Will the 'fly...fly again?

So, the 'fly has been sitting here, idle, for quite some time. Four years or so, to be precise.

I'm thinking it's time to breathe some new life into the old girl.

So much has been going on since its heyday, starting in late 2009 and onward. It began with health issues as I was weaning off various medications...then progressed on with a medical problem with Conn Syndrome which involves a growth on one of my adrenal glands. Something like that makes a mess of everything. Your mental capacity for one, your metabolism for another.

Then other things. Meds causing chronically high blood sugar. Ah, yes. Nothing like having syrup running through your brain.

Then the cataracts. So bad that I'd be riding in my wife's car and couldn't read the license plate of the car in front of us. But surgery fixed that.

Anyway, you get the idea.

Lots has been going on...if not here. Most of it being growth and progress in evangelistic efforts. I've been active doing outreach on the streets, doing open air preaching. And, working on a Biblical understanding of the importance of church membership for the street preacher.

Last we met here, my wife and I were in the process of looking for a good church to join. We finally found one. It's Fellowship Bible Church in Peoria Illinois. I'm thankful for them...both their good teaching, mutual accountability and support as well as their open support for street evangelism.

They also have a good focus on discipleship.

Anyway, that's a bit of background.

The 'Fly started in 2006 as I became increasingly frustrated with the church situation...mainly due to seekerism via Rick Warren. I had discovered the source of my frustration at a church we had joined...and found out that the errant teachings of Rick Warren was the culprit.

So many blog posts on so many topics. I think the heaviest year for posting was 2007 although I'd have to check. Then in late 2008 came Facebook...and a loss of focus. It was the "new kid". And my focus shifted...as did the focus of many.

So much has changed. While Warrenism is no longer prominent, the world has changed. Our society is steeped in moral relativity and with that all manner of confusion.

As I attempt to start activity at the 'fly back up, I'll be sorting through so many topics in an effort to learn more and be of help to my readers seeking the same.

May God bless you, my readers. And thank you for your prayers of support.


-- Tim

Ok, Here's What I Think Happened...

Actually I know what happened, but the question is how, if at all, things are linked together...

Last June (of 2010) a doctor's visit resulted in a blood draw for a potassium check. It turned out low. Not good because low potassium can lead to a number of things such as high blood pressure that resists control (even by multiple meds) higher risk of cardiac arrest, muscle tiredness and a multitude of other bad stuff.

So, I went on increasingly large doses of potassium to try to rectify the situation.

To No Avail.

By September, I was prescribed up to 80 milligrams equivalent per day of potassium. But my levels were almost always lower than the bottom limit.

Worse, my GP couldn't understand why I wasn't absorbing it.

I did some googling and found that it could involve the endocrine system. But I wasn't sure.

About that time, I had a job interview. Part of the process involved a pre-employment physical. The company specified the doctor. So, I went.

It took him five minutes prodding me and finding out about the potassium that he shot out "You need to see an endocrinologist and be checked for Addison's disease".

That was enough for me. It congealed my suspicions. And his statement that I was "not fit for work" took a back seat.

So I found an endocrinologist. Problem was he appeared to be dragging his feet. Even worse, getting information back was horrible. His habit of saying "we can't just call you...we have too many patients" kind of tipped him off. This takes us up to (I think) early January. Maybe February.

The one good thing he did was put me on sporonolactone which is a blood pressure med that targets the secretions of the endocrine glands.

So, I decided to find a doctor in Iowa City. Found one. Dr. Thomas O'Dorisio. And we made the trip up there.

Their diagnosis was Conn Syndrome, which is caused by an over secretion of aldosterone by the endocrine glands, which are located on the kidneys. Higher aldosterone leads to a loss of potassium in the urine.

Side note: By early March, I had started (re)memorizing 1 John. By the tenth, my mind became a scrambled mess. I just couldn't deal with it. Verses ran together somewhat and trying to memorize new ones seemed fruitless. On our first visit to O'Dorisio, we found that during that time period, my potassium had shot up too high. The sporonolactone was working...but I was also still taking the large (prescribed) doses of potassium.

Strange though, as my potassium levels returned to "normal", my symptoms continued. The muscle tiredness, the confusion...even tremors and more.

Finally, my wife of 13 years (this August) took me to the E.R. of the local hospital for a potassium check....

To be continued....and perhaps modified.

Here's an Update

Thanks for stopping by...and happy new year!

Yes, the blog has been slow. The past twelve months have been tough ones, mostly multiple health reasons...and I've been spending more time on Facebook. But things are getting better and I expect to spend more time here this year.

I have, of late, been doing some study in eschatology, for a couple of reasons such as firming up where I am and understanding other views better. It is all too easy to have a casual position and not a conviction. Then life happens and you find it necessary to clarify things.

My wife and I have spent considerable time looking for a church. We are currently attending one and with the exception of some (eschatological) differences, it appears to be fairly good although I am not-so-secretly wondering when "the other shoe" will drop. Until then, we will seek to love the bretheren and grow in Christ. Things like this help us learn patience.

Currently, I'm reading "Future Israel" by Horner, and I have another book on the way. Perhaps I could use posting chapter summaries as an excuse to keep things more active here.

So, again, thanks for visiting here. I know the crickets have been very audible for a long time here at the 'fly. Thanks for your patience and I hope you understand.

Blessings to you.

Yes, I'm Still Here!

No, I've not been the most faithful blogger for the past month or more. No, I haven't died but the Lord has been letting me go through some things that have led to growth.

It started maybe 6 or 8 weeks ago. I'm not sure.

Since 2004, I've been convicted of the need to be more involved in personal evangelism. I came to this conviction through the ministry of Way of the Master. While I don't necessarily agree with everything they say, or those whom they affiliate with, I do agree with their method and appreciate them greatly. We need more who follow their example.

So what has been happening? Well, simple. See since 2004, I had become very frustrated in my efforts to find a partner to do evangelism with. Then came a Facebook friend. Out of nowhere.

We meet in Peoria and do street evangelism on Saturdays from 1pm to about 3 or so. And we talk to the homeless. We talk to those who have homes to go to. We talk to them at bus stops. We walk around and talk. We drive around to find others. We hand out good tracts and do one on ones with them. It's great!

I had noticed after the first week or two that my walk with the Lord seemed to have new life. Then, of course, as my doctor recently told me, if you do street evangelism you have put a large target on your back. We are invading enemy territory with the one thing they can't tolerate: Truth. The Gospel.

It's been an interesting time. It has been challenging but the Lord is faithful. Of course, He always is. But He has shown this to me in special ways over the past weeks. And I give Him praise for His faithfulness to me.

So, please understand why I am so quiet. I've not thrown in the towel. I've just kind of been refocusing. This used to be a "watchdog" blog of sorts. And of course, there is need to herald warnings about various errors which saturate Christendom of late. And of course, there is room for a political statement here and there.

But my focus has shifted. I'm primarily learning to love my wife more and myself a bit less. I'm learning about God's personal love for me, mainly in a recent incident that the Lord brought me safely through. I won't go into what happened here, but His fingerprints are all over it.

I have a new job. We have found an excellent church...56 miles from here but it is an excellent church of the Reformed Baptist persuasion. Expository preaching. Verse by verse. Book by book. Can't beat that.

This has been a tremendous time. No doubt. Please pray that the Lord will find me faithful.

Thanks and I'll be back!

Tim

Rightly Divided: Lane Chaplin

From the "How Much Mooshier Can You Get?" Department

When I looked up the following (from a local Church's "conference" site), I wasn't really surprised to find that it teaches Wesleyan-Arminianism. . .but the rest really knocked me over. Seems like it's the "Hey, we're whatever you want us to be" church...

Here's the text which can be found here. The last sentence is particularly chameleonic...:

"Theologically, how do you stand in relationship to other church groups?

Without getting involved in detailed definitions, we like to think of ourselves as conservative, rooted in Wesleyan-Arminian theological heritage, a part of the Anabaptist free-church tradition, a part of the Holiness Movement that came to mid-America in the nineteenth and first part of the twentieth centuries, and a participant in the Protestant tradition. We value the insights of those who espouse fundamentalist, liberal, neoorthodox, liberation, and process theologies, but we have some serious questions about some of the methods and conclusions of these schools of thought."

What? No mention of the emergent church? Oh yeah, that's wrapped up in everything else I guess.

No need to comment on the silliness of "valuing insights" from liberals and / or the neoorthodox. But for those who don't know: The "Holiness Movement" teaches that you can reach a point of sinless perfection in this life...which contradicts 1 John in multiple verses. "Process theology" is basically an old liberal teaching which teaches that, to paraphrase, "God is just in a process of 'becoming' just like the rest of us and can't quite handle His job" ("God is either unloving or not able to handle the stuff that is "wrong" in our world"). It's utter heresy and the true Christian has nothing to learn from it, save how to run quickly.

On second thought, maybe there is hope...you think maybe since they'll listen to everyone else they might listen to a Calvinist? Nah.

Yowza! Welcome to "Camp Whatamess"!

I'm glad I'm not going there. It'd definitely be time to change churches!

Clarifying the Docrines of Grace

Today, I think, marked another turning point in my Christian walk. It has, I believe, been coming for some time but today was the day of reckoning.

My wife and I have been meeting on our own on Sunday mornings. We've been doing this since September of last year. During that time, we've been going through 1 John each Sunday morning. Well, most Sunday mornings except for those when we ventured out seeking a home church. So far, no results. We've run into all kinds of things that just indicate that "it wasn't for us".

No, we aren't looking for the "perfect church". We know that such an animal doesn't exist (well, in a way it does...if you say that the "perfect church" is the one that God will use to conform you, in spite of itself, to the image of Christ through its imperfections). But when you get to a point where pastors reject your "conversion story" because it doesn't include a "free will decision" (per a Wesleyan-Arminian pastor) you know it just isn't going to work. And my testimony is one of "Hey, where'd I make a 'decision'? I had no choice!". Rather like Saul to Paul in Acts 9.

Many other disappointments as well. Some theological...and theology does matter because what is taught from a pulpit enters the mind. And what you hear will ultimately effect your behavior because it will effect how you think of God, rightly or wrongly.

So we've been around the block a few times.

Last week, I expounded -- in my own way -- on 1 John 3:1a which commands us to "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God..."

The only way to understand the wonder in that verse is to understand at least the following 2 things:

1. The character of God.
2. The depravity of man.

If you understand those two things as they are presented in the Scripture, then the 'wonder of it all" becomes patently obvious. If you were to look out your window and see a flying saucer from Venus landing in your front yard, you'd be totally awed. It would be something completely beyond your understanding or grasp. And this is kind of the idea that John was getting at in 1 John 3. The kind of love God the Father showed us in transforming us from lost, vile sinners to children of God. It is a totally "alien" kind of love. Period.

So, with this in mind as well as other things going through my mind of late, you can perhaps understand the pursuit of our study of the Doctrines of Grace.

I have long been, to one degree or another, been convinced of the doctrines of Grace (which some call "Calvinism"). I have been aware, for decades, of the difference between what is referred to as Calvinism and Arminianism. And it has never been an issue of fellowship. I have had many friends of the Arminian persuasion and I've never been tempted to beat any of them over the head with chubs of frozen beef. As a matter of fact, given our country's current drift to socialism, communism, facism or whatever "ism" we are turning into and considering that real Christianity is slowly being criminalized (through proposed "hate crime" legislation), I'd much rather find myself in a jail or prison cell next to an Arminian who shows the fruit of regeneration than a "Calvinist" who claims to be born again regardless of his or her rank lack of fruitfulness.

With the study of the "doctrines of Grace", we will be reminded of the sheer and utter grace of God. Today we spent our time considering the 'prelude' which has to do with the sovereign nature of God. And, you know, He is sovereign.

We in America cannot understand the concept of a "kingdom". We view everything through the lens of a democracy. We know nothing, at least experientially, of a king. See, as someone wiser than me has already said, in a kingdom there are only two parties -- "the king...and the dom".

Well, God is the king...guess who we are? Co-kings? Nope. guess again. And quit thinking "democracy". You don't get a vote.

You may well say something like "I know where you are going and if you are right, it makes God an unjust God!" because God, in His sovereignty, chose who He would redeem, apart from any human decision. And I say to you, "You are looking at it wrongly, for what did God ever owe any man? What are the wages of sin for any man?"

See, no one ever said the same for an outgoing American president who chose to pardon some but not all. It was a sheer act of mercy and grace. But somehow, many won't allow God the same right. He is supposed to be there to serve us. That is not how it is for all things were created by him and for him (Col 1:16). And He works all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11). He doesn't counsel with man. He doesn't need his permission. God just does, in his own Sovereignty, as He will.

It's just kind of a "wow" time to go through this.

See, we tend to...over time...kind of leak man's counsel and wisdom into how God works. We have a tendency to, from our own human pride and sinfulness, exalt our own importance. And in doing so, we elevate man and "deGod" God. As fallen creatures, we love our autonomy and in some way, rail against the real Autonomy of God. But that is an expression of our falleness and nothing else.

So, this is where my wife and I find ourselves. The next five weeks or so, I will be doing a study of what the Scriptures say about our depravity, election, the atonement, the irresistible nature of grace and the perseverance of the saints. And she'll be receiving the fruit of my study on Sunday mornings.

Your prayers appreciated as we undertake this wondrous subject.

In Your Trials, Never Forget...

Glinda (to Dorothy): "Keep tight inside them. Their magic must be very powerful or she wouldn't want them so badly."

You know, I don't use many things like this to make a point. Generally I like to just go straight to our only authority, which is the Word of God.

But sometimes, I just can't help myself. This, of course, is one of them.

I won't go into the details of what is going on right now. Suffice it to say that this is a time of testing for me. Seems it will never end. You know what I mean...you struggle and struggle to bear in mind that God is still in control. You can't seem to catch a glimpse of God anywhere. It's called bearing up in the valley after you've learned He is there in the mountaintop.

And, remember, no matter how deep the valley, He is still there after you've left the mountaintop. No doubt.

I have no idea what you may be going through. We all struggle with various things or situations. We have our seasons of testing. Just remember, that is what it is -- a season of testing. Let's recall some of the words of Peter in 1 Peter 1:

"³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

⁴to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

⁵who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

⁷so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

⁸and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

⁹obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."

See that? We who are in trials still rejoice. Why? Because we know we are being "protected by the power of God through faith" and that what seems to be so oppressing is really nothing more than something God has allowed in our lives to purify us and show us as genuinely born again.

That's it!

But we do need to remember that there is one, namely Satan, who (5:8 of 1 Peter) "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

If you are born of God, your faith is precious. Exceedingly so. And if you are really converted, the enemy cannot "de-faith" you because our Lord protects us from being "touched" (Gr: To cling to in order to separate) by the enemy. (1 John 5:18)

Furthermore, Paul reminds us that after we have suffered for a while, we may be able to comfort those who need comfort! (2 Cor. 1)

Simply put, we need each other!

Anyway if you, like me, find yourself going through some things that just seem just too crazy or heavy to bear just remember that it is a test. And if you are genuinely born of God, you can bear it. He promised through His Word!

^"13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13)

Blessings to you. Endure!

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Mourning a Death. . .

It's been said to me by a dear old friend that mourning for the death of others is common in ministry. I'm new to this. Oh, I've mourned over the loss of those for whom I've given care as a nurse's aid. I've mourned over the loss of my brother. And if you've been tracking my blog since the early days, you recall my dad died in November of 2006.

But this was different. And, it was unexpected. For it was a mourning over what would appear to be the death of one who yet walks, breathes and talks. And it took me totally by surprise. I wasn't a bit prepared.

It was 1982. September. I had flown from my home in Illinois to L.A. to attend Logos Bible Institute at John MacArthur's church. And I made too few friends. See, I was there as a false convert. I thought I was saved, but wasn't. I was yet unregenerate. But it would appear I wasn't the only one.

Since those days, the Lord let me slip but by His grace and incredible mercy, showed me my sinful state and my need for Christ. There are others who, sadly, have not.

One was another Logos student whom I heard about through Rick Holland. Rick was also a Logos student but is now an elder at Grace Community Church, among other things.

The other is an old friend whom I had come to know well. We had rented opposing bedrooms in home on Foothill Boulevard in, I believe, Lakeview Terrace.

After Logos, I wouldn't see my friend again until 1998. My wife and I were on our honeymoon and had traveled to the Phoenix area for a few reasons. My wife had spent part of her childhood there. Also, we wanted to visit a dear friend who was the dean of Logos turned pastor of Scottsdale Baptist Church. And then there was my old friend from Logos. Yes, we were able to reconnect. And it was great to see my old friend again.

Over the years, I've thought of him often. And it was a couple of months ago that I tried to look him up. His dad had written and self-published a book, a copy of which I still have. There was just enough information there to, in theory, locate his father. But when I tried to contact him, the number was out of service.

Then over a week ago, I get a friend request on Facebook. "Is that really you?". It was my friend. "Good days be comin'" I thought to myself.

Well, you probably already know where I'm going. I've certainly thrown enough hints around. So I'll cut to the quick.

My friend told me in plain language that he is now "secure and content" in his skepticism. And from the discussion I had with him, both on Facebook as well as a conference call from a fellow brother in Christ, he appears to be totally apostate. Of course, I can't determine if he has "crossed the line" and has been abandoned by God but if he ever comes to faith it is going to be an extremely obvious work of God. And I pray this to be the case.

After my conversion, I struggled with doubts. Very strong doubts. But I always, always, always knew it was "doubt leaning toward belief". In other words, "Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief". My friend has doubt which is decidedly leaning toward unbelief.

He has read all the "experts" and has convinced himself that the Scriptures are not reliable. Yet, having done so, he wanted me and my friend to convince him (against his will?) that the Bible can be trusted.

While he clearly said he is "secure and content" in his skepticism, he also said "I want to believe, I really do!" Well, the two are mutually exclusive. If you are content and secure in your "faith", you don't want to abandon it. Pure, clear thinking rules out reconciling the two statements. Unless, of course, his heart is crying for what he knows to be true while his intellectual pride locks him from reaching out and grabbing what he knows he needs. And pride is the origin of all sin.

My *saved* friend and I did all we could. In the spiritual sense, we even tried "the paddles", hoping to give him a jolt. But he was totally unable to suspend his unbelief for even ten minutes while we tried to get him to listen to his conscience in light of God's Law. We told him "Let's just try surmising that the Scriptures are true...Have you ever told a lie? Lusted?". . ."what would that make you", etc, trying to get him to see that he, as all of us, are guilty of breaking God's law and are thus guilty before God. But, for whatever reason he couldn't (or wouldn't) do it. Conviction? I hope so. Salvation doesn't come without repentance. And without conviction of sin and guilt there is no perceived need for repentance.

He appears to have closed the door on faith, welded it shut, and put every imaginable piece of furniture in front of the door. I have found myself struggling against the conviction that he is merely going around looking for Christians to debate. It is certainly possible but I pray it isn't. He *did* say that he enjoys debating. And normally, I'd take it that such a person is arrogant enough to presume on my time for his own entertainment. Certainly possible but I resist accepting it in this case although, as I said, this would be my normal conclusion.

It was a hard time for me to go through this. And I'm glad my friend was there to help me speak with this guy because it helped me keep some objectivity. I've had tons of debates with unbelievers over the years. But never with a friend who has shown himself to be a false convert.

But I mourn, and have been mourning, over what most certainly awaits this old friend. Many of the feelings that I have experienced while watching someone die physically are close if not identical to watching this person die spiritually. And I never expected it.

To know what awaits him, knowing that he is not guaranteed one more breath. He hangs over the mouth of hell by the thinnest of strands, weighed down by the immensity of his sin. Yet he can't feel it because a corpse feels nothing. And he is a spiritual corpse.

And it was hard to read one of his closing comments to me, calling me "brother". No. He has a different father (John 8:44). But, rightly or wrongly, I just couldn't get myself to address that. It was just too painful.

Beyond hope? Only God knows where that line is crossed by any particular person. So, I mourn yet I pray.

And I ask you to pray as well.

How I Found Out What Is Most Important...

...Of Course, I Could Be Wrong...

It was 10 years ago this coming fall when my wife and I moved back to my home town. We had been living about an hour from here. We relocated after she got a job here. I commuted the hour to work on a daily basis. I worked at a large university and provided computer support in numerous campus buildings and labs.

The town we left was very small. Its only "claim to fame" is the university. And make no mistake about it, as a new believer, it was a very intimidating place to be even back then in 1999. All the BGLFA "safe zones" and all that. A very "dark" place to work.

Of course, for a while, she commuted here. And we looked for a home here. And prayed that the Lord would provide. Meanwhile, we put our home up for sale. It didn't take long to sell. But we hadn't found anything yet. But I kept praying.

And I didn't just pray for *any* home. I prayed for *the* home. The kind that would be amenable for home church meetings...specifically a basement that could be put to such use. From what I saw going on between society and Christianity, I was thinking "home churches are coming!"

See, when you work on a university campus, you get a glimpse of what the next decade may bring...for the kids who attend college today will be gaining control of the agenda in the next ten years. It didn't take much mental arithmetic to understand what was happening. And it sure didn't look "Christian friendly".

So I prayed. I prayed that the Lord would not only provide a home for us here but also one that would be suitable for home church meetings. The thought being, of course, that the open practice of Christianity appeared (even at that time on that campus) to be in peril.

Well, like I said, our home there sold. But we didn't have anything here yet. Mind you, my parents were real estate brokers. At that time they operated their own office. And mom, even though she professed Christ even then, was rather jittery for us. I asked her why. She said "Your home has sold and we don't even see anything here that would be suitable for you two! There's hardly anything in books right now. It's a seller's market!" And, back then, it was!

I asked her if she really believed God would provide (not meaning to be snotty but I figured it to be a good question). And after she said "yes", I asked her where her faith was!

It was three days later (to my shock) that my wife said she got a call from mom. There was a house she wanted us to look at. It wasn't a "regular listing". It was a home that was owned by some acquaintances who wanted to sell the house directly without going through an agency. Knowing my parents, they chose to ask them to help and my parents did it out of their home.

So, my wife drove up and took a look. She loved it! She wanted me to get up here and look at it right away, which I did. Indeed, it was the perfect home. And, the price was more than reasonable. It was a "custom deal" seemingly made for us! And of course we were the only ones who even knew about it.

We made an offer. No stress, no mess. And it went perfectly. Not only that, the former owners gave us the keys before the deal was even closed, so we could start working on things. But it gets even better than that; One day we came up for a visit (even before we got the keys) and I decided I wanted to show the property to some friends that day. I just happened to show up at their home just before they got home from a trip. I saw them on the way home, turned around. Yes, they came over and took a look but it seems that while I expected to only be able to show the outside of the home it would appear that the Lord had other plans...for when we got here, the front door was (freakishly) standing slightly open. As if to say "It's ok, come in! Welcome Home!". We did. Mind you, the deal hadn't even closed yet!

On another date, our former pastor and his family stopped by. They had their kids with them. Remember my prayer about a home with a basement for church meetings? The youngest son had been downstairs and then ran up to the attic. What did he say to his parents? "Did you see that basement? We could have church down there!"

From the mouths of babes...

There was really no reason for that kid to say that; our church was meeting in a Jr. High School near here and was building a traditional building. They weren't looking for what I was praying for and what he saw... But it was a jaw dropping time for me when my wife informed me of what she heard that young boy say. I could tell it had given her a goose bump or two as well.

So many stories about how in the early days we'd need something and open a drawer and "voila", there is what we need, left by the former owners. The first time this happened, I told Jackie "Just look in the drawer to the right of the sink". I hadn't looked in there. I just said that...in part as a joke because that's what we did at our old home. But what we needed was there. Many times, right there. But other times, in other places in the house. This just doesn't happen. At least not to "normal" people.

No way.

It was such a profound time. But it kept happening.

But then I found work closer to home. Away from the campus. And of course you forget. The memories soften. For so long now, we've been in our little "incubator".

One thing I've noticed over the years however, and that is a kind of "it's time to let go of things". Even while I was out of work or underemployed in recent years it's kind of been like "God will provide, don't strive, just focus on today".

The trials we have gone through trying to find a decent church. Zero results. Want to follow Rick Warren or Willow Creek? You're in luck. Want easy belief? Sure! But do you want to hear exegesis? Forget it. Want a fellowship where people are serious about Fellowship, breaking of bread, doctrine and prayer? Never mind. Churchianity 4, Real Christianity 0.

So, we began meeting at home this past September.

And today. The inauguration. And the White House website stating their position on "Civil Rights". Such a stress on new legislated "respect" for BGLT and all the rights to be given them under the new administration. Hate crime laws. They have ramifications, you know.

Then it came back to me. The prayer. And the memories of my time at the university. And how eerie to sense it maybe coming to pass. Christianity slowly (or not so slowly) becoming illegal in the U.S.

And while I would certainly hope to be wrong, I can't help but wonder.

It wouldn't take much. The passing of hate crime laws. Advocates of aberrant lifestyles "visiting" traditional churches, lying in wait for the pastor to mention Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6:9, etc. just to report them to make sure they are "punished" for their "intolerance" and "hate".

Think I'm off base? It's happened in Canada. And after it starts here, the slippery slope gets worse.

Should this begin, we could see pastors who preach the truth be fined or go to jail. And the real church could be forced underground. The traditional churches? Ah! Seeker sensitive! So, no need to mention sin such as homosexuality. No harm done. Business as usual. And the Lord puts their lamp out. No thanks. Won't go there.

We'll work our jobs quietly and reach out to those around us with the Gospel as we can. Leading quiet and peaceful lives as Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 2. We'll meet in our homes in very intimate fellowships. And we will depend on one another like no one in the "country club churches" ever dreamed. See, being a Christian may keep you from being able to work. After all, part of the new hate crimes laws may have to do as well with employees having to sign on to "tolerate" homosexuality in the workplace...or face termination. I could smell this coming at the university ten years ago. Now, it wouldn't surprise me a bit.

Kind of makes for new challenges! Thankfully, our mortgage is down to four digits as of this past month...and there still are no such hate crime laws on the books. And while I think it's not "if" but "when" and "sooner" rather than "later", I prefer to remember that we have relative safety as believers *today*.

My understanding is that there is a trend of growth in those who have home churches. Don't remember where I read it or heard it but I do remember it. It's mainly (currently) to do with our reasons for doing home church -- the sad state of established churches. More like clubs than churches. No teaching, really. "Old McDonald" preaching. "Old McDonald has a topic, e i e i o", then "one verse here, one verse there, here a verse, there a verse, everywhere a verse verse". All out of context to prove the pretext.

Of course, I could be wrong. And I do pray I am. But like I said, that old prayer and the answer we got has made a rather eerie return to my mind in recent days.

But in any case, let's be faithful to the calling that we have been called to. Let's ask ourselves just how tightly we've been hanging on to the toys of this life. What's important to us now? What will be important to us 200 years from now? A Thousand? And how will the answers to those questions change us today?

I love playing my brasswinds. As recent as 5 years ago, I was playing them at a church we attended. Then the pastor left and the worship team took over. Window rattling iWorship. 7-11 lyrics. Older members standing outside the church out of disgust for what had transpired. Being told by others "If you don't like the music now, just leave!" Ok, thank you.

And there the horns sit. Nice to look at, but maybe it's time to let them go? It all seems so starkly frivolous now.

Let's pray for the Church in America. Let's pray that we will have a surge of true repentance. Let's pray that I'm wrong.

I'd like nothing better. Believe me.

...And So, Let It Begin...

Today marked the inauguration of President Obama. And already the White House website announces the new administration's goals regarding "civil rights".  Of course, the page includes a statement of their desire to protect the "civil rights" of those of the homosexual community, among others. And of course this is no surprise. 

That said, let me encourage you to continue to be faithful to the Gospel as we live quiet and peaceful lives and live as light amidst a crooked and perverse generation.

And let's be faithful in prayer for those who govern our nation.

Yes, I'm Still Here...

Just a word to let you all know that I've not moved away, died or anything like that...at least not yet.

There has been much going on in my life and it's taken my attention away from writing here and even at Facebook, where I've been focusing more.

And things are going ok. Looking for work, praying that something turns up. Trying to remain faithful to the Lord in the midst of trying times.

Thanks for your patience and be assured that I'll be posting again as the Lord leads.

Tim

And Now for the Halftime Show!

You may remember that some time back I was recording my weekly weight loss here in the left margin of my blog. Eventually, I moved it to my Facebook account where I'm fairly active.

Last July 10th, I was up to 285 pounds, which is 100 pounds over. It took a long time to get there and it's taken some time to lose some of it. And it'll be even longer before I'm down to 185, which is close to what I should be.

Anyway, it is my pleasure to announce to you that as of today I am down to 235, which represents the halfway mark of my loss goal. Here's what the process looks like in a line chart:

Well, as many of you are well aware, a football game is played on field 100 yards in length. And at halftime, you have the halftime show, right? Well, since I've reached the weight I have, I'm officially at "half time"...so logically we must have the halftime show. It'd only be right...!

So. Here you go. Enjoy!

Quitting Church - Why the Faithful Are Fleeing

Ordered another book! And I'll be reading it as soon as I get my hands on it. From the title, you can tell why it is of interest. It is of particular interest to me, as my wife and I meet in our home.

So far, from what I've seen and read from others, it's getting pretty good reviews.

When it gets here, I'll let you know what I think.

A Call For Help From a Brother In Christ

I'll let the link to all the talking. I will only add the following from the book of James:

"14     What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

     15     If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

     16     and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

     17     Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

On a Personal Note:

I'm so thankful that my weight has been dropping. My blood sugar levels are almost normal now, even without taking my glucotrol. 95 this morning.

I'm moving my weight tracking from here to FaceBook because it'll just be easier to deal with there. This is what it was as of this past Thursday (weigh day). I did gain a pound this past week but that sometimes happens for no particular reason:

285 (7/10)
280 (7/17)
275 (7/24)
274 (7/31)
271 (8/7)
269 (8/14)
267 (8/21)
260 (8/28)
258 (9/4)
255 (9/11)
253 (9/18)
253 (9/25)
252 (10/2)
250 (10/9)
245 (10/16)
245 (10/23)
242 (10/30)
243 (11/6)

So, every week now, I'll be posting my progress at facebook. I weigh in at 10am on
Thursdays.

In any case, I want to thank those of you who have been praying for me. I needed to lose 100 pounds. I'm almost halfway there...and I started in July!

Thanks

Tim

A New Reason for Facebook

It was a few months ago (July, I think) that I joined facebook. Not a big deal to most people, I guess. It's just a great way to connect with others with common interest. And it seems to be a better site than myspace.

Today, we started a new group with the long name of "Let's Pray that Obama Comes to a Saving Knowlege of Jesus Christ". Yup. Long title but that's ok.

It was started for two reasons. First because we are told to pray for our leaders. That includes Obama, regardless of how you or I feel about him. And I'll say I did not vote for him and leave it at that. In any event, it is a simple issue of obedience to pray for him. And obedience to God glorifies Him.

I also started the group because I was getting so tired of seeing references to other groups such as "Fly the flag upside down", which urges facebook users to use the flag icon to express national distress. I make the connection to Obama because I've seen those who would profess to be Christians connect it to his election. No mention of prayer, no mention of "we don't like this but let's trust God". No. Just all the hand-wringing of unbelief. The endless "sky is falling because our nation is in danger" stuff.

I'm not denying that our nation is in danger, but I've already gone on record why it doesn't phase me and has no eternal consequence other than test our faith. Yes, I love my country but I vote and do whatever else I can then I leave everything else to the Lord. I believe in the sovereignty of God. I believe that there are absolutely no random molecules anywhere in the universe. God has everything the way He has planned it. And when it starts to get on my nerves, I repent and return to the idea that faith glorifies God more than fear. And honestly, it usually works. No sarcasm intended.

Naturally, there is a level of anxiety that comes with a newly elected leader who does not support our Christian worldview. But that is no reason to stay there. As Paul told Timothy, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind" (my paraphrase).

I would apply that verse to Obama in this way: We need to pray in the power of the Scriptures and God's Spirit, with a sound mind grounded in the Word to show love for the one whom we strongly disagree with on abortion, gay marriage and other issues. And we care enough about him to not want him to be lost in hell forever, regardless of how much we don't like what he stands for.

He is, after all, to be our next president and we are to pray for our leaders.

Another thing I've noticed -- groups on facebook centered on prayer that "God would give the grace to Obama to become pro-life". Well, that would be nice, but let's see him soundly saved first, ok?

So, if you have a facebook account and know your way around, look for the new group started up today. I'm not sure I'll be posting much there. It's more of a prayer and discussion board about issues to pray for about Obama. Again, do a groups search for "Let's Pray that Obama Comes to a Saving Knowlege of Jesus Christ".

Why don't you do it? Mike Ratliff joined it, so you know it's just gotta be cool!

Thanks,

Tim

Why Government Can't Save You

Isn't it just how the Lord works? You work through an issue and finally you get your Biblical convictions all cleared up and that is when something goes plop right in front of you, confirming everything you've arrived at.

Such has been the case as I've worked through my convictions on my relationship to political involvement as part of the Body of Christ.

It was a few days ago that I posted something that was the result of all the struggling and studying.

Then early this morning, plop! Thomas Nelson publishers emailed me a link to get the ebook for my Bible software.

After downloading it and unlocking access to it, I've begun the read. So far, so good. Very clear and well argued.

It's a read I am certainly looking forward to.