So Youde Know

(1 Tim. 1:12-17) 12  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,   13  even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; Throughout my life, especially the last ten years, when I read this statement from Paul, I feel guilt.  I don't know about you, but when I read Paul saying, "I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief," my insides react with: "But I have sinned so much in full knowledge of the fact I'm sinning! I cannot deserve mercy!" I hope you caught the irony and silliness of that inner conflict.  If not, let me give two reasons why my assumption that Paul  deserves mercy  - and I don't - is asinine.   First, the definition of biblical mercy makes "deserving" impossible.  To use the old AWANA definition of mercy: "God not gi...

 My son, Noah (25) is getting married this Saturday (07/01/2023).  I am co-officiating the wedding with Makenn's Grandpa, Roger and here are some thoughts that I plan to share.  Introduction I have been excited for this day.  The Bible says "An excellent wife, who can find? She is more precious than jewels." Socrates, the famous Greek philosopher said, "By all means, if you get a good wife, you'll be happy.  If you get a bad wife, you'll become a philosopher." Makenna, Noah has found a good wife. We have grown to really enjoy you and we're excited for you to be a part of our family.  You'll fit right in.  That may not be what you want to hear.  Noah, I'm really proud of you and the man you've become. You work hard. You're dependable.  You're consistent.  You love well. And you're a lot of fun.  To quote another famous philosopher duo, "What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man."  God's Plan As I ...

Misguided, Human Fatherhood As a young Dad I often thought it was my duty to catch my kids in any wrongdoing and make sure they didn't get away with it.  More training should be required for young people having kids.  Over the years, God impressed upon me that what my kids really needed was to know that I love them and will always be there for them.  This has always been their need.  This will always be their need, no matter their age.  God's Mysterious Way I've been reading through Dane Ortland's "Gentle and Lowly" with a group of men. Ortland emphasizes the sympathetic gentleness of Jesus' heart in His invitation: "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28)  Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15) and is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward. (Heb. 5:2) Therefore, we are drawn to come to Him regularly with our struggles and find grace and mercy to help in times of weak...