Head-dibs

On two separate occasions, Seneca penned two thoughts that compliment each other. The first is this: “I don’t agree with those who plunge headlong into the middle of the flood and who, accepting a turbulent life, struggle daily in great spirit with difficult circumstances. The wise person will endure that, but won’t choose it—choosing to be at peace, rather than at war.” (MORAL LETTERS, 28.7) And the second:  “Many are harmed by fear itself, and many may have come to their fate while dreading fate.” (Oedipus, 992) One wonders if some people plunge headlong into foolishness because they are driven by fear. Herds of animals have been known to stampede to their own harm to escape bugs. What a small thing a bug is that a beast will risk drowning or plunging over a precipice out of fear. Not too long ago I encountered a person who, for reasons unknown to me, simply cannot abide in peace. There must be strife. To be fair, this person has endured trauma and abuse so happine...

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor. 4:3-4, ESV) One inherent characteristic of an adversary is his need to remain undetected. Even an enemy who hides in plain sight does so with the intent to remain unseen. When we acknowledge our enemy, we do not merely say he exists, but point him out with neon light. The apostle Paul in writing to the calls out the enemy of the church: Satan. Satan is a person, “the god of this world,” not a principle or force and certainly not a polar “opposite God” but a created being who rebelled against God. “Well,” someone asks, “if Satan is not a god, why is he called one here?” Go back to John 12:31 when Jesus calls Satan “the prince of this world.” Paul later echoes this in Ephesians. Notice carefully how Satan is not called “god”...

This ancient book of 13 chapters is held by public opinion as the definitive book on warfare. Since its publication about six centuries before our Lord Jesus Christ, this book is not merely consulted by most ranks of militaries worldwide, but the principles contained therein have been utilized in law, politics, education, the business world and sports world as well. Any poker player or Kenny Rogers fan knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em, when to walk away and when to run, as instructed in Chapter 3, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” History records the use of these warfare principles in Japan during the 1500’s and was committed to memory by Vietcong officers during the Vietnam War. This book is presently recommended reading in the Professional Reading program of the United States Marine Corps and is required reading for all US Military Intelligence Officers and the CIA. Don’t be surprised to find video games that carry the title, or a movie by the ...

Somewhere in my reading list is Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” (perhaps I will read it sooner than later). This short work is supposed to be the definitive book on war and has been studied for centuries. I will be bringing a treatment of the book at this time; rather, I would like to concentrate on a passage in Matthew’s gospel that is very helpful for followers of Christ who face opposing viewpoints that amount to a different kind of warfare altogether. This is not the kind of warfare that constitutes the arm-wrestling of ideas, and the best debater wins. Instead, this is the kind of warfare that battles for clear thinking on the foundation of truth. Our Lord Jesus Christ has been doing ministry in Galilee with Simon and others. Having already faced opposition at home, a multitude of people were following Jesus despite His withdrawal following the Sabbath controversy (He healed a lame man and people were seeking to kill Him for breaking the Sabbath and for saying He was equal with God). T...

As a young teenager, I nearly lost my right hand. The accident could have been avoided if I had obeyed my father’s instruction, but I just had to try. Perhaps many have done the same thing I was doing that day—lighting firecrackers and tossing them. The warnings are there for a reason, and my one act of foolishness almost cost me—one fast fuse is all it takes. One can never tell one fast fuse from any other—they all look the same. You can’t plan an accident like that. I believe God spared me all but the pain when the thing went off in my hand. I’ve never felt anything so horrible and pray I never do again. The New Testament book of Jude is an amazing little letter. Many people not too familiar with the Bible may look for something short to read when they open the book for the first time and tend to gravitate toward the smaller books. Imagine the surprise when they read this little epistle! It nearly explodes in one’s hands! I believe the short book with its’ short fuse is part of th...

What comes to mind when you think of a fort? The traditional picture that comes to the western mind is a large wooden square structure of cut trees with perhaps four “towers,” one in each corner, attended by soldiers in the American west. The younger generation today might recall the movie version of Narnian castles or Peter Jackson’s interpretation of Helm’s Deep, the seven levels of Minas Tirith or Mordor’s Barad Dur from Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” Remember Superman’s Fortress of Solitude—it sure has changed over the years! However forts are pictured today, they seem to represent a place of safety but are somehow aloof from everyday life. Fortresses, strongholds, and castles with all their keeps, towers, prisons and stores were synonymous with entire cities in the ancient world. Jericho, Nineveh, even Jerusalem—these were all fortress/cities. The word used to describe them can also be “strongholds.” Strongholds are an interesting concept as at one time they represented a safeg...

Solomon was right: there is nothing new under the sun. I am amazed at the ongoing objections concerning the relevance of the Bible today, yet within those very objections is proof enough that the Bible is indeed very relevant. Objectors do not realize how they confirm scripture by their very act of rebellion. We find ourselves in the unique position to view an incredible display of God's omniscience as He reveals what is on the hearts, minds and in the actions of His enemies. This, too, demonstrates the relevance of God's Word today as what God reveals continues without abatement today. They bring nothing new to the forum, but a tired excuse to disbelieve God. When David was inspired to ask, " why are the nations in an uproar ," he was reflecting on old news and from our perspective, nothing has changed in that regard: the nations are still in an uproar as they try to cast off the rule of God. What should the nations be doing? The book of Psalms alone contains a small...

"Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the centre of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round. Remember: the man who fights one more round is never whipped." (James J. Corbett, heavyweight boxing champion from 1892 to 1897)

" There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light ." (John 1:6-8) Perhaps you have heard from time to time about some of "those" phone calls pastors receive. "A word from the LORD" has been "recieved" by someone with nothing more than good (or bad) intentions: thoughts regarding the pastor, the church, his sermons and/or delivery, and the list goes on. Pastors often listen and thank the caller, hang up and go back to work with little or no consideration. Some calls get screened. Once in a while, a trusted friend calls. James Ryle (not to be confused with J.C. Ryle of the 19th Century) tells of a call he once received from a friend that had a deep impact on his ministry. He describes this friend as "a man who rises early in the morning and spends great lengths of time in prayer; a man of si...

The way in which we need to stand in the face of opposition is aptly described by a word the British use, “steady.” To illustrate this word’s meaning, picture a British commander in the 19th century as he and his regiment were being approached by a horde of Bedouins brandishing swords. As he examines his past experience, his present capability, and meditates on the future sense of accomplishment, being confident of victory, he remains “steady.” As believers, we need to realize we can rely upon the testimony of God’s past accomplishments, His present work in our lives, and His promise of ultimate victory, and remain steady in the face of opposition. " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might . . . Stand firm therefore . . . be on the alert with all perseverance and petition ." (Ephesians 6:10, 14, 18)

Warfare: strife, confusion, variance, at odds, state of hostility. What is it good for? On the one hand, war produces defeat for the victims, cruelty, indignancy, atrocity, humiliation, disgrace, and destruction; on the other hand, war also produces victory for the victor, purging, peace, reconciliation, restoration, and comfort. War is not a process entertained half-heartedly, passively, as if there was “just a war;” rather, warfare is accomplished wholly, for justice is fully engaged—war is about justice. A dogfight is not the battle. War is aggression against God on both the spiritual and human levels; in other words, a lifting of the hand in the physical realm is a sure sign that a battle in the spiritual realm has already been lost. Wickedness is the unapologetic enemy of righteousness. “But,” one may inquire, “if warfare is evil, wouldn’t the defender of righteousness also be evil, and subsequently be no longer righteous?” Hardly. Cooperation with the enemy is treason. The defend...

“ While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the Lord was angry against Israel .” (Numbers 25:1-3) Satan through the world has two ways to attack the godly: up front and with great stealth. Moab had tried already to come against Israel with arms, even with a professional cursor, but he enemy of Israel failed both fights. But they had another weapon that, in effect, exploded in the lap of Israel. While Moab could not stand against Israel in the open, they attacked in worship. Worship, of all places! Who ever thought of that tactic? Whoda thunk warfare could occur in worship . . . I’ve been hung up on this one set of verses all day because of the quiet way God is teaching me through His Holy Spirit. I just can’t get over the fact that the people have the presence of God in thei...

From today's reading (3/3 "The Unrelieved Quest") in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, I was grabbed by these thoughts: "Peter now realizes that he does love Him, due to the revelation that came with the Lord’s piercing question. The Lord’s next point is—"Pour yourself out. Don’t testify about how much you love Me and don’t talk about the wonderful revelation you have had, just ’Feed My sheep.’ " . . . If I love my Lord, I have no business being guided by natural emotions—I have to feed His sheep. We will not be delivered or released from His commission to us." These words became volitile to me when reflected against John 15:16-17. John Piper explained in a message delivered in Augusta, GA (2001) that "God is Soveriegn and Life is War." Piper explains John 15:16-17 and the close connection with ministry to the necessity of prayer (that description does nothing for the weight of the truth): "we are chosen, sent to ...

“You should tell the devil “Just by telling me that I am a miserable, great sinner you are placing a sword and a weapon into my hand with which I can decisively overcome you; yea, with your own weapon I can kill and floor you. For if you tell me that I am a poor sinner, I, on the other hand, can tell you that Christ dies for sinners and is their Intercessor… You remind me of the boundless, great faithfulness and benefaction of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The burden of my sins and all the trouble and misery that were to oppress me eternally He very gladly took upon His shoulders and suffered the bitter death on the cross for them. To Him I direct you. You may accuse and condemn Him. Let me rest in peace, for on His shoulders, not on mine, lie all my sins and the sins of all the world.” --Martin Luther

This is (I believe) one of the greatest poems ever written. Just wanted to share it with you: ***************** BOOTS by Rudyard Kipling We're foot-slog-slog-slog-sloggin' over Africa - Foot-foot-foot-foot-sloggin' over Africa - (Boots-boots-boots-boots-movin' up an' down again!) There's no discharge in the war! Seven-six-eleven-five-nine-an'-twenty mile to-day - Four-eleven-seventeen-thirty-two the day before - (Boots-boots-boots-boots-movin' up an' down again!) There's no discharge in the war! Don't-don't-don't-don't-look at what's in front of you. (Boots-boots-boots-boots-movin' up an' down again) Men-men-men-men-men go mad with watchin' em, An' there's no discharge in the war! Try-try-try-try-to think o' something different - Oh-my-God-keep-me from goin' lunatic! (Boots-boots-boots-boots-movin' up an' down again!) There's no discharge in the war! Count-count-count-count-the bullets i...