God Issues: Caesar and the Secret Service

By Dr. James C. Denison President, Center for Informed Faith, Dallas, Texas November 30, 2009 Topic: intimacy with God   Caesar and the Secret Service   What did Julius Caesar really look like?  The image you remember from high school history class comes from statues made long after the conqueror was assassinated in 44 B.C.  Historians have never been quite sure of the man's true appearance, since Romans tended to idealize their leaders after their death.   Today's New York Times shows us what is likely the earliest known bust of Caesar, made during his lifetime and excavated two years ago in France: "The Roman appears with little hair, a wrinkled forehead, a prominent Adam's apple."  Not exactly the stuff of legend.  Apparently his portrait was sculpted on a Monday morning after Thanksgiving.   Are you having a hard time getting motivated today?  Eating turkey until you never want to see another drumstick?  Shaking off the dopamine in turkey meat and 29 football games?  Cheer up: At least you don't work for the Secret Service.   Washington continues to be preoccupied with the Virginia couple who sneaked into a White House state dinner last Tuesday evening.  Today's Times tells us that Michaele and Tareq Salahi are apparently trying to be selected for a new reality show, "The Real Housewives of D.C."  They met the president and other dignitaries, but no one is quite sure how.  Or what to do to prevent a similar security lapse as the busy holiday party season approaches.   We may never know personally the Caesars of our day, but take heart: the real King of the universe wants to know us.  Romans 5:8 contains the good news of Christmas in a single sentence: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."   The One who came at Christmas wants a personal, intimate, continual relationship with you and me.  He wants to be more than the subject of a Sunday morning worship service and occasional prayer or Bible study.  He wants to be the center of our lives, the Object of our thoughts and affections, the King of our choices.  He wants to lead us into "life to the full" (John 10:10), but we must open his gift.   This morning's reading in Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest is my favorite essay in this classic devotional guide: "There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord.  Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life.  One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life."   How will you maintain your relationship with Jesus "at all costs" today?  _____________________________    _____________________________ Join Our Community:             Copyright © 2009, Center for Informed Faith. All rights reserved. Read previous essays

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Ku Klux Klan - Blonde Version

A Blonde in a Baptist Church   An Alabama preacher said to his congregation, 'Someone in this congregation has spread a rumor that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. It is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the party who did this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian Family.'   No one moved.   The preacher continued, 'Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory Now stand and confess your transgression.'   Again all was quiet.   Then slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop traffic rose from the third pew. Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, 'Reverend there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets.'   The preacher fell to his knees, his wife fainted, and the congregation roared!

 

God Issues: 156 billion years of grace

InformedFaith.com   By Dr. James C. Denison President, Center for Informed Faith, Dallas, Texas November 11, 2009 Topic: unconditional grace   156 billion years of grace   World War I formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Germany signed the Armistice.  As a result, Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11, a holiday honoring all military veterans.   In a tragic reminder of the price our military pays to defend us, the Associated Press is reporting this morning that divers have found the body of one of two American soldiers missing since last week in Afghanistan.  They were attempting to retrieve airdropped supplies that fell into a river when they were swept away by the current.  The second soldier has not been found.   If God is all-loving and all-powerful, why is our world so broken?   This week we have considered the shortest verse in Scripture: "Jesus wept."  He proved his compassion by his Christmas incarnation.  He was the only baby who chose his parents and place of birth, and he chose peasants in a cave.  If he would be born there, he would be born again in your heart and mine.   This is not a God the world knows.  Muslims have a God of legalistic enforcement but not a weeping heart.  Buddhists and Hindus have no category for a personal, suffering God.  Most Americans think that God helps those who help themselves.  Honestly, do you picture the Lord of the universe with tears in his eyes?   And tears in his heart?  God's word says, "We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).   I know it seems nonsensical to say that Jesus faced every temptation we do.  The first century didn't have marijuana, or sexually explicit movies or web sites.  But sins in principle have not changed, just their expression.  Substance abuse, sexual temptation, integrity issues and moral failures were just as real then as today.   Jesus faced them all, and more than we do.  The longer you withstand a temptation, the harder and more subtle it becomes.  If you won't embezzle funds at work, perhaps you'll shade an expense report or tax deduction.  Because he never sinned, Jesus faced sin and temptation we know nothing about.   And so he knows your temptations, your pain, your suffering, your disappointments, your problems and questions and dilemmas.  He knows them better than you do.  He sees them with the infinite insight only possessed by God himself.  He knows your hurting heart.  And he weeps.   Why do you need a God of such empathy today?  What temptations or trials are you battling this morning?  Name them, and give them intentionally to Jesus.  Tell him that you are placing your problem in his hands.  Know that "nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).  Claim the biblical fact: "greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).  Rejoice in the truth that you can "do all things through Christ who gives you strength" (Philippians 4:13).   Some scientists believe that it takes light 156 billion years to cross the universe.  Scripture says that God measures all of that in the palm of his hand (Isaiah 40:12).  Now, what's your problem?  _____________________________   The Center for Informed Faith is sponsoring a Bible study tour of Israel February 21-March 2, 2010.  The "In His Steps" tour brings Scripture alive as it traces the steps of Jesus and his early followers through the Holy Land.  Sites include Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Jordan River, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and other sacred places.  This walk through biblical history and culture will deepen your faith and understanding of Scripture as Dr. Denison explores the historical and spiritual background of each site and Dr. Mike Fanning discusses its archaeological significance.  A $300 per- person deposit is due by November 20, 2009 to insure a spot on the tour.  Inquiries after that date will be filled on a space-available basis only. All monies paid before the December 20 final payment date are fully refundable except for a $100 cancellation fee per person. For more information, please visit www.InformedFaith.com. Copyright © 2009, Center for Informed Faith. All rights reserved. Read previous essays

Nubs the Miracle Dog

Great story!

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/03/nubs-the-true-story-of-a-mutt-a-marine-and-a-miracle/?icid=main|main|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fnubs-the-true-story-of-a-mutt-a-marine-and-a-miracle%2F

Dallas Justice Revival with Jim Wallis starts tomorrow!

Dear Paul, The Justice Revival begins tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Dallas Market Hall. If you haven’t already registered, we hope you’ll do so and come out to hear from Jim Wallis, Rev. Sam Rodriguez, Mayor Leppert, and Dr. Zan Holmes. You also won’t want to miss passionate worship each night led by Jaci Velasquez, Salvador, Israel & New Breed, and Fred Hammond. Register now for this free event. Come November 10, 11, and 12 when doors open at 6 p.m., or come at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday when the Ignite Greater Works Exhibition Hall will be open in the North Hall. You will have the opportunity to see the work of many local nonprofits and community organizations doing the work of justice. (Note: There will be no exhibition Thursday night). If you're planning to bring anyone with you who hasn't already registered, have them do so at http://justicerevival.eventbrite.com to expedite the registration process. However, pre-registration is not required for entry. For more information, click here to visit the Justice Revival site. Dallas Market Hall is located next to the tall Renaissance Hotel off I-35 E. The address is 2200 N. Stemmons Fwy., Dallas, 75207. There is plenty of free parking around the building. Please join us in praying for the success of this revival — that we might grow together in faith and in our commitment to pursue justice. Blessings, The Justice Revival Team P.S. On-site registration will be available, so make sure to bring a friend to the Justice Revival!  ________

God Issues: Tragedy at Fort Hood

InformedFaith.com   By Dr. James C. Denison President, The Center for Informed Faith, Dallas, Texas November 6, 2009 Topic: hope in grief   Tragedy at Fort Hood   The war has come home.  Fort Hood is home to 52,000 Army personnel.  Located halfway between Austin and Waco, Texas, it has lost more troops in Iraq than any other base.  Now it has lost 12 more.  As you know, an Army psychiatrist about to be deployed to overseas combat killed 12 soldiers yesterday afternoon and wounded 31 others.  Initial reports said that he was killed by police; later we learned that he has survived and is in stable condition.   Major Nidal Malik Hasan was born in Virginia to Jordanian parents.  Today's New York Times reports that he is single, and that he has listed no religious preference.  He was apparently distraught about his upcoming deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.   Yesterday afternoon, he took two handguns to a deployment center where soldiers receive last-minute medical attention and instructions before they are shipped out overseas.  A few moments later, as President Obama said last night, the "horrific outburst of violence" unfolded.   We have learned again that no place on our fallen planet is safe.  The Pentagon and Twin Towers became killing fields eight years ago; now an Army base intended to shelter our soldiers will be marked forever by this tragedy.  If a military installation cannot protect its own, who of us is secure this morning?   This is a day to grieve with suffering families traumatized beyond words.  It is a day to pray for them and for those who are walking with them through this valley of heartache.  And it is a day to remember that life is fragile and brief, but eternity is secure.   Paul's testimony is our model: "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).   This time yesterday, none of us knew that Fort Hood would lead this morning's news.  Today is the dot before the line, the moment before eternity begins.  The best way to begin this Friday is to surrender it to the God who redeems all we entrust to him.    Last night, Janet and I were discussing the Fort Hood tragedy and she showed me a statement which she included in an upcoming Bible study.  Esteemed biblical scholar William Barclay: "The only way to get our values right is to see, not the beginning, but the end of the way, to see things, not in the light of time, but in the light of eternity."   How do you see things this morning?  _____________________________   The Center for Informed Faith is sponsoring a Bible study tour of Israel February 21-March 2, 2010.  The "In His Steps" tour brings Scripture alive as it traces the steps of Jesus and his early followers through the Holy Land.  Sites include Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Jordan River, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and other sacred places.  This walk through biblical history and culture will deepen your faith and understanding of Scripture as Dr. Denison explores the historical and spiritual background of each site and Dr. Mike Fanning discusses its archaeological significance.  A $300 per- person deposit is due by November 20, 2009 to insure a spot on the tour.  Inquiries after that date will be filled on a space-available basis only. All monies paid before the December 20 final payment date are fully refundable except for a $100 cancellation fee per person. For more information, please visit www.InformedFaith.com. Copyright © 2009, Center for Informed Faith. All rights reserved. Read previous essays

God Issues: Will you get the swine flu?

InformedFaith.com   By Dr. James C. Denison President, Center for Informed Faith, Dallas, Texas November 3, 2009 Topic: divine leadership   Will you get the swine flu?   According to today's Wall Street Journal, nearly everyone is exposed to influenza viruses in a normal flu season.  However, no more than 20 percent of the population contracts the illness.  Will you be the one in five this year?   Scientists at Duke University are working on a way to tell.  They have discovered the handful of genes which are activated by viruses in people who eventually become sick.  They are trying to develop a device about the size of a BlackBerry which can quickly determine if you are on the way to being sick.   If you're going on vacation, you could adjust your plans.  Schools could anticipate the spread of flu infections.  Soldiers could be tested before they are deployed for various missions.  People are contagious for a day before they show symptoms, so such a test could slow the spread of disease.   Unfortunately, current methods to detect gene changes usually take days or weeks-by that time you're already sick and hopefully well.  Researchers are working on a test which can detect gene changes quickly enough to be useful.   The Chinese have a saying: to predict is difficult, especially with regard to the future.  Thomas Edison said of his invention in 1880, "The phonograph is not of any commercial value."  Grover Cleveland announced in 1905, "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote."  Thomas J. Watson, chairman of IBM, said in 1943, "I think there is a world market for about five computers."   Ken Olson, president of Digital Equipment Corporation, predicted in 1977, "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."  Baseball player Tris Speaker claimed in 1921, "Ruth made a big mistake when he gave up pitching."   The good news is that the Great Physician already knows whether you'll get the swine flu this week or catch a cold today.  As we learned in yesterday's essay, "even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30).  You and I are trapped in the space-time continuum, bound to this moment, experiencing life as a series of chronological events.  God stands outside all of that, as a writer stands outside the characters whose lives he records.   As a result, the only safe way to step into this day is to follow the lead of our omniscient Father.  Speaking to his suffering people, the Lord promised, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (Isaiah 30:21).  Have you made time to listen for that voice yet today?  _____________________________   The Center for Informed Faith is sponsoring a Bible study tour of Israel February 21-March 2, 2010.  The "In His Steps" tour brings Scripture alive as it traces the steps of Jesus and his early followers through the Holy Land.  Sites include Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Jordan River, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and other sacred places.  This walk through biblical history and culture will deepen your faith and understanding of Scripture as Dr. Denison explores the historical and spiritual background of each site and Dr. Mike Fanning discusses its archaeological significance.  A $300 per- person deposit is due by November 20, 2009 to insure a spot on the tour.  Inquiries after that date will be filled on a space-available basis only. All monies paid before the December 20 final payment date are fully refundable except for a $100 cancellation fee per person. For more information, please visit www.InformedFaith.com. Copyright © 2009, Center for Informed Faith. All rights reserved.