleep, exercise and when you see your loved ones.
The newspaper regularly announces meetings of a multitude of ‘support groups’. I am certain this service helps many people to come to grips with whatever their problem is, but, my research reflects that they often help people avoid confronting and taking control of areas of their lives that lack personal discipline.
The Bible warns us that, in the last days (in which many people believe we are living), self control will be, well, out of control!
Second Timothy says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..., disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited... Have nothing to do with them. Galatians lists self control as one of the Fruits of the Spirit.
That dire warning seems to clearly describe what is happening today. I try to heed it by avoiding people and situations that are out of control. And, I purpose practice self-control at all times.
An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
America; Love her or...Just love her
By: James J. Jackson
America recently celebrated her 133rd birthday, but it didn't seem to be very ‘happy’. Besides deep economic woes, our nation is under attack like never before, not so much from abroad as from inside our own citizenry, and even among many of our leaders. Although it may be politically incorrect to stand and be counted for the sake of our nation, I am proud to be one who is willing to do so.
Many accuse America of being imperialistic. Imperialism means conquering and absorbing other nations into your empire, as England, France and others did for centuries. America freed European nations, reconstructed them at our cost, and returned the lands to their citizens. We even rebuilt vanquished nations, like Japan and Germany, and gave them back to the citizenry. These nations became our staunchest allies because we demonstrated love for our enemies, as we are directed in the Bible.
Polls reflect that less than 73% of Americans ever leave U.S. soil, so most will never see the endless rows of white crosses and stars marking the graves of tens of thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives in France, England, the Philippines and many other places. The only land we ever received and held in any war was for burial plots. I have been to some of these cemeteries, and, believe me, imperialists aren’t buried there. Heroes are.
America is labeled by many as an aggressive bully which started wars for convenience. No mention of the treaty Iraq signed in defeat, only to repeatedly violate the cease-fire, or the multiple U.N. orders they ignored, or thwarting the inspectors they agreed to allow into Iraq. Any one of these violations was enough for the U.S. to resume hostilities. Many still say we went to war for oil. Iraq’s military ran away from battle, setting fire to their own oil fields on the way. We could have simply taken the oil spoils of war. Instead, we repaired the oil fields and gave them back to the Iraqis without taking one drop.
Many Americans say the 911 attacks stemmed from U.S. mistreatment of Muslims for years. Was it mistreatment to go to war to liberate Muslims in places like Kosovo, provide assistance Afghanistan’s fight against the Soviets (even though the Afghans turned on us later)? African nations still beg the U.S. to free them from oppression by other Muslims.
America has always been a force for good in the world, and history bears it out, yet those who have never been anywhere else believe the lie that America is hated around the world. When I travel to other countries, I can usually identify the U.S. Embassy by the long lines of people hoping for a chance to come here. When I have gone to foreign consulates here in the U.S., I have seen countless people in tears because they must return to their home country. Corrupt leaders rarely represent their citizens in their hatred of America. Witness what is taking place in Iran, where the leaders call the U.S. ‘The Great Satan’, but their citizens are rising up against them and their oppression.
No, America is not evil, and those who make this claim are hard-put to give evidence of the claim (without resorting to lies and easily proven fabrications).
President Obama recently stated that America is no longer a Christian nation. But the 82.6% of those polled who identify themselves as Christians apparently still believe God’s promise, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Happy Birthday, America, and God Bless You.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
America recently celebrated her 133rd birthday, but it didn't seem to be very ‘happy’. Besides deep economic woes, our nation is under attack like never before, not so much from abroad as from inside our own citizenry, and even among many of our leaders. Although it may be politically incorrect to stand and be counted for the sake of our nation, I am proud to be one who is willing to do so.
Many accuse America of being imperialistic. Imperialism means conquering and absorbing other nations into your empire, as England, France and others did for centuries. America freed European nations, reconstructed them at our cost, and returned the lands to their citizens. We even rebuilt vanquished nations, like Japan and Germany, and gave them back to the citizenry. These nations became our staunchest allies because we demonstrated love for our enemies, as we are directed in the Bible.
Polls reflect that less than 73% of Americans ever leave U.S. soil, so most will never see the endless rows of white crosses and stars marking the graves of tens of thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives in France, England, the Philippines and many other places. The only land we ever received and held in any war was for burial plots. I have been to some of these cemeteries, and, believe me, imperialists aren’t buried there. Heroes are.
America is labeled by many as an aggressive bully which started wars for convenience. No mention of the treaty Iraq signed in defeat, only to repeatedly violate the cease-fire, or the multiple U.N. orders they ignored, or thwarting the inspectors they agreed to allow into Iraq. Any one of these violations was enough for the U.S. to resume hostilities. Many still say we went to war for oil. Iraq’s military ran away from battle, setting fire to their own oil fields on the way. We could have simply taken the oil spoils of war. Instead, we repaired the oil fields and gave them back to the Iraqis without taking one drop.
Many Americans say the 911 attacks stemmed from U.S. mistreatment of Muslims for years. Was it mistreatment to go to war to liberate Muslims in places like Kosovo, provide assistance Afghanistan’s fight against the Soviets (even though the Afghans turned on us later)? African nations still beg the U.S. to free them from oppression by other Muslims.
America has always been a force for good in the world, and history bears it out, yet those who have never been anywhere else believe the lie that America is hated around the world. When I travel to other countries, I can usually identify the U.S. Embassy by the long lines of people hoping for a chance to come here. When I have gone to foreign consulates here in the U.S., I have seen countless people in tears because they must return to their home country. Corrupt leaders rarely represent their citizens in their hatred of America. Witness what is taking place in Iran, where the leaders call the U.S. ‘The Great Satan’, but their citizens are rising up against them and their oppression.
No, America is not evil, and those who make this claim are hard-put to give evidence of the claim (without resorting to lies and easily proven fabrications).
President Obama recently stated that America is no longer a Christian nation. But the 82.6% of those polled who identify themselves as Christians apparently still believe God’s promise, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Happy Birthday, America, and God Bless You.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
Monday, July 13, 2009
What Kind of Father Are You?
By: James J. Jackson
The survey asked, “What kind of father are you? The choices were: 1. Authoritative; 2. Controlling; 3. Nurturing; 4. Easy going; and 5. A push-over. I pondered the question as it pertains to me, and came up with a choice that was not included in the survey: All of the above.
Fatherhood done right is such an awesome responsibility-not to be taken lightly. A father holds the key to the emotional development of another person in his hands. In order to fulfill the task of rearing well-rounded, contributing members of society, a father must juggle many attributes, keeping them all in the proper balance, and knowing when to use one or the other.
A father must be authoritarian when a decision has to be made. Children do not have the experience or intellect to make most major decisions. An effective father will work with the mother and make a decision and present it to their children in a unanimous fashion. The democratic approach doesn’t work in family situations, because you cannot allow equal input to young people who do not have the intellect or experience to make such decisions.
A father must be controlling at times. When a child decides to participate in an activity that may be dangerous or injurious (physically or emotionally), parents have to take control and make a definitive ruling to the child. Sometimes, the most loving word is, “No”. Although a father may feel more popular when he gives in, it is not possible to be an effective father and always be popular. A good father knows when to apply tough love, and when to give in.
A father should be nurturing in all things. He must make time for his children, even when he doesn’t feel like it. I remember taking my four daughters, one at a time for special time with Dad. They were allowed to decide where we would go, even if the activity was not my favorite pass time. They tell their children about the wonderful times they experienced fishing, going to the zoo or museum, Daddy-Daughter dances, taking lunches to the park for picnics. It is wonderful to know how much they enjoyed those times together.
A father must be ready and able to take a stand when he witnesses self-defeating behaviors forming the child’s life, or when he sees his child making the wrong choices in friends. When my girls were young, I tried to use every situation as a life lesson, showing them the application to life, often using Bible stories to bring the lesson home.
When God stated, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”…I tried to take Him seriously, as my parents did with me. I knew, as they did, that a child needs a firm foundation built on faith, trust and love. I wanted to assure that, when my children made mistakes, as we all do, and when they feel a sense of despair, they would know where to look for answers -- Up!
A person who has not been given a foundation in trust and belief in God is often lost when he or she is faced with adversity, whereas a child who has been taught to trust in a loving God knows they can always turn to Him for answers and comfort.
I believe this is the greatest responsibility a father is given. I am blessed to know my daughters know and love both their earthly father and their heavenly Father!
"Real Answers™"
The survey asked, “What kind of father are you? The choices were: 1. Authoritative; 2. Controlling; 3. Nurturing; 4. Easy going; and 5. A push-over. I pondered the question as it pertains to me, and came up with a choice that was not included in the survey: All of the above.
Fatherhood done right is such an awesome responsibility-not to be taken lightly. A father holds the key to the emotional development of another person in his hands. In order to fulfill the task of rearing well-rounded, contributing members of society, a father must juggle many attributes, keeping them all in the proper balance, and knowing when to use one or the other.
A father must be authoritarian when a decision has to be made. Children do not have the experience or intellect to make most major decisions. An effective father will work with the mother and make a decision and present it to their children in a unanimous fashion. The democratic approach doesn’t work in family situations, because you cannot allow equal input to young people who do not have the intellect or experience to make such decisions.
A father must be controlling at times. When a child decides to participate in an activity that may be dangerous or injurious (physically or emotionally), parents have to take control and make a definitive ruling to the child. Sometimes, the most loving word is, “No”. Although a father may feel more popular when he gives in, it is not possible to be an effective father and always be popular. A good father knows when to apply tough love, and when to give in.
A father should be nurturing in all things. He must make time for his children, even when he doesn’t feel like it. I remember taking my four daughters, one at a time for special time with Dad. They were allowed to decide where we would go, even if the activity was not my favorite pass time. They tell their children about the wonderful times they experienced fishing, going to the zoo or museum, Daddy-Daughter dances, taking lunches to the park for picnics. It is wonderful to know how much they enjoyed those times together.
A father must be ready and able to take a stand when he witnesses self-defeating behaviors forming the child’s life, or when he sees his child making the wrong choices in friends. When my girls were young, I tried to use every situation as a life lesson, showing them the application to life, often using Bible stories to bring the lesson home.
When God stated, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”…I tried to take Him seriously, as my parents did with me. I knew, as they did, that a child needs a firm foundation built on faith, trust and love. I wanted to assure that, when my children made mistakes, as we all do, and when they feel a sense of despair, they would know where to look for answers -- Up!
A person who has not been given a foundation in trust and belief in God is often lost when he or she is faced with adversity, whereas a child who has been taught to trust in a loving God knows they can always turn to Him for answers and comfort.
I believe this is the greatest responsibility a father is given. I am blessed to know my daughters know and love both their earthly father and their heavenly Father!
"Real Answers™"
The Elusive Search for Peace
Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
Michael Jackson remins us all of our moral delima
As with so many people around the world, I felt the loss of Michael Jackson deeply. For many years my family and I have enjoyed his music and his videos. His was beloved by many, and he helped many people. He is listed in the Guinness Book of Records and the most charitable entertainer in history. Michael's untimely death raised the question on the Internet and other media as to whether he was a Christian.
This gifted entertainer achieved more worldly success than most of us could even imagine, but he spent much of his time and resources changing himself, physically, emotionally, and in nearly every way possible. His miserable and unfulfilled life certainly illustrates the fact that money cannot buy happiness.
This sad plight befalls many successful celebrities who seem to ‘have it made it’, but continue to chase true happiness and satisfaction that cannot be gained from fame and fortune. It seems that their money becomes a demon that steals happiness and imprisons them in their own private dungeon, rendering their lives, which seem so full, empty and sad.
I have seen no evidence to prove or disprove whether Michael Jackson knew and believed (trusted) Jesus Christ as his Savior. I’ve read that he declared himself to be a Jehovah's Witness, which does not teach that Jesus Christ is the son of God, but, that He was a great prophet. In announcing Michael’s death, his brothers, Jermaine ended his statement with, “Michael, may Allah be with you forever...”, raising further doubt as to Michael’s Christianity. Such uncertainty seems quite common among celebrities.
John Lennon once remarked (to a London newspaper in 1966) that "…Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink ... We're more popular than Jesus now". George Harrison wrote the song, “My Sweet Lord”, which, at first seems to be praising the true Lord, Jesus Christ, but actually praises ‘Lord Krishna’, a Hindu god.
Comedian Bill Mahr constantly castigates all things Christians, and even made a movie ridiculing religion, faith and worship. He believes that we exist by accident, live our lives as we please, die, and return to nothing. God’s word says that knowledge of Him exists in every heart, and evidence is all around us, so there is no excuse for rejecting Him. I pray that Mahr will receive the faith to believe in this life. It will be too late in the next.
It seems that many people who have achieved worldly success and fame, do not see a need to trust in a higher power, or they believe they can pick and choose which higher power they will believe in at a given time. Still others try to give credence to all gods, to cover their bases. The Bible, however, teaches that there is only one name by which we may be saved.
In Matt 29, Christ responds to a rich man who claims to have kept all of the Commandments, and wanted to know how to be saved, “...Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and, when money, fame, or worldly goods become our God, we cannot humble ourselves and worship the one true God, and serve only Him. It is our not wealth that makes it impossible to enter Heaven, but our attitude toward our wealth.
I pray that Michael Jackson is in Heaven, but, only the Lord knows whether Michael trusted in Him. I would never trade the salvation Jesus Christ paid for with His life for earthly riches.
This gifted entertainer achieved more worldly success than most of us could even imagine, but he spent much of his time and resources changing himself, physically, emotionally, and in nearly every way possible. His miserable and unfulfilled life certainly illustrates the fact that money cannot buy happiness.
This sad plight befalls many successful celebrities who seem to ‘have it made it’, but continue to chase true happiness and satisfaction that cannot be gained from fame and fortune. It seems that their money becomes a demon that steals happiness and imprisons them in their own private dungeon, rendering their lives, which seem so full, empty and sad.
I have seen no evidence to prove or disprove whether Michael Jackson knew and believed (trusted) Jesus Christ as his Savior. I’ve read that he declared himself to be a Jehovah's Witness, which does not teach that Jesus Christ is the son of God, but, that He was a great prophet. In announcing Michael’s death, his brothers, Jermaine ended his statement with, “Michael, may Allah be with you forever...”, raising further doubt as to Michael’s Christianity. Such uncertainty seems quite common among celebrities.
John Lennon once remarked (to a London newspaper in 1966) that "…Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink ... We're more popular than Jesus now". George Harrison wrote the song, “My Sweet Lord”, which, at first seems to be praising the true Lord, Jesus Christ, but actually praises ‘Lord Krishna’, a Hindu god.
Comedian Bill Mahr constantly castigates all things Christians, and even made a movie ridiculing religion, faith and worship. He believes that we exist by accident, live our lives as we please, die, and return to nothing. God’s word says that knowledge of Him exists in every heart, and evidence is all around us, so there is no excuse for rejecting Him. I pray that Mahr will receive the faith to believe in this life. It will be too late in the next.
It seems that many people who have achieved worldly success and fame, do not see a need to trust in a higher power, or they believe they can pick and choose which higher power they will believe in at a given time. Still others try to give credence to all gods, to cover their bases. The Bible, however, teaches that there is only one name by which we may be saved.
In Matt 29, Christ responds to a rich man who claims to have kept all of the Commandments, and wanted to know how to be saved, “...Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and, when money, fame, or worldly goods become our God, we cannot humble ourselves and worship the one true God, and serve only Him. It is our not wealth that makes it impossible to enter Heaven, but our attitude toward our wealth.
I pray that Michael Jackson is in Heaven, but, only the Lord knows whether Michael trusted in Him. I would never trade the salvation Jesus Christ paid for with His life for earthly riches.
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Father's Day Legacy
The media is preoccupied with each presidents’ legacy. But, is a legacy something a person creates for onesself, or does it arise from who that person was and what he stood for in terms of such attributes as decency, integrity and honesty? A true legacy leads others to pattern their lives after you---the real you---not who you packaged yourself to be after the fact.
Each Father's Day, I reflect upon the fact that I was blessed with the legacy of not one, but two fathers, neither of whom tried to build a legacy, but both of whom had a very significant impact on my life and the lives of many others. Although my birth father, Samuel Jackson, died when I was three years old, he left me the only true legacy he was able to leave---his reputation.
Sam Jackson, his four brothers, and one sister were born to Mississippi sharecroppers. They were reared to be respectful, hard-working, God-fearing, and patriotic. Slavery had ended fifty years before Samuel was born, but the last remnants of that era died hard. The family had to learn to be diplomatic and tactful in the cruel Jim Crow South, where a simple misunderstanding could result in a lynching.
This family was respected and well liked by virtually everyone they encountered. By adulthood,
Sam was known as 'Good Man', because he was quick to do good for others, even strangers. He was a big man with a bright, wide smile, and a love for his fellow human being. His brother, David, was called 'Solid', both because of his six-foot five chiseled frame and his dependable, helpful, consistent nature. When Sam died from a brain tumor in 1952, many of his friends thought 'Good Man' was his real name, because it so accurately described his personality and love for others.
On his deathbed, Sam asked David to help our mother care for his wife and ten children. When my mother died just one year later, David and his wife, Bessie, who only had one child of their own, nine year old Doris, took all ten of us into their home. David, or 'Uncle Solly', as we called him, demonstrated strong moral character and taught us to work hard, be honest, and respect others.
He always reminded us of who we are and from whom we came. He kept our parents alive by telling us of their personal integrity and their love for us. Everyone who had known my father gave the same description of him. We had no doubt that he was, indeed, a good man who loved others unconditionally.
My uncle's approach to life reflected my father's character. He taught us lessons like "respect is not something one demands, but something one earns." We learned to look others in the eye and offer a firm handshake, because David believed that the eyes and handshake say a lot about a person.
He taught us that God loved us, and even though He had taken our parents from us, He still had a plan for each of our lives. He taught us that skin color mattered little in the final analysis, and that no one can take away from you the good things that you choose to make a part of your life. When many Blacks replaced their surnames with 'X', he taught me that my name is not a 'slave name'. It was the proud name of many of my forebears; therefore, it is more important that I never discredit or shame my name than to dwell on how I got that name.
He taught me that, whether signing a check or a document, making a promise, or taking an oath, my name is the representation of who I am. If I use my name to lie, cheat and or steal, then my name becomes, 'liar', 'cheater' or 'thief'.
I came to realize that if I live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, I will be known as 'Good Man' here on earth, and "Good and Faithful Servant" by God one day. As he lay dying from a stroke David reminded me, a scared, confused nineteen year old college sophomore, that I still have a father who will "never leave me or forsake me." I used the legacy of my fathers to become a successful businessman, loving husband and father and community leader.
Because of my two fathers, the legacy I desire to leave to my children, grandchildren, family and friends is, "here was a good man". Next to that, everything else I may accomplish has little significance.
Each Father's Day, I reflect upon the fact that I was blessed with the legacy of not one, but two fathers, neither of whom tried to build a legacy, but both of whom had a very significant impact on my life and the lives of many others. Although my birth father, Samuel Jackson, died when I was three years old, he left me the only true legacy he was able to leave---his reputation.
Sam Jackson, his four brothers, and one sister were born to Mississippi sharecroppers. They were reared to be respectful, hard-working, God-fearing, and patriotic. Slavery had ended fifty years before Samuel was born, but the last remnants of that era died hard. The family had to learn to be diplomatic and tactful in the cruel Jim Crow South, where a simple misunderstanding could result in a lynching.
This family was respected and well liked by virtually everyone they encountered. By adulthood,
Sam was known as 'Good Man', because he was quick to do good for others, even strangers. He was a big man with a bright, wide smile, and a love for his fellow human being. His brother, David, was called 'Solid', both because of his six-foot five chiseled frame and his dependable, helpful, consistent nature. When Sam died from a brain tumor in 1952, many of his friends thought 'Good Man' was his real name, because it so accurately described his personality and love for others.
On his deathbed, Sam asked David to help our mother care for his wife and ten children. When my mother died just one year later, David and his wife, Bessie, who only had one child of their own, nine year old Doris, took all ten of us into their home. David, or 'Uncle Solly', as we called him, demonstrated strong moral character and taught us to work hard, be honest, and respect others.
He always reminded us of who we are and from whom we came. He kept our parents alive by telling us of their personal integrity and their love for us. Everyone who had known my father gave the same description of him. We had no doubt that he was, indeed, a good man who loved others unconditionally.
My uncle's approach to life reflected my father's character. He taught us lessons like "respect is not something one demands, but something one earns." We learned to look others in the eye and offer a firm handshake, because David believed that the eyes and handshake say a lot about a person.
He taught us that God loved us, and even though He had taken our parents from us, He still had a plan for each of our lives. He taught us that skin color mattered little in the final analysis, and that no one can take away from you the good things that you choose to make a part of your life. When many Blacks replaced their surnames with 'X', he taught me that my name is not a 'slave name'. It was the proud name of many of my forebears; therefore, it is more important that I never discredit or shame my name than to dwell on how I got that name.
He taught me that, whether signing a check or a document, making a promise, or taking an oath, my name is the representation of who I am. If I use my name to lie, cheat and or steal, then my name becomes, 'liar', 'cheater' or 'thief'.
I came to realize that if I live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, I will be known as 'Good Man' here on earth, and "Good and Faithful Servant" by God one day. As he lay dying from a stroke David reminded me, a scared, confused nineteen year old college sophomore, that I still have a father who will "never leave me or forsake me." I used the legacy of my fathers to become a successful businessman, loving husband and father and community leader.
Because of my two fathers, the legacy I desire to leave to my children, grandchildren, family and friends is, "here was a good man". Next to that, everything else I may accomplish has little significance.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Memorial Day--Count our blessings & Thank a Soldier
James J Jackson
copyright, 2009--amyfound.org
As we approach Memorial Day, memories of past celebrations of this holiday come to mind. As a child, Memorial Day signaled the first holiday of the summer (although it technically takes place while it is still Spring).
Memorial Day observance goes back to the Civil War, and was intended to honor and pay homage to soldiers who died in serving the nation. Originally, it was called ‘Decoration Day’, and people visited cemeteries to clean and place flowers at the gravesites of fallen soldiers.
Eventually, the day was expanded to honor all deceased persons. I remember traveling to cemeteries around the Chicago, IL area to visit the graves of my parents and other family members, as well as the graves of men who had served with my uncle/adoptive father during WWII. The day always began in a very solemn mode. The visitations took place early. After visiting gravesites, we often took a trip downtown to watch the Memorial Day parade. Soldiers, sailors, marines and Air Force personnel and machinery would march along the parade route along with veteran’s groups and dignitaries.
We often held a family picnic at one of the many parks. I remember the hot dogs, chips and soda, and taking turns cranking the wooden ice cream maker until our arms were sore. We played games of baseball and basketball, and ran around until our throats were sore and our legs ached. As we gathered around the table to feast on our picnic fare, my Uncle David, the patriarch of the family, would say a prayer for those who had died in service of our country and for those who were currently serving.
This holiday took on a more serious aura than it does today. Memorial Day parades and other activities seemed to be much more well-attended then than they are now. Many view it a simply another day off work. People seem to have forgotten that freedom is not free, and that many have died fighting to preserve our freedom.
Much of the media have labeled our military personnel as barbarians and baby killers, while ignoring the clear fact that, without a strong military, we stand to lose all of our freedoms. Instead of declaring that our military has provided freedom to much of the world, and beat back fascism, Nazism, totalitarianism and numerous despots, they depict our military as something to be hated and despised.
Amazingly, many young people still answer the call to serve. When the draft was eliminated, many people believed we would never be able to raise a standing army, believing that there was insufficient honor or love of country for people to voluntarily serve. Some legislators have called for the reinstatement of the draft, in spite of the fact that most services generally meet or exceed their recruitment targets.
I honor those young people who step up to serve in our armed forces. It is heart-rending when any soldier loses his or her life in war, but it is encouraging to see Christ’s love through the lives of our soldiers. Jesus said, in John 15, “Greater love has no other than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
I try to make it a habit thank God for those who have paid the ultimate price, and to honor any serviceman and women by just saying, “Thanks for what you do for us.” It’s the least we can do, considering what they face on a daily basis for people they don’t even know. God bless them all!
copyright, 2009--amyfound.org
As we approach Memorial Day, memories of past celebrations of this holiday come to mind. As a child, Memorial Day signaled the first holiday of the summer (although it technically takes place while it is still Spring).
Memorial Day observance goes back to the Civil War, and was intended to honor and pay homage to soldiers who died in serving the nation. Originally, it was called ‘Decoration Day’, and people visited cemeteries to clean and place flowers at the gravesites of fallen soldiers.
Eventually, the day was expanded to honor all deceased persons. I remember traveling to cemeteries around the Chicago, IL area to visit the graves of my parents and other family members, as well as the graves of men who had served with my uncle/adoptive father during WWII. The day always began in a very solemn mode. The visitations took place early. After visiting gravesites, we often took a trip downtown to watch the Memorial Day parade. Soldiers, sailors, marines and Air Force personnel and machinery would march along the parade route along with veteran’s groups and dignitaries.
We often held a family picnic at one of the many parks. I remember the hot dogs, chips and soda, and taking turns cranking the wooden ice cream maker until our arms were sore. We played games of baseball and basketball, and ran around until our throats were sore and our legs ached. As we gathered around the table to feast on our picnic fare, my Uncle David, the patriarch of the family, would say a prayer for those who had died in service of our country and for those who were currently serving.
This holiday took on a more serious aura than it does today. Memorial Day parades and other activities seemed to be much more well-attended then than they are now. Many view it a simply another day off work. People seem to have forgotten that freedom is not free, and that many have died fighting to preserve our freedom.
Much of the media have labeled our military personnel as barbarians and baby killers, while ignoring the clear fact that, without a strong military, we stand to lose all of our freedoms. Instead of declaring that our military has provided freedom to much of the world, and beat back fascism, Nazism, totalitarianism and numerous despots, they depict our military as something to be hated and despised.
Amazingly, many young people still answer the call to serve. When the draft was eliminated, many people believed we would never be able to raise a standing army, believing that there was insufficient honor or love of country for people to voluntarily serve. Some legislators have called for the reinstatement of the draft, in spite of the fact that most services generally meet or exceed their recruitment targets.
I honor those young people who step up to serve in our armed forces. It is heart-rending when any soldier loses his or her life in war, but it is encouraging to see Christ’s love through the lives of our soldiers. Jesus said, in John 15, “Greater love has no other than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
I try to make it a habit thank God for those who have paid the ultimate price, and to honor any serviceman and women by just saying, “Thanks for what you do for us.” It’s the least we can do, considering what they face on a daily basis for people they don’t even know. God bless them all!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Common Courtesy not common, but crucial
“COMMON COURTESY” NOT COMMON BUT CRUCIAL
By: James J. Jackson
A woman gave my young grandson a small toy, which he took without comment. I told him to thank the lady, but this usually compliant child refused to say the words. The woman insisted that I should not force the child to say “thank you.”
I told him to either thank the lady or return the gift. He reluctantly thanked her; then I explained to him that being thankful and courteous is as much for his own well being as it is for the person being thanked. Recently I witnessed a mother struggling to get her child to apologize for hitting another child. The amount of resistance the child displayed was alarming.
It seems that what used to be considered common courtesy is not so common anymore. Courtesy has been replaced by selfishness and an uncaring attitude toward others. Television programs and movies glorify the in-your-face approach to others and the “all about me” attitude. Young people either have lost or never grasped the art of kindness and respect.
Children who are not taught to treat others as they would want to be treated grow up to contribute to the crowded “Anger Management” classes and, in extreme cases, the prison population. Society seems to preach that being courteous, thankful or apologetic shows some kind of weakness, when, in fact, it shows strength and self-control.
When our four daughters were young, they often had sibling spats. If two sisters displayed anger toward one another my wife would often make them apologize to each other, then hug each other until both smiled. It is heartwarming to watch them pass on to their children the lessons of being courteous and loving toward their siblings and others.
During the 1970’s, one small phrase in the movie, “Love Story” (“Love…means never having to say you’re sorry”), put many viewers on the course toward today’s attitude of failing to take responsibility for one’s actions. It seemed such a profound line. In truth, love means caring enough about someone whom you may have offended or hurt to say you’re sorry and take steps to make it right. It means caring enough to be thankful to others.
Many of today’s distressing social and moral problems stem from a loss of the type of personal and societal ethics that for many years kept in check the level of animosity we showed each other. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus declared that, after loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, loving each other is the greatest Commandment.
When we exhibit love toward each other, it illustrates God’s love for us. Knowing and seeing all, He knew that His prime creation had fallen into deadly sin, and could not save itself. Rather than watch us struggle and give in and be lost for all eternity, He became one of us, in the Person of Jesus Christ, and took the punishment for our sin and died for us. He then rose from the dead to show us that, through Him, we will rise again also. Any person, no matter how much sin baggage he or she is carrying, who repents, or apologizes to God, asks Christ to come into their life and be their Savior, and thanks Him for the free gift of eternal life, already has eternal life, according to God’s Word.
When we are loving and courteous with each other, we reflect our relationship with Christ, and we show His love to others. All He asks is that we share that love with others, through our actions and words.
By: James J. Jackson
A woman gave my young grandson a small toy, which he took without comment. I told him to thank the lady, but this usually compliant child refused to say the words. The woman insisted that I should not force the child to say “thank you.”
I told him to either thank the lady or return the gift. He reluctantly thanked her; then I explained to him that being thankful and courteous is as much for his own well being as it is for the person being thanked. Recently I witnessed a mother struggling to get her child to apologize for hitting another child. The amount of resistance the child displayed was alarming.
It seems that what used to be considered common courtesy is not so common anymore. Courtesy has been replaced by selfishness and an uncaring attitude toward others. Television programs and movies glorify the in-your-face approach to others and the “all about me” attitude. Young people either have lost or never grasped the art of kindness and respect.
Children who are not taught to treat others as they would want to be treated grow up to contribute to the crowded “Anger Management” classes and, in extreme cases, the prison population. Society seems to preach that being courteous, thankful or apologetic shows some kind of weakness, when, in fact, it shows strength and self-control.
When our four daughters were young, they often had sibling spats. If two sisters displayed anger toward one another my wife would often make them apologize to each other, then hug each other until both smiled. It is heartwarming to watch them pass on to their children the lessons of being courteous and loving toward their siblings and others.
During the 1970’s, one small phrase in the movie, “Love Story” (“Love…means never having to say you’re sorry”), put many viewers on the course toward today’s attitude of failing to take responsibility for one’s actions. It seemed such a profound line. In truth, love means caring enough about someone whom you may have offended or hurt to say you’re sorry and take steps to make it right. It means caring enough to be thankful to others.
Many of today’s distressing social and moral problems stem from a loss of the type of personal and societal ethics that for many years kept in check the level of animosity we showed each other. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus declared that, after loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, loving each other is the greatest Commandment.
When we exhibit love toward each other, it illustrates God’s love for us. Knowing and seeing all, He knew that His prime creation had fallen into deadly sin, and could not save itself. Rather than watch us struggle and give in and be lost for all eternity, He became one of us, in the Person of Jesus Christ, and took the punishment for our sin and died for us. He then rose from the dead to show us that, through Him, we will rise again also. Any person, no matter how much sin baggage he or she is carrying, who repents, or apologizes to God, asks Christ to come into their life and be their Savior, and thanks Him for the free gift of eternal life, already has eternal life, according to God’s Word.
When we are loving and courteous with each other, we reflect our relationship with Christ, and we show His love to others. All He asks is that we share that love with others, through our actions and words.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Real Answers™jj140Copyright: ©2009 James J. Jackson600 words
THE ELUSIVE SEARCH FOR PEACE
By: James J. Jackson
Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
THE ELUSIVE SEARCH FOR PEACE
By: James J. Jackson
Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Is Someone Trying to Get your Attention?
585 words
IS SOMEONE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?
By: James J. Jackson
Have you ever experienced or heard of an ‘ear worm’? According to web search pages, everyone experiences ear worms from time to time. Earworms are songs or tunes that keep running around in one’s head. It may be a song you like, but, more often than not, it will be a tune that you despise, yet find yourself singing or humming over and over again. The harder one tries to stop humming or singing it, the more the tune plays in the mind.
Ear worms are another mystery of the human mind. But, could ear worms sometimes pop up to send you a very important and useful message or remind you that your countenance leaves much to be desired? One frequent ear worm that appears to me (usually when I need to hear it, as opposed to when I might purposely summon it up). is a little song that was intended as a way to instill a life lesson in our daughters.
Years ago, our daughters’ school performed a play called “Music Machine”, which used cute songs to teach the ’fruits of the Spirit’ outlined in the Bible. As we listened to the accompanying tape over and over again, one song became a tool we applied whenever our kids demonstrated impatience with each other or a situation:
Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient, too, And think of all the times when others have to wait for you!
At times, simply singing or humming this little ditty would raise the ire of a child who was enjoying wallowing in impatience. We often had fun with breaking out in the song when least expected. One problem with using such tactics to instill life lessons is that you might just instill the lesson within yourself, as well.
Now, years later, when I find myself being impatient or intolerant with a situation or person, that little song will often appear in my head out of nowhere, and continue in a loop until I deal with the problem in the correct manner. This often entails apologizing and asking forgiveness for my attitude. It proves to be very convicting, and refuses to leave until the issue is dealt with.
Perhaps this is an illustration of the blessings of memorizing Scripture. Once memorized, God’s Word resides in a place just outside one’s consciousness, from which it may quietly, but incessantly, play itself over and over in one’s head until you take the corrective action you know you should take. Sometimes, our human nature just wants to enjoy being in the moment with our impatience, loathing, anger, etc., for a while, but the Lord would have us address the sin issue and move on. Perhaps that is why an ear worm may appear and replay itself in a loop, crowding out the thoughts we would rather dwell on at the time.
I have learned to stop, listen and try to discern whether a particular ear worm is trying to turn my focus to a blind spot in my character, or whether it has arrived just to taunt me and remind me that a void in my idle mind is waiting to be filled with prayer, praise or meditation on God’s word.
Whatever may be the cause of this mystery of the mind, I have learned to be thankful when this particular ear worm shows up to get my attention.
Proverbs tells us, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Thank God for ear worms!
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
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IS SOMEONE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?
By: James J. Jackson
Have you ever experienced or heard of an ‘ear worm’? According to web search pages, everyone experiences ear worms from time to time. Earworms are songs or tunes that keep running around in one’s head. It may be a song you like, but, more often than not, it will be a tune that you despise, yet find yourself singing or humming over and over again. The harder one tries to stop humming or singing it, the more the tune plays in the mind.
Ear worms are another mystery of the human mind. But, could ear worms sometimes pop up to send you a very important and useful message or remind you that your countenance leaves much to be desired? One frequent ear worm that appears to me (usually when I need to hear it, as opposed to when I might purposely summon it up). is a little song that was intended as a way to instill a life lesson in our daughters.
Years ago, our daughters’ school performed a play called “Music Machine”, which used cute songs to teach the ’fruits of the Spirit’ outlined in the Bible. As we listened to the accompanying tape over and over again, one song became a tool we applied whenever our kids demonstrated impatience with each other or a situation:
Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient, too, And think of all the times when others have to wait for you!
At times, simply singing or humming this little ditty would raise the ire of a child who was enjoying wallowing in impatience. We often had fun with breaking out in the song when least expected. One problem with using such tactics to instill life lessons is that you might just instill the lesson within yourself, as well.
Now, years later, when I find myself being impatient or intolerant with a situation or person, that little song will often appear in my head out of nowhere, and continue in a loop until I deal with the problem in the correct manner. This often entails apologizing and asking forgiveness for my attitude. It proves to be very convicting, and refuses to leave until the issue is dealt with.
Perhaps this is an illustration of the blessings of memorizing Scripture. Once memorized, God’s Word resides in a place just outside one’s consciousness, from which it may quietly, but incessantly, play itself over and over in one’s head until you take the corrective action you know you should take. Sometimes, our human nature just wants to enjoy being in the moment with our impatience, loathing, anger, etc., for a while, but the Lord would have us address the sin issue and move on. Perhaps that is why an ear worm may appear and replay itself in a loop, crowding out the thoughts we would rather dwell on at the time.
I have learned to stop, listen and try to discern whether a particular ear worm is trying to turn my focus to a blind spot in my character, or whether it has arrived just to taunt me and remind me that a void in my idle mind is waiting to be filled with prayer, praise or meditation on God’s word.
Whatever may be the cause of this mystery of the mind, I have learned to be thankful when this particular ear worm shows up to get my attention.
Proverbs tells us, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Thank God for ear worms!
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
Let's Really Celebrate Valentine's Day
By James J Jackson
Valentine’s Day brings thoughts of love and kindness. People exchange greeting cards expressing their love for each other. Children exchange candy ‘kisses’ or heart-shaped candies with love note imprinted on them.
But, like many holidays, Valentine’s Day has become so commercial, that the true meaning is often lost. A recent email told of young children who were asked, “What is the meaning of ‘Love?’.
One five-year-old child answered, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.“ Another stated, “Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'. An eight year old warned, “You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget“.Children seem to have a way of viewing complex issues in a very simplistic manner. Their explanations often include an element of truth and clarity that adults often lack. Many grown-ups have a hard time expressing what love means to them. Perhaps adults try so hard to sound profound and bright, that they lose the simplicity of love.
Many of us know the story of St. Valentine, who sent messages of love from prison to his friends and family, always closing with, “Remember your Valentine.” Valentine’s Day is a day to remember loved one’s. Valentine’s Day really should be celebrated every day, but, sadly, it is not.
God wants us to love everyone, including our enemies and strangers. Such love was demonstrated on a daily basis by my parents, who made it a point to show Christian love to others whenever possible. I witnessed my Uncle Dave giving money to homeless people to buy food. When told that the recipient would probably buy alcohol, my uncle would state, “That’s his choice, my job is to fill a need.”
My uncle was never a ‘gawker’ when he came upon an accident or emergency scene. He was always the first one out of his car to give aid and comfort. One time he was swindled out of a large sum of money by a person who lied about his need for money. I asked if he was sorry he had helped. He told me, “When I felt prompted to give, I gave up ownership of the money. If the man lied, he will one day have to answer for that, but, when I stand before God, I will know that I helped the poor, as He commanded me to do“
My Aunt Bessie would drive elderly neighbors to the grocery store, and often would pay for their groceries. Whenever she saw a need, she would extend a helping hand. My wife and I still practice her habit of keeping spare mittens and hats in the car to hand to children at bus stops.
I was taught to love others, even when they seemed un-lovable. I learned unconditional love by example, and extending a helping hand or just showing love and concern for others is automatic in my life. The greatest human example of unconditional love in my life was when my aunt and uncle gave up their idyllic life with their only child to bring into their home ten orphans, after my parents died. The only thing they ever asked in return was that we strive for excellence and be the best we could be.
The premiere example of such love is that Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, whether we love him or not. In His Word, He tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another…”. If we all followed this command, every day would be Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day brings thoughts of love and kindness. People exchange greeting cards expressing their love for each other. Children exchange candy ‘kisses’ or heart-shaped candies with love note imprinted on them.
But, like many holidays, Valentine’s Day has become so commercial, that the true meaning is often lost. A recent email told of young children who were asked, “What is the meaning of ‘Love?’.
One five-year-old child answered, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.“ Another stated, “Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'. An eight year old warned, “You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget“.Children seem to have a way of viewing complex issues in a very simplistic manner. Their explanations often include an element of truth and clarity that adults often lack. Many grown-ups have a hard time expressing what love means to them. Perhaps adults try so hard to sound profound and bright, that they lose the simplicity of love.
Many of us know the story of St. Valentine, who sent messages of love from prison to his friends and family, always closing with, “Remember your Valentine.” Valentine’s Day is a day to remember loved one’s. Valentine’s Day really should be celebrated every day, but, sadly, it is not.
God wants us to love everyone, including our enemies and strangers. Such love was demonstrated on a daily basis by my parents, who made it a point to show Christian love to others whenever possible. I witnessed my Uncle Dave giving money to homeless people to buy food. When told that the recipient would probably buy alcohol, my uncle would state, “That’s his choice, my job is to fill a need.”
My uncle was never a ‘gawker’ when he came upon an accident or emergency scene. He was always the first one out of his car to give aid and comfort. One time he was swindled out of a large sum of money by a person who lied about his need for money. I asked if he was sorry he had helped. He told me, “When I felt prompted to give, I gave up ownership of the money. If the man lied, he will one day have to answer for that, but, when I stand before God, I will know that I helped the poor, as He commanded me to do“
My Aunt Bessie would drive elderly neighbors to the grocery store, and often would pay for their groceries. Whenever she saw a need, she would extend a helping hand. My wife and I still practice her habit of keeping spare mittens and hats in the car to hand to children at bus stops.
I was taught to love others, even when they seemed un-lovable. I learned unconditional love by example, and extending a helping hand or just showing love and concern for others is automatic in my life. The greatest human example of unconditional love in my life was when my aunt and uncle gave up their idyllic life with their only child to bring into their home ten orphans, after my parents died. The only thing they ever asked in return was that we strive for excellence and be the best we could be.
The premiere example of such love is that Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, whether we love him or not. In His Word, He tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another…”. If we all followed this command, every day would be Valentine’s Day.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Making Effective New Years Resolutions
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 Year’s 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 Year’s 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. See more of James J Jackson's columns at www.amyfound.ogr
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 Year’s 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. See more of James J Jackson's columns at www.amyfound.ogr
Conventional Wisdom Fails Every Time
On a recent TV show, a sociologist said that, since there is no ‘effective’ manual for child rearing, we must rely on “conventional wisdom” in child-rearing. When I was young, parents taught kids life-sustaining lessons and gave them a moral compass by which to live. They instilled core values and gave boundaries to help kids make sound life decisions. Honesty, integrity and the pursuit of excellence were expected. Keeping one’s word, and doing right, even when no one is looking was a consistent lesson.
Youth were taught that rights come with responsibility, and that taking an oath was a very serious matter. Today, a good reputation isn’t considered as valuable as it once was. Today, people who lie under oath and demonstrate self-defeating behavior are often viewed as icons. Kids were taught that actions have consequences. Today, conventional wisdom is to provide programs and excuses to help youth avoid consequences, which often prohibits the person from learning valuable lessons they could learn from facing the consequences of their actions.
Conventional wisdom says that everyone has the right to do as he or she pleases. When consequences arise, conventional wisdom labels the person a ‘victim’. Programs like needle exchange and free condoms are offered to avoid consequences and allow the person to continue in dangerous, self-defeating behaviors. Conventional wisdom believes so-called ’Social Promotion’ of failing students protects self-esteem, but experience shows that it only produces people with a dead-end attitude and no basic job skills.
My parents warned us that illegal, dangerous behavior would severely limit our ability to take care of ourselves, and that we would have no one to blame but ourselves. They promised they would not bail us out of consequences of our bad choice, and that bad life choices only lead to poverty, jail, poor health, and even death, so we should choose wisely. We grew up drug free and crime free.
They used old sayings to help teach us, like ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again’, Today, conventional wisdom tells us, ‘If your bad choices block your success, stop trying, and you won’t be held responsibility. Instead of a little ‘tough love’, here’s a program‘.
Today‘s flawed “new morality” creates new concepts like ‘situational ethics (which says that each person determines right and wrong for themselves), What’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me; there are no absolutes, and other such nonsense. Anyone who promotes values and standards is considered ‘intolerant’. Schools mistakenly believe they can instill self-esteem in kids without self-control, self-respect, honesty or honor.
Every person inherently knows that it is wrong to participate in self-defeating behaviors, or to fail to seek excellence in school and in life. To do so results failure, defeat and the loss of a sense of self-worth, instead of the intended increase in self-esteem. By contrast, a child who tries hard to master subjects, plays by the rules and treats others properly does not need special treatment to bring about good self-esteem. It is a by-product of hard work and achievement.
Conventional wisdom operates from our failed human perspective, which tells us that there is no effective manual available for raising good children, enjoying happy marriages and enjoying a fulfilled, happy life, but there is. It’s called The Bible, which tells us to “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from It“. It also includes precise guidelines for every area of life, and it is full of love. It works. Research it for yourself.
Youth were taught that rights come with responsibility, and that taking an oath was a very serious matter. Today, a good reputation isn’t considered as valuable as it once was. Today, people who lie under oath and demonstrate self-defeating behavior are often viewed as icons. Kids were taught that actions have consequences. Today, conventional wisdom is to provide programs and excuses to help youth avoid consequences, which often prohibits the person from learning valuable lessons they could learn from facing the consequences of their actions.
Conventional wisdom says that everyone has the right to do as he or she pleases. When consequences arise, conventional wisdom labels the person a ‘victim’. Programs like needle exchange and free condoms are offered to avoid consequences and allow the person to continue in dangerous, self-defeating behaviors. Conventional wisdom believes so-called ’Social Promotion’ of failing students protects self-esteem, but experience shows that it only produces people with a dead-end attitude and no basic job skills.
My parents warned us that illegal, dangerous behavior would severely limit our ability to take care of ourselves, and that we would have no one to blame but ourselves. They promised they would not bail us out of consequences of our bad choice, and that bad life choices only lead to poverty, jail, poor health, and even death, so we should choose wisely. We grew up drug free and crime free.
They used old sayings to help teach us, like ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again’, Today, conventional wisdom tells us, ‘If your bad choices block your success, stop trying, and you won’t be held responsibility. Instead of a little ‘tough love’, here’s a program‘.
Today‘s flawed “new morality” creates new concepts like ‘situational ethics (which says that each person determines right and wrong for themselves), What’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me; there are no absolutes, and other such nonsense. Anyone who promotes values and standards is considered ‘intolerant’. Schools mistakenly believe they can instill self-esteem in kids without self-control, self-respect, honesty or honor.
Every person inherently knows that it is wrong to participate in self-defeating behaviors, or to fail to seek excellence in school and in life. To do so results failure, defeat and the loss of a sense of self-worth, instead of the intended increase in self-esteem. By contrast, a child who tries hard to master subjects, plays by the rules and treats others properly does not need special treatment to bring about good self-esteem. It is a by-product of hard work and achievement.
Conventional wisdom operates from our failed human perspective, which tells us that there is no effective manual available for raising good children, enjoying happy marriages and enjoying a fulfilled, happy life, but there is. It’s called The Bible, which tells us to “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from It“. It also includes precise guidelines for every area of life, and it is full of love. It works. Research it for yourself.
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