If you will ask

Denver granddaughters, the Keister young ladies.

Theresa and I are enjoying a snowy Christmas in Denver wiwth Fletcher, Jennifer and girls.

Just finished reading "If You Will Ask" by Oswald Chambers - a challenging short book on prayer. Cost me six cents on Amazon (plus shipping).

Some interesting tidbits:
When a man is born from above, the life of the Son of God begins in him, and he can either starve that life or nourish it. Prayer nourishes the life of God.

Prayer to Him is not a way to get things from God, but so that we may get to know God... the very presence of God.

It is not cowardly to pray when we are at our wits end; it is the only way to get in touch with reality. As long as we are self-sufficient and complacent, we don't need to ask God for anything; we don't want Him. It is only when we know we are powerless that we are prepared to listen to Jesus Christ and do what He says.

The whole meaning of prayer is that we get to know God. May that be a greater desire on our parts for next yer.

Love - fall, lose or build

"People don't fall out of love. In reality, their love cools as other things gradually take priority and focus." I was caught by these words of Byron Paulus, Executive Director of "Spirit of Revival."

Paulus continued with, "Then one day they realize that there's no real connection, nor real relationship that feels worth preserving."

I would add to his challenging statement. Lost love can also happen through the escalation of disappointments, hurts and resentments - toward our wife, closest friend or even to God.

We're left with the question: have I, have you, left our first love with Jesus? You and I are makng daily choices that are leading us toward or away from intimacy with HIm. The same for those of us who are married. Daily we make choices to either focus on expressing love and appreciation to him/her or we focus elsewhere.

I stand challenged. Do you? BE back with you after New Year's. Go Boise State Broncos and "Roll Tide" Alabama.

Latest news on Paige

We prayed for Paige, a precious 14-year-old friend of ours with thyroid cancer. Here is the latest report.

"We just returned from the surgeon's office and received the best news we could've HOPED for...Paige is cancer free!!! Although the tumor was bigger, the actual part of it that was cancer was only 4 mm. They removed ten lymph nodes along with the entire Thyroid. All the cancer was confined to that one growth. That means she will NOT need the Radioactive Iodine.

She can return to normal activity including basketball on Monday. Unfortunately, they did remove one of her Parathyroids during surgery. We are hoping that her other half that is left will produce enough calcium. She will have her level tested tomorrow and more than likely will be on a small dose of calcium along with her Thyroid replacement for the rest of her life. But, that's okay...the cancer is gone! We will meet with her Endocrinologist in early January. She will monitor Paige going forward.

We can all breath a huge sigh of relief and now enjoy our Christmas. This is truly the best gift Jeff and I could've wished for.

Thank you all again for everything you have done to pull us through this. We couldn't have done it without you.

With love and HOPE, Kaycee

MONEY 2

No particular reason for this picture. Just thought it was grossly cute.

Part two of a two part series: A Guest Editorial from Our Heavenly Father by Austin Pryor in Soundmind Investing.

It's true that hard times deter some from giving. They take their eyes off of me and become fearful they won't have enough for themselves. I understand this, and I never want you to give more than you really want to. Cheerful givers are the ones I prize.

If you are really eager to give, then it isn't important how much you have to give. I want you to give what you have, not what you haven't. But giving from your scarcity is one way to prove that your love for me is real, that your trust in me goes beyond mere words.

Jesus is your model. You know how full of love and kindness he was: though he was so very rich, yet to help you he became so very poor, so that by being poor he could make you rich.
And this gets me to the heart of the matter: Jesus is not only your model, he's your true security and treasure. It is out of my glorious riches in Jesus that I have committed myself to supplying all your needs.

I have blessed you with every blessing in heaven because you belong to Jesus. Long ago, even before I made the world, I chose you to be my very own through what Jesus would do for you. I decided then to make you holy in my eyes, without a single fault.
My unchanging plan had always been to adopt you into my own family by sending Jesus to die for you. And he did this because he wanted to!

So I ask — what do you say in response to this? If I am for you, who can be against you? What are your light and momentary problems in comparison to such blessings?
I want your hearts to be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future I have called you to share! And that you will begin to understand how incredibly great is my power to help those who believe in my promises.

May your roots go down deep into the soil of my marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand how long, how wide, how deep, and how high my love for you truly is!
So, take heart. You can come fearlessly right into my presence, assured of a glad welcome. Know that my mighty power is at work within you and for you, and is able to do far more than you would ever dare to ask or even dream of — infinitely beyond your highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

I am on your side — today, tomorrow, and forever!
Your Heavenly Father

This letter is based on verses from The Living Bible.
[2] 1 Peter 5:7 [3] 1 Peter 1:7 [4] Matt 6:25-34 [5] 2 Cor 1:20 [6] Psalm 24:1, 1 Tim 6:17 [7] 2 Cor 9:8 [8] 1 Tim 6:18 [9] Phil 4:18 [10] 2 Cor 9:10 [11] 2 Cor 9:11 [12] 2 Cor 9:13-14 [13] 1 Tim 6:19

[14] 2 Cor 9:7 [15] 2 Cor 8:12 [16] 2 Cor 8:8 [17] 2 Cor 8:9 [18] Phil 4:19 [19] Eph 1:3-4 [20] Eph 1:5 [21] Rom 8:31 [22] 2 Cor 4:17 [23] Eph 1:18-19 [24] Eph 3:17-18 [25] Eph 3:12 [26] Eph 3:20

MONEY

Barron Olaf Burwick is one years old


Austin Pryor, publisher of Sound Mind Investing, wrote an article as if it were A Guest Editorial from Our Heavenly Father
My dear children, blessings and peace be yours!
I know many of you are discouraged by financial matters. Your concerns are my concerns, because I care for you so dearly. I want to encourage your faith, which is so very precious to me, during these trying times.

First, you know that you have my personal promise to provide for you as you rest in me. And you know I always keep my promises! After all, everything in all the world is mine, so economic cycles never hinder my ability to richly provide.

In fact, I enjoy giving you even more than you need so that you will have plenty left over to give joyfully to others. I delight in my children who are rich in good works, who give happily to those in need, always ready to share with others whatever I have given them. Such gifts are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is highly pleasing to me.

Just as I give seed to the farmer to plant, and later on good crops to harvest and eat, so I will give you more and more seed to plant and will make it grow so that you can give away more and more fruit from your harvest.
]
Those who receive your gifts will break out into thanksgiving and praise to me for your help. In this way, your generosity brings glory to me! And that's not all — they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace I have shown them through you.

It's for your sake that I remind you of this. By your generosity, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven — it's the only safe investment for eternity!

God speaks

God speaks through the Scriptures to us today. It is exciting when one senses God speaking in that still quiet inner voice. But His “normal” way of communicating with His children is through the Bible. I like Glyn Evans’s thoughts on the subject.

“Jesus called the words of the Bible ‘life’ (John 6:33), and Peter called them ‘seed’ (1 Peter 1:23-25). The Word of God is seed that contains the life princiiple of God Himself, and when that Word is read, digested and obeyed, it manifests itself in a living reproduction of God, just as the seed will manifest itself again the the new plant. The Bible is not history, biography or anthology; it is God’s life in the crystalline form of words that, when read and obeyed, releases that life for the benefit and blessing of the reader.

“The Bible is food (Deuteronomy 8:3) and food is nothing more than the chemical continuation of life. Unless the Holy Spirit has food to give me, He cannot maintain the level of spiritual life in me that He desires. That is n why He pleads with me not to live off experience, service, ritual, dogma, or fellowship, but to live off the Word, which alone carries the capability of sustaining my spiritual life.”

Question: do you and I read the Word as a ritual exercisde of do we read it as one searching for a love message?

Response to Prayer For Paige

Thanks for praying for Paige. Surgery was successful. Cancer was removed from her thyroid; a lymph node removed and they are hoping the parathyroid was not damaged, which apparently would cause a calcium problem. Her calcium count was a little low this morning.
So continued prayer for her safe recovery, for the parathyroid to function and that her voice will do well. And for her parents - Jeff and Kaycee, for strength.

Prayer for Paige

Please pray for Paige. She is a beautiful 14-year-old friend of ours who is prepping right now for thyroid cancer surgery. Pray for wisdom for the doctors. Pray for her parents that this will deepen their walk with God. Pray that Paige, who just a couple weeks ago, drew a picture of her hands placed in God's hands (not knowing she had cancer), will see God's hand at work in her life even through cancer. Thanks for praying. I'll let you know the (visible) outcome.

Anger

Coach Renta and Conference Player of the Week - Brian Barkdoll

What is your anger score? I was asked this week to administer an anger measurement test to an occupant of the Lighthouse Mission. Upon googling it I came across William Snell's tool. For kicks I thought I'd share it with you for your perusal. If you take the test, PLEASE BE HONEST IN RESPONDING TO THE STATEMENTS.
________________________________________
1.
A. I do not feel angry.
B. I feel angry.
C. I am angry most of the time now.
D. I am so angry and hostile all the time that I can't stand it.
2.
A. I am not particularly angry about my future.
B. When I think about my future, I feel angry.
C. I feel angry about what I have to look forward to.
D. I feel intensely angry about my future, since it cannot be improved.
3.
A. It makes me angry that I feel like such a failure.
B. It makes me angry that I have failed more than the average person.
C. As I look back on my life, I feel angry about my failures.
D. It makes me angry to feel like a complete failure as a person.
4.
A. I am not all that angry about things.
B. I am becoming more hostile about things than I used to be.
C. I am pretty angry about things these days.
D. I am angry and hostile about everything.
5.
A. I don't feel particularly hostile at others.
B. I feel hostile a good deal of the time.
C. I feel quite hostile most of the time.
D. I feel hostile all of the time.
6.
A. I don't feel that others are trying to annoy me.
B. At times I think people are trying to annoy me.
C. More people than usual are beginning to make me feel angry.
D. I feel that others are constantly and intentionally making me angry.
7.
A. I don't feel angry when I think about myself.
B. I feel more angry about myself these days than I used to.
C. I feel angry about myself a good deal of the time.
D. When I think about myself, I feel intense anger.
8.
A. I don't have angry feelings about others having screwed up my life.
B. It's beginning to make me angry that others are screwing up my life.
C. I feel angry that others prevent me from having a good life.
D. I am constantly angry because others have made my life totally miserable.
9.
A. I don't feel angry enough to hurt someone.
B. Sometimes I am so angry that I feel like hurting others, but I would not really do it.
C. My anger is so intense that I sometimes feel like hurting others.
D. I'm so angry that I would like to hurt someone.
10.
A. I don't shout at people any more than usual.
B. I shout at others more now than I used to.
C. I shout at people all the time now.
D. I shout at others so often that sometimes I just can't stop.
11.
A. Things are not more irritating to me now than usual.
B. I feel slightly more irritated now than usual.
C. I feel irritated a good deal of the time.
D. I'm irritated all the time now.
12.
A. My anger does not interfere with my interest in other people.
B. My anger sometimes interferes with my interest in others.
C. I am becoming so angry that I don't want to be around others.
D. I'm so angry that I can't stand being around people.
13.
A. I don't have any persistent angry feelings that influence my ability to make decisions.
B. My feelings of anger occasionally undermine my ability to make decisions.
C. I am angry to the extent that it interferes with my making good decisions.
D. I'm so angry that I can't make good decisions anymore.
14.
A. I'm not so angry and hostile that others dislike me.
B. People sometimes dislike being around me since I become angry.
C. More often than not, people stay away from me because I'm so hostile and angry.
D. People don't like me anymore because I'm constantly angry all the time.
15.
A. My feelings of anger do not interfere with my work.
B. From time to time my feelings of anger interfere with my work.
C. I feel so angry that it interferes with my capacity to work.
D. My feelings of anger prevent me from doing any work at all.
16.
A. My anger does not interfere with my sleep.
B. Sometimes I don't sleep very well because I'm feeling angry.
C. My anger is so great that I stay awake 1—2 hours later than usual.
D. I am so intensely angry that I can't get much sleep during the night.
17.
A. My anger does not make me feel anymore tired than usual.
B. My feelings of anger are beginning to tire me out.
C. My anger is intense enough that it makes me feel very tired.
D. My feelings of anger leave me too tired to do anything.
18.
A. My appetite does not suffer because of my feelings of anger.
B. My feelings of anger are beginning to affect my appetite.
C. My feelings of anger leave me without much of an appetite.
D. My anger is so intense that it has taken away my appetite.
19.
A. My feelings of anger don't interfere with my health.
B. My feelings of anger are beginning to interfere with my health.
C. My anger prevents me from devoting much time and attention to my health.
D. I'm so angry at everything these days that I pay no attention to my health and well-being.
20.
A. My ability to think clearly is unaffected by my feelings of anger.
B. Sometimes my feelings of anger prevent me from thinking in a clear-headed way.
C. My anger makes it hard for me to think of anything else.
D. I'm so intensely angry and hostile that it completely interferes with my thinking.
21.
A. I don't feel so angry that it interferes with my interest in sex.
B. My feelings of anger leave me less interested in sex than I used to be.
C. My current feelings of anger undermine my interest in sex.
D. I'm so angry about my life that I've completely lost interest in sex.

Scoring: A = 0; B = 1; C = 2; and D = 3. Clinical interpretation of the CAS scores is accomplished through the following interpretive ranges: 0-13 - minimal clinical anger; 14-19 - mild clinical anger; 20-28 - moderate clinical anger; and 29-63 - severe clinical anger.

Does anyone need a copy of my anger book? !!!! :-)

Feeling God's Pleasure

David Reeher, behind the back and under the legs dunk.

Watching the Northwest Nazarene University basketball team win a 114-108 overtime contest last night reminded me of the movie Chariots of Fire, that outstandingly inspirational movie of the life of Eric Liddell. It had this line: “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Liddell was an Olympic runner from Britain who won a gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was a prime example of a man with a God-given gift to run, yet his eyes were set on the goal the Lord had given him – missionary work.

Os Hillman tells of Liddell’s experience.
“He spent years training for the Olympics. He passed each hurdle and qualified for the Olympics. Finally, the day came for him to run in the games that were held in Paris. There was only one problem. One of his running events was held on Sunday. Liddell refused to run on Sunday, believing it dishonored the Lord's Sabbath. He held to his convictions and brought great persecution on himself. He made a decision that even if it meant losing his opportunity to compete, he would not run. God's laws were greater than man's applause.

Just when the circumstances seemed hopeless, another situation arose that allowed Liddell to run on a different day. So often this is the case in the spiritual realm.

God tests our hearts to see if we will remain faithful to Him at the cost of something important to us. Once He knows where our loyalty lies, He opens a new door that meets the desires of our hearts. God takes pleasure in seeing His creation used for His glory. Liddell understood why he was made to run; he used his gift of running to bring pleasure to his Creator. Later, Eric Liddell went on to serve God on the mission field.

“Does your life work bring pleasure to the Lord? Do you understand that God instilled certain gifts and talents in you so that He might find pleasure in His creation of you? Take pleasure in the gifts God has given to you this day. And let His glory shine through you.”

The Impact of the Bible

A beautiful lady and an old koot, ringin' dem bells

“Listen to the Book. By that I mean read the Bible; read books about the Bible, about the spiritual life and the lives of ‘great’ saints,” challenged Henri Nouwen to a friend Marc. The quote is found in “Mornings with Henri J.M. Nouwen – Readings and Reflections.

Nouwen goes on to say, “I know you read a good deal; but a lot of what you read distracts you from the way that Jesus is showing you. The secondary school and univesity offer you little in the way of ‘spiritual reading.’ That’s why it’s very important for you to read regularly books which will help you in your spiritual life. Many people are brought to God through spiritual literature that they choose to read. Augustine, Ignatius, Thomas Merton and many others have been converted through such books.

The challenge, however, is not to read a ‘spiritual book’ as a source of interesting information, but rather to listen to it as to a voice that addrsses you directly. It isn’t easy to let a text ‘read’you. Your thirst for knowledge and information often makes you desire to own the word, instead of letting the word own you. Even so, you will learn the most by carefully listening to the Word that seeks admission to your heart.”

I love to take note of anything that challenges one to read, meditate upon and memorize the Bible. Being three score and ten, I can look back on a life well-lived, not because of my great ability, but because the Bible has been a road map leading to success and away from destruction. Praise the Lord for His Word to us.
“Your Word is a lamp onto my feet and a light onto my pathway.”

Maturation

My beloved Birmingham pastor Frank Barker

Building relationships is so key in our personal development. Words of affirmation, kindness, correction and "kick butt" from a friend (or even an enemy) can so expedite our maturation process. Gary sent the following to me this morning, for which I am eternaly grateful.

How difficult it is for us when we cannot communicate the way we deem to be effective. While I do not know your particular experience personally, I do know what it is like to be unable to express Jesus into lives that matter to me, express Him in a way that I see as effective. But I have come to recognize He is responsible for using what He has given me to be effective for His desires—I can only be who He gives me to be today.

I was talking (sorry how difficult it has become for you to be vocal) to a retired pastor earlier this week and we were discussing what had been most important to us in pastoring. We both agreed it was not the ministry to the masses but those times we were able to touch individual lives for Jesus even when we were not aware of the grace of the moment. Both of us had plenty of stories of individuals telling us years later how some particular touch of God came through us—sometimes we were aware at the time but often we were unaware of what God was doing until dozens of years later they revealed it to us.

It is easy for us to lose track that divine communication happens in many ways, at many levels and that we seldom recognize what God is actually doing, even that He is touching through us.

You mentioned recently trying to give the devotional to your college team, not being able to speak, having the coach read what you wanted to say. Ray, there are so many ways that God can communicate into hearts that we are unaware of. Who but God knows the impact of something like this (beyond your frustration) to the team, staff and even the coach. We don’t know what God knows or what beyond the words touches the hearts of men. We just don’t know and God is wise to not always make it clear to us while He does His good work in others.

As you have said through your writings in so many ways, it is our availability, willingness, humbleness and faithfulness that God speaks through—vocalizations are only one of the means. We need not deprecate the ministry of vulnerability, the ministry of humility, the ministry of presence, the ministry of touch, the ministry of touching through concern, none of which must be vocalized audibly. Ray, you speak loudly in ways that touch the heart of men, that demonstrates the reaching heart of God way more than speech. Do not be discouraged, Brother, but keep on speaking through the language of the heart of God which reaches into the souls of man.

Blessings for today from our gracious Lord

Isn't it fantastically reassuring and humbling to have a friend like Gary! Thanks, Gary.

Stand Firm

Gracious women from Birmingham's Whole Life - 1970's

It is difficult getting out of Philippians chapter 4. As Howard Hendricks would say, “it is a delightful concoction of tonics for the spirit.” The chapter has a plethora of guides for successful living and dying. I’m reminded again of the first one – STAND FIRM.

This time my thoughts venture to the enemy – satan. When are his attacks the most crucial – when I’m down, discouraged and hurting? No! My own “flesh” is doing sufficient damage to the “abundant life” Christ promises.

The evil one’s assault is during or after victory. After victory, case in point: Elijah after the supernatural event on Mt. Carmel where he challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the identity of the true God (1 Kings 18:1-40). After the victory, Elijah is seen high-tailing it, running from the tool satan used – Jezebel. He ends up in deep depression. Satan is the great spoiler and loves to suck the sugariness out of a sweet victory. Stand firm against the wiles of satan after victory.

During victory also. Nehemiah is in the process of building the great wall. To thwart that success satan uses Sanballat to threaten and harrass and then sweet-talk Nehemiah. His reply? “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3) Nehemiah stood firm during victory.

I’m usually victorious over the fallout of stuttering and my Parkinson’s. Since the intensity of both has increased lately, I’m noticing that the lure toward frustration and self pity is stronger then normal. I believe the enemy was not happy with the results of the trip to Birmingham where I had such wonderful affirmation from Whole Life – a singles group of 30 years ago that Ann and I ministered to (and they to us).Not able to get a word out is a frustrating event; but the event has elongated into a chronic fear and frustration that is taking on disproportionate characteristics. I’m just now seeing this clearly as I write. It is more than the normal periodic flesh trip.

“Stand firm, Burwick, in the knowledge that God continues to have a plan for your life that includes stuttering and PD. BE thankful. Flee, satan. Go to Hell! And take all your discouragement and harrassment with you.

Anyone else needing to stand firm right now?

Day After Thanksgiving

Ray II and Gretchen

Give thanks for all things and in all things, the Bible reminds us, and not just on “Turkey Day.”

What hinders my giving thanks (in and for)? Adversity. We live in a fallen world where “manure happens.” Sorrows are natural but can be couched in a foundation of gratitude.

I’d prefer not having Parkinson’s. Among many things, it keeps me from participating in the game I love – basketball. “Burwick,” you say, “you’re 70 years old. Grow up. At your age not being able to compete in basketball shouldn’t be a consideration.”

“I know. I know. But I enjoy the game. And it is a lot more enjoyable to work out with a ball in my hands then walking on the treadmill. Besides, there are memories of the success experiences – the latest being on the Alabama Seniors Over 60 3 on 3 State Championship team.” (Ten years ago.)

So what does this have to do with gratitude. I can live in the past memories and be sorrowful for what I can’t do now: or, I can focus on what I can’t do now and be frustrated. The third option is much healthier: “God, thanks for all you have provided for me through basketball.” My focus is gratitude for what I’ve had and not sorrow for what I don’t have because of the Parkinson’s. I’m successf at this mindset or gratitude 95 % of the time. A thankful spirit leads to a joyful outlook on life.

However, stuttering has taken a nose dive and I’m struggling with giving thanks for that. It hit a low the other day when giving a devotional to the NNU basketball team, I was blocking so severely that I had the coach read the material to the players. A grateful response? NYET. NO. Frustration and a smidgen of self pity. Ugly! I’m asking God for the grace to go deeper in my intimacy with Him so that I can more positively accept, “All things work for good…”

Dear reader, you may speak fluently, but what is your “stutter?” Is it met with a growing attitude of gratitude? Great! A joyful outlook on life is the result. And that is available to us as we walk more and more intimately with the sovereign, powerful Creator of the earth - and of you and of me. “

Anyone for a freethrow shooting contest?”

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Though the recession has hit some very deeply, there is still much for which to be grateful.

In the past several years, I’ve been challenged , especially by the Bible and then the prompting of the Holy Spirit to, “Give thanks for all things. Give thanks in all things. Always be joyful.” (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:4)

J.H.Jewett suggests, "Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road."

Developing a grateful spirit reaps so many positive results, one of which is spiritual formation (becoming more like Christ, as directed in Romans 8:9) Michael Zigarelli tells in Regent Business Review of his study of 5000 Christians worldwide, studying their beliefs, behaviors and, character. He used a methodology applied regularly in the social sciences: comparing the "gold medalists" to the "silver medalists" seeing what really distinguishes the champions. In other words, he compared a group of what he called "high-virtue Christians" (i.e., people who consistently display "fruit of the Spirit" virtues) to a group of "average-virtue Christians" to see what makes the high-virtue Christian different. He found that one explanation—one characteristic—clearly stood out above the rest: gratitude.

He found that a mindset of gratitude dwarfed the practice of any or all the disciplines of the Christian life as an explanation for how Christians go from average in virtue to consistently high in virtue.

From his study, Zigarelli labeled gratitude as a powerful disposition that provides us with a very efficient, very effective mechanism for developing myriad character traits. Our view of the entire world is different and we are suddenly empowered to be the people God calls us to be—to more deeply love God, to love neighbor, and to love our own lives.

How is a grateful spirit developed? Zigarelli found that the mind of the high-virtue Christian is a disciplined mind, a pure and godly mind. A mind that is adept at immediately clearing away sinful thoughts. It is a mind that is focused on what one has rather than what one does not have. A mind that refuses to think in terms of what's missing from life—in terms of how much better life could be "if only … " Instead, the high-virtue Christians want what they have. They are fully content with what's been conferred upon them, and they frequently thank God for their blessings.

The most fertile ground for growing gratitude is a thought life that purges sinful thoughts before they fester, that eradicates envy, and that replaces these thoughts with reminders of how richly blessed one really is. The Apostle Paul apparently had the same answer, but stated it more succinctly and more powerfully: "take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Indeed, perpetual gratitude begins with a renewed mind.

Another method in the development of a thankful spirit is keeping a "gratitude journal." This is a daily diary that focuses exclusively on the blessings in your life thereby re-centering you on God's providence. Beyond that, a journal permits you to look back over several days, weeks, and months to review the numerous blessings that you might have forgotten had you not written them down. The standard journaling recommendation is to log five blessings per day, more or less.

There also appears to be a link between fasting, confession of sin and praying for the poor in the growth of a grateful attitude. In my opinion there is one major development factor in the growth and sustaining of gratitude – that being knowing God. AS we spend time with God, in prayer, Bible reading, memorizing Scripture, viewing God work in our lives and in others, our focus becomes “You fathers being evil love to give good gifts to your children, how much more your heavenly Father wants to do for you.”

A final thought from Albert Schwietzer: At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

What will be your focus – not only on this special day, but the rest of the days of the week – the month – the year? Thanks Abba Papa.

FOR A THANKFUL THANKSGIVING

Thankful for Bella Rose and Barron Olaf Burwick, 2 of our 17 grandkids.

Thanksgiving. The time of year that we focus on how much for which we have to be thankful. The book “Jesus Calling” suggests to the follower of Jesus:

"As you sit quietly in My presence, let me fill your heart and mind with thankfulness. This is the most direct way to acieve a thankful stance. If your mind needs a focal point, gaze at My love poured out for you on the cross. Remember that nothing in heaven or on earth can separate you from that Love. This remembrance builds a foundation of gratitude in you, a foundation that circumstances cannot shake.

“Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you joy (regardless of the circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience – at times, blind obedience. To people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossibe to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficlties may remain.

“Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from my perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

Our challenge: deepen our attitude of gratitude.

Valued and Cherished #3

Our Denver grandchildren, the Keister young women

“I don’t seem to be able to get away from the issue of Value, where it comes from, where we seek it. Is value, whether we call it significance or security, something innate or something cultural? Is it God-given or something we seek from others?” writes Montana Gary.

He continues,
“I submit we have innate value first by God’s design, then by His creation and lastly by relationship to Him. But because we are fallen, we do everything about value away from God; we seek it from others, try to create it for ourselves, or seek it from the creation. When we seek significance apart from God, we seek to produce it by our efforts, win it from others by our actions, or take it by our determination. Security can either be accepted from God or we can seek it in relationship, in belongings, or our paradigm of our value apart from others.

“In both cases, apart from God, it is either what we create on our terms or seek from others in response to our actions. With God, either significance or security is not something we create or earn but something given before we ever had physical being. Our struggle is that we tend to not be willing to accept value from God—culture has taught us that we must deserve anything of value (earn) to be able to possess it. We cannot come to grips with the concept of value as a gift.

“Is not the significance or security we seek from others when out of sync with God a form of self-fulfillment, trying to achieve outside of God. Only when we are fulfilled and secure, valued before God, can we then appropriately receive those gifts from other sources without it being idolatry or codependency. Wholeness must first come from God or we will never be able to turn to Him after we have found it elsewhere.

“Correct me—where am I diverting from your intent? Yes, we are to have value and security in our relationships but does it not first have to be accepted from God before we can fully, wholly, openly receive it from our mates?”

I like and enjoy Gary’s creative, analytical and God centered thinking. I agree whole-heartedly with him. Our personal value must be sought from God. Any other source is at best fragile and temporary, at worst, idolatry. However, I surmise that I’m not getting my point across, that being “husbands – cherish your wives” and “wives – value your husbands.”

This is not to say that I’m to seek my value from my wife. In her desire to speak my “love language” she will best do that by valuing me by word and deed. My value isn’t determined by her and I don’t look to her for my sense of value. My real value is in whom God created me to be. That value is also affected by my performance. If I’m lazy or for some reason not living up to my performance potential, I will feel of less value (and probably experience some depression!). Also, if I’m not acquainting myself with Scripture that describes who I am as part of God’s creation, then my ignorance will affect my sense of value.

Likewise, a woman’s deepest need is security. A sense of security doesn’t come through performance like a man, it comes through relationship. The ultimate security is found in an intimate fellowship with the Creator. Anything I can do to make her feel cherished as my wife, adds to her feeling of security. Her security resource is God. I can add to that sense by demonstrating a cherishing attitude and behavior.

For building a strong marriage relationship, husbands cherish, wives value.
What do you all think? What is your response to this thinking? rburwick@mindspring.com .

Valued and Cherished

Had a great flight from Boise to Birmingham. Relationships! What a blessing. Connected with three families in Birmingham last night. What a joy to renew fellowship. Salmers, Kims and hosted by Chuck Morgan. Reminds me of Philippians 4:1 where Paul calls the people of Philippi his beloved friends - his joy and crown. What a joy to connect again with dear friends of over 10 years ago.

A thought that has become pregnant lately is this. If a man's deepest need is to experience significance and a woman's is security, then the wife's role in part is to value her husband. A husband: to cherish his wife. How would each of these challenges look in shoe leather? Ponder that with me. Send me your thoughts, if you would. rburwick@mindspring.com

Back at you

Roger and LInda REdding (my sister) and us.

I've been negligent in writing. Reasons? Or Excuses. Busy! BAsketball has started. I have the privilege of being the chaplain for the Northwest Nazarene University basketball team. That involves giving a devotional to the team once a week and meeting with some of the guys one on one.

I'm reworking that Philippians Four study - examining more thoroughly what appears to me as 13 keys to successful living. I'm using it for the Lighthouse Mission gang that I teach once a week. Mentoring, some counseling and small groups involvement consume a lot of time. The opportunities are a real blessing. Just having been diagnosed with diabetes means I must be more consistent with exercise.

Am I complaining? No. Just making excuses. I've got a great one for this next week. Some friends from Birmingham are flying Theresa and I to Alabama and then on to Orlando to be with my daughter, Gretchen. What a special gift, to see friends who while Ann (first wife) and I lived there, had a ministry to adult singles. About 30 of us became like a close knit family. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with "you'all."

What I've been learning lately? A quicker response time from natural reactions to adversity transitioning to supernatural (Godly). For example, in the last couple weeks, I've been confronted with the challenges of diabetes and basal cell carcinoma on my schnoz. Diabetes and Parkinson's don't mix real well. Natural response? Fear. Godly response? Trusting God. Giving thanks in and for all things. Rejoicing evermore. I'm working on that transition.

It's important not to spiritualize which can repress the human feelings. So, to help avoid that, I'm getting back into journaling to I can articulate on paper what I'm feeling and the growth I want to make. That helps me avoid repressing.

Being 70 years old and having walked with God for 63 years, observing in retrospect how He has worked adversity in the past for my good, HIs glory and for the good of others - makes the transition to a Godly response much easier.

Well, I'll check back with you all in a little over a week. Blessings to you.

Aids to Memorization

It must be understood that memorization of scripture is not an easy task. Those who think it should be simple give up quickly, deciding they can't memorize. Instead, it requires diligence. If hearing about the power of God's Word has encouraged you to memorize, but you don't know how, here are some things that have helped me.

It takes time. Set aside time to memorize, about 15 minutes, at least five times a week. Allow yourself at least six weeks to learn a passage of 20 - 30 verses.

Choose a version. Choose one Bible from which to memorize. You can use any version with which you are comfortable. I like the NIV or NLT because they have a nice flow, but I still have many KJV verses in my brain from childhood.

Choose longer passages. I would encourage you to try a longer passage rather than just one or two verses. Not only does it broaden your understanding by giving you the context of the verses, but it is also easier to remember an entire chapter, than many individual references.

Begin by reading. Before starting to memorize, I like to spend a week just reading over the passage. Reading it out loud three times each day helps you remember because both your ears and eyes are taking in the information.

Next is the actual memorizing. When you are ready to memorize read the whole chapter. Next review a smaller section again and again, until you can say it without looking. Then, finish off by reading the whole passage through again. Hopefully, you will find that by the time you near the end of the chapter, the flow of the words will be so familiar that it is easier to remember.

Index cards are useful here. Just pick the verse or short passage you want to memorize, write it down on an index card, and read it aloud several times. Then try reciting it aloud without looking at it, until you get it right. Do it from memory several times, checking your performance against what you have written down after each time. Then, as you have opportunity, test your memory of the verse over the next several days and continue to test it periodically. If you write the verse on one side and the chapter and verse reference on the other, you can use the index card as a sort of flash card to quiz yourself.

Keep on repeating. To retain a passage once it is memorized, say it often. Use quiet times of highway driving, “shoveling snow,” or before you drift off to sleep at night, to say the verses quietly in your head.

Meditate on the Word. Do what it says. You will be successful and will prosper. (Joshua 1:8)

Memorize for spiritual formation

Another profitable purpose for memorizing Scripture is for spiritual formation.

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs.

Chuck Swindoll, prolific author and pastor, wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

These two men are among the highest respected spiritual growth people living. Do you want to grow in your character of God? Memorize Scripture as part of the game plan.

Tomorrow we'll look at aids to memorize

Scripture Memory - 2

I'm on the band wagon again encouraging Christians to memorize passages of the Bible. Today it is: Memorize for brain and body healing

Dr. Frank Minirth, world renown Christian psychiatrist, gives insight into transformation as he writes in Christian Counseling Today,

"Simple behavioral Scriptural techniques are so powerful. I think they have the ability to change the brain's chemistry. What we see comes into the eyes, into the frontal lobe. It will rearrange the neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters rearrange secondary messenger systems that store memory. So who we are to some degree is controlled by what we take in. Therefore, the more Scripture we take in, especially loving it and enjoying it, really changes the very essence of who we are. "

Dr. Minirth goes on to say, “So the emphasis, I hope, in the future will be to get people to memorize more Scripture so it can change them. The more Christ-like we become, the more He can remove symptoms." Symptoms like: anxiety, fear, unhealthy anger, depression, poor self esteem, etc. that are often caused by wrong mindsets. Mindsets not corresponding to the mind of Christ. The mind is the ruling member of our whole person. What we do with our minds affects the whole body.

Many of my good friends at the Lighthouse Mission are finding that memorization of Scripture brings about a healing of their drug-fractured / muddled brains.

Significance of Scripture Memorization

Montana Gary responded to “Bible Bored” with this comment: “It always amazes me just how much more I see in a passage when I write it out longhand. It is so easy to take computer shortcuts but I find so much more when I am forced to write each word. It may not be quick or easy but it is worthwhile if we really want to know the Word.”

I’ve mentioned the Significance of Scripture Memorization previously; however, as my capacity to memorize is dwindling, I’d like to challenge you all to consider memorizing the Bible (if that is not a part of your regimen.)

We are told in Psalm 119:11 to treasure God’s Word by hiding it in our hearts so that we will not sin against God. In memorizing Scripture, we are cultivating a biblical sense of the presence of God and developing a resource that will be used by the Holy Spirit to bring relevant thoughts or insight, to mind (for ourselves and for others.)

The Bible is the spiritual nutrients that energizes and empowers us. “I have not strayed from God’s commands. I have treasured His words – they are more essential than my basic need for food.” (Job 23:12) The words of Scripture are used by God to penetrate and transform the hearts of His people.

In tomorrow’s post, we’ll discuss again the healing impact of memorizing Scripture.

Bible Bored

Are you going through a dry stage in Bible reading? Lost you ardor for the Word? If so, you can:
1. keep on keeping on and benefit just from the discipline of being in the Word; or,
2.take a break from it and lose out on the nourishment; or,
3.take a more aggressive stance.

Suggestions for a more aggressive pursuit:
Write out the Scripture, Wilson Green suggests, getting a small journal and asking the Lord what passage He would have your to write. Write between seven and 10 verses per day, focusing and meditating on what you’re writing.

Another thought: read Psalm 119, section by section, on a daily basis. Pray that God would revive your zeal for the Word.

Try different translations of the Bible.

Summarize on paper one of the shorter books.

Mentor someone younger using Scripture as your guide.

Establish a new mind set about the Bible. See it not as a list of laws but as God’s love letter of grace and mercy meant to show us the path of abundant living.

Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” Learn more about it by being a person of the Word.

Biblical Meditation

The following post on Biblical meditation is adapted from Donald Whitney, author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, and who is a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Why don’t people meditate on Scripture? Some reasons: they are not a follower of Jesus Christ; or, the pressures of a busy lifestyle take precedence; or, some believe the benefit is not worth the time involved. Some of us have trouble remembering what was read. The conclusion is either bad memory or God’s distant and not speaking. This person doesn’t think it is worth the time involved, hits and misses Bible reading, feels frustrated and somewhat guilty. The real problem according to Whitney is lack of biblical meditation. Learning how to meditate may be the key that will unlock the joys of Scripture and the life-changing power it contains.

Begin meditating. This is not an exercise of daydreaming or Eastern meditation but a focused, intentional desire to consider Bible truth. Reading, rewriting the verses in your own words, or a host of other techniques. Such meditation is never an end in iteself. Deep thinking on spiritual truth is th key to obeying God, and to putting Scripture into shoeleather.

While meditating on Scripture, ask your self questions like;
Does this text reveal something I should …
Believe about God?
Praise or thank God for?
Pray about for myself or others?
Change my attitude about?
Make a decision on?
Do for the sake of Christ, others or myself?

When you have concluded your time of Bible mediatation, you should be able to name at least one definite response you have made or will make. Rather than reading and forgetting the truth, or worse, reading and ignoring it, you are prepared to be a doer of the Word.

And the result is success according to Psalm 1. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do.

Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the same success truth: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Value of the Bible

The advantages of a profound depth of Biblical knowledge are numerous. “It is the storehouse of God’s promises. It is the sword of the Spirit, before which temptation flees. It is the all-sufficient equipment for Christian usefulnes. It is the believer’s guidebook and directory in all possible circumstances.” F.B. Meyer

Meyer suggests:
1. Make time for Bible study
The Divine Teacher ought to have fixed and uninterrupted hours. He deserves our freshest and brightest thoughts, and we must give Him our undivided attention. Therefore, we should aim at securing at least half an hour each day for the leisurely and loving study of the Bible.

2. Ask for understanding
AS we open the Book, ask the Holy Spirit who inspired the Writing, to: Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18

3. Develop a plan
Many plans have been suggested for study of the Bible:
a. read through the Bible in a year
b. read the Proverb of the day (according to the day of the month), along with a Psalm or more and then something out of the New Testament.
c. Dig into a book, verse by verse with study guides in hand
d. Do a character study. Study the life of Moses, or …
e. My favorate is topical study. Before I wrote the Anger book, I looked up every verse I could find under the topics of anger, bitterness, wrath, malice, etc. In preparation for writing the Self Esteem book, I sped read the Bible looking for passages that spoke to how a person thinks of himself (or as a Christian how he “should” perceive self). The words “self esteem” are not in the Bible, but passages speak to it, like, “created in the image of God.” Romans chapter 6-8, Epheians 1-3, Colossians 1-3, Philippians 2-4 and others speak to the real identity of a follower of Christ.
f. Read an entire book of the Bible in one setting
Meyer suggests to let the Bible be its own dictionary, its own interpreter, its own best commentary. It is like a vast buried city, in which every turn of the spake reeals some new marvel, while passage branch off in ever direction, call for exporation.

4. Read with pen in hand. Underline significant passages. Make notes in the margin. For example, in James it says, “Humble yourself before the Lord.” I have written in the margin, “play golf.” Golf is my humbling exercise!!! The employment of the pen can later bring back precious memories of bygone hours recording the history of our inner life.

5. Seek your personal profit. Allow the Book to bring focus to your own heart. “What does the Holy Spirit want me to learn from this portion? How can I work this into the fabric of my character?”

6. Turn reading into prayer. “Entwine the climbing creepers of the holy desire about the lattice work of Scripture.” I personally don’t feel like I can adequately praise the Lord. So when it is time for me to praise Him, I quote a praise passage, like Psalm 34 or Psalm 100. And there are many more.

7. Practice what you learn. “IF we will turn each holy precept or command into instant obedience through the dear grace of Jesus Christ our Lord, God will keep nothing back from us. He will open to us His deepest and sweetest thoughts.
Joshua 1:8 says, Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Adapted from Revive magazine.

Scripture for Guidance

An inspiring comment came from yesterday's post. Satcom padawan said...
Indomitability. I like it. The Father is always up to the most wonderful and most substantial things. I love Him. I love His world. I love being here. - Russ
(If this is Russ W., please tell me where you are and what you're doing.)

Study the Bible for direction. The Psalmist tells us that “Your Word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my pathway.” For direction and guidance, search the Word!
Not only search the Word for guidance, but pray for it. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5
As we read the Word and pray for direction and guidance, Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

The message is clear: immerse yourself in the Word so that God can change the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you – sometimes at the last minute. To stretch our faith and to increae our desire to seek Him, He often waits until that last moment to guide us in our decision-making.

“I don’t know what God wants me to do,” is an often heard cry for guidance. I am convinced that the all-powerful God is capable to let us know about a decision we are to make – which step to take. However, most of the time it seems He allows us to search all the facts and take responsibility in decision-making which increases our depth of maturation.

We can legitimately pray, “God, I’ve searched all the angles I know to make a wise decision. I’ve studied the facts. I’ve sought counsel from wise folk and it seems like this certain way is the path I should take. If this is not of you or not what you want for me, close the door. Make it clear.”

If we don’t get a distinct direction from reading the Word or prayer, then I’m convinced God wants us to do what we think is best. As was mentioned earlier, our maturation process is enhanced as we learn about life through decision making.

Again, “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.”

Value of Scripture- 3

Study the Bible for MATURITY.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” That is maturity on the highest plane.

Hebrews 5:13-14 also addresses the issue of maturity. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Spiritual milk is listening to others expound on the Gospel – written or verbal. Nothing wrong with that. Just go on to add to the milk, meat. Meat, meaning digging into Scripture, meditating on it, memorizing it, studying it, producing a maturity that is stable and growing.

Maturity is best tested in adversity. How we handle the curve balls life throws at us is a measure of emotional / spiritual development. James 1:2-4 gives us a seemingly unattainable challenge in navigating tumultuous waters.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

The Message gives an interesting slant to the James passage. “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

Did you hear that? “Mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” Mature.
To “get out of anything prematurely” is a natural response. Who doesn’t want to get out of pain or turmoil? Even Jesus in Gethsemane prays, “take this cup from me;” or, “I’d sure not prefer going through this crucifixion plan, Father.” That was His human response and initially that will be ours also. However, Christ set the bar when He said, “not my will but yours, Father.”

Initially our response to a pain of some sort is, “ouch. I want out.” But as we grow in our knowledge of God and know increasingly deeper His love and care for us our maturity passes the test when we can say, “Father, I’d prefer not going through this. However, you are sovereign, all powerful, and could prevent this experience from happening. So show me how I can benefit from the trauma I’m experiencing.”

How sweet it is when we can know and trust God so well that we can face anything that life throws at us with an expectant, positive attitude – that all is well.

The Bible for Growth

Study the Bible for:
1. Knowing God better and the subsequent results available. 2 Peter 1:3- By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

We find out in the following verses that just knowing God isn’t the total answer. We have responsibility in our growth process.

2 Peter 1:5-10 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
10 So, dear brothers and sisters,[c] work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Bible is the most important resource for receiving spiritual nourishment – without which, there is no growth. I personally think that we need at least 30 minutes most every day in Bible and prayer to keep our hearts and minds tuned to God’s voice for our direction. This is not a legalistic trip to gain God's acceptance, but a neccesary discipline to place ourselves in a position to hear from our Creator.

More in the next post.

Importance of Scripture

Eighty two percent of Americans profess to be Christians according to the Barna Group, with three-fourths not believing that the Bible should be the standard for their decisions. Application of truth is optional.

Sometimes we are so caught up in defending the inerrancy or inspiration of the Bible that we miss its central point: obedience. Byron Paulus, executive director of Life Action Ministries, says that, “Admittedly the greatest struggle I face in my walk with God is not learning more truth, but obeying the truth I already know.” He adds, “Could it be that the Bible’s power is only unleashed when it is lived out by God’s people?

Del Fehsenfield, Senior Editor of Revive, takes it a step further when he says, “The truth of God’s Word must be applied in relationship with others. Without their input I will become hardened to the truth and decieved in my thinkng. It’s a startling thought, but if you’re only applying the Bible by yourself, you’re walking a path toward spiritual ruin.The Bible was meant to be received and understood in community.”

It seems we have become an individualistic society less prone to seeking the authority of Scripture. “When there is no authority in religion or in politics, men are soon frightened by the limitless independence with which they are faced. They are worried and worn out by the constant restlessness of everything, “ states Alexis de Tocqueville about the 19th century Americans. I doubt if this century has seen any change. The authority of Scripture seems not to be a significant issue.

Howard Hendricks of Dallas Theological Seminary states: “The greatest problem in the church today is that we have an increasing number of Christians who are under the Word of God but not IN IT for themselves. Being under the Word of God should be a stimulus – not a substitute – for getting into it for yourself.”

The Bible says of itself:
Psa. 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psa. 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
2 Tim.3:16-17 LB The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.

The Bible is my guide and my light for effective living. It is the mirror that reflects that part of me that needs growth so that I am becoming “fully equipped to do good to everyone.”

More in the next post on the value of Scripture.

Football and Marriage - 3

This is our last posting on football and marriage, swiped from Jon Strain.
Scoring: Understand that men and women score differently in marriage.
How men score: Men think certain things produce 6 points, others 3 points. For example…

Taking out the trash 0 points
Romantic dinner 15 points
Pick up your clothes 0 points
Surprise trip to Hawaii 30 points
Buy a big house 35 points
An unexpected hug 1 point

How women score: You only get one point for all things, big or small. For example

Taking out the trash 1 point
Romantic dinner 1 point
Pick up your clothes 1 point
Surprise trip to Hawaii 1 point
Buy a big house 1 point
An unexpected hug 1 point

Implications for the man as quarterback of the team:
1. To win, you have to score throughout the game, and doing the “little things” is a Big thing.
2.You can’t come from behind (35 points in the fourth quarter) and expect to win.
3. The woman’s scoring system is the only one that determines a “W” or and “L”.
4. If you don’t “get it” and build this into your Game Plan you’ll have a rought first half and may not make the second quarter. If you “get it” you’re pretty much guaranteed a “W”. Every Hall of Fame husband, marriage coach and wife knows this. Do you get it?
5. P.S. Forgetting important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, valentines, mothers’ day, etc. is a “safety” – two points against you. In this scoring economy, you can’t afford them.

Family Planning (With the USC fan in mind.)
Remember the Trojans as they are useful for family planning. (Does this need to be explained? What kind of team would name themselves after a prophylactic?)
It’s football season. In marriage it is always football season according to Jon Strain.

I would add to Jon’s metaphor.
A touchdown is scored when the man says, “honey, take the weekend off. I’ll take care of all your responsibilities around the house.” A WOMAN’S TOUCHDOWN is her saying, “Let’s be intimate.”
Extra points: To score an extra point after a touchdown is made, the ball must be kicked through the two uprights. Men, we score an extra point if we know what pleases our wife and we do that something for her unexpectedly. Women, you know what to do to score an extra point with your husband. Need I say more?

Football and Marriage - 2

Continuing Jon Strains ode to marriage via football.
Injuries and setbacks. They happen. Prepare to make adjustments and don’t play the “blame game.” Chris Petersen, coach of the fifth ranked Boise State football team says, “When you’re going through adversity and crisis, there’s no real gray area on things. You either go right to God for power and strength and help or go the other way. We are such control guys…trying to control everything and you just can’’t control everything. Then you say, ‘I can’t do this. I need help.’”

Defense is essential to win the big games.
Defend yourselves against “crawling seperateness.” The couple that plays together stays together. Defend yourselves against growing resentments. Humble yourself and talk stuff out. Read and react: Know the enemy’s game/schemes to defeat you. Your mate is not the enemy!!!

Penalties
Holding: Don’t try to control them; release them to be who they are. You can bump and get in their face; just don’t grab them and hold them back from their uniqueness and calling.

Enroachment/off sides: Give appropriate space and respect; for every weakness there is a corresponding strength.

Clipping: no hits in the back … talking about your spouse negatively to others, behind their back. Talk your spouse “up” in front of others and behind their back.

Unsportsmanlike conduct: This penalty gets you ejected, especially if repeated.

Roughing the QB: no cheap shots when the other person is vulnerable in thier role.

No celebration in the end zone when it’s at the expense of the other personl No one wins when we retaliate and take dark pleasure in it.

“Red Zone” Play calling: Realize that there is more resistance and field restriction in the place where the important things are on the line…like scoring points. That’s where you stick to fundamentals and reach deep into the resources of heart and character. Important things are often the hard things.
If you don’t make a total commitment to whatever you’re doing, then you start looking to bail out the first time the boat starts leaking. It’s tough enough getting that boat to shore with everybody rowing, let alone when a guy stands up and starts putting his jacket on.” Lou Holtz

Time outs: Take time-outs to figure out what you’re doing so that you can strategize together, make adjustments and play together.

One more tomorrow.

Football and Marriage

Marriage and football. There really is a connection. Jon Strain, director of Search Minsitries of Boise, wrote the following "Marriage Playbook and Rules (For Football Fan(atic)s that was presented to a young couple at their wedding ceremony.

HUDDLE BEFORE EVERY PLAY

Discuss what you're going to do and your position/roles so that you're moving the ball down the field together. "If a team is to reach its potential, each player must be willing to subordinate his pesonal goals to the good of the team." Bud Wilkinson

Check to see if there's a play being sent in from the head coach or you won't have a prayer. Or, if you don't pray, you won't have a play ... worth running, that is. The man's play: 1 Peter 3:7. Woman's play: Ephesians 5:33

Be prepared to run different offensive plays during different seasons of your marriage.

PROTECT THE FOOTBALL

The football is your relationship.

More football / marriage in the next blog.

Marriage: Love or Law

I’m wondering. Is a marital relationship based either on law or on love? If a married couple are both Christians and there is no Biblical cause for divorce, and no significant abuse in the relationship, then resentment or divorce are not options for them. It seems that either law or love will carry them through the tough relational times. Let me throw some virgin thinking at you and see what you think.

A love relationship seems to have four ingredients to tap into when working through conflict.

1. Legitimate expectations of your spouse. (morally faithful, responsible parenting, etc) ,

2. Selfish expectations (to “die to.”) Expectation of the other to maintain a certain weight or a certain bank account figure. “I die to, or give up, the expectation of _____ (whatever.). There is a difference between selfish expectations and desires. Expectations are premeditated resentments. Desires, on the other hand, are not a requirement.

3. Desire of the spouse to be communicated from a position of identification with Christ (dead to selfish self, alive in Christ). “I’d like for you to accept me like I am.” Or, “I wish for you to have a passion for me and for our relationship.” Not a demand or expectation, but a desire.

4. What I’m willing to do to grow – for my sake and for the relationship’s sake. (Read certain books; have a consistent devotional life, be in a small group, receive mentoring, etc.)

If these “love ingredients” are not adhered to, it appears that law must take over to avoid divorce or a build up of resentment. Law would look something like this:
1. What I’m willing to change for our relationship’s benefit.

2. What I’m asking you to change.

3. If you don’t change, here are the consequences. For example: “you rarely spend time with the children. I realize that is what you experienced as a child, but your absence from the children is hurting them. I can give you some ideas to solve this if you like. If you don’’t implement a plan for change, I’ll bring in an elder of the church to talk with you about it. If that doesn’t do the job, I’ll _________. (Natural consequences.)

Where love does not prevail, law would emphasize a contractual relationship.

This is initial, virgin thinking. What do you think? What is your response?
rburwick@mindspring.com.

Norskfest

After 3000 miles, part of which was driven through a snow storm in Montana, we're back safely, for which we are very grateful. There were cars in the ditch and ambulances on the road between Bozeman and Billings.

What a great time. The Norsefest in Minot, ND was a sight to behold. 1700 RVs were registered on the grounds just the first day.Thousands of people wall to wall in this huge fairgrounds building wasn't real comfortable but the entertainment was supurb, the Norweigan carvers were great (from which I stole some ideas). Gotta keep the Norweigan roots growing in Idaho!

An interesting by-product: when we returned last night, I called some friends and spoke with a norweigan brouge AND DIDN'T STUTTER! This ol' norweigan/estonian may have discovered a new clinical technique for speech fluency!!

Had a great time with my sister Linda (who is at this moment under the knife for knee replacement) and her husband Roger who live at Lake Metagoshee. Experienced a reuniting of Burwick cousins and two aged aunts - about 30 of us there. Saw my ol' childhood stomping grounds. Participated in the Dickinson State University Homecoming watching the BlueHawks disassemble Mayvile State, 47-0.

And best of all, undivided attention for Ray and Theresa to connect while covering the 3000 miles. Man, am I blessed with a great wife.

Back in the saddle again tomorrow with more thoughts on the value of memorizing Scripture.

Deeper Still 2

Continuing the report of the Deeper Still conference in Orlando, Beth Moore’s focus was on becoming spiritually discerning.
2 Tim 3:12, 13 – Do not be deceived – WATCH OUT!
2 dimensions of spiritual revelation we desperately need
Divine Revelation in our human encounters
Divine Revelation in our Christ encounters

Divine revelation in our human encounters
2 Tim 3:14-17. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We must be in the Word!!

We need to live with knowledge and insight. Phil 1:9, 10, And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.

2 Tim 3:5 indicates that there are people we are to have NOTHING to do with.
We need to love more and more with knowledge and insight.

You cannot walk in the Spirit without having an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.YOU WILL NEVER LIVE A DAY IN THE SPIRIT ACCIDENTALLY. A GODLY WOMAN IS A WOMAN WHO PURSUES GOD.

Divine Revelation in our Christ Encounters:
1 Cor 2:9, 10 …’No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him,’ but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.

Christ wants to give us enlightened hearts.

Obviously my second hand reporting doesn't do Beth Moore's presentation justice, but hopefully it will give you something to search out more in depth.

We're driving to the Norskfest in North Dakota next week, so we'll check back with you later, tummy full of lutefisk and lefsa!