My first "blogger' book review, One of the Few by Jason Ladd

Having seen my name on another book blogging site, Mr. Ladd reached out to me, looking for an early review. Because I did not have an e-reader and was not interested in reading an entire book on a phone screen, he was kind enough to send me this very nice hard cover copy, including his signature on the title page. I must confess, I have not read the entire book. In fact, I have read a few pages short of half of the book.

Mr. Ladd is a Marine and for his service to our country I am grateful. In this autobiographical book, he shares the real life experiences of a young man making life decisions and navigating a career in the military, and then relates those experiences to a biblical truth regarding his relationship with Christ, making this a very practical book. Unfortunately for me, the book just didn't flow. The constant "herky-jerkiness" of the back and forth of real life to spiritual application and back again throughout the book made it difficult for me to stay with it. Additionally, the author's regular use of military terms and acronyms made for a challenging read to a non-military person like me.

Even though some of the practical applications drawn from the events of his life were, in my opinion, a bit of a stretch, his description of them was both interesting and enlightening. I feel that this book was written to a specific audience, of which I am not a member. I would strongly recommend this book to any with a military background. The accounts and unique spiritual discoveries would be a tremendous encouragement, especially if the reader is on their own spiritual journey toward/with Christ. Their understanding of the environment and acronyms will serve as a help to identify with the author and connect with his challenges. At this time of year, and any other time, this would be a great resource to give a soldier in your life. It will certainly offer clarity in a world of confusion for those seeking honest answers to life's tough questions.

Where do I go next?

Yesterday was my 47th birthday, which makes today the last day of November, the month that so many use to express their thankfulness. My eldest child posted a happy birthday message on my Facebook wall, along with a picture that is around 16 or 17 years old. I didn't even know it existed. As one of the coaches of her T-ball team, I was coaching at first base. She obviously has successfully hit the ball and stands securely at first base, looking for the next base to run to and I am pointing it out to her. Being Bethany's ball coach for around nine years was one of the funnest things in my life. It gave me a lot of time with her and it gave me a tremendous thought today.

If you are a daddy, I hope you feel the same way about it as I do. Personally, I think "Daddy" is the about the greatest title a man can hold. I have savored every minute of it. Of course, now it's usually "Dad" and I've added a couple young men to the list of individuals that call me such, but it's still great. Daddy and coach are pretty similar if you take the title seriously. For instance, take this picture...

As I stood at first base, Bethany stood at "home" with her first goal in mind, get to first base. When she reached first, although it isn't evident in this picture, I am sure there was a lot of congratulating and celebrating. By the way, there's also a big bunch of pride in the both of us once that goal is reached. I can almost hear the question, " Daddy, where do I go next?". Ergo, the picture of me pointing to second base, the next goal. Since this is T-ball we are talking about, I am sure that once her eyes were fixed on that goal and the first base coach sent her, she achieved that next goal.

From her position at "home", I have had the ultimate privilege to see goals placed before her, either by her or by me, and watched her successfully reach them. I have congratulated and celebrated so many times, I could not count them. I have also had innumerable opportunities to stand (or squat) beside her and answer the question, "Daddy, where do I go next?" and point her in the right direction and send her off. I have been blessed to be a part of every major decision that she has made. I do not take that for granted. It has been a highlight of my life.

Well, my little T-baller grew up and now she is playing some "major league" life. Again, after much coaching, she got up to bat...this time the goal wasn't as clear, but it became clear when she met him. With Mom and Dad's prayers and God's help, she reached that goal too. She's standing securely on first base, engaged to a great young man, and I'm still standing right there with her...and now we're both looking at "what's next". On March 18, I'm going to walk her down the aisle, but before I do, perhaps I'll stop for a moment and just for old times sake, whether she asks or not, and I'll just point to what (or rather, who) is next before I send her off. It'll probably be all that I can do while I cry tears of love, congratulations, and celebration. And as she rounds that next base, her eyes will fix on the next man, waiting to stand with her, set new goals, and celebrate all of her successes.

But hey, I'm still on the team, so I'll celebrate them too. This November, I am so thankful for the blessing of fatherhood and the children that made it a reality. If I may offer advice...take the title seriously, teach and direct accordingly, celebrate the successes, and always, always be there for the next, "Daddy, where do I go next?"

One of the most influential people in my life

For nearly 27 years, I have called her Mom, and as such she has, for every one of those years, been a teacher, guide, cheerleader, prayer warrior, example, and friend. Just as a mom should, she has corrected me, advised me, cried with me, prayed for me, and most tenderly loved me. But more importantly, she has done the same and more in the life of my wonderful wife, as her devoted mother. Those who know me know I am not a fan of the term "in-law". When I married Jennifer Burroughs, I inherited a family with no dashes or strings attached. Jen's mom is my mom. I propose a better reference to replace MIL. How about MOMS, Mother Of My Spouse?

I am grateful for her and have chosen today to express as much because tomorrow is her birthday. But this is no attempt to butter her up or gain brownie points. I finished that during our courting years when I wrote in a Mother's Day card, "My dad told me if I want to know what my wife will look like, just look at her mother. If that is true, then I am a lucky man." Pretty good, huh? That might not be exactly what I wrote, but it is very close and most of all, it worked. I have been putty in her hands ever since. No, I did not mix that up ;) My actual intention is to raise awareness of the tremendous good our MOMS are and do, yet their reputation does not reflect that. Believe me, I have seen and heard why. MOMS, in many cases, have not aided their cause. Unfortunately, these bad apples have spoiled the bunch. So if you have a good and godly MOMS, say as much. Certainly say it to her. She has doubly influenced your life for the good, in raising a husband or wife who loves Christ and you, and then she has taken you in and lead and loved you as her own. At least, that is what she has done in my life. Now take that understanding and, while you have time and opportunity, give honor where honor is due. Don't allow society to dictate how you talk about her. Don't give in to the assumption that "mother-in-law" jokes and insults are normal. MOMS and future MOMS, don't live up to this "popular belief". Influence your children for good. Their future wife/husband will be blessed by your efforts. If you are already in this position, use your influence to encourage and mentor a well-lived life. You can have that kind of influence if you refrain from complaining, interfering, and bossing.

So Happy Birthday (a day early) Mom. I love and appreciate you. You have been an example to my wife, to me, and I have to assume, to many other ladies who have endeavored to serve the Lord and raise a godly generation.

A new way to look at the scripture

I am not very good at developing "click bait" titles to bring in the traffic, but maybe today's got you. No, I am not getting ready to espouse some updated attempt to translate scripture. I am getting ready to tell you how my devotion time has been helped and blessed by looking at the scriptures through a specific set of lenses. Perhaps your devo time has gotten a bit stagnant, mired by the habit of it all. I know some people that like to rotate how they do or what they read during their private time with the Lord each day. Wait...You DO have a private time with the Lord each day, RIGHT? Well, if you don't, you may not even know where to begin so keep reading.

But you should have a private (=intimate) time with this person you say you love and who loves you most dearly.

Over the last several weeks, a few points have emerged from my devo time and I have been literally writing them down and responding to them. To the point, here they are with a little explanation.

• Personal Impression...Did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ can seen on every page of your Bible. He should. He is the Word. John 1:1 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." A pastor friend of mine is spending every day of this year presenting Jesus from the pages of the Bible, even from the Old Testament. It's a very good video series that you can find on this Facebook page. During your time in God's word, realize the personal impression of Jesus in the passage. What attribute, characteristic, or quality do you see? Is there a picture or type of Jesus? An easy example would be Psalm 23 where the Lord is pictured as a shepherd leading, providing, and protecting. 

• Practical Implication...The Bible can be broken into some very distinctive segments: poetry, history, prophecy, and several others. In every one of those portions of scripture there is a encouragement to be found to help you live a life that would lift up Christ and glorify God. In our example of Psalm 23, the first verse says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." What practical action can I take to more live a fuller and richer life for the glory of God? from this verse, I can begin to live a life of contentment and gratitude. Or perhaps the implication there is to stop complaining. Listen, the Bible is a great read, but James says in his book in chapter 1 and verse 22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

• Prayer Imperative...If the Bible is God speaking to you, and it is, then the appropriate response is to speak back. "I don't know what to say." I know. Many times, I do not either. When I do know what to say, it becomes a "Christmas Wish List" of blessings here and there. The psalmist wrote, "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name" in Psalm 138:2. God has magnified His word above His own name. That tells me that this word is probably His favorite thing to hear. What better words could be used to pray than His own? As you read, be aware of the things God is revealing about himself, about your self, things that you should be praying about. Perhaps you are convicted of sin. Note that and in prayer, confess it. Maybe you see something you should be or should be doing. Give it to the Lord in prayer. Again, from our example, you might pray, "Lord, help me to be obedient and submitted to your will as you lead me in paths of righteousness and may I learn to trust you and not fear, knowing your presence is always with me."

I hope that you can use these three "lenses" to view your Bible reading through and that as you see Jesus revealed, as well as Bible truth for your life, you would go to the Lord in prayer. This certainly is not the only or best way to study the Bible, but it has sure been helpful for me and I pray this perspective helps you.    

So, Why Was He Born?

Merry Christmas! Here we are in the middle of my favorite time of the year again. I love Christmastime. There is so much I love about it that if I started listing it, you wouldn't stay around to read the actual meat of the blog post. Have you ever noticed that there are a ton of things about the season that we just seem to accept? We accept December 25th as some sort of Holy Day. We accept the magi being in our nativities. We accept "oh how the angels sang" when the Bible doesn't record them singing. Not big deals to me or my celebrating. For the most part, it adds to the enjoyment of it all. However, there is one thing that has been recurring this year that I just can't accept anymore.

Why was Jesus born?

Short answer, heard in song and sermon alike, is "to die".

Nope. Nope. Nope. Well, not exclusively. He did come to die, for which I am ever grateful, but follow me for a bit here. For us to believe and promote that Jesus came to Earth to die, and some have said, "Just to die", is to imply that God wasted what we believe to be a little over 33 years of a wonderful life. I'm going to break the bonds of paragraph and give you some other reasons why He was born. I'm sure that this is not even close to an exhaustive list.

1. Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill." Our Bible is full of pages and pages of the law and the prophets and so much of it points to the purity and innocence of the Son of God. There is an inherent righteousness in the law of God and it is to be obeyed (Romans 8:4). The children of Israel said that they would fulfill it (Deut. 5:27) but they couldn't. No one can, not in our sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), so the Bible tells us that God sent his son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh. So now, according to scripture, those who are in Christ are now able to fulfill the righteousness of God, His law, by virtue of the life of Christ and the reality of Christ in the believer. We need his life for ours. 
2. That was the "law" part of Matthew 5:17, now for the "prophets" part. I believe that, aside from creation itself, fulfilled prophecy is one of the greatest evidences of God's existence, as well as evidence of His inspiration. According to your source, you will find that Jesus fulfilled around 300 prophecies, and quite probably more. Without the years of His life being lived out, recorded, and even historically verified, where would your confidence in God's word come from? I know, I know...God said it, I believe it...yeah, me too. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, so let me copy in something here from somebody who has already done the math..."According to “The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy” by J. Barton Payne, there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament for a total of 1,817. These prophecies are contained in 8,352 of the Bible’s verses. Since there are 31,124 verses in the Bible, the 8,352 verses that contain prophecy constitute 26.8 percent of the Bible’s volume." Isn't it awesome that so many of them have been fulfilled already?
3. Speaking of confidence, look at Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." The Lord Jesus Christ has "been there" and can empathize with us. Salvation is not about our feeble or most pious efforts to reach out to a holy God. It is the story of how the holy God reached out to us in the most compassionate way, walking in our shoes, experiencing our hurts. No wonder the Bible can immediately say, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." 
4. Enough for confidence. How about some comfort? John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Isn't that a wonderful comfort? Would it be found in a Bible that had no life of Christ in it?
5. You know what else would not be found in the Bible, without his life? His words. Luke 4:18 gives us the account of Jesus reading scripture from the book of Isaiah, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach..." and three verses later he said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Jesus used the years of life in ministry to preach with words and actions, which we now follow after, fulfilling the great commandment and the great commission.  

These are but a few, but I think the point is made. Jesus was born for much, much more than just to die. He was born to live and in living he gave us words to live by and preach, an example of servitude and righteousness, and great confidence to live for God for we know He is faithful and true to His word and wants to hear from us (I John 5:14, 15). So let me enjoy Christmas and the birth of my Savior. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that he died for my sins...but I'm also glad and privileged to strive to walk in the steps of a life well lived. 

And again I say, Merry Christmas!

p.s. Sorry it's been so long. I will try to do better.

Merry Christmas p.s.

Merry Christmas to you all! I love to say that and so is it any wonder that I am still saying that? And you do know what p.s. means, right? Just in case you don't, it means post script. It is commonly known as the piece of letter after the letter. So, my letter, or main message to you is Merry Christmas, meaning a couple things which I shall channel Gandalf in order to make them clear...

1. I wish for you a merry Christmas.
2. It is a merry Christmas, whether you want it or not.
3. I feel exceedingly merry this Christmas.
4. And yes, this is truly a Christmas to be merry on.

All of those speak to the relationship between my/your happiness upon the event of this holiday and I do wish to communicate every possible permutation of that hope for you and me. Christmas has brought and should always bring a great message of peace, joy, and good will toward men. At the risk of sounding elitist, I believe that the best people to carry such a message would have to be those who not only recognize the event as a Holy birthday, but have received the gift of salvation made possible by the coming of the Son of God. That brings me to my "p.s.".

I saw an advertisement during the holidays that stirred my thoughts and emotions. It was based on real events that took place on one Christmas day during World War I. I have posted the link in case you missed it. It is a powerful reminder of the real Spirit of Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWF2JBb1bvM

This year, more than ever, I read, heard, and heard of more debate from those wishing to make Christmas a platform for disagreement. Whether it was about the use of a Christmas tree, the real date of Christmas, the reference to Santa Claus, the actual time the wise men arrived, and on and on and on, there seemed to be more concern for the defense of a position than the advancement of the authentic message of Christmas. In hind sight, I could have stayed out of the discussions. I could have taken a lesson from the soldiers on that Christmas day 100 years ago. I could have been more focused on sharing the good news, the angels called them glad tidings, of a Savior who was born to save us from our sins, to forgive us our unrighteousness, and to bring peace, an indescribable lasting peace. I realized, this year, how important it is to ever and always exalt Christ. Many illustrations from my past convince me that the best thing that I can do, and it is what I am called to do, is make Christ known, give Him all the glory, all of the preeminence. I have said from the pulpit of Franklin Baptist Church many times, "You don't sell a Ford by kicking a Chevy." I have gained nothing by disputing or insulting, but if I lift Christ up, he said he would draw all men to himself.

So here it is, my p.s...I hope you were able to celebrate Christ. It doesn't matter to me if you pretend there is a Santa; it's none of my business if you decorate a Christmas tree or not (either way, you are not violating scripture); and even if Jesus' actual birth was some other time of year and it took the wise men longer than a night to get there, I pray that you celebrated Christ. I pray that you rejoiced as the shepherds did when they witnessed the reality of the coming of Messiah, as the wise men did when they saw the Star, and especially as Mary when the Only Begotten of the Father was born in her. I hope you were able to celebrate Christ. And if you were, don't stop. If you didn't, it's not too late. It's never too late. Christ came to bring you salvation. That is a gift that is always available. Thanks for reading my Perspective.

Where is everybody, Part III

Hello, hello. What a beautiful morning. As I type this, I can watch out of the dining room window as huge flakes of snow steadily fall. It is the day before Thanksgiving and so my home is filled with the aroma's of the season...my pellet stove burning, a freshly made cranberry and orange relish, and the beginnings of an apple cake. This is a great day. But I have to tell you, in spite of the wonderful day we have planned tomorrow when 12 people will be sitting where I am now and eating a blessed meal, my birthday celebration on Saturday, and perhaps best of all, the presence of my college freshman home for the holiday, my mind is on this coming Lord's day. It won't be a "regular" Sunday, by any means. Because it is the fifth Sunday of the month, we have Youth Sunday. It's a day where the teens are given an extra role in the day's ministry. They lead singing, play music, usher, sometimes teach Sunday school, and especially for this month, present the word of God as the main speaker.

That brings me to another great reason to be in church, not just this week or month, for the holidays's sake, but every opportunity you get. It should be understood that God's plan is for the spreading His gospel to all of humankind and one of the most emphasized methods in the Bible is generationally. Starting with the first family, it was Adam's responsibility to teach his children the ways of God. As the patriarchs of the Old Testament raised their children, they would bless them and encourage them in the ways of God. In Deuteronomy 6, we read of God's plan for His word to be passed on to the next generation...

 Deuteronomy 6:7  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 

In the New Testament, especially in Paul's writing, this generational approach to instructing (which is not just speaking, but a living example) is very clear as he addresses the aged men and aged women. And so the Biblical standard is clear. The members of the older generation have a responsibility to the younger generations as teachers, examples, leaders, and mentors. This is, first and foremost, to be carried out in the home from grandparents to parents to children. Family devotions are the beginning of this teaching, but quickly on its heals is the need to worship together in a church or public setting. Public identification with Christ is completely scriptural as seen by baptism and witnessing. All too often I hear a parent ask the question, or one similar to it, "What happened?" or "Where did I go wrong?" I believe the solution to the problem of the younger generation forsaking the local church, and worse, the faith of their fathers altogether, is rooted in the dedication made evident or shown to be lacking by our interest to gather and worship together. Parents, come to church and bring your family with you. Worship together.

It certainly begins at home, but II Timothy 2:2 gives us a tremendous principle for carrying out local church ministry. Notice the scripture, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." Church attendance gives each child of God the opportunity to directly influence a younger generation. The encouragement offered to children and teens alike, by your attendance and attention is beyond explanation. And believe me, they are watching. They are looking for you when you are not there. THIS Sunday will be a very special chance for you to be a blessing and encouragement to the youth in your church, even if it is not "Youth Sunday" there. If you are an attendee of Franklin Missionary Baptist Church in Darlington, Maryland, you have, not just an opportunity, but I believe a scriptural obligation. From someone who has been involved in active youth ministry, talking, interacting, and even counseling them, for nearly 20 years, that is my perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Please take time to share the blessedness of your life with someone else.