Deep Desires and Sweet Satisfaction

(What the average man desires) " is this desirability of an active and imaginative life, picturesque and full of a poetical curiosity, a life such as western man at any rate always seems to have desired. If a man says that extinction is better than existence or blank existence better than variety and adventure, then he is not one of the ordinary people to whom I am talking. If a man prefers nothing I can give him nothing. But nearly all people I have ever met in this western society in which I live would agree to the general proposition that we need this life of practical romance; the combination of something that is strange with something that is secure. We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome. We need to be happy in this wonderland without once being merely comfortable. It is THIS achievement of my creed that I shall chiefly pursue in these pages". G.K. Chesterton "The Everlasting Man"

I UPDATED THIS POST IN AUG 2024- 

The Idolatry of Intellect (Re-post)

"When you are arguing against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all."
C.S. Lewis--Mere Christianity

I go to skeptic's webpages often. You find all kinds- some are warm and good humored and others are bitter and vile. I want to make some comments about the skeptics:

#1 Most of these people are much smarter than me. When I use "simple ramblings of a football coach" as a sub heading, I mean it. I am always impressed by their intellect.

#2 All of us are biased. Ultimately the skeptic is hanging on to thought processes to soothe and firm his unbelief. I do the same in pro-God argumentation.

#3 Smart people on both sides - I believe that the intelligence is a draw.

#4 Ultimately, the skeptic has more faith in his reason and the Christian less faith in his.

God gives us evidence, not proof. And ALL men live by faith.

I do not trust in my reason- I trust in God. I walk in quiet confidence past the tsk tsk of the atheist- by the wailing of other religions- and humbly bow at the cross. I am not alone and I am not afraid.

I often wonder- years from now- when the skeptic and I are in forgotten wheelchairs- who will feel the stronger?

Will he ever come to grips with the fact that he has gambled all eternity on brain functions limited by time and biased toward godlessness? Is it worth the gamble then?

Hiding and Choosing

Matt 11:"25 At that time Jesus declared, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

This passage is always interesting because it is sandwiched between judgement and weariness. Jesus is the relief of both.

It is God's will to be veiled or hidden. It is His gracious will to be revealed to the simple. Those with talent for intellect are often seperated from these truths by pride and stubborn self will. The religious zealots are weary from trying to live good enough - the powerful are consumed by chains- the intellects are searching in a seeming whirlpool of darkness...

then God reaches out. It is His way.

Lord, I am humbled that You would allow me to be one of those simple children of light. Can you use me to reveal Yourself to others?

The Real American Idol

This is going to be a controversial post. It will also be easy to misunderstand.

The biggest idol in America today is children.

While it is true that children are under attack and there is more abuse today. While it is true that child molesters are treated too lightly and there are too many in poverty.

But in middle and upper class America- children have become idols.

I work in a wonderful school. I feel a lot of support and encouragement- but my heart grieves over the average parenting style.

There used to be a saying- "When momma's not happy - no one is happy"

Today that quote is - "When little Johnny's not happy- no one is happy"

Kids today are given more leisure and doting attention today than in any time in history. The average middle and upper class kid has experienced so much leisure and life experiences, that they are bored and soft- and cry at the least discomfort.

Parents are kids buddies and I have seen moms and dads tremble before their idols when they whine.

The results have been very destructive:

We spend more money that ever seeking the perfect upbringing for our children. Ballet, tennis, golf, voice lessons, travel soccer, sunday A.M. basketball, year round baseball, gymnastics, martial arts, travel, T.V., no chores, carted around carte blanche, concerts, movies, big ticket restaurants, cell phones, shopping sprees, ipods.

Sadly, the materialism has led to thanklessness and selfishness.

We believe our kids first over authority figures. I rarely ever have a parent check with me to see if their kid's version of a situation is accurate. They call angry- ready to support their kid over me. When I explain my side of the story, they often calm down and apologize. I call it the speed of the internet and the accuracy of the weatherman.

We tear down coaches and teachers who draw hard lines and discipline. Teachers and coaches are leaving the profession because the parents seem unreasonable and unbearable.

I know a coach who suspended a kid for lying, missing practice, and having a bad attitude. The parents requested a meeting with his superior and asked that the coach be removed.

Parents let their children pick their school, their clothes, their music, and their friends without any input at all. I will say, "Are you going to let them choose heroin or not- or you at least going to put your foot down sometime."

WAKE UP AMERICA- love your kids by saying no- let them feel some loss- don't dote on them all the time- support authority- discipline- make it hard sometimes-hold back some life experiences for later in life- tell them what you want and expect them to do it!

In the end, they will love you for it.

Love your children- but please- stop worshipping them.

Reaction to "End of the Spear"

In a world that unnaturally strains to voice praise of "Brokeback Mountain" God quietly continues the victory lap of truth and redemption.

The movie, 'End of the Spear" is the true story of the missionaries martyred in Ecuador and how the gospel spead to the tribe that killed them, ending generations of senseless brutality and superstition.

I had several strong impressions from the movie.

The tribe had a religious belief that centered around becomming man enough to jump the "great boa" at death. I'm always startled at how indigenous faiths mirror the truth of the gospel story. We do need to battle the great boa - that serpent named Lucifer- but not with the power of killing, but with the humility and love of Christ.

What a beautiful, emotional, and powerful story! I trembled and shed many tears.

As I walked out of the theatre, it was a sun smiled snowy day in Nashville. With a few drying tears, I once again cried out a prayer of thanks to my King! Lord, let me give my work and life to carry this glorious message of forgiveness and peace!

The gospel goes forth in brokeness- yet it is unbreakable.
It goes forward despite setbacks- it is unshakable
Human tragedy is just a tapestry of glory in the Master's hand
It goes forth despite my shame and sin- the truth of my condition does not hinder it
How remarkable- How wondrous
If you sneer and mock this story- how will you escape if you ignore such a glorious salvation?

BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY

BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY- Stories of Courage in the Kingdom of
Christ

After some early success in England, the ministry of the Church took a
big hit in 616 A.D.

The great King Ethelbert passed away as did King Sabart of the Saxons.
The sons of both of these kings were gross idolators and quickly
abandoned the faith of their fathers.

Angry at the Church and rejecting its message, the sons began a campaign
of persecution and rebuke against God’s ministers.

Three godly Christian leaders, Laurence, Justis, and Mellitus, met
together and came to the conclusion that it was time to leave the work
of the gospel in England. Their reasoning seemed so sound- ‘It is better
to serve God in freedom, than to live impotently among heathen who have
rejected the faith.”.

On the very night that Laurence was to leave – He lay down in the church
and had long fervent prayers for the sadly afflicted church. He prayed
long into the night and fell into a deep sleep.

It was at this time that Peter appeared to him in a dream. Peter
actually scourged him and with apostolic sternness asked why he was
abandoning the flock. Peter said, “I suffered chains, blows,
imprisonment- even death. Have you forgotten my example?”

Laurence awoke- deeply moved- and requested an audience with the King.
He showed King Eadbald the scourge marks and explained that the pain was
endured for his salvation.

King Eadbald was so moved, that he renounced his idolatry, accepted the
Christian faith, and was baptized. He began supporting the welfare of
the church with all means at his disposal.

Recorded by Bede- Ecclesiastical History of the English People/

God’s Kingdom is always victorious and the gospel is never hindered. In
the darkest moments of final despair is when God most wants to show up
and conquer. God is a hero, and all He wants from us is to just keep
swimming, keep swinging, keep praying, keep loving , and …..never, never
, never lose hope.

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…without weakening in his
faith, he faced reality…yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding
the promises of God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do
what He promised. That is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness’”
Romans 4: 18-22 (Paraphrased).

Thank you all for the privilege of serving with you as we proclaim
Christ and display Christ in great hope and final victory!
Press ON!

How to Awaken

ST. AUGUSTINE IN KENT FOLLOWED THE DOCTRINE AND MANNER OF LIVING OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH, AND SETTLED HIS EPISCOPAL SEE IN THE ROYAL CITY. [A.D. 597.]


As soon as they entered the dwelling­place assigned them they began to imitate the course of life practiced in the primitive church; applying themselves to frequent prayer, watching and fasting; preaching the word of life to as many as they could; despising all worldly things, as not belonging to them; receiving only their necessary food from those they taught; living themselves in all respects conformably to what they prescribed to others, and being always disposed to suffer any adversity, and even to die for that truth which they preached. In short, several believed and were baptized, admiring the simplicity of their innocent life, and the sweetness of their heavenly doctrine. There was on the east side of the city a church dedicated to the honour of St. Martin, built whilst the Romans were still in the island, wherein the queen, who, as has been said before, was a Christian, used to pray. In this they first began to meet, to sing, to pray, to say mass, to preach, and to baptize, till the king, being converted to the faith, allowed them to preach openly, and build or repair churches in all places.


When he, among the rest, induced by the unspotted life of these holy men, and their delightful promises, which, by many miracles, they proved to be most certain, believed and was baptized, greater numbers began daily to flock together to hear the word, and, forsaking their heathen rites, to associate themselves, by believing, to the unity of the church of Christ. Their conversion the king so far encouraged, as that he compelled none to embrace Christianity, but only showed more affection to the believers, as to his fellow­citizens in the heavenly kingdom. for he had learned from his instructors and leaders to salvation, that the service of Christ ought to be voluntary, not by compulsion.

Augustine knew what to do- begin living the Christian life- praying, fasting, persevereing,preaching, loving, and serving. It wasn't long before the Lord began adding to their number daily!

The Admirable Qualities of the Existentialist

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
Albert Camus

This post and others on Camus inspired a song in 2024- you can listen to it here:

The Weight of the Absurd

What I have appreciated about the thoughts of Camus is honesty and tenacity. The fight of Camus is noteworthy. When one struggles against all odds- there is either a faith of victory or a despair of certain defeat.

Camus has no hope at all and finds energy in the freedom to keep swinging. The glory is to fight like hell- even when victory is long gone.

The Christian needs to learn from that. They fight with energy with defeat inevitable- sadly flinging away as a last spittle of defiance. They attack injustice and still love life, knowing that all is absurd.

How much more should we fight- and fling- and attack, and love with a hope that God is going to be victorious. If heaven is rest- are we living in such a way to actually need it?

Sadly, the American church (including this blogger) has about as much need of an eternal rest as a narcoleptic has need of some sort of sleep aid.

Lord, forgive me...I need Your help!

Mesmerized by "Camus and the Minister"

I am reading a book by Howard Mumma called "Albert Camus and the Minister". It is one of the more interesting books I have ever read. In the book, Mumma, an American Methodist minister, recounts dialogues he had with famous existentialists, Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre over a period of many years while he was pastor at the American Church in Paris beginning in the 1950's.

It is an incredible and credible exploration of the questions of life and how Christianity and Existentialism intersect and diverge in amazing ways. It is a beautiful presentation of these competing world views told by riveting dialogue and amazingly clear details!

Quotes from Camus:

"I am searching for something I do not have, something I am not sure I can even define"

" I am a disillusioned and exhausted man. I have lost faith, lost hope, ever since the rise of Hitler. Is it any wonder that, at my age, I am looking for something to believe in?"

"You know, I have made a great deal of money because I have been somehow able to articulate man's disillusionment with man... I spoke of the meaningless and uncertainty... this is the root of my despair."

"When I first met Jean-Paul Sartre, I agreed we should leave God out of the discussion, although I have always left open the possibility...but I now find (Sarte's) attempt to find meaning in life lacking. I am no longer satisfied with his answers."

As I continue in the book I find it fascinating to see the honesty and educational fire of Camus. I am less than impressed with Sartre. He seems fully pleased with his philosophy and unwilling to question it. Right now, Camus is teachable and Sartre is hardened in his pride. Camus is shy and Sartre loves the limelight.

The minister Mumma is equally impressive and up to the task. Ultimately, his liberal view of God's word will leave him powerless to offer real change to either. At some point, all the arguments must move to the heart and only God's Spirit can remove the veil.

To be continued......

The Weight of the Absurd

I wake up in a world that don’t make sense,
Where every answer's just a crack in the fence.
I stand alone, fists clenched in the rain,
But the meaning I crave, it never stays the same.
I keep on pushing with no guarantee,
In this endless fight for clarity.

But the weight of the absurd
Hangs heavy in the air,
I’ve built these walls with every word,
But they crumble everywhere.

Can I carry it alone?
Is my heart enough to hold
All the questions, all the pain,
When the answers slip away?
Is there strength in what I see
Or a deeper mystery?
When the weight of the absurd
Falls like shadows on my soul.

I’ve tried to build a fire out of doubt,
To light the dark and keep the fear locked out.
But the flames burn low when the night draws near,
And I wonder if there’s more than what’s right here.
I hear a whisper, calling out to me,
"Is there hope beyond what you can see?"

I see a cross in the distance now,
A place where hope can bend but not bow.
Maybe strength ain’t in what we bear,
But in the One who meets us there.
I’m still walking, but now I know,
I’m not alone, I’m not alone.

Reaction to Albert Camus, "The Stranger"

Just finished a fascinating book by the famous existentialist, Camus. Though many would label him differently.

I had cut and paste help on this summary.

The main theme of The Stranger is the absurdity of life. Mersault is a common, ordinary man who works in Algiers performing routine and monotonous tasks. Because he is a bachelor who lives by himself, he has few demands placed on his free time. He is accustomed to doing what he wants, when he wants. Amazingly, he has difficulty entertaining himself, and the weekends tend to drag on for him in boredom. It is clear Mersault has done nothing significant in his life, and he states several times in the book that he had never received much attention before his murder trial.

When the book opens, Mersault has just learned that has mother has passed away. He had previously sent her to live in Marengo at a government run Home for the Aged, for he felt he could not support her at his apartment and believed that she needed someone to look after her during the day, while he was at work. When he receives the news of her passing, he does not seem upset by her death. With no emotion, he arranges for time off from work, goes to borrow a tie and mourning band from a friend, and eats a casual lunch. Once he arrives in Marengo, he shows no emotion and refuses to view her body. At the funeral, he does not shed a tear and is more concerned about the heat than the loss of his mother. He is also anxious to get back home.

As the book continues, Mersault lives each day without much direction or purpose. He has a meaningless liaison with Marie. Consents to marry her without admitting love or desire. Gets mixed up with a pimp named Raymond who abuses one of his girls. In a senseless act, Mersault kills an Arab who had injured Raymond- shooting him 5 times!

The actions of Mersault are clearly absurd - from his casual affair with Marie on the day after his mother’s funeral, to his friendship with a violent pimp, to his needless murder of an Arab man whom he does not even know. The trial of Mersault, however, is even more absurd. During the pre-trial hearings, the magistrate badgers Mersault with questions about religion. When Mersault indicates that he does not believe in God, the magistrate waves a silver crucifix in his face and calls him the "antichrist." During the trial, the judge and the prosecuting attorney seem more interested in the fact that Mersault did not grieve at his mother’s funeral and made love to Marie on the day after the funeral than the fact that he has killed a man. Several witnesses are called to prove his callousness nature. Since Mersault is totally honest and terribly naïve, he cannot slant the truth in his direction. He states that he did not cry over his mother’s death because he has always expected old people to die. When he is questioned about why he fired four shots into a dead body, he can give no explanation, but admits that he has no remorse over killing an Arab who pulled a knife. Unfortunately, Mersault’s court appointed attorney is not very good and makes no attempt to free his client by saying he killed in self-defense. As a result, the jury is totally swayed against Mersault, this stranger who killed a stranger. They convict him of cold-blooded murder and sentence him to execution by guillotine. It is an absurd sentence for a man who truly does not view himself as a criminal.

After Mersault is sentenced, the absurdity continues. Mersault refuses on several occasions to see the chaplain. Eventually, the man bursts into his cell and tries to persuade Mersault to confess his guilt and beg for forgiveness. The truthful Mersault, of course, refuses. When the chaplain begins praying for him, Mersault screams and grabs him by the neck. Three jailers have to rescue the chaplain. After the chaplain’s visit, Mersault has a new sense of peace and calm. He accepts his death sentence as part of the absurdity of life.

The amazing thing about this book is that I am just like Mersault. Without my relationship to Christ, I find myself heartless and cold. One of his 'sins' is to sit back and never act- He just lets life happen- much like I tend to do,

The Lord has truly saved me- I feel love for my family, though my default mode is machine like numbness.

The book was chilling, because I see what I could have become.

I am waiting on a book called - "Camus and the Minister" which is reported to be an assertion that Camus gave his life to Christ. Will read it with interest. The cold defiance wears on you- It is either give in to God and meaning or face suicide.

Thank you Jesus, for breaking down my rebellion and overcoming my callousness.

Tears and meaning- I was saved- and it was... from myself.

Good Start to 06

Been pleased...a whole different feel...so far.

Started a new Sunday School class - we had about 60 in attendance.

Players have been working out well- good attitudes and work ethic.

I have been exercising and feel good!

I have been praying and already see some benefit of it!

Lord, may this be a sweet year to Your glory!

A New Year

Well here I am- 5:39 AM

I'm finally getting settled on New Year's goals.

2006 needs to be a year of prayer and physical discipline. I have been working out since the 1st of December and the initial results have been good.

My weight is a big problem right now. I say that every year in Jan like billions of other people- but I have to make strides here.


I need God's help. Food is a crutch to my stress.

Now for the prayer part - I have a list and just need to do it. One of the big desires is to pray with my wife.

Been a nice start!

Finished Bible in a Year Program

Today was my 365th reading in crosswalk.com's Bible in a Year program. It was a fun and meaningful year! I especially enjoyed reading it in the New Living Translation. Not sure what I want to do in 2006.

God's word is truly amazing!

Merry Christmas 05

Is 60:22b " I, the LORD, will bring it all to pass at the right time."

Kids up at 6. Ran down the steps screaming with joy! Keyboard, ipod shuffle, digital camera, American girl doll, nintendo ds, cookware, electric razor- and a whole lot more!
God is good to us!

Saw Chronicles of Narnia- fantastic!

We had a nice Christmas Eve service and went to friends for dinner.

We will go back to church at 10:30

Been a nice- reflective, and fun celebration!

'lower case gods bow down to the Capital'

How to Delight

Is. 58: "13 "Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this, 14 the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

This is a special Christmas Day coming! It is a most holy day on the Lord's day! I want our family to really delight in God on that day- I hope all the presents, meals, etc is secondary.

Notice that it is not a duty- it is an enjoyment...a delight..if we do this the LORD will be our delight.

Is that the best Christmas ever? You betcha!

Sale Ends Soon!

Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. 7 Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

The Lord is able to be found- He offers you an offer too good to be true - A FULL PARDON!

How do you take advantage?

1- Repent - Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD- Repentence means "turning away from your wickedness and to the Lord"

2- Faith- Believe that God can do what He has promised- "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine" God provided this salvation for you through the gift of His son, Jesus.

What a wonderful time of year to do this- turn to Christ! Give Him a gift this Christmas of your very life!

But do it soon- time on this offer is running out!

Winter of Discontent 05

Is 49:4 ""But my work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all. Yet I leave it all in the LORD's hand; I will trust God for my reward." 5 And now the LORD speaks – he who formed me in my mother's womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring his people of Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. 6 He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

I see part A but part B seems so distant.

This is a typical time for me, but it is just as unpleasant today as every year. End of the year and I am worn out! As I come to the last few days of this yearly Bible reading, I feel like I have accomplished so little.

I met with an upcoming Senior yesterday, trying to inspire him about next year. He was polite, but unmoved. As January comes, I will move into my third campaign as head coach, and I've done a lot of work, but wonder how much I've accomplished. These are the times to reflect and analyze, and correct. I wonder if I have provided the leadership we need to effect these changes.

Yet, Lord- I will trust in You. I need Your strength and realize yet again how helpless I am without You.

These last few days of December, I will pray and reflect. Lord, I already ask that You would allow 2006 to be a year of momentum and victory. We need You in a desperate way!

Key to Unity

Ez 11:19 "And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead,"

The biggest key to "singleness of heart" is a new heart. One that is pliable and not rigid. One that listens and is willing to bend. It is a gift from God.

Father, we all need refreshment. We have grown tired and rigid. Please send a spirit of newness and conformity to You.

The Idolatry of Intellect

"When you are arguing against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all."
C.S. Lewis--Mere Christianity

I go to skeptic's webpages often. You find all kinds- some are warm and good humored and others are bitter and vile. I want to make some comments about the skeptics:

#1 Most of these people are much smarter than me. When I use "simple ramblings of a football coach" as a sub heading, I mean it. I am always impressed by their intellect.

#2 All of us are biased. Ultimately the skeptic is hanging on to thought processes to soothe and firm his unbelief. I do the same in pro-God argumentation.

#3 Smart people on both sides - I believe that the intelligence is a draw.

#4 Ultimately, the skeptic has more faith in his reason and the Christian less faith in his.

God gives us evidence, not proof. And ALL men live by faith.

I do not trust in my reason- I trust in God. I walk in quiet confidence past the tsk tsk of the atheist- by the wailing of other religions- and humbly bow at the cross. I am not alone and I am not afraid.

I often wonder- years from now- when the skeptic and I are in forgotten wheelchairs- who will feel the stronger?

Will he ever come to grips with the fact that he has gambled all eternity on brain functions limited by time and biased toward godlessness? Is it worth the gamble then?

Shout!

Isaiah 40: " 6 A voice said, "Shout!"I asked, "What should I shout?""Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field. 7 The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD. And so it is with people. 8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."


LISTEN TO ME! YOU ARE APPROACHING A DEATH DAY- YOUR BODY WILL WEAR OUT AND YOUR BREATH WILL LEAVE- TURN TO THE TRUTH OF THE BIBLE- GOD IS THERE- HE HAS FASHIONED A SALVATION THROUGH HIS SON- COMMIT TO HIM TODAY!