Schindler

Last week we watched Schindler's List for the first time. As excellent as it is, I don't know if I could watch it again. Thinking about the suffering that went on during that time made me appreciate in a new way how good we have it in America. To live in a time and a place where we can raise our children and live in peace is a wonderful, wonderful thing. I think we usually take it for granted. Much of the human race, both now and in all periods of the past have not enjoyed peaceful lives. I don't know why we have it and so, so many others don't. We need to be more thankful...and live out our thankfulness by service and dedication to God.

Fuddy Duddy Sunday

Last Sunday the weather was perfect (for August)- dry, cool, blue sky, breeze (and not a single lawn mower mowing).

We decided to pass up VBS Sunday (the service that wraps up Vacation Bible School and is taken up by lots of kiddy singing and skits). It just doesn't work for me- there's something about it that seems like it is glorifying something (or someone) other than God.

(Don't worry- it's just me, ok? I admit it: I'm a Fuddy Duddy. Or, maybe I'm not a Fuddy Duddy- maybe I'm just able to "see through" some of the malarkey of modern feel-good-ism- I don't know.)

Anyway, it was the first day I can remember that I didn't have to even leave the yard. Just the yard, the flower garden, the hummingbirds, our family, reading and chatting on the deck. It was like a taste of heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for simple pleasures. Thank you for the gift of rest...and a restful home.

Pains in the Neck (Part 3)

Thinking about physical symptoms that are always "there"- another spiritual lesson that they teach is that there is another "sickness" or condition that is also "always there" (at least for the remainder of mortal life).

That condition is sin- the ongoing presence of the sin nature- what some older Christian writers used to call "remaining sin." The Apostle wrote that he did what he didn't want to do and he didn't do the things he wanted to do. Isn't that the way with us all? Sure, the gross sins like cursing, cheating on taxes, and stealing are done away fairly easily- but what about the "inner" sins, the sin that no one else sees? - jealousy, greed, lust?

I try to think of the ongoing presence of sin as something that can be a reminder, in turn, of the blessings of forgiveness that come with a living faith in Christ. When I am reminded of my ongoing need for forgiveness, I tend to also remember that there is, in fact, forgiveness available to me from a gracious, holy, and loving God, through Christ.

But not because I deserve it. And not because God "winks" at it, but because through his perfect holiness and justice and love the price has been paid for me. And for you (if you believe). It was paid, once for all, on the cross. God be Praised.