From my book-Shadow of the Most Holy God

Chapter 1-Shadow of the Most Holy God

Go Away from me Lord, I am a sinful man (Luke 5:9)

Peter had just gone fishing and it seems was not having a very good day. Jesus tells Peter to put his nets on the other side of the boat which to many of us seems an exercise in silliness. Peter complies a little unwillingly. He was not ready for what happened next-an epic haul of fish. Instead of rushing off to market Peter recognizes his state-his spiritual state, something not generally associated with “cashing in.” Instead of wanting to make Jesus a partner is Simon , Andrew, James & John Fishing Enterprises Inc, Peter gets glimpse of what the prophet Isaiah saw hundreds of years before.

“ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:1-8)



That day, that moment, Simon of Galilee found Isaiah the prophet of Israel who lived centuries before him. Both realized their spiritual state, Peter a little more short and to the point than Isaiah said “Go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man.” Jesus's reaction is not the reaction so prevalent today which seems to say, “ If you don't think you can cut the mustard, then I will look for a more can do person.”
What does this attitude create? A nation of liars who sell for more than they are worth! Every job applicant today is coached to answer the “What is your biggest weakness' question with a strength rather than with a truthful answer. Frankly, with the can do attitude mania, it is pretty silly to give truthful answer.
Peter answers honestly, humbly. Go way from me Lord, I am a sinful man. (Isaiah being a little more wordy says, “Woe is me for I am undone”)!
Jesus reaches out to both and gives them a ministry, but He first deals with their sinful nature. Isaiah gets the coal across the lips OUCH! Notice Isaiah wants rid of his sinful words so much that there is no mention of “He shrinked back or wanted to renegotiate his deal.” No he took it, he wanted rid of his sinfulness. Was the coal real? Probably not in the figurative imagery of a prophetic book, but was it probably a little unpleasant? Repentance complete with its act of Contrition is not a good time.
Here we find the difference between the old testament new testament calling. Isaiah is sent, Peter and his posse are told to follow-The Lord of creation has now become personnel with his created. He who was the Pillar of Fire by night, and the Great Smoking Cloud by day, has become Teacher and Friend.
Scholars heave long wondered “Why did God put the tree in the garden?” Who knows for sure, but my conjecture is that God desired personal fellowship with his creation, He wanted Man to chose him because men and women wanted the creator of their own choice. They were not obligated by mere material needs.



Satan told Eve a half truth-yes if you chose to disobey you will know good from evil. This part was true! It was what Satan didn't tell Eve that was the problem. Now that you know...there are a few problems.....Satan, who knew God well, did not count on the love of the creator for the created.
Before men can enter into this relationship with the creator they must address their own sinfulness. So why not send Jesus right away? Because mankind in total needed a framework of laws, ethics ,and morals. This is why Jesus came to fulfill the law not overturn the law. We have a new better deal under grace, a personal relationship with the creator, but the principals of the law still apply. If you love me, keep my commandments, Jesus said. (John14: 15). Now with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we have a much better shot at leading a holy life. This leads us to our new look at the 10 commandments.
The principles have not gone away, the situations have just been altered. This is what this book is about.



This is my personnel prayer “ My Lord, make me your faithful servant who seeks your holiness.” This extremely short prayer takes in a wide swath of leading a Christian life. I, for one, wish I was better at doing it. Like Isaiah, I would “take the coal if it would get the job done.” I recognize my own sinfulnes and I want it gone. Easy to say, but it takes a life time to do. So How? God gives us the answer in the book of Joshua (chapter 1 verse 8 NIV) :



“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. “
and in the book of Deuteronomy (chapter 6 verses 4-9) :

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Keep them in the forefront of your mind, take them into your heart, let them rule your mind, let them guide the choices you make, immerse your whole being into the greatness of Christ and his salvation.
As Saint Paul stated, “Christ in me the hope of glory!” (Colossians 1:27)

The Transfiguation

I have been thinking a lot lately about the transfiguration.  This scene may be found in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 17. From the New International Version:

"

17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus."

It has long been kibitzed by theologians "why Moses and Elijah?" It is interesting to note that Peter immediately knew who they were, how? It is my idea that the oral traditions and stories passed down from generation to generation gave some detail. Peter wants to build some shelters to commemorate this momentous occasion, his friend shinning and glorified and talking with 2 of the all time greats.
What were they speaking about?This side of glory, I have no speculation, but I do have a feeling of what they represent-the form and structure of the church that will shortly be created.

Moses clearly is identified with the law. The Torah, the written, timeless, and unchanging word of God. The illumination of the holy character of God. The law that Jesus came to full fill-not set aside.
This word comes to us today as the Holy Scriptures.  This is what Moses brought down from Sinai to the chosen people of God. 

Elijah-represents the prophets-the stories, traditions, and  forms that have evolved down through the ages. They evolve because the Holy Spirit of God lives in every believer-The Theology and Philosophy of Augustine and Anselm, the piety of St Francis, the missionary zeal of Graham and Livingstone, the care of Mother Teresa, and the Holy Spirit keeps creating new stories in the hearts and minds of every believer.

All this comes down to one person Jesus. He is the focal point-the voice from heaven said "listen to him." The Author and Perfecter of our faith. The faith in Christ Jesus alone. When the disciples looked around-they saw no one but Jesus. There was no need for any other. The Law and Prophets all come  down to Him. Jesus being a reformer used the Old Testament model and adapts it to his new covenant church. 


Big D

OK Lord, You called this meeeting, what do you want

Today as I was sitting here preparing for my day, the electric heater went out, the lights went out, and the heat kicked off. I had a number of things I had wanted to do today, but somehow they were stifled. Most of all I wanted a substitute teaching job, but there were none to be found today, I wanted to go and visit Grandma but she has a very busy schedule today, I thought about visiting my friend Deano who is almost always free for lunch, but today he had an important meeting that I did not want to interfere.  So too, I realized that with the electric out, I had no computer, and had better save my cell phone.Wow, no TV, no ESPN, NFL Network, no World of Warcaft, email....isolated, and could not get in my car because the garage door is electric-stuck!

I kicked back in my desk chair and said, "Well , Lord you called this meeting, and you definitely want me at home today,what do you want me do?

About 15 minutes later, a man from my local power company knocked at my door and wondered if my power was back on, I assured him that it was not, after making double sure there was no large dog in house he came in, and we headed down stairs to the main breaker box. and he fixed my power outage.

He is younger and in better shape and he watched all 350 lbs of me labor up the stairs apologizing for holding him up every step of the way. I mentioned that among my various ailments, I had bypass surgery-5 bypasses no waiting. He said he observed that I was probably a religious man, and I stated well I hope I am a Christian man (remembering the title of this blog), he told me that he thought God was leading him to live a more healthy life style, and that he was concerned about his health since heart disease runs in his family (like mine- both sides). I shared with him my experience, and and how even with bypass surgery, God turned into some very good things, but it came at a cost-pain, the pain and concern of loved ones (from spouses and children, siblings, and friends), you don't go through this deal alone.

He said he felt that God set me in his way today to talk to him, specifically for him, and I agree. It turned out that he was a deacon in his church and didn't know why but he grabbed his oil of anointing the sick today. He anointed me and prayed over me (a very protestant thing to do, I in turn blessed him (a very Catholic thing today) it was all prayer ( a very Christ like thing to do).

In the beginning of the day, I felt like Elijah, Lord I am stranded here without the tools I use everyday, what would you have me do today. I don't know what , but I am still your obedient servant even stuck here. My limitation was not to big for the God who spoke the worlds into being, sitting here at my desk, I am still ready to serve and he is ready to use me. A very comforting thought!

I thought it was all bout me, turns out it was about my new friend who went forth from my house with a blessing and some very good heart healthy advice-something he needed, and I proved to myself once again as mediocre as I am , I am still his servant.

I only have a couple of prayers I say every day, sometimes it seems all I have time for, "Lord let me seek your holiness, and let me be your faithful servant. " for without holiness no one see's God, and with out faith it is impossible to please God." Pretty stern stuff that!But if I can get myself to do it-well, then, maybe I am on the way to being a little better than mediocre

Let me make this clear, I don't care what you are giving up for Lent

Let me make this clear, I don’t care what your are giving up for Lent…

Seriously, I don’t care. In fact, I have never understood, nor cared for, the ritual flogging Roman Catholics (and others) inflict upon themselves every late winter or early spring. I would never belittle anyone’s sacrifice large or small, or if it seemed silly to me. Only God can look on the heart and only he is the righteous judge.

Jesus said: “Then Yeshua said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and let him come after me.” (From the Aramaic Bible in plain English-Matthew 16:24). This is a far cry from “I am giving up sweets, chocolate, micro wave popcorn, meat on Fridays-seriously, forsooth!

Let’s look at what Our Lord and Savior said “Deny himself (unpleasant) Take up the cross (wow that’s a harsh metaphor), and let him come after me.

St. Paul said: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2: 20-New American Standard Version).

Wow for me some very big shoes to try to fill! How do I even begin to live up to this standard and it very important for St Paul also said: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1: 27-New International Version)

So what I really want to know-mostly for myself-what am I going to do? I have some ideas for myself:

1) Read the Book! It’s pretty simple-this is the Holy and eternal Triune Gods Word to us about his character and his directions for our lives. If I can’t do anything else, I am going to read through the book of Mark.

2) I like Mary, will ponder in my heart, what I have read, and I will ask the Holy Spirit of God to guide me into the truth.

3) I will keep my temper! A tough one for me, but I’m doing it! Our Savior is a

Master of patience and peace, not rage.

4) I will reach out to my fellow human. I don’t know how yet, but I am going to do this as our Lord commands.

So this is what I am doing for Lent. Not giving up sweets, popcorn or the like. I am going to try to be Christ to every person that I meet. If I do that, I will be at least a mediocre Christian

Big D

Faith-You have to earn it!

Many times I hear people saying with great and honest conviction, "Lord, give me more faith!" You get more faith by being faithful. Many cite Jesus saying that if you have the faith of a mustard seed you can move mountain. As Christians, we believe this to be true. So why do so many Christians fail? They fail economically( Lord, I need more money), socially (Lord, I need a girl/boy friend), physically (Lord, help me lose weight), Lord, give me the faith! The Lord says to us-go out and earn it!

Remember the Parable of the Talents?The three servants whom he gave 5, 2, & 1 talent? The one with 5 made 10, the one with 2 made 4, and the one servant buried his. The Lord cast him out and gave it to the one who had 10, and said well done my good and faithful servants enter into the joy of your Lord! The faithful servants were working and received more!

This is what St James meant by saying "Faith without works is dead." We might paraphrase into "Faith without action faith is impotent. "

God is faithful-this is true. We are children of a great King, in fact, the King of Kings. If we approach our lives with this mindset then the power of the living God becomes alive in our lives.

God will more than meet us half way, but he deals with humans in a way that rewards action and prudence, forethought and wisdom (wise as serpents, harmless as doves).

What ever problem you have, God will supply your needs, but our Lord rewards action-not just words.

We will speak again -The Lord willing


Big D

The American Creed

I felt very moved to send this to the Arch Bishop. What the scholars in Rome came up with is not the plain talking creed of North Americans. This in my mind is what they should have said and it should be spoken at every mass. No minor theology lesson, no liturgical words (as much as possible), just what the faith truly is condensed down into the simplest but not simplistic wording that every North American Christian can understand. So I present the American Creed:

The American Creed

We believe in the only true Three Personage God. The personage of the Father, the ultimate being in the universe, who is all knowing, all powerful, and exists in all time in all places.

We believe in the personage of the Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who always was and is in communion with the Father, before the world began, before time was ever measured. He made the universe, gave life to all creatures, and is the Lord of creation. For all people he left his throne in heaven and was born of the Virgin Mary, and became a human while still retaining his Godhood.

Jesus taught that all people were to love their God and each other as well as they love themselves. Jesus Christ died for the sins of humanity on the cross, once for all time. Jesus was buried and on the third day, he bodily rose from the dead, and a short time later ascended into heaven, once again seated at the right hand of the Father. Some day, Jesus Christ will return to the world, and reign in peace and justice for all time.

We believe in the personage of the Holy Spirit, who was sent from the Father and the Son. He is Comforter and Counselor for all disciples of Jesus Christ. In prior days he spoke through the prophets, and now dwells within each believer, the Spirit of the Living God. The Spirit inspired the Holy Word of God, and speaks to each individual Christian today leading them into truth and holiness.

We believe in the Holy Universal Church. Established and blessed by Jesus Christ, and formed and structured by Saints Peter and St Paul. It is the collective body of believers who worship God together, and are to be his disciples in word and deed serving each other and all of humanity by following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe in the discipleship of each individual believer called to faith and holiness. We believe in the bodily resurrection from the dead by the power of Jesus Christ, and an eternal home with Him in heaven.

Amen

Christ, the Christmas gift not wanted- but needed

As a child, I am sure just about everyone received gifts that were not high on the wish list, but turned out to be very needed-some of these are warm coats, underwear, socks, a planner.....

The Jewish people at the time of Christ were looking for a savior, and they certainly had need of saving. They were an occupied country under the rule of the Roman Empire. Antiochus Epiphanes offered a pig on the Alter in 168 BC to make his point and a statue of Zeus was placed in the Holy of Holies. Clearly the Jewish people of the time needed saving. I think about the USMC saying "Kicking__ for over 200 years, well the Roman Legion did it for over a thousand years.

The Jewish people had some fine models in their history-Moses the great deliverer who brought plagues on Egypt, Sampson the Jewish superman, Elijah who could call down fire from heaven, and David the great warrior and general. This was the gift that they were looking for; what they got was Jesus. A Rabbi who said turn the other check, He ministered to the lowly and children, He consorted with people in league with Rome!

Jesus was and still is desperately needed by this world. Only his message of peace and forgiveness can minister to a world full of want and diversion. Those who have not, desperately strive to join those who have. Those that have, seek to full fill themselves through various means: sex, drugs, pursuit of pleasure, pursuit of wealth to the point of avarice, all leave the soul empty at the end of the day-only Jesus Christ fills the quiet lack in someones soul. Only Jesus can answer the question of "Is this all there is?"

The gift the world needed-Merry Christmas!

Big D