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.
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