SelahV Today

EVER FEEL LIKE A ROLEY-POLEY?

The other day my webhost asked one of those Barbara-Walters' questions:  If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?   I couldn't think of a single animal I'd want to be other than maybe a gazelle.  And only because they can run so fast and move so quickly.  That's the "old" portion of me fantasizing new cartilage and tendons that react on command.

I do, however, know what kind of insect I'd like to be.  They are rather ugly little creatures.  Gray ovals of multiple teeney legs that scoot along the surface of cool places.  They can often be found hiding beneath an old log, or under a rock.  Lately I feel I could enjoy being a roley-poley.  I could curl up into a little ball until some sweet child comes along and puts me in the center of her friendly warm palm.  Then I'd unfurl and crawl all over her hand and enjoy the giggles and happiness she has in her heart.  I could revel in the fact of just being "me" and being loved for exactly who I am.

That is similar to how I feel about the days of discouragement and the moments of disillusionment I have with people who have little to no regard for another person's feelings.  I see folks treat each other with less kindness than they do their cocker spaniels, and I naturally recoil at the sight.  I'm so glad that the Lord comes along and picks me up and puts me in the palm of His hand and lets me revel in the joy He gives--the mercy and forgiveness.  His steadfast love gives me heart for the dregs of life.  And in Him only do I trust to unfurl and relax.  selahV

THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR SUBSTITUTIONS

So Monday Haylee Jae asked if we could make cupcakes.  I said sure.  I opened the mix, and she dumped it in the bowl.  I measured out the water and oil in the cup and she poured it into the powdered mix.  Alas, I went to the fridge to get the eggs.  Opps.  Should have checked before I started the cake.  No eggs.  Uh oh.  What does a Grama do in the middle of a perfectly wonderful cooking lesson when there are no eggs to add to the mixture?  I remembered reading somewhere that we could substitute mayonaise for eggs.  One cup mayo equals 3 eggs.  Haylee wasn't convinced, especially when I put that blob of white stuff in her chocolate mix.  But she wanted the cupcakes and I hated to waste all those ingredients.  So we tried it.  The batter still tasted good, so we spooned the mixture into the paper liners and put them in the oven.  Twenty minutes later the cupcakes looked exactly like any cupcake I'd ever made.  Until... 

...I tried to take one out of the tin.  Even with their protective liners, the cakes crumbled and fell apart.  I learned a great cooking lesson.  Mayo ain't got nothing on eggs.   I can't even begin to apply icing to these fake cakes.  Now...they still taste good.  But they simply don't hold up--or together.

This brought to mind the folks in life who try to substitute personal viewpoint for biblical principles.  Intelligence for wisdom.  Good works for faith.  Temporal pleasure for eternal joy.  They may appear to work well for a season.  They may taste good.  They may satisfy the sensual appetite.  But all these things combined do not have the body necessary to hold life together.  In the final analysis, if there's something to be said about subtitutions, it's that nothing works like the Real Thing.  selahV     

IS IT POSSIBLE?

As a child I lived with constant criticism.  I mean daily.  "Stupid.  Lazy.  Useless.  Good-for-nothing."

  These barbs echoed in my mind when I slept.  I didn't like being me as a child.  The seeds sown in my life grew into thoughts of inferiority and unloveliness.  If not for the sovereign protection of my Lord, I probably would still be wallowing in self-loathing.  But God sent folks into my life (mostly through church, and Christian school-teachers) who planted seeds of affirmation that contradicted the criticisms.

I think about that each time I see a child in the hallways or in a pew at church.  I think about that when I watch them walk down the street in front of my house, or down an aisle at Wal-Mart.  I think about that when I have a waitress I could disparage or a clerk I could chastize.  I even think about that when I get ready to hang up on a telemarketer.  Has anyone said anything kind to them today?  Will I?  Will you?

When I was a youth leader, I use to give my youth 10 kernels of popcorn.  I told them they could throw them away when they saw someone do something kind and told that person they saw it.  I told them to make every effort to watch for times when goodness was visible.  When we had a youth event, they were to give the kernel to the other person each time they wanted to encourage them for something.  No words were necessary.  They just handed each other kernels of corn.  It was really wonderful to watch them encouraging each other and looking for the positive in one another.

Today I think about we bloggers.  I wonder if we all took the time to consider ten positive things about a blog-host before we commented on their blog (or a fellow commenter in the stream), how our comment would appear in the stream.  What would the tone be like?  I wonder if we mentioned a few of those positive things to them in the stream if that would help us communicate better when we had differences?  Is it possible to dwell on that which is pure?  Is it possible to "do unto others as we would have them do to us"?  Or do we think so little of ourselves that we invite barbs rather than blessings?  selahV 

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2009]

PROTECTED FROM GOD'S GLORY, LEST....

Can you imagine standing on a mountain top and seeing God in all His glory?  Can you comprehend such a moment?  A moment where you actually hear God's voice?  Witness a transfiguration?!

I've had some glorious moments in the Lord.  Truly glorious.  I've been a part of revivals in two little country churches where over a dozen people were saved and the tongues of men and women were loosed in public confession of sin and repentance and reconciliation for hours.  Glorious!  Only the Spirit of the Living God could have produced such all-encompassing joy.  I want to see that again.

"Then Moses said, 'I pray You, show me Your glory." Exodus 32:27.

And God did.  Moses couldn't look on God's face or he would have died. 

"Then the Lord said, 'Behold there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.  Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen." Exodus 32:21-23 [Emphasis mine]

Can you imagine?  God puts Moses in the cleft of the rock and covers him with His hand.  Physically.  Held in place by God.  Shielded from His perfect glory.  And Moses got to look at God's back.  What a marvelous, amazing thing to experience.  Yet, God's glory is so beyond anything we could possibly understand or experience in our human form, that God cannot let us see all of it.  He must protect us from His glory.  If we were to see it, we'd surely die.

I have never seen God, but I've seen His manifested glory in His creation.  I've felt His love when my son died and knew His presence in a way I cannot begin to explain.  I know I was in the cleft of His Rock and covered with His hand.  And I will never, ever forget the peace God gave me in that moment.  My soul looks forward to the day I will see Christ face to face.  Can you imagine?  Show us Your glory, Lord, as we can each absorb it, as we can comprehend it.  Show us Your glory.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, June 2008, reprinted 2009] 

WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED

God reminds me of yesterday.  He doesn't get all worked up about me understanding today or finding a solution to fix my problem.  He doesn't give me visions of tomorrow with a perfect cloudless day.  He takes me back to all He's done in my life.  The blessings.  The provision.  The protection.  The sustaining presence of His power, mercy and grace.

"I will [earnestly] recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will [earnestly] remember the wonders [You performed for our fathers] of old.  I will meditate also upon all Your works and consider all Your [mighty] deeds." Psalm 77:11,12.  Amplified.

It's not enough for God to bring those memories to my mind when difficulty comes.  I must earnestly recall all the deeds that He did in the lives of His saints.  I must meditate upon all He has done in my life. When I do this, it takes my mind off the futility of my present situation and lifts my spirit onto the wings of eagles.  One of the greatest things the Lord gave us is memory.  With memory we can recall all His goodness.  We are reminded by His Spirit that "the Lord will perfect that which concerns me." Psalm 138:8

What do you do when you get discouraged?  selahV

[© SelahV TODAY, hariette petersen, 2008] 

ARE YOU BOUND?

What are your bonds?  Hatred?  Anger?  Discouragement? Pessimism?  What limits you?  Regrets?  Bitterness?  Fear?  Faithlessness?  What holds you down and impedes your progress?  A habit?  Unforgiveness?  Sin?

Some people are fueled by their bonds.  The same thing that imprisons them, strangles the sufficiency of life God intends.  As they struggle against the chords of opposition, they do not yield their power to Him, thereby, strengthening their bonds' grip on their hearts, minds, spirit and emotions.

"O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds.  I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord." Psalm 116:16, 17.

In Christ I am set free.  He loosed my bonds.  All that binds me today is what I allow to hold me--that which I embrace and will not surrender.  The weight of this world is not mine to shoulder.  The evil is not mine to fear.  The culture is not mine to imitate.  Christ has overcome it all.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008, 2009] 

ERUPTIONS BENEATH THE SURFACE

Sometimes we have no idea how much heat it takes to bring to surface that which lies beneath.  We travel along life's highways and think all is well. Unbeknown-est to the unsuspecting world lurks a heat that is slowly cooking on under that which is seemingly solid ground.  Unlike the proverbial frog, that's eventually found floating on the top of the simmering pot, that's no longer able to hop out--lifeless--some things explode in anguish.  It's similar to the tolerant and temperate who finally take all they can take of the pick, pick, pick, poke, poke, poke.  This weekend that slow cooking proved fatal to a two-lane strip of roadway on Lawton's east side.  The continual beams of invisible heat streamed forth on Lee Boulevard until it had enough.  The concrete buckled and the earth moved--erupting into a big mass of impassable roadway.

My weather station said it was 103 degrees in Lawton this weekend.  (It's hard to believe it was that cool; it felt much hotter.  At one point last week it was 107.)  The road buckled so badly that they had to bring out repair crews to fix it on a Saturday.  Pretty impressive, wouldn't you say?  The entire two lanes of Lee Blvd. looked like a giant mole had burrowed beneath it and left a 12-inch high hill.  In order to pass into Lawton and get to Taco Bell, one had to drive on the shoulder of the road.  When I snapped the picture I couldn't help but wonder how many other places had a similar explosion of pavement.  That night on the evening news, they reported two other streets in Lawton that faced similar fates.

This illustrates to me how lax we can become sometimes in life.  We'd all pretty well gotten use to the heat.  We just cranked up our AC and hit the water-parks.  As much as was possible, we who owned vehicles with air-conditioning, traveled over that strip of road as if it were 68 degrees outside.  We basically didn't much notice what was going on beneath the surface of our tires.  We didn't much care.  We just took for granted it would always be there.  We never gave a second thought to the fact that the slow baking heat could cause a mini-quake in the earth.  But it did.

Makes me wonder how many other things in life we take for granted.  How long do differences in temperature, views, beliefs, and ideas simmer and cook before these relationships erupt beneath our feet?  I wonder.  selahV 

INTERESTING POST THAT I READ TODAY...DATED 6/30/09.  Seems Denny Burk is concerned about the "ground beneath our feet" also.

IF YOU LIKE ME...OR NOT

...I knew you'd enjoy seeing these precious little girls.  My eldest granddaughter, Bethany, spent a half-hour on her little sisters' hair, then got them all gussied up and took them to the meadow at my daughter's house.  She took their pictures, made a Father's Day card and album for dad.  And she gave me a framed photo of the sweethearts.  I played with the photos today and added some captions, so I could add them to my journal.  Just thought I'd give ya some ideas on what to do with your photos.  Enjoy....

  

AIN'T WE SWEET?

HAPPY MONDAY!

TIME FOR A TEAPARTY!  

God is sooo very good to me!  selahV 

IN DAYS OF CONFRONTATION

  There are times you are confronted by people who do not agree with you.  They may oppose your ideas, your faith, your views.  They may simply not like you because you stand steadfast to principles.  As a leader this can be disheartening.  At times this opposition threatens your job and your peace of mind.  It may even challenge your character.  Most often an adversary waits till you are most vulnerable to confront you.

"They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and my support." Psalm 18:18

I have some gorgeous 6-foot Hollyhocks in my backyard.  Their pink, burgandy and magenta blossoms surround large thick stems.  Even though those stems are sturdy, they are subject to destruction in days of windy Oklahoma storms.  I stake the ground near them with old shovels, fallen limbs and an old bed-frame to support them during the days of their "calamity".

To Christians, the Lord is our stay and support.  He holds us up in the midst of all the opposition we face.  He undergirds and is our sure foundation.  Nothing can harm us with God as our stay.  Our day of calamity will pass.  We will wake to new days of joy and peace.  And He sets our feet on solid ground as we walk in the ways of His righteousness.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2008, 2009]

MORE REASON TO PRAY FOR IRAN

Sometimes I get so discouraged listening to all the reports coming out of Iran.  I see their struggle and wonder what can we do?  I think, well I can pray.  And I have.  But so often I've wondered...what are the results.  All the while I question, I know that in my heart I have no right to question.  I am led to pray...and the results are in God's hands.  Today I went to COMMISSION STORIES website and there was a story via video and below the video is a written account of Davoud and Susan.  It's so worth reading and more importantly worth seeing how your prayers and mine are being answered.  selahV

DAVID PLATT AND ME OR ANYONE ELSE

I didn't get to hear David Platt's stirring sermon that has everyone (who attended the Louisville convention last week), talking.  I'm hoping my pastor bought the tapes.  I'll ask him tomorrow.  However, I read this excerpt at iMonk's blog that I think is credited to Bro. Platt:

“God will make his glory known, whether we risk it all or not. God doesn’t need us. God never needed us. We need him. We desperately need him and because we need him so much we should be willing to risk everything for his glory. One Purpose. The truth is, the entire Southern Baptist Convention could drop dead and turn to dust and God will still make his name rise about above every other name and his glory will be shown.”  [strike-through mine]

What I really like about this quote is that we could easily do a fill-in-the-blank with:  "The truth is, I, Hariette (or you whomever)______ could drop dead and turn to dust and God will still make His name rise about (above) every other name and His glory will be shown."

I so agree with David Platt.  In fact, as I was perusing some old posts of mine I found one I wrote in 2008 that voiced a similar theme I felt might need republishing.  As I read my own words I almost thought I may have been reading Bro. Platt's mind and heart long before I'd ever heard of him.  Oh that we'd all find a personal message in the voice of God.

"NO WE CAN'T...'FOR VAIN IS THE HELP OF MAN"

Moses is considered one of Israel's greatest leaders.  However, Moses could not part the Red Sea.  Moses could not rain down manna from heaven every day for decades to feed millions of people.  Moses could not make a pair of sandals that survived 40 years of wandering in the desert.  Moses could not produce water from a rock.  Moses could not meet the desires of the people.  Moses could not change their hearts or make them follow the commandments of God.  And by his disobedience, Moses could not enter the Promised Land.

"Give us help against the adversary, for vain is the help of man." Psalm 108:12

No one can do what God can do.  No man can be what God can be, but Jesus.  What man cannot do, God did.

God sent His only begotten son, born of a virgin, to a world already condemned to death.  And through His life, Christ showed us the holiness the Father in Heaven expects of us.  And none of us can do it; for all fall short of the glory of God.  None of us can obey the commandments.  And our disobedience and sin rewards us with death.  We can do nothing about that.  Some day we will all die.  Every last one of us.  No matter how great our healthcare plan is.  No matter how much money we accumulate.  No matter how educated we become.  No matter how much force we exert upon others.  No matter how much we try to avoid it; we will die.  We will meet our Creator and we cannot change that. We will either be separated from Him forever or join Him in a great celebration of eternal life.   

Jesus in the Way, the Truth and the Life.  And no one can come to the Father but through Him.  It is through the blood of Jesus, not men, that we are saved.  May we all seek to follow His command to go into all the world and share this Gospel message.  This we can do--but only by His grace.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008, 2009]

No matter when we hear it, read it or comprehend it...it is timely to recognize that God is God, and Jesus reigns on High.  We are so very privileged to be a part of His plan.  We are so honored to share in that plan.  And to be counted among those saints of old is all the reward we need for something we can not do without His grace.  I thank David Platt for reminding me and anyone else who heard his voice of this fact.  selahV

 

WHEN THE DEVIL DANCES...

...do you play his tune?  I often wonder what actions, words, and thoughts play right into the movements of Satan's dance steps.  Does interpreting God's Word to fit our desires, our comfort, our plans add notes of rest that cause us to linger in the devil's arms of temptation?  Does disregard for others and what we do around them, add the beat that goes on and on?  Does indifference towards God's Word lend harmony to the devil's melody?  I think minds go dizzy with all the pleasure eyes absorb in watching the sway and spin of others who claim innocence, exemption--or higher knowledge.  And thus, our sighs of apathy provide the clanging crescendo.

Does it make any difference what I eat or drink?  what I wear?  where I go?  who I associate with?  Does it really matter all that much what I read, what I say, how I say it?  Is it all that necessary to forgive someone when they maliciously accuse me of something I haven't done?  When one sins, is it anyone else's business if no law is broken?  Is my conscience clear because I say it is or others confirm my thoughts?  Can I be deceived?  Can others?  Who would deceive us?  Does liberty in Christ give license to weaken precepts, principles and ignore anecdotal situations from Biblical accounts?  Is obeying God and following Him as much as one is led a sign of bondage?

Recently I read, "...we were not called into bondage but to liberty...for God has granted us not to be judged by what we eat or drink, instead has called us into the glorious freedom of the sons of God...We know that God answers according to grace...My liberty is my liberty and I will not surrender it to any one. It is God's gift to me and I honor it. I will not flaunt it, but I will not be brought again into captivity by those who say taste not, touch not, either."   I do not understand.

Can the liberty I own through the grace bestowed upon me in Christ, grant allowances for my lack of discernment?  discretion?  choices?  While I hum "Jesus Paid It All", do "I surrender all" to Him or sing another's fabricated tune--one of my own?  Do the songs we sing in praise become as clanging cymbals without His love to write the lyrics?  Can pride so fill our heads with illusion that we cannot hear the discord in the chords of Satan's songs?  Am I ever tone-deaf to his lies and lead others to face the music on their own?

Let me "be still and know", oh Lord.  Let me "know".  "For I am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I've committed unto You, against this day."

Ears to hear, O Lord.  Eyes to see.  A mind to discern.  And a heart turned to You completely.  Let my Spirit be one with Thee in whatsoever I say and do.  May I see all the ground I walk upon as holy in Your sight.  May I always dance with You, my King.  Give me a new song to sing for You and only You.  This is my plea, Oh, Jesus, my Redeemer.    selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2009]

BEFORE WE ASSUME WE KNOW...

...WHAT ANOTHER PERSON IS OR ISN'T...we may want to check the mirror.

Ever notice how easy it is for some folks to point out flaws in another?  Why are some folks so familiar with another's presumed weaknesses and failings?  Do we ever stop to consider where they may be in their walk with the Lord?  Do we ever make allowances for their possible immaturity?

"Beware of looking to see where other people come short.  God expects us to be exactly what we know the other person should be--when we realize that, we will stop criticizing and having a measuring rod for other people." Oswald Chambers, The Place of Help, 1935

Grace and mercy seem to be the measuring rod of a person who has been forgiven much.  A person who has humbled himself in obedience and yielded a particular vice unto the Lord, seems to be able to render so much mercy for others with that vice.  The thing we see wrong in a person today, may not be what that person is in ten years or twenty.  It's certain I am not like I was ten years ago; are you?  As we grow as Christians, we are being sanctified and hopefully changing for the better.  We can hope the same for others.

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."  1 Corinthians 4:5

I think this means, let the tares grow up.  Don't cut off anyone's ears.  Keep that mirror clean.  And if the Lord should let everyone else live till He returns, what is that to us?  selahV

[© SelahV Today, Hariette Petersen, 2008,9]

HOW WILL WE PLAY NOW?

I sat in my daughter's backyard yesterday and watched my grandchildren play in the sandbox filled with sand.  They scooped up the sand and dumped it into one of those little plastic strainers.  Then they sifted it, shaking it back and forth.  The finer pieces of ground earth fell through the holes and left behind teeney tiny pebbles.  Odd.  The brown pebbles were not the same as the red pebbles and the white pebbles were not like any of the others.  Yet collectively, they were all called "sand".  It wasn't long before the joy of playing in the sand lost its excitement and Kinsey began tossing it in the air.  I noticed that when they played with the sand (in the manner in which their father had placed it in the wooden box he'd built), they were content and happy.  But the minute the sand was tossed in the air, eyes were peppered with tiny bits of sand that scratched and caused them each to cry.  No longer did the sand bring them joy.  The sand hadn't changed; the purpose changed.

As I thought about where our Father has placed each of we Christians in life--with all our gifts and respective ministries--I wondered:  Will we play nice with what He has given us?  Or will we throw it in the air?  selahV

WELL, SHUT MY MOUTH

There are times when talking is futile:  When a person has preconceived ideas.  When a person has already made up their minds.  When another is always right.  When a conversation has changed to an argument.  When logic and reason is impossible.  When anger rules the emotions.  When others don't like you.  Each of these are times when it is best to shut one's mouth.

If a discussion is necessary, another time would be best.  If a point is true, it will withstand the assaults of others.  If a person's mind is made up, there's little chance of changing it and it's best to leave everything in the hands of God.

"But I, like a deaf man, hear not; and I am like a dumb man who opens not his mouth.  Yes, I have become like a man who hears not, in whose mouth are not arguments or replies.  For in You, O Lord, do I hope; You will answer, O Lord my God."  Psalm 38:13-15.

It's possible that even I can't hear for the debates in my own mind.  It's possible that the people with whom I want to communicate can't hear me for the same reason.  It's times we are at a complete loss for words.  In these times, I must step back.  Be still.  Pray and wait for God's direction.  And many times it is He who will answer.  Not I.  selahv

[SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008]

WHY I BOUGHT "ALCOHOL TODAY"

No.  This post is not a true confession about me purchasing a scotch on the rocks or a case of beer.  It's not a post trying to persuade you to think like me, either.  It is simply a post on why, after receiving a free autographed copy of Peter Lumpkins' first book, ALCOHOL TODAY, Abstinence in an Age of Indulgence, it was worth forking out the money to purchase five more copies of the book.

Apart from the fact that I personally know the author and can, with great privilege, call him a loyal friend of thirty years, I am persuaded that this book is worth giving as a gift to some folks I know.

One copy is going to my daughter.  I'm trying to keep her from sinning.  No, she isn't a drunkard.  In fact, she agrees with the entire premise of the book's content.  So why would she want to read something she already agrees with when she is such a busy wife/mother/deacon's wife?  As it happened she saw my copy and was green with envy.  As she poured over the back cover, she got greener.  She said, "You need to give this to Bro. Doug."  She recalled multiple conversations with Peter that she'd had as a child, a teenager, a young adult when he would visit with us and preach revivals.  She knew his passion for young people and the concern he had for their well-being.  So that is why I bought the first copy of ALCOHOL TODAY--for her--I simply couldn't have her coveting mine.  She needed her own.  It provides more logical reasoning and vital information to help her as she deals with her teenage sons and guides teens at church.  It cites statistics that show "an estimated 46 MILLION persons 12 and older are binge drinkers...an estimated 300 drinking "binges" per day by 12 to 13 year olds alone."   It makes the argument that if it is morally acceptable for one to indulge in a mind-altering drug such as alcohol, it only lends credence to posit for any other mind-altering drug as morally acceptable.  Such should not be.

Peter Lumpkins' passion for abstinence is superceded only by his passion for living for Christ and surrendering to Him every portion of his life.  Writing this book stems in part from Peter's call as a young man to preach the Gospel.  He knows firsthand how one taste of fermented, adulturated grain or fruit places children, teenagers and young people at dangerous risk.  He knows how the negative example of a parent or respected leader sets a trap for these young people.  In ALCOHOL TODAY, Peter shares scientific and historical evidence that speaks to the issue of indulgence and the cost and toll it takes upon society.  But greater still is his clear, succinct Biblical case for abstinence.

Another reason I bought 5 copies of ALCOHOL TODAY is because I wanted to give one to my pastor as my daughter suggested.  I dearly love our pastor and his expository preaching.  I love the messages he preaches on the grace of God, the joy of Christ, and the sovereignty of God in Job's life.  I love the fact that he never preaches on politics but preaches the Word of God and how our relationship with God should be reflected in our life choices and actions.  I love that he leads our church to support the Pregnancy Resource Center in our town which helps young women who are considering abortion to decide to keep their babies instead of killing them.  I love that he does not see color when he looks at the shade of someone's skin.  And I knew my pastor didn't need a book that offered the same old arguments and worn-out phrases he'd heard for years on the subject of alcohol abstinence, and would appreciate a fresh approach to the position.  So, I believed it would be a great resource for his library.  When my pastor looked at the cover and read the title, he nodded affirmatively, and said, "We need this."  And now he has it.

So why else would I buy 5 copies of ALCOHOL TODAY?  I was reading mine while waiting for my Christian counselor.  When I went in for my appointment, she saw it.  She took my copy and scanned the contents.  The chapter on Prohibition captured her eye.  "I just heard a discussion on the Christian radio today about Prohibition.  This is great!  I need a copy."  I told her I had one on the way.  I wanted to give it to her for all she has done for me in processing the death of my son who was killed as a result of his tolerance with another's drunkenness.

My counselor insisted on paying me right then and there.  She was thrilled when I delivered her copy.  She did not need to read a book on all the woes of alcohol.  She counseled families, abused women, and children--every day--who were living examples of the consequences of the alcohol industry.  She didn't need more conviction for her own position of abstinence as a pastor's wife or therapist.  No.  She wanted the book for the same reason most people ought to read this book.  She thumbed through the impressive 6-page bibliography.  She knew immediately that this little 166-page volume was far more than one man's experience and dogmatic viewpoint.  She knew it was a piece of scholarly apologetics on the abstinence of alcohol in a culture ignited by passion, desire and myopic pleasure-seeking.  She wanted to see the first book published in over 50 years that addressed this issue from a Biblical perspective.  And now she has it.

Another reason I bought 5 copies of ALCOHOL TODAY is because I knew God wanted me to place two volumes in the Cameron University Library here in Lawton, Oklahoma.  I wanted them to have a book on their shelves that spoke with solid Biblical reason and academic evidence for the position of abstinence.  I wanted a university to have Peter's first book because of his love for education and the hunger for learning truth and dividing it from falsehoods and presumptions.  It's in honor of that respect for academia that I will donate these to them.  Who knows what God will do with this little volume?  I don't.  But I do know one thing.

I know what God has done with the young boy whose most vivid memory of his father is that he always had a beer in his hand.  I know how God took that young man from a life filled with his own life-threatening alcohol abuse to become an educated man, pastor and writer.  And I know that if anyone reads this book they will not be disappointed for having spent the money.  For even opponents to his position will have to think hard and long about the arguments he presents.  Even they will appreciate the "riveting manner" in which he builds his argument and makes his point.  Even they will judge ALCOHOL TODAY with a critical eye that will challenge more thought and provoke a response and engage others in conversation.  And all because a man led by God, saved by grace and living by faith, answered the call to address one of the most controversial issues of his era--alcohol in an age of indulgence.  selahV

[At the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, KY, Peter Lumpkins and Dr. Jerry Vines will be present for a Book Signing Monday, June 22, 2009 from 11 am - 12 noon. The Book Signing will take place in the LifeWay Bookstore part of the SBC Display area.]

RELATED POSTS: 

WHY JESUS CHANGES WATER

DR. PETER LUMPKINS HITS A HOME RUN

RADIO INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, PETER LUMPKINS

WHY JESUS CHANGES WATER...

Should we be surprised that Jesus could turn water into wine at the Cana wedding feast, when they ran out of beverage?  No.  Of course not.  Given all we know about our Savior today, we shouldn't be surprised if He made water into diet Coke if He wanted to, (albeit that may have been as ridiculous as riding into Jerusalem on the hood of a Corvette).  What purpose would that serve to teach the people of that time?  Idiocy aside, we must recognize that the guests at that Cana wedding questioned the contents of those water pots as much as many theologians do today.  The freshly created beverage was far superior to anything they'd been drinking thus far.  Why was the best saved for the last?  How did he do that?  To be honest, with all the thoughts I've read on that event through my 30-plus years as a Christian, I've never wondered how, but I have wondered why Jesus chose a wedding for His first miracle?  Why not at a funeral?  Why not raise someone from the dead?  Instead, He chooses to make wine. 

Throughout Scripture, God makes so much sense with all His symbolism.  He provides the unlikely to reveal a part of Himself and His character:  an ark closed from the outside by the hand of God to save a remnant of the world, a raised rod to part the sea and save all those who look upon it from the poisonous consequence of serpent bites, a little boy's lunch to feed thousands with twelve baskets of leftovers, a bursting net to manifest His provision to wearied fishermen, a resurrection of a friend who'd been dead for days to prove time nor circumstance has any limitation on Christ, gifts of gold, frankincense and myhrr to a baby for a death of a king to come, The Vine, the branches, the fruit, the harvest. 

But water into wine?  Why?

In light of all the destruction that comes from drinking alcoholic beverages today, shouldn't we question why He would do this?  It seems to contradict all that is pure and holy about our Lord.

It wasn't until I read Peter Lumpkins' book, ALCOHOL TODAY, Abstinence In An Age Of Indulgence, that I discovered a greater significance to the miracle of so long ago.  Finally, "what" Jesus made is as significant as the Who and why.  The case for abstinence that Peter Lumpkins offers as a result of this first recorded miracle of Christ our Lord is soundly in keeping with all I have come to treasure about God and how He works out details as well as generalities in life to preach His message of salvation.  Indeed, I think I've just tasted fresh wine, sufficient to meet all my needs.  selahV   

ARE YOU VULNERABLE? Part 6...MINISTRY PITFALLS & PROMISES

To be sure, as ministers [or even Christians in secular work], we can often have a myopic view when it comes to the thing that claims the greatest amount of our time.  We not only see ministry as "doing" what God has called us to do, but also His provision by which we supply our family's needs.  Recognizing the weight of responsibility a minister feels for not only his family but the flock the Lord has given him to tend, he can be overwhelmed with the details of carrying out his responsibilities.  It's not easy to balance time between family and ministry obligations, especially if the minister has the gift of servanthood.  All too often he will find himself giving of himself so intensely that he fails to even recognize the needs of his family.  And the family, in an attempt to share him because he is called of God is torn. They have difficulty dealing with their need to have him with them and knowing that he is "serving" God.  Who wouldn't want to set themselves aside for so noble a calling?  What child wouldn't feel selfish to expect him to attend their ball-game when Dad needs to be with church members going through a family crisis?

Pitfalls begin when the balance weighs heavier on one side than the other.  When this happens, we can find ourselves dealing with underlying feelings of resentment.  The minister resents the position he finds himself in due to the demands of his church and the needs of his family.  The wife or children resents the church for demanding so much of their minister that all they get is leftovers.  If allowed to build, this resentment turns upward towards God because, after all, He is the one Who has called the minister to what he is doing.

Other pitfalls:

~~When a pastor is a micro-manager of every detail and cannot find the humility to relinquish tasks, to delegate to others to make more time available.

~~When lack of time (due to micro-managing every detail of church work), robs him of quality personal devotion time, and sermon preparation time.

~~When poor time management makes it difficult to schedule vacations or family time off.

~~When the pastor allows his church to abuse his schedule and interrupt his plans for anything they choose.  (One pastor always took the phone off the hook during dinner.)

~~When a pastor allows members to dictate what role his wife has in the church rather than God.

~~When a pastor feels it is necessary to know everything.  (One pastor shares: I have absolutely nothing to do with the handling of the money.  As pastor, I serve as an ex officio member of the finance committee.  I do not count offerings, handle deposits, write checks, etc.  I always provide full accountability for any budgeted funds I may spend in the way of supplies, travel expenses, etc.  I do not know what each church member gives.)

~~Fails to keep a confidence, or shares complaints about members with one particular member in the church.  (One minister shares, "I am as transparent as possible with the people in my church as well as my peers in the ministry.  But I do not go from meeting to meeting sharing all the details of every problem, slight I may have with a member.  Some areas of my life are intensely personal, but for the most part I don't exclude others from my life in general.)

~~Fails to recognize limitations.  (There are some things I cannot do.  I refer membership to professionals for counseling in finances or psychology when it is clear that their problems are beyond my scope of expertise or Spiritual gifts.)

~~Minor on the details...some details should not be ignored.  (I try to maintain integrity with people.  I try to be punctual with appointments, return phone calls, etc.  I strive to present ideas, agendas and plans within the established framework of the church's polity.)

Other suggestions offered:

~~Christians maintain a spirit of reconciliation at all times (remember that our spouses only choice was to marry a sinner too), likewise--our churches' only choice is to call a sinner, too.

~~Keep a reality check on expectations of yourself, your church, your family and community.  (Some things need time to pursue or implement...be patient; allow God to work in His time.)  Resentment often arises from unmet expectations.

~~As for God, expect He will act with surprising, and sometimes confusing,
sovereignty. Usually we will not understand His ways.  Guard yourself from discouragement because things don't go your way.

~~As for detecting spots of vulnerability.  Christians need to consider
everything a vulnerable spot.  Never believe you are strong in any area of holiness. 1 Cor. 10:12.  Warning signs of impending struggle include anxiety, self-pity (I deserve more
than I am receiving), harshness, anger.  Temptation to blame others.

Ministry for Christ is always met with trials, tribulations and attacks.  Always.  That is Satan's job to impede, curtail, confound, confuse and destroy the forward motion of any Christian progress.  His job is to create an atmosphere of discouragement, fear, and weariness.  It is vital for ministers to understand that any church they serve will have problems and face problems.  But God is in the details and "faithful is He Who has called you Who will also do it."  There is nothing God is calling you to do that He will not provide a way for it to be accomplished.  Remember, not all ministries within the church are necessary...and any ministry that is necessary, God will provide a person to lead it and the means by which to do so.  It's not all on your shoulders...let go and let God.  Practice what you preach and trust God...He is trustworthy.  And when ministry seems overwhelming and you wonder why you are doing what you are doing, remember He is worthy.  Very worthy, indeed.  selahV

KIDS MATTER...THEY REALLY DO

[UPDATE...6/17/09...MORE THOUGHTS FROM BROOKLYN AND ONE FROM ABBY ON KID'S MATTERS] My 11-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, is visiting for a couple of days and was playing on my computer.  Not to let the play time go to waste, I gave her an assignment to write a story, or thought, that she could share for my KIDS MATTERS blog.  Neat thoughts came forth.  Don't you agree?  If you do, leave her a comment.  Everyone needs a bit of encouragement when they begin their writing career.  Doncha think?  selahV 

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Are You Typical? TEXT THIS...

What is a typical family these days?  Do they eat together at the table or in the living room with TV trays, and television tuned into the news (or Mom's favorite TIVO-ed program)?  Does the family pray before meals?  Do you pry the I-phones and cell-phones out of texting-teen teens fingers long enough to have a conversation?  Are you all a-Twitter about what the rest of the world is doing--Iran's bogus elections, North Korea's nuclear bomb threats, murdering radical Islamist extremist killing an American soldier in front of a recruiting office in the United States in broad daylight?  or do ya'll chat about one another's day...the flowers that were planted, the ticks taking over the back yard, the fear your child has when left alone, the bruised emotions of your pre-teen's heart because her friends betrayed her, the funny things God brought about in your day?

Do you even sit in the same room more than 15 minutes without an outside distraction?  Do all your family's activities consist of soccer and softball practice--then attending games?  Or do you sit around and play dominoes, Yatzee, Monopoly and Bible Triva games?  Do you have croquet in the back yard, a swimming pool, horseshoes, and badmitton?  Or do you have pristine lawns that must be mowed, trimmed and weed-eated?

Do you have Family Worship times together?  Do you pray with your children individually in their rooms at night?  Before they go to school or begin their day?  Do you still take time to put Christ at the center of your lives by sharing a scripture and talking about what it means?  Or do ya just leave that to teachers on Sunday morning?

Exactly what is typical for you with family time?  A worship time?  A devotional, prayer time?  A conference time where you share your thoughts about the family's interaction and ideas about the world at large?  Do you help form your family's philosophy, cultural engagement, or do you let the world form their philosophy and cultural engagements?   I'd really like to know...can you share any pointers with us?  selahV