SOG Seal Pup Elite

Shortly after providing a new design to Arkansas blacksmith James Black, Jim Bowie didn't waste any time using the now famous "Bowie Knife." Upon returning to Texas, Bowie was attacked by three would be assasins who quickly learned of the dangers of messing with the legendary figure. Legend has it that one man was nearly decapitated and the other two suffered similarly gruesome fates.

We always had dozens of guns and more than a few knives around our house growing up - but I was always more attracted to the knives. Whether it is the image of Osceola plunging a dagger into the treaty with the United States, or Rambo inflicting his carnage in the forests of the Northwest back country, there is a raw, primitive satisfaction that comes from holding a really good knife.

For decades, as I traveled around the world I would bring a knife, sword or machete back to my son. I remember the time I brought a particularly large machete with handmade sheath from Central America. His eyes lit up as the boy held up the weapon half the size of his body.

All of these thoughts caused me to ask the question, "If I could only have one knife, what would it be?" That journey began with hours of research online and finally narrowing my search down to a few really good options. What I settled on was the SOG Seal Pup Elite.

The product is a fixed blade knife that was originally designed for Navy Seals. When I first saw the knife I wasn't overly impressed by its appearance. It didn't have a flashy handle, but the more I tested it, the more impressed I became. The nylon handle is durable, is great for gripping and weather resistant. The blade is 4.85 inches long and .185 inches wide and is partially serated on the top and bottom.

The blade is the strongest, most durable and well designed of any knife I have ever held. In independent tests it held up to being stuck in a tree, twisted back and forth and the blade used in axe-like fashion without any signs of dulling.

The SOG Seal Pup Elite performs beyond expectations. The knife is listed at retail for $120.00, but can be purchased on Amazon or through discounters for about $70.00.

So, if you could own only one knife - what would it be?

Make-up Church

I realize that this particular blog is going to irritate and alienate some people, but I also believe it raises important questions. I was having lunch with a friend and we were discussing Bible study and it's effects on Sunday evening worship. In our discussion he made a couple of points that I believe need to be considered:

First, there was a reference to "make-up church." Sunday night services have many purposes, but one of the primary purposes upon its introduction was to have a 2nd service to accomodate those who had to work - make-up church for those who were "providentially hindered" on Sunday morning. After hearing that term 1,000 times I am still not sure what providentially hindered means. We make special accomodations for the Lord's supper (typically seperating those people out from the rest of the worshippers), and we all know there is an attrition factor on Sunday night.

Second, my friend made mention of the fact that not only do we schedule a time for this make-up service for those who missed Sunday morning, but we also make it mandatory for all to attend. Now before you mark me as a heretic, or change agent, let me make some important observations.

1. The eldership has every right to make decisions that they believe are in the best interest of the spiritual well being of the flock. When they make those decisions, we need to honor them. Whether that is one service, two or three.
2. I am not opposed to Sunday night services. I have been attending all my life. If that is what the eldership designates as the most effective way to feed the flock, then I respect their decision and honor it with my attendance.

Now let me take the other side for just a minute. I have worshipped in places where the saints only meet once on the Lord's day. In most cases there is more time devoted to Bible class and worship, but because it was a mission field, or people traveled long distances - it was the right and appropriate thing to do. No one has ever suggested they were in error for not having a Sunday night service. If we can support the idea of one service on the Lord's day in other places, is it possible (without putting everyone in a tizzy) to suggest that there are options to how we expedite our worship period?

Let me share a few thoughts for discussion:

1. Why can't we function like a mission field? Sometimes as we grow we forget that when we started we operated like a mission point. We still are a mission point, we haven't begun to accomplish all we can accomplish.
2. Could our Sunday morning worship and study periods be extended. Rather than 1 hour for worship, could we schedule an hour and a half for worship?
3. Could we worship together, break for 30 minutes of fellowship and then move to our Bible classes?
4. Could we focus our time, attention and energy on the worship service, Lord's supper and praise to God for an extended time on Sunday morning (or evening) and have just one service on the Lord's day - without rushing through the songs, sermon or Bible study periods?

I find it far more offensive to rush through our worship time, constantly keep watch on the clock, or rebuke the minister because he preached 10 minutes to long. I thought our intent was to honor God and the sacrifice of His son on this special day. I would much prefer to spend 3 hours together in worship, fellowship and praise; give proper attention to God and His son; and allow our Bible school teachers time to fully develop their topics in class rather than struggle to "beat the clock" and get to Buffalo Wild Wings on time.

I hope that you will take the timeto share your thoughts (pro and con) on this current post.

Resolutions

Most people make their resolutions after the new year. They are going to lose weight, save more money, attend church, or find a new job. Back in 2003 I made a commitment to loose a significant amount of weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas - I know that sounds like an insane idea, but I figured if I could be disciplined during the season of cookies, cakes and candy then I could do it anytime. I was successful in that journey - so I am going to try it again.

Well six years have passed and that 20 lbs I lost has creeped back on with a few extras. So their are 25 days till Christmas and I have decided to give myself a Christmas present (a healthier lifestyle). So for the next 25 days (and hopefully longer), I am going to eat right, exercise, make time for my daily devotionals and do the things I keep promising myself I will get around to.

So why am I writing this in my blog for everyone to see - accountability! I can put it in my planner, set goals I want to attain, but if I shout it from my cyber-mountaintop then there are those who will hold me accountable.

So for the next 25 days all my friends, family and acquaintances have permission to hold me accountable. Ask me how I am doing? Confront me on my quiet time and Bible study. Tell me I am looking a little hefty around the beltline and my double chin is sprouting offspring. On Christmas morning I plan to wake up 15 lbs. lighter than I am today, but more than that I am going to improve my daily walk with God and enjoin all the blessings that will follow.

Qu'ils mangent de la brioche

Or as we have commonly translated the phrase, "let them eat cake." While the phrase may be mistakenly attributed to Marie Antoinette, the symbolism must not be missed. The apocryphal story we all have heard serves as a telling illustration for our current administration. A parable of wanton disregard. We learn how a citizenry responds when they are pushed too far, too fast and too hard by an oppressive government.

I watched longingly when tens of thousands filled the pavillion in Washington D.C. only to hear our President mock their voices by leaving the city and indicating he had no idea that a rally was present. I chuckle with a labored and heavy-hearted laugh as Reid and Pelosi move forward like Bulls in a China shop despite the outcry of the people they pretend to serve.

In Matthew 23, Jesus warns his disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, "They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." Kind of sounds like healthcare reform, doesn't it? Our elected officials want to dictate coverage to the masses, but provide themselves Cadillac protection. "Let them eat cake," they proclaim, while the irate masses continue to gather at the doors of their ivory towers.

Our current elected officials would do well to study history. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the rise of the Solidarity party in Poland by a common shipyard worker (Lech Walesa), the Contract with America in 1994. What is happening in America is a response (not a reaction) to government gone too far, to an overreaching, power-hungry, arrogant assualt on our Constitutional rights. So as we move closer and closer to the mid-term elections in 2010, let them sit in their fat leather chairs and eat from their tables of pompous pride. If they wish to model us after our European neighbors let them boldy proclaim - "qu'ils mangent de la brioche."

But if you do continue, then remember, because we will no longer forget.

Be Strong and Courageous

On Thursday, November 5, 2009 Kimberly Munley and Mark Todd advanced towards the terrorist gunfire at Ft. Hood, risking their lives in service to their community and their country. This was the first time Sgt. Todd had fired his weapon in 25 years of service and Officer Munley was hit three times with oncoming bullets. This is the kind of courage and sacrifice that America was built upon.

When God told Joshua to "be strong and courageous," (Joshua 1:7) he was sending him up against trained armies, fortified cities and warriors of extreme strength and stature. Yesterday, most of America stopped long enough to say thank you to our own veterans - brave men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our freedom. Men and women who are "strong and courageous."

Today we require another kind of strength and courage if we are to reclaim America for our children and grandchildren. It is time to gird up our loins, fight the good fight and stand with courage, integrity and honor as we fend off the onslaught of political correctness, moral debauchery and crippling compromise.

The next time someone calls a Christmas tree a holiday tree - set them straight. If the courthouse in your town takes down the 10 commandments, organize a protest with hundreds holding up the holy writ upon which this country was founded. Don't be afraid to call things as you see them: Abortion is murder, homesexuality is an unnatural abomination (Romans 1), Global warming is a hoax, and while the government is accountable to the people, ultimately they are accountable to Jehovah God (Romans 13).

Neville Chamberlain's doctrine of appeasement nearly brought the downfall of Britian. They were fortunate in their darkest days to have a man of courage and conviction to pull their nation from the brink of defeat to ultimate victory. In speaking to the Harrow school on October 29th, 1941 Churchill stated, "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yeild to force. Never yeild to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

I see some who act or behave as if we have already lost the battle. Just like those dark days in London those of us who still believe victory is possible; those of us who hold to the Christian values and principles of our Constitution; those of us who will never, never, never, never surrender - we must sound the rally cry. We must pull this nation up by our example. We must engage the enemy at every precipice and confront them at every stronghold. We will bring them down from their high places and insure victory - a lasting victory that secures the freedom of our children and our children's children.

Trent Wheeler

November 12, 2009

A little revolution

Our founding fathers were brilliant men. They were scholars, historians, but mostly they were Patriots. Signing their names to the Declaration of Independence was a potential death sentence for every one of them.

What is it that stirred a nation to throw off the yoke of tyranny and oppression and fight for freedom, liberty and a chance to succeed on their own merit? Was it an oppressive taxation system? Was it an onerous political machine? Did too much power reside in the hands of the few? Yes, it was this and much more.

At what point does a cup so fill with water that the next drop will cause it to overflow? What is the tipping point of our tolerance as our own government continues to strip away our God-given right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?"

Any political historian worth his salt knows that the Constitution and Bill of Rights were designed to protect us from government! To protect us from oppression! To safe-guard us from a central power who can tax at will, legislate at will, and prosecute at will. In writing these historic documents these sage scholars were looking far beyond the oppressions of King George III. They were making provision to protect the citizens of this great Republic from any government that might oppress them - especially their own elected officials.

Our current administration is ruling without a system of safeguards, subverting the checks and balances initiated by Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin, Adams and many others who valued liberty more than life itself. Why do we have "czars" in the Whitehouse with no vetting required? Is it not the arrogance of an oppressive government to take over companies, dictate their policies and make hard-working citizens foot the bill. Will we allow our government to pass another law that will make criminals out of common citizens trying to feed their families and pursue those inalienable rights, or will we collapse under another private industry placed under government control?

So I raise the question. What is the next stage of revolution? When is more required than voting one bum out of office and replacing him with another bum? How many times have politicians betrayed our vote with a promise of change, of cutting taxes, of ending pork barrel spending, or stop funding terrorist regimes, only to back-peddle, spin and lie once they get in office. What will it take for the legal citizens of the United States to take back a government that is out of control, operating in clear violation of the Constitution and determined to hoist upon the backs of our children a burden that Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine and Nathan Hale could never have imagined.

Our politicians are not the only ones who should be held accountable. This is still a government of the people (at least for a little while longer). We are accountable for falling asleep at the wheel, for failing to review our representatives voting records, for not investigating our politicians relationships with lobbyist and special interest groups. We are at fault for enabling their lying, deceit and dishonest ways. We have allowed them time and again to betray that sacred trust the day they swore an oath to "uphold the Constitution of the United States of America." WE MUST HOLD GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE - let's start today.

1. Vote everyone out of office who has lied to us, changed their stripes, or been complicit with their sacred responsibility.
2. Attend, promote, and endorse rallies. We need to get off our rear ends and do something.
3. Write, email, fax and innundate your representatives with feedback - daily.
4. Learn the rich history of those who have sacrficed for your freedom. Everyday brave men and women die for this country while we sit idly by. We honor them by action, more than by words.
5. Surrender your selfishness. Don't wait for someone else to do something. If you don't change things in Washington, you are responsible for the legacy we leave our children.
6. Pay the price -whatever it takes. Seven states have sent notice to Washington to stop imposing their agenda on the states. Join the chorus to restrict Federal government, limit involvement in our lives and oppose this headlong plunge into socialism

Words

"For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).

There have been times recently I wanted to take someone out to the woodshed (verbally), but I thought better of it. It never ceases to amaze me how unfeeling, thoughtless and insensitive people can be. Growing up we were taught, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." For all the political correct speech we hear about in the public arena, the qualities of civil and discerning speech seem to have left our vocabulary.

How is it that we fail to understand the long-term effects of an errant word or phrase? Why is it so hard to tame our tongue and control our speech (James 3:5, 6). While I must ask God for discernment daily in curbing my own impulses and watching my own conversation, I am finished watching good, godly people be slandered, spat upon and disrespected in my presence. Edgar A. Guest was correct when he said, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

So, if you have a problem with your tongue; if you revel in biting and satirical comments about others, if your self-esteem can only be raised by diminishing another - then I am giving you good warning - BEWARE! I am weary of good people being hurt by your thoughtless and careless conduct and I will call you on it.

Oh, and if I miss it - God is listening and he will call "every idle word into judgment!" (Matthew 12:36).

Acknowledging God's Gifts

Late last night I was basking in the glow of a wonderful event that everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy. Quite frankly, I was enjoying the high-fives and pats on the back and drove home thinking, "what a good boy am I."

How quickly we forget. Yesterday morning my phone rang and it was Michael Reagan telling me his flight was delayed, but it looked like he would make his connection. Later that day I programmed his flights into my blackberry so I could get minute by minute updates. When it became apparant the flight would be 3 hours late, we began to scramble to adjust the schedule and re-organize the program. That meant that 15 staff members (who had worked their tales off for weeks) began to make phone calls, adjust PowerPoint Presentations, and completely restage the event, while trying to maintain the flow. Our team at FDI worked really hard and pulled off a masterpiece.

The piece we most overlooked is how many people were praying yesterday. Our staff prayed, our families prayed, the board of directors got together to pray specifically for Michael and his flights. When it was all finished, lots of hands, lots of prayers and lots work went into this event. The bottom line is this, "every good gift comes down from the father of lights..." Without God's guidance, care and oversight we would have failed. Without prayer and intercession, who knows what the outcome would have been.

So Father, remove from me my foolish pride and let me in every way acknowledge you.

Forgotten Families #1

For nearly 20 years I never thought twice when someone mentioned an event for couples or families from the local pulipit. Married with two children - fitting in at church was a snap. Then the bottom dropped out of my life. A single father trying to raise two teenage children is, at the very least a challenge. It requires the faith of Abraham, the determination of Noah and the courage of Joshua. There were times I really didn't believe I would make it through those years.

I have never known a church leadership to intentionally slight any member, or use language that was specificallly designed to alienate or offend their membership, but sadly it happens. When we talk about "ministering to young families," or hire "family ministers" we often forget there are single parent homes that want to be included and they struggle even to make it to church on Sunday. With nearly a fourth of our children living in single-parent homes, this is an area of ministry the church needs to be mindful of.

For just a minute forget the loneliness, forget the sorrow and heartache of divorce, ignore the social stigma many families face and think about the children. Here are a few statistics that might rattle your cage. 84% of all children in single-parent homes live in the custodial care of their mother. In homes where their is no father present (or he is emotionally absent) chidren are:

• 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
• 20 times more likely to have behavioral problems.
• 32 times more likely to run away.
• 9 times more likely to drop out of school.
• 10 times more likely to abuse drugs.
• 73 times more likely to be fatally abused.
• 71% of all teen pregnancies come from single-parent homes.

This is just a partial list, for all the data - send me an email at trent.wheeler@charter.net

What can the church do to discourage these tragic statistics. As the family of God we need to focus on two areas: 1) Prevention; 2) Ministry

Prevention: the more marriages we can save, the greater chance these children have of a viable, happy life. I have heard the arguments (they are better off without that woman, or man in their life). Maybe so, but the statistics bear out that in most cases - kids are better off if parents stay together and struggle to work it out. This is why organizaitons like Family Dynamics Institute are so vital.

Ministry: There are single adults who need the church to step up. Not only do they need support, encouragement, and financial assistance, but more than anything they need spiritual guidance. The growth of pre-marital sex, casual intimate relationships, loneliness, isolation and depression are epidemic in single-parent homes. Not only are these behaviors destructive to the parent (who continues to decieve themselves), but they are destroying the values of the children and putting them at risk of abuse, emotional conflict, spiritual decay and behavioral disorders.

Often times my appeals to single-parents to "do what is right" have fallen on deaf ears, but the call and challenge to "put your children first," has been a message that carries some weight in ministering to this community. Pray for the single parents in your church and reach out and walk with them in their Christian journey.

Uh-oh I am a non-institutionalist!

For the past decade I have been analyzing and re-evaluating my philosphy of ministry. Having planted churches, worked on the mission field and served in dozens of different roles in the local church I have been blessed to see a lot of great work and more than my share of foolishness.

I hope the title didn't distress you. I am not opposed to a kitchen in the meeting house (I think I am giving up the phrase church building) and I fully support the idea of caring for widows and orphans right out of the congregation's treasury. My non-institutional enlightenment has to do with what I have observed happens in many places - we institutionalize our methods, programs and practices without evaluating their effectiveness or more importantly, whether they are in harmony with God's will.

Our Lord often took issue with the legalism of the Pharisees. An outsider might think, "these are devout men, they keep the law, they are concerned about spiritual matters, they emphasize doctrinal purity," why would our Lord condemn them so vehemently?

Simple, they fell in love with their traditions. They embraced the methods, their own ideology and philosophy and lost sight of God. When I was a young evangelist I took a personal work course and will never forget the arrogance of the instructor as he informed the class - if you are not using _______ you are not doing personal work. I can't tell you how many times I have seen preachers, elders, and congregations fall in love with an idea and lose sight of the mission. Yes, that includes this writer!!! I am guilty as charged.

So, you may ask, "are you opposed to buildings?" Yes, if the building becomes our mission. "Are you opposed to work programs in the church?" Yes, if those programs become more important than the people they are designed to serve. "What about kitchens, buses, gymnasiums, song books, methodologies, strategic plans, ad infinitum?" Yes, I am opposed, but only when those items become the idols that displace our allegiance, commitment and humble service before our Father's throne.

When I think of how many times my brethern have allowed these things to become instruments of Satan, to cause division within the family of God, to stand in the way of true benevolence, evangelism and ministry I can understand why Jesus called the Pharisees a "generation of vipers and whited sepulchres with dead men's bones."

Give him a nudge

Do you remember sitting in Bible class or worship and the teacher was making a particularly salient point and before he was finished, you felt an elbow planted frimly in your ribcage? The inference is an obvious one - someone is making sure that you don't miss the point. The message comes across clear as a bell - you need to hear this.

So, the question is - "How do we listen when others are teaching?" Are we more concerned about making the application of the lesson to others, or are we more interested in our own self-improvement? You don't know how many times I have taught a class, written a blog, or preached a sermon when someone would come up and say, "That was a great lesson, I wish Bob could have heard that - he needs it." How do you say - that sermon applies to you more than it does Bob?

Next time we want to give someone a nudge, or plant your elbow firmly in their ribcage, pause for just a minute and ask yourself, "is there something in there for me."

Who's Glory?

There is a scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where the protectors of the Holy Grail raise a very important question, "Is your quest for His glory or your own."

I have been involved in church work for nearly 30 years now and I can't tell you how many times I have seen the Lord's work get derailed because we lose sight of the fact that we are here to glorify God. We get caught up in our personal goals and agendas and forget to put God at the center of the work.

I have always struggled with pride. It is an insideous sin that creates so many problems in our lives. Pride causes us to drive our agenda, pride causes us to dig our heels in when someone tries to correct us in a spirit of love, pride has driven a wedge between two good brethren who both believe they are right.

So the question is, When you have the next great program that you think will transform the local church, is it for His glory or your own? When you run roughshod over the wishes of others, or misrepresent the facts of a certain situation, is it for His glory or your own? When go to your corner and pout because you didn't get your way, is it for His glory or your own?

Have you been tested today?

As a kid I never liked tests! I wasn't all that crazy about school in general, but I had a particular distaste for tests. Back then I didn't realize that grade school, high school and college were doing a lot more than providing an education, they were preparing me for life. It took me a long time to realize it, but a lot of testing takes place outside of the classroom.

James reminds us that God tests us (James 1:1-5). Trials, hardships, disappointments, struggles - these are all methods of testing. There are periods in my life when it feels like finals week at college. Just about the time I successfully (or unsuccessfully) navigate through one challenge, the next one is right in front of me. I find myself whining - "Lord, I'm tired, I'm discouraged, how about giving me a day off now and then."

Then there are those lousy days that I commit to doing thins better. "Today, I am going to turn over a new leaf. Today, I am going to start fresh and things are going to be different." I am not sure why I make those foolish statements. What I am really saying is, "OK Lord, I think I have my stuff together - TEST ME!!!" Why would anyone in their right mind do that. It's like the woman who got pregnant everytime she asked for patience.

Tomorrow is Saturday. How great it would be to lay in bed, watch football, shut out the world and have 24 hours without a trial in it. I hear you laughing. Yes, I have three girls at home this weekend. Yes, there are things that need to be done around the house. I know, I have projects for work that need to be finished. I know there is a test tomorrow - the problem is, I don't know which one to study for.

Embracing Grace

Can a child of God fall from grace? Most of my early teaching around the subject of grace centered on answering this question. I have always believed a child of God could fall from grace. It happened to Demas and I have seen it happen in others that I loved and respected.

My purpose is not to re-ignite the old arguments about whether someone was truly a child of God, or what faith, grace, law and works looks like. Just for today, I want to better understand how to embrace the grace of God - now, in the present, to know it is working in my life.

Not a day goes by that I don't stumble, fall and violate some command of God. Rarely a week goes by without questioning my motives, behavior and at times my own faithfulness. As I look over the years I realize how much God has had to forgive; how often I have drifted dangerously close to departure and how dependent I am upon his forgiveness and grace.

I understand that God's grace is extended through the blood of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. I know that willful disobedience jeopardizes that free gift from God (Romans 6:1). I can comprehend the Biblical admonition that "graces teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:12).

Where I struggle most is with embracing God's grace is in the present. When I know that my immediate actions are sinful, when I am struggling inside to do what is right, when I don't feel close to God, or think, "He doesn't want to hear about this again."

Father, teach me to embrace your grace and forgiveness. Instruct me in your perfect way. Guide and direct my paths so I may ever seek you face. For you are pure and holy. Your mercies are everlasting and your love transcends my weak, sinful and disobedient nature.

A Compassionate Touch

It was Henry David Thoreau who said, "The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation." Those words echo in the ears of many as they walk quietly through back alleys of the inner city, or stand in line at the unemployment office. Every day seniors sit alone waiting for someone to call, or pay them a visit as minutes feel like hours and days feel like years.

It was just another day along the dusty streets of Galilee. Merchants were moving from town to town, servants were filling their buckets at the well, but our Lord had just completed fourty days of fasting in the wilderness. He understood how it felt to be tempted, hungry and weary to the bone. As he moved through the region he healed many of the diseased, cast out demons and made time for his own need of solitude and prayer (Mark 1:34, 35).

Preaching and teaching as he moved from town to town, a beggeredly looking man approaches Jesus. Sickly, tired and teetering on the brink of hopelessness the leper falls down at Jesus' feet, "If you will, you can make me clean" (Mark 1:40). How many times had he presented himself to the priests in hopes of purification? How many doctors sent him back to the leper colonies to waste away like the others? Jesus was moved with compassion as he reached out and touched the man and said, "I will."

An outcast, a leper, a man with the most feared contagious disease of his day and Jesus touched him. He didn't say, "stand back and I will make you clean," or "go dip in the Jordan river." Jesus touched this man. This was likely the first act of tenderness he had known for years. Our Lord did more than restore his body, he returned his dignity.

In studying the teachings of Christ we need to spend more time studying his actions along with his words. How many times do we read, "and he was moved with compassion?" Ministry isn't just providing groceries to someone who is out of work, or providing classes to improve your marriage - ministry involves empathy, getting our hands dirty, loving the unloveable and embracing the ugly and profane in our society.

As Jesus prepared for his public ministry he walked along the sea of Galilee with common fisherman, he fasted in the wilderness so he could understand our hunger, temptation and trails, he ate with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus didn't preach to us from his ivory tower, he served us from the foot of the table (John 13).

The world is crying out to see the real Jesus live in us. The compassionate, empathetic Savior who will reach out his hand to a leper, break bread with sinners, rescue a woman caught in adultery and forgive his enemies as they spat on him, torture and deny him. Our ministry begins when we reach out our hand to the sick and sinful and care for them with the Master's touch.

Unclean, unclean, unclean

In Bible times lepers had to walk through the streets crying out, "unclean, unclean," so that other members of society would not have to come in contact with them. Not only did they have to suffer with this debilitating disease that ate away at their bodies, they had to endure the humiliation of being social outcasts and living alone.

While many may argue that we are far more accepting of divorce than we used to be, there is still a social stigma that divorced people carry. We walk around with the feeling that there is a great big, scarlet D on the center of our chest. This is especially true when we arrive at church on Sundays.

A few years ago I surveyed over 400 single Christians (most of them divorced). The single most common complaint was, "I feel alone in the midst of 400 or 500 people." Surrounded by children of God, they feel hopeless, alone and struggling to find their place of service in the kingdom. Over the past six years I have realized that the divorced community are not the only ones who feel this way at church. We have singles that feel alone, people who have been restored from public sins that feel alone, everyday members because of feelings of loss or inadequacy feel alone.

So what is the point? Few things are as devastating to our spiritual lives as a feeling of isolation and loneliness. Feeling others look down on us, or at the very least don't accept us in the same manner or fashion as "regular members." For the past six years I feel as though I have been climbing a spiritual Mt. Everest. One day, maybe if I am good enough, if I work hard enough, if I give enough of myself to the kingdom, I will be allowed to return to my full measure of service.

Many of you who know me may laugh at that assertion. Trent! You have served as the local minister, worked in outreach ministries, traveled to Africa on mission trips, taught Bible classes - you have arrived. That is all fine and good until you hear those old stereotypes repeated publicly:

• "We can never really be sure of a divorced persons past."
• "Maybe their actions drove the other person to unfaithfulness."
• "Members of the church may not follow them because they had a divorce in their past."

No matter how much repentance has taken place and no matter how much work has been done, people still view you with a jaundiced eye. There are still lingering doubts in the back of people's minds. Unclean, unclean, unclean!

Agony of Defeat

Most of us have seen the opening for Wide World of Sports and remember the phrase, "the agony of defeat," but do you know who that man was who went sailing off the ski jump on March 21, 1970? His name is Vinko Bogataj.

After his recovery he returned to ski jumping, but never finished higher that 57th place. He returned to Slovenia and worked as a forklift driver, wood carver and artist. In 1991 he helped to coach Franci Petek to a World Championship.

Most of us over the age of 20 have the seen the image of Bogataj careening off the ski jump. At its peak this promotional clip aired over 150 times a year. In 1991 Vinko was invited to the 30th Anniversary of Wide World of Sports. He was not only stunned by the invitation, but by his celebrity - people like Mohammad Ali were asking for his autograph. Though his image appeared thousands of times on U.S. television, he was completely unaware of his unique claim to fame.

Later that year Vinko was driving to an interview with ABC when he was in a minor automobile accident. His reaction to the event was, "Everytime I am on ABC, I crash."

Vinko Bogataj did not allow his failures to define him. He is a family man, artist, successful coach and is content with his life. I am glad that my failures do no air on national television. I don't want to be remembered like Bill Buckner, Vinko Bogataj, or Glenn Rice, but the truth is that my mistakes are just as serious or more so. I struggle daily with being the man God wants me to be. It is during those times I am thankful that he carries my burdens, forgives my sins and helps me to overcome my failures.

The Power of Discouragement

Father,

Some mornings I wake up and I am certain I must have dipped into my stock of stupid pills. I say the wrong thing, I snap at my children, and most of the time my bad decisions and irresponsible behavior come from taking you out of the equation.

It is amazing how quickly things can deteriorate in our life when we stop praying, stop studying and stop serving. It is that same old ugly thing called SELF. We make bad decisions because we don't consult you! We fall into sin because we haven't immersed ourselves in your word.

While we make plenty of foolish decisions in our life, the most damaging, irresponsible and destructive is when we drift from your Holy presence. Please give me the wisdom to seek your counsel and follow your paths.

The Trouble with Me

Dear Father,

Please help me that I, " don't act out of selfish ambition or be concieted. Insted, humbly think of others as being better than myself" (Phil. 2:3). Those words are permanentaly attached to the bulletin board in my office. They are a reminder for me not to get too big for my britches (one of my most serious character flaws).

I used to work with a man who told me, "If you don't blow your own horn, no one else will either." This man taught me a lot, but he was dead wrong about this. There are two seriously flaws with self-promotion. First, nobody really wants to hear us brag about ourselves. It is irritating and annoying. Second, when we become self-consumed, no one else wants to brag on us either.

Let me give you an example. When my children tell me how great they are - my initial response is to bring them back to reality (i.e. don't get too full of yourself). On the other hand when they are humble, contrite, and self-deprecating I can't wait to tell the world how wonderful they are.

Remember what Jesus said about the Pharisees and their long, loud, ostentatious prayers, or fasting to be seen of men - "they have their reward" (Luke 6:16, 17).

We are involved in a great work together for God. We don't have to sound the trumpet before us. We don't have to tell the world that we are the best, that we have the answers, that the sun rises just for us. Emerson was right when he said, "build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."

If we do God's work, in God's way - He will recieve the glory.

Comic Book Faith

As a kid I loved comic books - most kids do, but why am I still drawn to comic book hereos at my age? Superman fought for truth, justice and the American way. Captain America was just a mortal man with extraordinary abilities. I believe that in each of us is a desire to be the hero, to stand apart from the crowd, we want to make a difference.

I don't mean to trivialize our faith, but why don't more people embrace Jesus as the superhero of our faith. Think about the nature of our Savior - God in the flesh. He is all-powerful, vanquishing his enemies, rescueing the poor, down-trodden, those who are unable to save themselves. We are all helpless in our battle against the great serpent, the evil one incarnate, until Jesus comes riding in on his white horse.

And yet like our t.v. or comic hereos, he is vulnerable. We see the humanity of Jesus as he cries out on the cross, "I Thirst." We understand the struggle as he pleads, "if you will let this cup pass from me." We relate as we see the anger and frustration he shows towards those who cheat the poor and take advantage of the weak.

Hebrews 11 records a lot of our hereos of faith, but only one superhero ever conquered death and paved the way for us to have eternal life. He has defeated our adversary and extended to us hope and promise. Maybe a comic book faith is not such a bad thing after all.

Accepting Grace

Father,

How do we find the balance between accepting your grace and mercy while taking responsibility for our sin and weakness? Paul warned us about the danger of viewing grace as a license for sin in Romans 6, "shall we continue in sin that grace many abound?" Some would offer a hardy amen if you stopped right there.

Why do we swing like the pendulum on a clock. Back and forth, prostrate on our knees, humbled before you we lie broken? During that moment of anquish and remorse we commit eternal vigilance and faithfulness only to fall back into our old patterns.

Proud, upright, confident in ourselves we return to the world, we embrace our passions like a suckling child to her mother's breast. We bask in our own righteousness and seek your grace to cover our unrepentant sins. Surely your umbrella of forgiveness was meant for such moments as these.

I know there must be a place to acknowledge our wrong doings while accepting your grace. Understanding the destructive nature of sin, while embracing your tender mercies. Like David, my sins are every before you, but help me O Lord to know the comfort of your marvelleous grace.

Dog Tired

Father, somedays I find myself just dog-tired with life. It is that kind of tired that penetrates beyond being sleepy, or lethargic. It is a weariness of spirit were I become weak and vulnerable to the temptations of the evil one.

I am reminded of the encouragement given Isaiah. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint" (40:31).

Help me to understand that strength is born through struggle, that character is demonstrated in trials and even though we are down-trodden, discouraged and weary at our core; that we are never defeated in you. Through our weakness you give strength, through our hardships you give hope and through our trials you remind us that this world is not our home.

Restlessness

Father,

Today I wander with a restless spirit. I long to wisk along the wind, or set sail to to some far, exotic land. My spirit wrestles tirelessly with my reason. I long to break the shackles of human bondage to explore, wander and feel truly free.

I am reminded that my longing for freedom requires responsible behavior. Whether I am sitting quietly in a moment of worship and devotion, or feeling the wind brush across my face as I ride down the Trace, I know, deep down in my core that the freedom I enjoy was delivered to me by the blood and sacrifice of others.

My longing for personal freedom wars with my need to act responsibly. What legacy do I leave for my children? What bridges must I build for them to cross and what standard must I set for them to follow? I must always remember that I am called to a higher purpose than self. I must always consider the impact of my actions on others.

No man is an island. We do not live to ourselves, or die to ourselves. Each and every decision we make affects another. Why is it so hard to accept at the heart level that true freedom is found in sacrifice, in putting others first, in seeking good rather than seeking self. Maybe it is in this struggle that we truly find who we are and where our happiness resides.

Help me to understand, help me to surrender, help me to know the peace that comes through sacrifice and not through self.

God, The Almighty

For the past week an associate has been calling me to schedule an appointment. His assistant has called me five or six times - each time changing the scheduled appointment. Finally she called and asked if we could reschedule our appointment as a phone conference - I declined. It wasn't out of frustration, but I have always been better in face-to-face situations. I think that is why I struggle at times with my interaction with God - I have too many Elijah moments (I Kings 19: 11-18).

I want to see the power, granduer and presence of an Almighty God. When I am troubled, weary or downcast I want to see my Savior sitting on that white horse. I want an army of angels ready to deliver me from my enemies. I want to see God in the tempest and earthquake and fire, but like Elijah, God tends to talk with me in a small still voice.

I don't really think I could handle God revealing Himself in all his power and majesty. When it happened to Isaiah, he said, "I am undone" (Isa.6:4). When John witnessed the Son of Man in all his glory "he fell at his feet as if dead" (Rev. 1:17). I am sure I would fare no better.

It is about awareness. Yesterday, I sat out back with the grill fired up and there was a peace and comfort in the quiet, but at the time it didn't strike me that God was there with me. Today as I look at the sunshine and the gentle breeze I need to be reminded of the glory of my creator. I believe that God interacts with his creation (nature and man). He has called me to be conscious of His presence.

All too often I try to interact with a God whom I percieve is far off in the distance. It affects my communion with Him. I need to learn to listen for Him in the quiet, to seek him in soliditude, to trust Him to always be near.

Man in the mirror #2

I was reminded today how important self-examination can be. A close friend called to get an objective opinion on a challenge he was facing. After a lengthy conversation, I am genuinely convinced that he was putting the best interest of others ahead of himself.

Inside the cover of my Bible is the poem that appears in the previous blog. I also have these words of Paul on my wall in my office, "Don't act out of selfish ambition or be concieted. Instead, humbly think of others being better than yourself" (Phil. 2:3ff). Each of these are strategically positioned as a reminder to remain humble.

Pride, arrogance and self-centered behavior are at the root of so many problems in our world. How often do you hear "my rights" or "my needs" or sentences that begin with "I, ME, or MINE?"

The account of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus troubles me. It doesn't bother me that he struggled with riches (I don't have that problem), or that he was told to sell everything he had. What troubles me is Jesus simple statement, "you lack one thing..." (Mark 10:21). ONE THING! My life, my eternity, my relationship to God can be messed up by one thing. That is troubling.

For me it's pride! I can see Jesus standing in front me, just like the young ruler and saying, "Trent, you lack one thing." That is why the poem is in my Bible and Paul's words are prominent on my wall. I am thankful that I have friends who by their example remind me to look at myself and be accountable for who I am.

Man in the mirror #1

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you king for a day.
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father, or mother or wife,
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life,
Is the one looking back from the glass.

Some people may think your a straight-shootin chum,
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum,
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
If theman in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
An get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears,
If you've cheated the man in the glass.