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Spiritual Computer Safety

When I took a computer class in college the highlight of the course was getting to actually see the computer – which was housed in a room by itself.  During the semester I also remember seeing a smaller piece of equipment (I think they called it a “personal computer” because of it its size), but  I didn’t pay too much attention to it because, after all, if it took a computer the size of a classroom to do simple accounting processes what could that dinky thing do?  That was circa 1980 ... it is incredible how things have changed! Often, when we discuss computers and spirituality, we tend to focus on pornography, but that’s not the direction I want to take this discussion.   Computers – complete with the development of the internet and the prevalence of social media – impact our mind and our spirit just about every day.   In light of this, I want to provide a few suggestions for keeping us spiritually safe in the modern technological world. 1.   Don’t take to heart everything we se
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Weddings And Marriages

I don’t think that June is as much of the wedding month that is was in days gone by, but whenever I think of June I think about weddings.  While weddings are important in our culture, there is something even more important – the years that follow the ceremony.  It is great to have a wedding that goes off without a hitch, bur the greater goal is a good marriage. What does it take to have a lasting marriage: 1.   Commitment .   One of the first things I tell couples who want me to do their wedding is to plan for something going wrong during the ceremony.   I don’t intend to be a pessimist, I just don’t want people to place too much emphasis on the “perfect wedding”.   Something will happen and we get through it.   This is a good observation about the marriage, too.   There is no such thing as a perfect marriage – something is going to happen – so deal with issues and move on.   Problems can be expected throughout the decades of the marriage, the key is being committed to each othe
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Memorials

One of the neat things about living in this part of the county is the presence of memorials.  Whether they are  the local monuments or the national memorials in and around the District of Columbia we are surrounded by reminders of where we have been as a nation.  No, not all the remembrances reflect our history in a positive light, but they do represent our nation’s journey. Memorials are important to humans – especially to God’s people.   Throughout the Old Testament the Israelites were continually erecting monuments and memorials, but something came along with God’s new covenant that is a lasting reminder.   When the Apostle Paul taught about what has become known as the Lord’s Supper he reflected back on a very important moment in the life of Jesus by recalling,   For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;     and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said,  “This is My body, which
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The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible says (and doesn’t say) .    Truth begins w
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Mother's Day - 2018

When Paul wrote to encourage his protégé, Timothy, he reminded him, “ For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother  Lois  and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that  it is  in you as well.” (II Timothy 1:5) .   I don’t find it odd that these two women influenced Timothy’s ministry because I have experienced it as well.    I have been surrounded by women who have shaped my perspective on life.   As we honor Mother’s Day I would like to thank a few “Moms” who have influenced me.   Elaine Wharton – The thing I appreciate most about my mother is the spirituality that she and my father infused into our family, but there is something else that stands out.   My mom taught me that I am a valuable person.   We all have critics trying to shape our lives – sometimes what we need is a biased cheerleader.   As a child and as an adult she was my cheerleader. Grace Perryman – My mother-in-law was a wonderful person.   I think the thing that stands ou
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Important Issues

How important are issues in the church?  Throughout our religious history certain teachings have tended to define and have developed into central themes of our faith.  So, here is the question for the day:  “How important are the issues that seem to be important to us?”.  Before we go any further, I would like to offer the following disclaimer – I do not have an agenda, nor am I on a mission to joust at any windmill.  I present this discussion to help us focus on what we have allowed to define us.  I am comfortable with our fellowship, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t step back and take a look at what we believe and why we believe it.  As I thought about our beliefs I got to wondering how we got to where we are and if all points are equal – not to us, but to God.   We have developed a comfortable formula for determining our worship and defining spirituality, but is He as comfortable with it as are we?   When we assess what we do, here are a couple questions to ask ourselves:
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At The Foot Of The Cross

I like a lot of the old classic hymns, but there is one that I struggle to sing – The Old Rugged Cross .  I understand that George Bennard’s masterpiece has an allure to a lot of people, but honestly, there are some phrases that get stuck in my mind and in my heart.  I find it hard to vocalize that “I love that old cross” or that I can see its “wondrous beauty”.  No, I don’t have any scriptural issues with the song, nor do I feel we should stop singing it – it’s just not one of my favorites. While I may struggle with Mr. Bennard’s description of the cross, I do appreciate the imagery of emotionally standing at the foot of the cross and being reminded of its lessons.   When I look at the cross, here are a few things I notice: 1).   My inability to be personally successful in life .   Everything I have and everything I hope for comes from Jesus.   Whether it is internal peace or external success, it all dependent upon His work in my life.   Yet, my greatest failure comes in my inab
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