Week 5 2013 Seen in the Details

As we move about, enjoying this beautiful country, I am often captured by a sunrise or sunset or just an awesome view of the sky.  I often refer to these various scenes as God’s canvas.  My mother was a painter who never really fully understood the magnitude of her talent.  Her creative ability was seen in her painting, singing, sewing, and business sense.  Throughout her life she created many projects that demonstrated her range of competency.  Yet, she never received the acclaim she deserved, mostly because she avoided success and recognition.  However, for those of us who knew her, we can see her in other works of art.  I am often reminded of her when I am looking at another artist’s painting, or the work of a seamstress, a beautiful soprano voice, or a successful small business person.

We often find ourselves being reminded of those who have gone on when faced with something that was precious to them.  I have witnessed this effect numerous times at church, especially when a certain hymn is sung that was special to that some special loved one.  As I write this I am remembering a time when I led a song that my best friend’s mother had loved.  I made the mistake of looking at my friend and his wife and their tear-streaked faces.  It was tough to get through that song!  It is indicative of the human heart to view life in this fashion, relating our surroundings to that and those we love.

In that wonderful letter filled with the message of grace that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he writes, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (1:20).”  This is what I see in a sunset, the mountains, forests, people.  God’s creative nature is seen everywhere we turn.  His artistry is without flaw and impossible to recreate, because his signature is on all of it.  He is seen in the details.

Week 4 2013 – Awesome Power

We have spent that past week in Biloxi, Mississippi.  This gulf coast city has beautiful beaches where one can appreciate the glory of God’s creative fashion with each passing sunrise and sunset.  Of course, we took lots of pictures, while we enjoyed the local cuisine, toured the various sights, and discovered surrounding communities with authentic southern charm.  It has truly been a wonderful experience.

However, one thing kept coming up – Hurricane Katrina.  In the summer of 2005 the gulf coast was hit by one of the most devastating hurricanes in history.  Not since Camille in 1969 had Biloxi suffered such damage.  More than 1,800 people died as a result of Katrina, and the total property damage was estimated at $81 billion!  New Orleans garnered most of the headlines, but there were many coastal cities impacted.  We had the pleasure of eating at two different restaurants that have just recently reopened after being destroyed in 2005.  The North Beach in Bay St. Louis had a twenty foot wave come crashing through, demolishing much of what had stood since 1903.  Fortunately, there was enough remaining to restore.  Their story is repeated throughout the area, with many businesses either completely destroyed, never to return, or taking years to come back.  As one drives along Highway 90, the empty lots with vestages of what once was built can be seen everywhere.  A number of streets and bridges were washed away. Two major bridges on 90 were completely destroyed: the Bay St. Louis — Pass Christian bridge, and the Biloxi - Ocean Springs bridge. In addition, the eastbound span of the I-10 bridge over the Pascagoula River estuary was damaged.  These have been rebuilt, however, much of the debris is still evident.

It’s wonderful to witness the resilency of the people in this area, and the restoration progress.  Yet, as we reflected on the terrible power of the storm, I couldn’t help being in awe of God’s might and power.  Even with the sophistication of our weather warning systems, we are still unable to accurately predict what a storm will do.  Furthermore, we are completely powerless to prevent the damage.
 They saw the works of the Lord,
    his wonderful deeds in the deep.
 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
    that lifted high the waves.  They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
    in their peril their courage melted away.
 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
    they were at their wits’ end.
 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
 They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.
 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107:24-31

Week 3 2013 Living Legacy

I had a wonderful conversation with Gene Shelburne on the phone recently.  This wonderful man of God has been serving the church in Amarillo for more than forty-four years!  As we visited, we spoke about his father and mother, G.B. and Wilma, and the influence they had.  The impact of this couple will be felt for generations to come.  Gene and his brothers, B, Jim, and Curtis, along with their children and families, are living legacies to G.B. and Wilma Shelburne.  Paul writes to his protégée, Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

This week marked G.B.’s hundredth birthday.  G.B. served the Lord faithfully his entire life, devoting himself to bringing up preachers and their wives to enlarge the kingdom.  He established Gospel Tidings, a Christian magazine devoted to inspire Christians on toward greater maturity in Christ.  In 1946 he also established the Training Work, now known as South Houston Bible Institute (SHBI).  Even though he is not with us in body, his spirit continues to work to God’s glory through his living legacy.  I don’t know all that they fine young men, along with their sister, Ruth, have done, but I do know that they have all faithfully served the Lord in varying capacities throughout their entire lives, and now their children and grandchildren are following in their steps.  Along with his service to the church in Amarillo, Gene has edited and published the Christian Appeal for many years.  He has been a great encouragement to me and many others.  B served as a missionary in Malawi for nineteen years, and then took over the reigns of the training work about thirty years ago, and now, even in retirement, he is starting a satellite project for SHBI in Lubbock.  I don’t know Curtis very well, however, I do know that he has written many fine articles and books, while serving the church in Muleshoe, Texas.  I don’t really know Jim at all, however, I do know that he serves the Lord.

My wife and I had the privilege and honor to have studied under G.B. and B. tutelage for three years in the latter part of the eighties.  Those three years were the most meaningful years of my life.  The direction my family and I received has done so much in bringing us into a closer relationship with Jesus.  Our purpose was to gain solid Bible instruction so as to be more effective as we would enter full-time ministry.  Indeed, we gained what we sought, and so much more.  Through these men and their wives, we gained an example that is still serving us today.  It is one that we have endeavored to emulate.  However, I must confess that I have fallen far short of what these great men have done.  My wife and I are only two, along with our two daughters, who have been impacted through the life of G.B. and Wilma Shelburne.  There are untold thousands who have fallen under the influence of this couple.  Their living legacy is found in the family they raised, and the family of God they instructed.  May we all strive to follow their example, leaving a legacy that honors the Lord of heaven and earth!

Week 2 2013 Writing

I love to read and write.  Always have!  Yet, when I read my own writing I don’t find that inspirational quality that I so enjoy in other writings.  Oh, I know my writing isn’t horrible, it just isn’t great.  I currently have two books in progress, one autobiographical, the other devotional.  When done, I hope to publish them online.  I have no delusions.  My expectations are very low.  But, I’m going to do it anyway.

As I read the Bible I can’t help but wonder how these various writers felt about their work.  What did they think when they read what they had written?  Oh sure, we know they were writing under the inspiration of God.  Did they know that?  Or were they simply trying to write down what they had seen and heard?  I know the prophets were often spoken to by God, with Him telling them what to write.  But, more often than not, the Bible writers were not simply taking dictation.  Did these writers know that what they had written would be considered to be the word of God?  I have no doubt they were inspired.  However, did they know they were inspired?  What did they think when they read back what they had written?  Better yet, what did they think when others read what they had written, and then revered it?  I suspect that they felt they had something of importance to share with others, and that the best way to do that would be to write it down.  The written word tends to be more dependable than oral tradition.  These writers most likely felt that what they were writing would be an asset to the readers.  So, they wrote.  Without knowing how their writing would affect future generations, they wrote believing God would make use of what was written.  They had a purpose, and fulfilled that purpose when placing the pen upon the paper.

I can’t help but ask the obvious question.  When did God quit making use of that which has been written by mortal men?  Or, better yet, has He quit using the written word of mankind?  Are there those who are yet inspired?  I don’t have the answers.  My personal conviction is that the word of God is complete.  We cannot add to or take away from His word.  As to His inspiration, yes, there are many who are inspired by God to do many wonderful things, including writing.  However, our inspired writings are not the word of God.  They are simply our own words, filled with our own desires, and meant to be enjoyed by others.  Nonetheless, how awesome would it be to have been to be one of the Biblical authors?!

Week 1 2013 New Year Resolutions

Every year many people make New Year resolutions.  These are either new, or old, commitments to growth.    Most of the time these have to do with self-improvement of some sort.  Last year I had resolved to read through the Bible again, except with a little different twist.  The translation was a new one to me, Today's New International Version (TNIV), and the plan was to do so chronologically.  I also wanted to write a devotional thought each day.  It felt good to reach that accomplishment.  The benefits coming from reading through God's word are incalculable.

In 2 Peter 3:18 we are encouraged to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I have been blessed to have had a number of mentors throughout my life who have modeled this verse for me.  In the late eighties, my wife and I attended the Houston Bible Training Work (now known as the South Houston Bible Institute).  This wonderful work was begun in 1946 by G. B. Shelburne, Jr.  It was my honor to have had this man as one of my mentors.  He was in his eighties, and I was in my thirties.  He had been a Christian longer than I had been alive.  While he was my teacher, he was also my student.  It was extremely impressive to witness this spiritual giant being able to learn and grow in his grace and knowledge, and to actually have the humility to do so from his students.  He continued this growth throughout his life.

Unfortunately, there are those who quit growing in their Christian walk.  These come to the conclusion they have received and accepted the truth, and need nothing else.  On the surface this may sound good.  Yet, to have this attitude is actually very arrogant and only promotes stagnation.  To believe this way is to say that one completely understands the mind of God, with full knowledge of all the truth revealed in His word.  It is also saying that your interpretation is the only valid interpretation, which is to say that you have reached perfection.  Those who believe this way are depending upon their own righteousness for their salvation.  When these come to the end of their days, they are filled with doubt, not having as assurance of the salvation found only in the righteousness of Christ.  Grace is often misunderstood, and difficult to fully accept.

When we choose to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, we find ourselves placing our complete trust in Him for our salvation, and are at peace in our final days on earth.  Thus, might I suggest that you make it your resolution to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Redefined Sex Part Two

A fourteen-year-old girl was performing oral sex for one of her classmates as a teacher rounded the corner, looking to buy a soft drink from the bank of machines in an alcove off the main hallway.  Of course, both the children were expelled.  Over the next several days our administration was assailed by students, teachers, parents, even the Mayor.  They were all saying that what the kids were doing is not that bad.  Most of them were saying that the kids were just doing what comes natural.  All of them were saying that the punishment was too harsh.  The one thing missing was outrage for what the kids were doing.  No one was saying that it was wrong.

Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, Charlie Sheen, Madonna, Sex in the City, Playboy Mansion, Paris Hilton advertising a hamburger through sexual innuendo.  Just a small sampling of the sexual bombardment the average citizen endures on a daily basis.  Everything from a President claiming that oral sex is not really sex, to porn stars being exalted, our children are shown a world where illicit sex is running rampant.  Prostitution is overlooked, and in some cases, exalted as an honorable profession.  Online pornography is one of the fastest growing online businesses.  Married couples are engaged is this line of business to supplement their income.  Business people, teachers, ministers, and government officials are almost daily being exposed for their involvement in child pornography.  Human slavery is on the rise, where young people are sold to be used as sex toys.

Some will say that this kind of thing has always been around.  There is no denying the truth in that statement.  There have always been those who would abuse sex.  Just as there have always been those who commit murder.  The difference is that there are very few people trying to justify murder.  On the other hand, there are those who would justify wrongful sex acts.  In fact, justification is the norm.  Talk shows promote the concept that infidelity is not only normal, it is to be accepted.  We are to believe that abstinence is archaic and unreasonable.  Expecting people to be monogamous is silly, we just can’t have that kind of self-control.

While it is true that there will always be those who make mistakes.  It is equally true that our response to those who are penitent should be filled with grace.  The sad truth is that many are not penitent.  This is what needs to change.  None of us are beyond sinning.  However, the correct response to our sin is remorse.  Before the sin is committed, there needs to be a plan helping us to prevent the commission of the sin.  Yet, when that fails, and there are times when it will, one must repent, being sincerely sorry for what they have done.  Sex is an activity that is reserved for only one circumstance.  God offered this gift to a man and woman who are in a covenanted relationship known as marriage.  Sexual activity in any other circumstance is wrong – just as wrong as homosexual activity.  Neither should be overlooked, swept under the carpet, or justified.  We should be calling sin what it is . . . sin!

Finally, sex should be a celebration of our love for our mate.  We should rejoice in this joining together of man and woman in an act of pure love, given by God, created by God, ordained by God.  Let’s keep it unpolluted!

Redefined Sex

I have a degree in English, with a focus on Shakespeare.  For those of you who have studied Shakespeare, you have an idea of what I endured with my conservative views.  My mentor/teacher, Eugene Zumwalt, was an existentialist.  He believed that William Shakespeare was a homosexual.  The reason I respected Professor Zumwalt so much was that he allowed me to have a different opinion, and he even respected my opposing view.  One day in class we were covering love letters seemingly written from one man to another man.  Knowing I was a preacher, and that I held an opposing view, Mr. Zumwalt called on me to express my opinion.  My response was simple, but honest.  I said that I felt it to be a sad state of affairs that we in modern times have redefined love to necessitate sexual activity.  There was a time, not so long ago, that a man could love another man, or a woman a woman, without any sexual connotation.  It is a modern concept that distorts love.  From the beginning sexual activity has been an intended part of monogamous marriage.  The primary purpose to populate the earth.  God, in His infinite wisdom, made it pleasurable.  Thus, as a side benefit, it becomes an expression of our love to our mate.

However, love outside of marriage, is expressed in many non-sexual ways.  In fact, the primary function of love does not include sexual activity.  God is love.  To attach sexual activity to this primary basis of love is unthinkable.  We have a love for our children that causes us to sacrifice our lives for their benefit.  When sexual activity is attached to this love, we rightfully see it as perversion and prosecute these offenders without concern for the offenders welfare.  I love my brothers and sisters, both those biological and those in the Lord.  Attaching sexual activity to these relationships would not only destroy those relationships, but it would just be wrong.  From the beginning of time, men have loved other men without any sexual activity.  In fact, when men did engage in such behavior, it was rightly viewed as a perversion.  God destroyed two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, primarily because of this kind of aberrant behavior.  He states plainly that homosexual offenders will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  When listing those things that are an abhorrence to Him, homosexuality finds its way to that list.

There is no good reason to redefine love in order to bring legitimacy to sexual perversion.  I understand that my words fly in the face of current thought.  Furthermore, I understand that some people are born with an inclination toward homosexuality.  However, others are born with inclinations toward violence, dishonesty, and other aberrant behavior.  We don’t justify this behavior because they have this inclination.  So, why do we do it with homosexuality?

In the early seventies I drove a Yellow Cab in Sacramento, working the night shift.  During my one and a half year tenure I hauled a lot of homosexuals in my cab, transporting them from one gay bar to another, and often back to their home.  Without exception, every single homosexual male that rode in my taxi propositioned me.  Now I ask, is that normal behavior?  If so, why didn’t every woman also proposition me?  Another little dirty secret that few want to talk about is the high percentage of homosexuals who are also pedophiles.  There are actually resorts in Mexico that cater to these homosexual men, bringing in poor young boys from the surrounding villages.  Instead of embracing homosexuality, we should be outraged!  Now, please do not get me wrong.  I am not advocating the mistreatment of homosexuals.  Quite the contrary, I believe we should love and have great compassion toward the homosexual.  They have a tremendous burden to overcome.  Having said that, it is no different than any other aberrant leaning that needs to be overcome.  Just as we try to rehabilitate thieves and those who suffer with anger management, we need to help rehabilitate the homosexual.  The one thing we don’t need to do, is redefine love.  Let’s keep love pure, the way God intended