Thursday, December 30, 2004

Commentary on Ezekiel 44:19

"Before they (the priests) go out to the outer court, to the people, they must take off the clothes they have been ministering in, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people through their clothes.”

There is a part of Gods holiness that we do not understand. This verse can be referenced back to Uzzah touching of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7). How can having holiness transferred to them harm people? It would have resulted in instant death. God’s holiness causes His anger to burn when it contacts sin.
I know this causes many people to mock and question. I am just reporting what the Bible says. God is holy. That holiness means He is set apart and it is incomprehensible to us. He can have nothing to do with sin. If a sinful man lays hold of holiness, He is undone. It would be better to grab a thousand gigawatts” of electricity.
Some commentators and translations equate this verse to a command to hide the garments, keeping people from making religious relics out of them. But I believe that the meaning of sanctifying the people in their sinful state would be death. Remember the danger of the Holy of Holies to the priest.
So where is that destruction today? This magnifies the awesome work of Jesus. He satisfied holiness and covers us. When we come into Gods holy presence, His blood is preventing our destruction, His sacrifice satisfies our debt to Gods holiness.
The next fearful display of that holiness will be at the second coming.
Thank you Lord for covering my sin. I drink of your amazing grace. I am so far from Your holiness.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Reaction to 'Bowling for Columbine"

I saw Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine last night. It was good to see. I thought Moore offered some probing questions. In my opinion, his anger over American hypocrisy colors his perspective. We all are impacted by our presuppositions (me included)- when it is fueled by anger, it makes you jump on every croaking frog. I believe he forces some pieces of the puzzle together. In the end, he offered a great question- but no answers. The answer is not so simple. American violence is part of our luxury, not our poverty. What do we have, that Canada and Europe does not? I think it is covetousness and greed. The ever widening gap between the haves and have nots creates a lot of the tension and fear.

I am not anti-NRA- I wonder sometimes if the liberal reaction against this organization is the college professor utopian desire to remove any danger...falsely believing that life can be made safe- Isn't part of the anti-gun movement either a "wussyness" or emotional response to tragedy and not a rational one?
I am so simple to believe that the Christian ideals of sacrifice, love, forgiveness would solve much of this. We lust and do not have.... I am part of this guilty party. Pray and hope soon for Our Lord's return.

The God of Mercy and Grace

I am so thankful that the Lord is loving and forgiving. My heart is so far from him.I go too many days without prayer or even thoughts of him. When I read the Old Testament and see how he protects his holiness, it is amazing how unholy I am. Yet, the scriptures promise forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. It is an amazing grace!
It is my only hope. I cannot expect to receive life based on my good deeds- my only hope is Christ! Thank you Lord- may the coming 2005 be a celebration of love, joy, and peace in you!

Saturday, December 25, 2004

Merry Christmas

Had a great day so far. The kids loved their Santa presents and there was real excitement. We had a wonderful Christmas program at church for Christmas eve. We then went to some friends house for appetizers and fellowship. It has been beautiful where we live- the trees are white with sparkling ice!
Thank you Lord for a great life- it is tough at times- but Oh so worth it!

Friday, December 10, 2004

Christmas of Loss/ Christmas of Joy

This will be the first Christmas without my mom. I just realized that today and I am really hurting. She always worked so hard to make it special for us. It was always magic.
Oh Father - I know my mom is with you. I would love to see her without pain and that perfect body. she is not with us...but she is with you. Pick her up and give her special love- she loved us so well- she deserves blessing upon blessing.
May I give my girls a magical Christmas- not the presents - but my presense.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

1st Win


Goodpasture 082
Originally uploaded by jview.

New Day

A beautiful blue sky with brilliant white frost. I feel good today. My knee is getting stronger and my spirit is reviving. 2004 was an incredibly tough year- I basically took a hit to reposition our family for growth and opportunity. It was a risk and still could go south- but I'm trusting in God to see us through. How does that work? Well I believe you work and prepare like it all depends on you and you pray and trust like it all depends on God.
God has been so good to me. I think His greatest blessing is inner peace. It provides a general contentment with life- not a "pipe dream"- I know this is a world full of heartache and broken dreams-cancer,crime,greed,etc- but a peaceful patience that He will protect and provide.
On top of that He gives me two winning edges- forgiveness and a grateful spirit. Forgiveness is neat. It is a personal release that allows for impossible situations to be resolved and restored. I am able to forgive because Christ has forgiven me.Colossians 3:13. Gratitude prevents spoilage and bitterness.
"Thank you Father for a new day- a blessed day- may You walk with me and may I walk in You. Your example is wonderful."

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Just Finished "Thunder Run" by David Zucchino

Wow- what a book. It has made me want to really pray for our soldiers the last few days. There is always a fine line between success and failure. What is viewed as a victory was the ultimate defeat for a few. It was sad to read about the death of so many- the action was relentless- and the description of modern warfare beyond imagination.
I'm finally on the mend. I'm recovering from knee surgery and feeling much better. I cannot wait to exercise today. I'm planning next football season in my mind and recovering from the sting of this season.
Well- about to end 2004- what a year.
My mom died in January-Interviewed for new jobs in Feb- turned down early March- took a new job in late March- put 3,000 miles on my car from March to June- moved 200 miles in June- took over a successful football program with a lot of Seniors- ended up 9-3 and worn out with a torn medial meniscus- what a year!
But God was very,very gracious!