Category: Pursuit Of God

12/3/2023

Deer Hunting in Deer Pants?

I grew up in 'rural' Wisconsin where the deer (but no antelope) played until...that appointed time in November when the good men and women of the Northwoods dress all in orange and express their inner Elmer Fudd (the hunter).
Looking maybe like Hare Krishnas with Guns?

November 18-26 was rifle season for 2023 in Wisconsin, so if any deer are reading this... CONGRATULATIONS, you made it through another year. Now, remember to stay off the highways.

Now let me segue from the gun-toting mentioned above Wisconsin venue to Psalms 42:1. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

Of course, my cartoonist brain pictures DEER PANTS as waders worn by deer as they live in the great outdoors, with lakes, rivers, and bogs for water, keeping their little hoofies from getting pruny.

Or.. Bucky Boucher is like Bobby Boucher, aka 'Waterboy' or, in this case, Waterbuck.. who knows quality H2o when he sees it.

Now let me safely but 'awkwardly' segue BACK from dry hoofies to the vital truth of Psalms 42:1.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

This desire for God should be our #1 pursuit, BUT what does it look like to desire the Lord that way?

Recently, my wife and I had dinner with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and we discussed Psalm 37:4- Take.delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 raises the question, just like Psalm 42:1. What does genuinely delighting in the Lord look like? I know it is a beautiful verse to read, but does it describe my soul's desire. Do I delight in the Lord, and if so, what do the true desires of my heart look like?

The desires of this world appear to be greed, power, status, and pleasure with very few boundaries. It goes without saying Christians should not share these desires of the world. So, what are these Godly desires of my heart? Godly desires will bring you... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:7

What would be the result if these Psalms measured my pursuit of and love for God?

Does my soul desire God? Do I delight in Him? Or does this pursuit of God get derailed after a long day of doing life with this or that crisis and/or perceived crisis? Where is my delight and my desire? It takes a concerted effort to focus while living amid the clutter of this 24/7 rush hour distracted world.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Mt 6:10. This part of the Lord's Prayer should be foremost and paramount in our minds, hearts, and will.

Next... more good instruction from the Apostle Paul

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

To Put this all together... To fit the desire and discipline of Phil 4:8 perfectly with a soul that desires Ps 42:1 and delights Ps 37:4 in the Lord while seeking His will Mt 6:10. This will result in a life with the Peace described in Phil 4:7,

But honestly, the above scripture truths are easier said than done. This world muddles truth and reality with its barrage of 24/7 news propaganda and social media narratives against God and painting traditional Christian values as hate speech.

But if we seek God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves, Mark 12:30-31 the rest will be trivia by comparison, and then we can be content no matter our circumstance.

I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength! Philippians 4:11-13

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

May God bless each of you in your pursuit of Him. There is no more excellent pursuit than our creator. Come thirsty, and stay.. satisfied.

Jeff (not hunting) Larson

2 Comments

11/27/2023

3 Comments

When God speaks

Hello, hello... it's been a while since my last post. I have been busy working on Back Pew tasks outside these blog posts, but I am back and plan to post more regularly. Now onward to today's post.

I am 66 and wear hearing aids. I don't like to bother with them, but like my bifocal glasses, they 'aid' my aging senses.

And then, remember back in 2020, when we all donned COVID masks, eliminating any lip reading, and our mask-filtered voices resembled Charlie Brown's Teacher.

Similarly, when I seek a relationship with God but do not still my mind or slow my pace, the promptings of God's Holy Spirit may also have the same Charlie Brown's Teacher quality.

It's easy to become overwhelmed by the 24/7 din of our world with another election season upon us; we may find ourselves playing in stride as a member of the Clanging Cymbal Marching Band described in Corinthians 13:1.

But there is a better way... More QUIET, less NOISE, please.

God's Word teaches us to...
pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and when we pray to seek a quiet place and close the door, Matthew 6:6-14

There is no more excellent pursuit than to know the creator of this world.

Set your minds on things above Col 3:1,
where the peace that passes all understanding is our promise. Phil 4:7 knowing
We will soar like Eagles; we will run and not faint. Is 40:31

May God bless you as you listen to His voice.

Jeff (hearing aides in and on) Larson

3 Comments

1/17/2022

1 Comment

JIGSAW Apologists

A compelling story shared can give us hope, and/or inspire us. But over time doubts may creep in and we ponder is this story truth or a fable? This will require some investigative work to bolster our faith. And the most compelling story we can ever investigate is to know God and trust in His love.

Every year my wife and I like to assemble a 500 or maybe 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. We start by turning all the pieces face up, then locating and assembling the edge pieces. Next we group pieces by colors, patterns, and shapes.

This is not an exact jigsaw puzzle science but it is how we roll.

After many hours/days and snacks we have the satisfaction of the fully assembled picture that looks just like the one on the puzzle box.
(hopefully with no missing pieces)

So back to the 'God puzzle' of Biblical proportions. We cannot comprehend God fully with a compelling Sunday sermon all by itself. This puzzle of God will take a lifetime of prayer and study, but is so worth it.

This puzzle for mankind starts in Genesis 1:1 .. In the beginning God created,, and ends in the prophetic book of Revelation.

In between we find the story of God's love and providence including..

God blessing and leading obedient (but flawed) men of faith like Adam, Noah, Job, Abraham, Moses, David, and many more.
prophetic words like in Isaiah 53 foretold the coming Messiah 700 years before Jesus is born.
The Gospels share Jesus life on Earth. Jesus lived, died, and rose again for our salvation as the prophets foretold.
The book of Acts share stories of the early church.
This is followed by the teachings to the church by Paul, James, Peter, and John all leading to Revelation.
In Revelation the end times are prophesied including the promise of Heaven for all who love and are obedient to God.

ALL THIS is and more are a part of God's Plan and the most worthy puzzle to assemble.

But Puzzler beware: Just like with a jigsaw puzzle while learning about God we will find pieces that seem out of place, and even swear there must be missing pieces. But in time we better understand His mysteries and find everything is where it should be.

Also note, God designed this puzzle we did not. Isaiah 55:8-9 designing this puzzle is above our pay grade.

So if you like jigsaw puzzles or not, I would encourage everyone to take serious this puzzle of knowing better our amazing God, the creator of this world who loves each of us. Do not be distracted by the other puzzles and distractions of this world.

What greater pursuit is there? And know.. you will not be bored.

Jigsaw blessings,

Jeff (often a puzzled look on his face) Larson

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6/17/2021

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Bunny Trails 2021

A few years back my wife and I lived in Roseville, a suburb of St Paul MN. Nice neighborhood, easy access to highways, shopping, dining, and.. is unofficially the bunny capital of the world. Bunnies were everywhere.

These friends of Bugs (bunny) crisscrossed our yard constantly. We don't have a garden so they are harmless and cute.. I guess... but what goes on in their little minds as they scamper from here to there and back again. All this is done of course as they travel their literal bunny trails.

Then I wonder.. are there 'BAD BUNNIES'.. you know, with tattoos hanging out the street corner smoking cigs and.. sorry, I guess my mind just went on its own bunny trail.

Ok, while I am obviously NOT a bunny, but I have traveled my share of bunny trails meanderings. I even have the 'gift' of veering off topic railroading a conversation 'deftly' interjecting my thoughts that have wandered away from the original subject. How did I get here?.. and now how do I find my way back?.. I don't know, maybe I will ask a BUNNY.

Even those involved in the conversation may with a bewildered look on their face respond with .. "whaaa.. and If no bunny can be found to help me I will segue back by saying "but I digress"

Of course for the most part the literal bunny trails in my yard and the nonsensical bunny trails in my head are harmless. They may be puzzling, possibly frustrating, but seriously no harm no foul.

But what about the more serious bunny trails we take? In a world that needs Jesus we are busy with bunny trails... even Pokemon Go trails.. really?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Js 1:27
and
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mt 22:37-40 .

There you have it.. all that is important shared economically in just 5 verses, BUT..

what about climbing the corporate ladder,
keeping up with the Jones's, and HEY..
Netlix is not gonna watch itself.
Maybe you have traveled down the traditional wine, women, and song path, or
have become lost on bunny trail of self-doubt spinning in place lacking direction or purpose.

All of the above can be definite bunny trails that have nothing to do with Js 1:27 and/or Mt 22:37-40.

I am a big fan of the 'My Utmost for His Highest' devotional by Oswald Chambers. His daily readings are amazing bits of truth that return focus to what is important. Oswald's message is that life begins and ends with a devotion to God. What we say and do matters, and stay off the bunny trails that keep us from this truth.

Another great read is 'The Pursuit of God' by AW Tozer. In this book Tozer makes clear the pursuit of God is a direct path with focus and purpose and any bunny trails are mostly found in the pursuits of man... and his folly.

My prayer is to live a life that loves God in words and deeds (Js 1:27 and Mt 22:36-40) where I give my utmost for His highest in my daily pursuit of God while keeping my bunny trails to a minimum.

My prayer today is your life's journey has focus and purpose, and that He provides hope, and direction for those of us when we find ourselves off on a bunny trail using His Word and our Prayers as our map.

Blessings

Jeff

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3/31/2021

1 Comment

My Nice Try

To sum up 2021 (IMO) our tumultuous society seems to disagree (often passionately) on most everything from politics, gender identity, LGBTQ, race issues, diets, and sports. At the core of much of this turmoil is a spiritual angst of global proportions.

BUT even if IF if we could agree there is a spiritual component, society does not agree on what we mean by spiritual. Islam, Christianity, New Age, or seek deeper meaning as a Buddhist, or a Hindu?

AND even as Christians I need to ask what 'faith flavor' are you? Could be Catholic, Southern Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Prosperity Gospel believer, the ever popular 'non-denominational', OR maybe your faith is motivated by a Progressive / SJW focus.

AND let's not forget that fella who likes to handle snakes. Yikes!

And while my daily blog and/or cartoons excerpts are excluded by most (or alll) seminary curriculums I do know what I believe.

Hmm, where to start..

I believe in the sovereignty of God, which is to say the supreme power and authority of God. (Read Ge 1:1, Is 55:8-9, Is 40:26, etc, etc)
I believe in the perfect love, grace, and justice of our God. We owe all things to our creator. (Read Jo 3:16, 1 Jo 1:9)
I believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who was born into this world, then lived, died, and rose again for our sins (read Gospels) completing God's plan for salvation as prophesied 700 years before by the Prophet Isaiah (Read Is 53).

I believe we owe God our worship and obedience, but can choose to go another way. It's called FREE WILL, so suit yourself.
I believe GOD CHOSE US ALL, but has blessed us with the above mentioned FREE WILL to accept or reject Him.
I believe all the wild-haired rebellious FREE WILL moments in the history of mankind plus all other calamities & natural disasters combined are not even a ripple in the Ocean of God's Sovereign plan!
(Read Is 40:26)
I believe in Heaven and Hell.. and wide is the road that leads to destruction, and narrow is the gate that leads to God. psst, hint.. choose the narrow gate!
(Read Mt 7:13-14)

Finally, I believe, man's sincere pursuits/theologies are pleasing to God.. BUT are merely 'cute' attempts (nice tries) of FINITE MAN attempting to understand/describe our INFINITE GOD.
(Read Is 55:8-9)

Hmmm.. yes I think that sums up what I believe. I started writing today's blog with the title 'NICE TRY' which is an apt description of my beliefs.

This 'Nice Try' regarding my faith is based on scripture and teaching I respect. But.. again God's ways and thoughts are higher than my collective nice tries, (Is 55:8-9), and in my most lucid moments I see dimly what God will one day make clear (1 Cor 13:12).

So this is what I believe which is important to ME. What do you believe? What is God teaching you about truth? Does what I believe and/or what you believe fall in line with God's Truth?

and.. I believe it is important for everyone to pursue their own serious 'NICE TRY' understanding and appreciation of God. This is not an issue anyone should put on the back burner of life.

We owe God at the very least to make a NICE TRY... and for eternity's sake we owe ourselves.

May God bless each of you today with peace, and the Holy Spirit's leading us to truth and answers for all of life's questions, and to a place where we feel God's love and peace like never before.

We should not expect to get it all right, but there still is no greater pursuit for mankind than to know Him.

My heart says of you, “Seek His face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalms 27:8

Jeff (Trying to be Nice) Larson

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3/20/2021

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Your will v My will

Our Father who is in Heaven, GREAT is your name.. Your kingdom come, YOUR WILL be done ON EARTH as it is in Heaven.

As many of you know this is the start of the Lord's Prayer (Mt 6:9-13), and is what is not a part of this prayer to gloss over.

Your Will on Earth? So how is that working out?

I turn on the evening news (SHOW) I doubt I hear mention of God or His will.
In Washington DC there is a lot of MY WILL BE DONE attitudes legislated in their 'swampy' ways, while intentionally disregarding God's ways.
So I check out Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) where censorship of Christians and traditional family values are anything but God's will.
And even in our Churches I find progressive 'self-enlightened' 'Christians' focused on social justice, & CRT doctrines rather than God's word. This also is so NOT God's will.

With all the tension among believers I am looking for an MMA pay-per view event featuring Catholics v Protestants to determine once and for all.. who really is saved? It can't be the both.. can it? I mean, one of the two must be on the fast track to HELL.

Or will there be a Pro(testant)-Wrestling match with a high flying Beth Moore coming off the top rope attempting to way-lay John MacCarther.

But while I DO LIKE BUNNY TRAILS.. let us now return to the LORD'S PRAYER. God your will be done on Earth.. starting with .. Jeff.

Through my life (I am 63 now) I have prayed "Lord show me your will for my life." many times. At times regarding big decisions and that is a good always to seek the Lord and His will, but I have come to realize this prayer "what is your will for my life?" can become me-centric.

Prayers focusing on the right job, house, finding Mrs. Right/Larson, or even a car purchase wanting God's can become my own little Prosperity Gospel prayer rather than 'thy will' pointing to God's kingdom (souls saved, and a society honoring Him)..

Looking back I wish I could have heard an audible voice from Heaven telling me if I was close. :)

God could be heard from the Heavens with the words.. "Warmer, warmer.. hmmm.. colder, colder.. now you are FREEZING. And so I guess living in Minnesota and being COLDER is about what I deserve.

ANYWAYS..

Truth is (insert light bulb moment for me here) The prayer "Lord what is your will for my life?" should be more specifically.. "Lord how can I serve you today, show me what I can do for your kingdom." "How can I be that part in the Lord's Prayer helping God's Will be Done?

What would that look like if God's will was being done by those of us in the church? What if we were faithful in the moments that make up our days? What if we truly worshipped God in words and deeds with our eyes first on God then on the needs of others? What would that look like.

Even my little Back Pew Ministry. I am blessed to be used by God in a way that He uniquely wired me. but even in my world of cartoons I can take my eyes off of humbly being used by God in this small way to praying for God to bless The Back Pew into being.. The FarSide, or Calvin & Hobbes of Christian cartoons, complete with a modest (OR.. substantial) income. "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"

In recent years I have become more intentional in pursuit of God. While I am and always will be a work in progress and not resulted in an exorcism of my old self, it has become both a convicting and inspiring journey where today my prayer is .. "Lord what is your will for my life going forward? How can I serve you? Lord help me NOT to bury my talents in the sand, but instead do my part so YOUR will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven. AMEN."

I write this hoping it does not take any of you 63 years to figure out God's will for you is to serve Him. But if it does, 63 is not too late. Love God, Serve God where your will is God's will.

May God bless you all in this journey of discovering who you are intended to be in God's Plan and for HIS Kingdom on Earth.

Amen

Jeff (slow learner) Larson -->

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1/3/2021

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10 Things I Ponder

As another year in the life of Jeff approaches, I thought I would share my list of what I will call..

The Back Pew Pondering a better world. 

This better world involves ONE PART your garden variety New Year Resolutions, and ONE PART reading Scriptures while drinking Red Bull. -kidding about the Red Bull, I think-

Diet - Yes, I closed out 2020 by 'binge-snacking', and so I know I need to lose a few (if 20 is a few) pounds or more. I would feel better, and my jeans no longer attempt to choke me out just below my belly button. -nuff-said- 1 Timothy 6:11
Exercise - I no longer aspire to be an athlete, but there is a land of activity somewhere between a world cup soccer player and a.. 'house plant' that I do aspire to. John 3:30
TV Watching - If books can expand your mind, I am confident by contrast TV watching may implode them. Matthew 5:29
Budget - A land of dollars and cents where Dave Ramsey and Donald Trump create the perfect budget. Matthew 6:19-20
Bible Reading - I am reading through my Bible again this year and sincerely I have learned to appreciate Leviticus. No joke, I really have.
Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, TicTok, Instagram, and all other forms of social media once seem like innocent fun until .. you find yourself in the Social Media equivalent of stomping out a flaming bag of dog poop. No one ends up happy, and everyone stinks. James 1:5-10
Thinking out loud - After 36 years of marriage you would think I have this one down. Speak softly, choose my words carefully, and when in doubt .. JUST BE QUIET. James 1:19
Division in the Church - Way back in the book of 1st Century Church when Paul discovered math problems scribbled on the church bulletins he knew DIVISION in the church was no good. Now 2000 years later our disagreements in the church escalate to the willy-nilly declaring of others HERETICS. 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Frog in a Boiling Pot - This describes the American Church perfectly and sadly. Until we decide collectively to be more concerned with offending God than offending society.. WE WILL DECLINE. Romans 12:1-2
Wasted Talents - This parable of Jesus is convicting as it reminds me of my sometimes less than stellar efforts in serving God. To stall out with good intentions whether in words or deeds is to in effect bury my talents. Note: Read this parable, wasting our talents is a BIG DEAL to God. Matthew 25:14-30

There you have it.. My Back Pew list of Ponderings. One part resolutions, one part repentance, and all parts pondering this world, the church, and each one of us.

I pray sincerely we are not conformed to this world as prayerful, obedient children of God FIRST and foremost. Let's be known for being kind and understanding of others in and outside the church and not for snarky Facebook posts (guilty). I pray we are unwavering from His Truth (our Bibles), and obedient to share God's Truth in a world that will call us judgmental hypocrites. Never apologize for sharing God's Truth because these words (even when hated) are real love.

Blessings as you ponder

Jeff (the wandering ponderer) Larson

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11/4/2020

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The VOICE OF GOD

I am 63, and now wear hearing aides. Boo, hiss..I don't like to wear them but just like my bi-focaled glasses they do help. I now hear sounds (especially high pitch sounds) that I otherwise miss.

And now in 2020 with our Covid masks I miss the facial expressions and the sounds of the voice of those speaking are muffled, and so when not wearing my hearing aides communication is a bit muted and frustrating.

Like this, when I pray.. but am not still or quiet to hear his voice what I hear from God is also muted.

Muted at times by my own busy mind and compromised/selfish motives. God speaks, but do I hear His voice.

It is like doing a Bible study while watching a movie and checking your Twitter account at the same time.
Or how about gathering together to fast and pray for those in need.. all while THE SUPER BOWL is playing loudly on the TV in the other room and YOUR TEAM is winning in the 4th quarter.

Ok, for you Minnesota Viking fans this is a foreign concept. Super Bowl? Minnesota? Winning? Like oil and water. but c'mon Minnesota use your imagination.

Sorry, I could not help myself. - signed anonymous Packer Fan

But I digress..

The point is.. we need more QUIET and less NOISE.. to seek intentional quiet times where we turn off our 24/7 media blitz on the senses. Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10

Oh it's easy to be pulled down stream by the current of societies raging information river. I love all modern gadgets, and the ease of communication, and the instant resource of Google searches... But lost in this is the QUIET. How can I hear the Voice of God over the 'DIN' of our society?

Please realize the importance of hearing God's Voice is true wisdom in a world that is.. foolish. Why should we seek ANYTHING above the QUIET to the Voice of God?

AND.. there is no better time to commit to being quiet today. In fact that the 2020 elections is proving to be a Clanging Cymbal Symphony described in Corinthians 13:1.. NOW IS THE TIME to turn off the TV, do waaaay less social media.. and BE STILL to hear God's Voice instead of the angry voice of man. ie MSM, Fox, Reality TV, etc etc.

We had the grandkids sleep over the other night. We watched a very funny movie, played games, drew pictures, played outside, and went on a hike. AND while this was great fun and we love them when they leave the house goes quiet. It's a very good quiet for us grandparents with only a trace of legos and toys in the yard.. but it is quiet. I love them more than the world, but.. I do also like QUIET.

I pray what I have shared makes sense. There is no greater pursuit than to know the creator of this world.

Set your minds on things above Col 3:1,
where the peace that passes all understanding is our promise. Phil 4:7 knowing
We will soar like Eagles, we will run and not faint. Is 40:31

in contrast if you set your mind on the things of this world.. you will be frustrated, empty, and most likely have a chronic headache that Excedrin won't touch.

May God bless each of you on your journey to hear God's voice.

Jeff (hearing aides in) Larson

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10/29/2020

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Is God Boring? 2020

That is not a fair question.. I know people may say church is boring, but God? boring? I would not say that, but then look how He stacks up with our 24/7 Entertain me NOW society.

Let's start with SUNDAYS:
Football - You can spend the afternoon sitting on the 50 yard line cheering your team as they play their hated rivals on a beautiful fall day doubly blessed with vendors who for a few dollars deliver to you your favorite snacks and beverages.
or..
Church - You could spend Sunday sitting on a hard wooden pew in Church singing a hymn or EIGHT, listening to a sermon where the vendors are replaced with ushers who also take your money but there will be no food for you!.. Advantage.. FOOTBALL

Food Glorious Food:
Dining Out - The world offers wonderful dining opportunities of all cuisines whether you dine out, drive through, or have your meal delivered right to your door.
or..
Church Potluck - Church offers the infamous potluck dinner where there are more ways to fix a macaroni casserole/hotdish than there are stars in the sky. Advantage: DINING OUT

Celebrity/Fame:
Reality TV Superstar Kim - has over 20 million twitter followers with the focus on I guess watching Kim be Kim? and Kim is worth millions!
or..
Mother Theresa - She ran hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens, dispensaries and mobile clinics; children's and family counselling programs; orphanages, and schools... BUT still no Twitter followers, and no signs of prosperity displayed in her life. So based on Twitter stats and $$.. Advantage: KIM

Truth:
God's Word - The bible teaches God's never changing loving truth for mankind, and there is but one God. This Truth not everyone can handle.
or..
Secular World View - Our society teaches truth is a relative state of being up for interpretation by progressive thinkers. This world is polytheistic where there are many ways to find god and/or truth. Based on the appearance of inclusiveness (though Col Jessup scares me)..
Advantage: SOCIETY

Cosmology v Theology:
Cosmology - Cosmology is the science of the origin and development of the universe. With an annual budget for space exploration of around $18 billion in the US, Resources like the images from the Hubble Telescope are used to support their studies.
or..
Theology - This is the study of the nature of God and religious belief. Of course there is no annual US budget on Theology. Resources like the bible are used to support these studies. If money means anything.. Advantage: NASA

The above examples are a bit over the top but with a thread of 'humanistic truth' (please note humanistic truth is an oxymoron). How can the church compete with the glitz & glam, the look & presentation, and budget found in our 24/7 self serve society?
but..
What if part of the next year's $18 billion NASA budget was spent on understanding our creator rather than His creation?

He counts the stars, and calls them all by name. Psalms 147:4

What if our very broken society honored the God's unchanging Truths over this world's progressive/evolving views on truth.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Numbers 23:19
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

What if we quit following the vanity tweets of Kim Kardashian, but instead emulated the selfless work of Mother Theresa?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

What if on Sunday we honored God with our worship with more passion than we show our favorite team on Super Bowl?

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24

So in conclusion: God is not boring, but the little box we attempt to put him in is pathetic. Maybe more accurately our attempts to understand God are BORING... weak.

What if there was a spiritual revival of our nation where we pursue God like a spiritual Hubble Telescope? I know one thing.. we would not be bored.

May God bless each of us today free from society's buffet for the senses, but instead pursue what is important. To love God and care for others (God's two greatest commandments Mt 22:36-40) is anything but boring!

Blessings

Jeff

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10/13/2020

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TEETH.. something to chew on

For the sake of today's blog let me share a story back when I assigned sports officials for local sporting events. Dateline, 9/18/2013

I have a confession to make. Yesterday I did NOT brush my teeth. Gross? .. yes kinda gross, I agree with you.

You see I work from home assigning sports officials for area sporting events. In the month of September I cover sports for everything from football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and basketball.

So yesterday was especially busy and I was on the phone and/or my computer from 7am (like an assignor telemarketer) assigning open games, and updating the ongoing changes to our schedules. This continued until 4pm when I left home to officiate two soccer games.

End result was another VERY busy day where I did not stop EXCEPT to eat a quick lunch AND so.. I forgot to brush my teeth.

It was not a great feeling.. as my teeth reminded me when I was reffing soccer at about 5pm that they did not get any TLC today.

Good news my teeth will not rot away in a day.. and besides them not feeling clean, and breathe that was less than fresh... I will be fine. Now if I continue to neglect my teeth I will suffer with cavities, gum problems, infections, all resulting in losing my teeth and then on to my future eating a truly pureed diet featuring oatmeal and pudding.

Hmmm, now let me do an AWKWARD segue to the land of the spiritual?

Just like neglecting my teeth.. if I miss spending time with God my life begins to get messy. My perspective is less than fresh and if perspective could smell like 2 hour old onion infused bad breath.

So I can go a day or two without slowing down for time with God with life being for the most part busy as usual, BUT the longer away the more I notice a difference. Maybe others notice, maybe not.. but definitely I notice.

THE MORAL OF TODAY'S BLOG?

Neglect your TEETH.. they become ugly, painful, and will eventually rot leaving you with an empty mouth.
Neglect GOD.. then life will become ugly, painful, and will leave you empty like the above toothless mouth.
Neglect your Teeth and/or God for life and there may be either physical or spiritual weeping and gnashing of teeth... or is it gumming of gums?

May God bless each of you with good dental health supported with dentists, orthodontists, and insurance as needed.. AND.. don't forget to FLOSS!

Also may you also be blessed with a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. May you realize the comfort of His perspective and provision in your lives that is fresh and never stale.

Jeff (brushing in the back pew) Larson

More 'minty fresh' scriptures below