This year all 4 teams in the playoffs for the Super Bowl are from COLD, northern cities - Green Bay, Chicago, New York and Pittsburgh. Green Bay has already won their playoff and know they will be going to the Super Bowl.
Just thinking about how these guys play in such harsh conditions and wondering if there is any correlation between the outside playing fields in these very cold areas and the toughness and tenacity to get to the division championship. And if there is, what will happen when they get to Dallas and conditions are much more favorable? Does that change everything about how they play?
I watch these guys playing in short sleeves and see them fall on that cold, hard ground and marvel that they can even hold the football much less pass it or kick it or catch it. Seems like the football ought to be like a frozen missile as it speeds from the quarterback to the receiver and should feel like kicking a brick to the punter and place kicker.
But then I don't really know much about it except that I will probably pull for Green Bay because I do like their quarterback and the journey he has been on to get this team where they are.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Life After Death
"So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven." 1 Corinthians 15:42-49
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Submission to Authority
The word authority was used a great deal around Jesus. He taught with authority. Religious leaders wanted to know who gave Him authority. Pilate claimed authority to execute Jesus. Jesus, of course, had been given all authority. John 10:18 and Matthew 28:18.
Those of us who have confessed "Jesus is Lord" know that we come under His authority. We no longer live our lives for us but for Him. But Jesus was also an example of submission to earthly authorities. Matthew 17:24-28 & Matthew 22:16-22. Paul also admonished every person to be subject to the governing authorities as did Peter.
I do not find Jesus protesting the Romans and the hard life they subjected the Jews to. I never read of Paul fighting against the rule of Rome or asking people to rise up in a rebellion. In fact he said prayers should be made for kings and all who are in high positions. Eventually the authorities of Rome put both these men to death.
I think sometimes about all those Christians who hate those in authority over us now. I admit I do not pray for the governing authorities as often as I should but I try to live peaceably with authority. For me that includes not sending or even reading emails, stories etc that portray our President and other leaders in a demeaning way. Disagreement should be tempered by respect for the person and for the authority the person has.
It also means I don't cheat on my income taxes although I take every legal deduction possible to reduce my exposure to taxes. I pay all local, state and federal taxes in a timely manner. I don't park in handicap parking. I try to drive as near the posted speed limit as possible. I go slow in school zones. I vote in elections. (So glad I don't live in a country where change comes only through violence.)
Mostly, though, I recognize that my government is NOT my salvation. Only Jesus can save me from myself and my destructive way. Only Jesus can change the hearts and lives of those political leaders I disagree with.
Those of us who have confessed "Jesus is Lord" know that we come under His authority. We no longer live our lives for us but for Him. But Jesus was also an example of submission to earthly authorities. Matthew 17:24-28 & Matthew 22:16-22. Paul also admonished every person to be subject to the governing authorities as did Peter.
I do not find Jesus protesting the Romans and the hard life they subjected the Jews to. I never read of Paul fighting against the rule of Rome or asking people to rise up in a rebellion. In fact he said prayers should be made for kings and all who are in high positions. Eventually the authorities of Rome put both these men to death.
I think sometimes about all those Christians who hate those in authority over us now. I admit I do not pray for the governing authorities as often as I should but I try to live peaceably with authority. For me that includes not sending or even reading emails, stories etc that portray our President and other leaders in a demeaning way. Disagreement should be tempered by respect for the person and for the authority the person has.
It also means I don't cheat on my income taxes although I take every legal deduction possible to reduce my exposure to taxes. I pay all local, state and federal taxes in a timely manner. I don't park in handicap parking. I try to drive as near the posted speed limit as possible. I go slow in school zones. I vote in elections. (So glad I don't live in a country where change comes only through violence.)
Mostly, though, I recognize that my government is NOT my salvation. Only Jesus can save me from myself and my destructive way. Only Jesus can change the hearts and lives of those political leaders I disagree with.
Does the Church Have It Backwards?
As I was reading Paul's first letter to the Corinthians this morning, I came to 5:9-13. I really began to think about the Church and how screwed up things seem.
Paul is admonishing the Church to stay away from the sexually immoral. But he makes it clear "...not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world." He is talking about staying away from those INSIDE the Church who are living lives characterized by sin.
My small view and experience of church world seems to show that rather than staying away from one inside the church who has a life characterized by sin, the Church has pretty much taken itself out of the world to isolate and insulate itself from those "bad people" out there becoming a "holy huddle" of like minded people who are ineffective in reaching the world for Christ.
Then again, maybe there is also such an attitude of perfection expected in the Church that the one who struggles with sin tries so hard to keep it hidden that the Church doesn't even know about it. Or if it does, ignores it; or gossips about it. In 2 Corinthians 2:6-9 and Galatians 6:1, Paul tells us the purpose of confrontation is restoration and obedience.
Since I am the Church, what are my personal attitudes about those outside and inside the Church? What am I doing to help fellow believers, and to have them help me, confront sin in each of our lives? And what am I doing to reach those who are outside the influence of the Gospel? Do I stay away from them thinking somehow that I will be "tarnished" if I am friends with them or do I accept them as lost and in need of Jesus?
Paul is admonishing the Church to stay away from the sexually immoral. But he makes it clear "...not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world." He is talking about staying away from those INSIDE the Church who are living lives characterized by sin.
My small view and experience of church world seems to show that rather than staying away from one inside the church who has a life characterized by sin, the Church has pretty much taken itself out of the world to isolate and insulate itself from those "bad people" out there becoming a "holy huddle" of like minded people who are ineffective in reaching the world for Christ.
Then again, maybe there is also such an attitude of perfection expected in the Church that the one who struggles with sin tries so hard to keep it hidden that the Church doesn't even know about it. Or if it does, ignores it; or gossips about it. In 2 Corinthians 2:6-9 and Galatians 6:1, Paul tells us the purpose of confrontation is restoration and obedience.
Since I am the Church, what are my personal attitudes about those outside and inside the Church? What am I doing to help fellow believers, and to have them help me, confront sin in each of our lives? And what am I doing to reach those who are outside the influence of the Gospel? Do I stay away from them thinking somehow that I will be "tarnished" if I am friends with them or do I accept them as lost and in need of Jesus?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Covetousness
So why am I thinking about covetousness? Is God trying to make me aware of sin in my life? Haven't brought any to the surface but I will keep checking.
I looked up "covet" in an old dictionary (does anyone use books anymore) and found "to want passionately (esp., something that another person has); long for with envy."
Generally, I've thought of this as wanting the house, the car, the money someone else has. I've always associated it with wanting things. But I'm thinking a little differently today.
The grandkids and I went to bed about 10 PM Friday night but I was wide awake at 2:30 so I turned on the TV and found lots of infomercials for P90X and Total Gym and some ab thing and pills to take away your fat just like liposuction but without the surgery. That is what started me thinking about covetousness.
Healthy eating and proper exercise are necessary to have a healthy body but weight loss is a $60 billion industry in America. I think part of the reason we put so much money into this industry is covetousness. We covet the washboard abs we see in the commercials and the skinny bodies of the women in bikinis. So I have begun to think of coveting as applying to things that are more intangible like appearance.
Maybe we covet someone's ability to sing beautifully or paint a picture or live on a budget when we spend every penny BEFORE we get it.
I've decided that just because I don't want "stuff", I can still harbor covetousness in my heart over the intangibles.
(Another reason we pour so much money into weight loss is because we are a lazy people who like the idea of taking a pill or only spending "10 minutes a day" or "no dieting" rather than making the lifestyle changes we need to make.)
I looked up "covet" in an old dictionary (does anyone use books anymore) and found "to want passionately (esp., something that another person has); long for with envy."
Generally, I've thought of this as wanting the house, the car, the money someone else has. I've always associated it with wanting things. But I'm thinking a little differently today.
The grandkids and I went to bed about 10 PM Friday night but I was wide awake at 2:30 so I turned on the TV and found lots of infomercials for P90X and Total Gym and some ab thing and pills to take away your fat just like liposuction but without the surgery. That is what started me thinking about covetousness.
Healthy eating and proper exercise are necessary to have a healthy body but weight loss is a $60 billion industry in America. I think part of the reason we put so much money into this industry is covetousness. We covet the washboard abs we see in the commercials and the skinny bodies of the women in bikinis. So I have begun to think of coveting as applying to things that are more intangible like appearance.
Maybe we covet someone's ability to sing beautifully or paint a picture or live on a budget when we spend every penny BEFORE we get it.
I've decided that just because I don't want "stuff", I can still harbor covetousness in my heart over the intangibles.
(Another reason we pour so much money into weight loss is because we are a lazy people who like the idea of taking a pill or only spending "10 minutes a day" or "no dieting" rather than making the lifestyle changes we need to make.)
Martin Luther King Day
I remember hearing Dr. King when I was in high school back in the 60's. He was assassinated in 1968. I have to admit that I do not really remember much of what he said. I do remember that I thought he was a great man and I admired him for the peaceful stand he took when America was reeling with violence everywhere.
I have seen 3 quotes from Dr. King today posted on twitter and I think they are worth remembering:
"It's not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremist we will be... The world is in dire need of creative extremists."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
Of course there are lots more things he said that changed a generation and all sorts of quotes are available online. These particular quotes made me think of my relationship with Jesus and His church.
I kinda think of NewSpring as creative extremists of church world. And that is a good thing! Just heard today that in the 11 years since NewSpring was started, 12,182 people have walked from death to life by surrendering to Jesus.
Hate...too many Christians concentrate too much on what they are against rather than loving people enough to introduce them to Jesus.
What will I die for? My family - my son, my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren. I would say yes, I would. If they were in harm's way, I would prefer to die if it would spare them. But what about Jesus? Would I be willing to die if necessary to advance the gospel? Would I still speak the name of Jesus if it meant my death? Again, I would say, yes, I would. Death only means seeing Jesus!
Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16.
I have seen 3 quotes from Dr. King today posted on twitter and I think they are worth remembering:
"It's not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremist we will be... The world is in dire need of creative extremists."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
Of course there are lots more things he said that changed a generation and all sorts of quotes are available online. These particular quotes made me think of my relationship with Jesus and His church.
I kinda think of NewSpring as creative extremists of church world. And that is a good thing! Just heard today that in the 11 years since NewSpring was started, 12,182 people have walked from death to life by surrendering to Jesus.
Hate...too many Christians concentrate too much on what they are against rather than loving people enough to introduce them to Jesus.
What will I die for? My family - my son, my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren. I would say yes, I would. If they were in harm's way, I would prefer to die if it would spare them. But what about Jesus? Would I be willing to die if necessary to advance the gospel? Would I still speak the name of Jesus if it meant my death? Again, I would say, yes, I would. Death only means seeing Jesus!
Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Sheeple
Last night Nate and I were looking over a few of the words that are now officially part of the newest dictionaries. Nate loves words and using them in unusual or unexpected ways. Some of the words he and/or I already knew like tweet (from Twitter), rock (as in you rock!), buzzkill (someone/thing with a depressing effect), frenemy (friend you have frequent conflict with...Nate thought that one was spelled differently as friendemy).
The word we both liked a lot was sheeple. This is a noun meaning unquestioning followers (sheep + people). This made me think of God's use of sheep as a metaphor for His people. Sheep are dumb animals who definitely need someone to look after them. But the Bible also tells us that sheep know the voice of their shepherd - so maybe they are not so unquestioning after all.
Many people think Christians are unquestioning followers, weak people in need of a crutch and I'm sure there are some...especially those who follow and give to some of the televangelists out there. As followers of Christ, we are to search the Scriptures to see if what our pastors and teachers say is true. When Paul and Silas went to Berea, the people listened eagerly to them then they searched the Scriptures to see if what they heard was true.
Sheeple makes me think of all those religions across the world that have no basis in truth, that give their followers no hope. Maybe, if you're lucky, your good will outweigh your bad and the god(s) will accept you...maybe.
Sheeple also makes me think of peer pressure among teens and adults who conform to those around them at school or on the job even when they know something is wrong or dangerous. Being a loyal follower does not mean an unquestioning follower. A sheeple is something I do not want to be.
The word we both liked a lot was sheeple. This is a noun meaning unquestioning followers (sheep + people). This made me think of God's use of sheep as a metaphor for His people. Sheep are dumb animals who definitely need someone to look after them. But the Bible also tells us that sheep know the voice of their shepherd - so maybe they are not so unquestioning after all.
Many people think Christians are unquestioning followers, weak people in need of a crutch and I'm sure there are some...especially those who follow and give to some of the televangelists out there. As followers of Christ, we are to search the Scriptures to see if what our pastors and teachers say is true. When Paul and Silas went to Berea, the people listened eagerly to them then they searched the Scriptures to see if what they heard was true.
Sheeple makes me think of all those religions across the world that have no basis in truth, that give their followers no hope. Maybe, if you're lucky, your good will outweigh your bad and the god(s) will accept you...maybe.
Sheeple also makes me think of peer pressure among teens and adults who conform to those around them at school or on the job even when they know something is wrong or dangerous. Being a loyal follower does not mean an unquestioning follower. A sheeple is something I do not want to be.
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