History is cool.

I remember when I was in college taking a course in Western Civilization. Since I am a history buff I absolutely loved it. The Professor, I think his name was Dr. Ridgely, gave tests in a unique way; at least it was unique to me. Instead of 50 or 100 multiple choice questions or something like that he gave us small booklets with about 10 lined blank pages. He would give five questions, we had to answer three of them.

A test question would be similar to this: "Describe the major events in Western Europe between 1800-1825?" or "List the reasons why the Nazi party was able to gain power in Germany?" Our answers would then be written like a short story describing said events. The course covered two semesters, I made an "A" in both courses. I was successful because I loved the subject and you had to STUDY to answer the questions.

This post is written in support of history. I read a newspaper article one time where teenagers were asked "what is your least favorite subject in school?" One of the answers was history because it has no benefit whatsoever. I beg to differ. History in my opinion is the most important subject taught in school. History teaches us about our past and the mistakes that were made that led to wars or major blunders that had far reaching effects. But history must be studied in it's purest form. History is not a compilation of opinions or interpretations that the author wants to publish. As an example, I am not the least interested in a person's opinion of why the Civil War began. What I want to know are the FACTS, the actions, the events that took place leading up to the Civil War.

Too often today, history is being revised to say something that it is not. Instead of getting the facts, kids today are getting political slants on what the author wants the kids to hear or see. This is a dangerous precedent. You can interview any of my kids and they will tell you that I constantly want to know what they are being taught in school regarding history. It is important.

Consider the protesters of the "occupy wall street" movement. Most of them, I believe are young college graduates. They have been told that big business and corporations are responsible for the economic mess we are in. They have been encouraged to protest the heads of big corporations because they make too much money. Yet, a study of history would reveal that our current economic crisis began with policies introduced by Teddy Roosevelt and expanded by Woodrow Wilson. Is that my opinion, not hardly, these are FACTS of recorded history.

My challenge to young people, learn the facts of history and then draw your own conclusions. Do not become a lemming and waste your time following some political ideologue.

And by the way, who cares how much money a CEO makes. It's none of my business nor is it any of yours. It's a waste of time and a distraction to worry about such things.

He will win

Mark 10.32-34

His mind a swirling vortex of emotion, his road has finally led to this end. His fear and anticipation, so strong that he exudes it, breathes it. It hangs in the air like a pallor. The atmosphere is thick with the coming clash of good vs. evil. His whole life has been lived for this day that is fast approaching. He walks the road ahead of his faithful followers. They know that something is amiss. They can see it in his eyes, the can sense it in his face, they can feel it in his demeanor. The people, the common man who for months had watched him do incredible things now sense the fear and anxiety of the road he walks. He walks it alone for only he is worthy. The sun is hot, the dust is dry, but he walks on steadfast. He is sure of his mission. His resolve is unwavering. He will accomplish what he has set out to do. He will win the war. He will set things right. He will win. No one can stop him now. The host of hell will try but they will be defeated. His mind is set, his face is like stone, his body will obey, his will is the one which will overcome. And he will win. Since eternity past he has seen this road. He has always known that it was ahead of him. He has always known that his destiny was here, now, on this road outside the ancient city of Jerusalem. As he walks, he sees the fear of the people, he senses the anxiety of his disciples. His love for them is such that they will not understand until this road is walked. Love beyond human comprehension, yes, that is why he does it; that is why he walks it. And this love compels him, drives him to keep walking , ever higher, ever closer to the greatest event in creation. For 33 years now he has set aside his true nature. By his own choosing he has cloaked his divine power and privilege for the sake ofthose he loves. And now his love will at last be displayed in it’s fullest measure. It will require him to experience a pain and a terror he has never experienced. But he will do it none theless. He will endure. He will win. He has always known his father. He has always been face to face with his father. He and his father have always been in fellowship, a perfect relationship that goes beyond time. But he knows that for those he loves, that relationship must for a time be broken…and it scares him beyond reason. This is the source of his fear and anxiety. It is not the physical pain he will endure but the anticipated brake in fellowship with his father. But he will do it, he must do it, he willfulfill the mission for which he came. And so he walks the road ever onward to his destiny. He will win.

Faith requires a first step

It is early fall in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The nights are a little cooler and the days are not hot but just warm, usually the low 80s during the day and the mid fifties at night. The leaves have not yet changed color but they will soon. We had a hot dry summer which makes for less color in the fall. Bow season opened four days ago. We have seen deer but have not been able to shoot at any just yet. High school football is a weekly delight. In our case, for now, it is Junior High football on Thursday's but it is a great privilege to see our son playing every week.

Our other son is a freshman at Ouichita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. He also is doing well studying Music Theatre all of which is paid for by way of scholarships; scholarships which he earned.

Soon, we will be burning fires almost every night. Sitting on our back porch enjoying incredible sunsets in the quiet and serenity of the rural Ouichita mountains. I am blessed beyond reason. I am married to an incredible woman, we have all four of our kids no more than an hour away from our house. I am doing the job that I love more than anything, that is teaching the Word of God and Pastoring a church full time.

The world we live in is full of uncertainty yet the world in our neck of the woods is more than I could ask for. I do not have the time to go into how my family and I ended up here but know that it came about as a result of putting feet to our faith.

Coming here was truly a step into the unknown but time has proved that it was the right decision to make. If anyone reading this is faced with a decision, know that the one that demands faith is the right one to make. God never promises a smooth road or even a clear path. What He does promise is that faith will be rewarded.

Hebrews 11.1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

How do I make Jesus Christ Lord of my life?

Salvation is putting faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. He died for the sins of mankind and was resurrected three days later. Putting faith in these facts saves a person for eternity. But what about after salvation? What about the Christian life/walk for the time we have left before physical death? Do we rely on ourselves and our ability to be good? Is this how we "walk by faith"? Is this how we make Jesus Lord of our lives?

Back to the phrase above "Jesus Christ and His work on the cross". Understanding what that "work" entails is vital to understanding the Christian life/walk. Paul tells us in Romans 6.6 that our old sin nature, the old man, the flesh, was crucified with Christ on the cross so that it (the old man) might be "done away".

Oh, wait a minute, you mean the cross can help me after salvation? The answer is yes...most definitely.

The phrase "done away" in the Greek literally means, "rendered powerless". Accordingly, the flesh, the old sin nature became inactive on the cross with Christ. But here is the kicker...YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE EVERY MOMENT TO CONSIDER IT SO. God nailed your sin nature and mine to the cross but we MUST believe it to be so, (Romans 6.11), and then yield our nature to the control of the Holy Spirit, (Romans 6.13).

You see, not only is salvation "faith alone in Christ alone" but the Christian life/walk is still "faith alone in Christ alone". It is the Holy Spirit who supplies all the power to save us and to grow us into the likeness of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

By this means and this means only will Jesus Christ become Lord of my life or your life.

Consider also:
Ephesians 4.21-24
Romans 13.14
Colossians 2.11
2 Corinthians 10.3-5