The boys have taught me well, not only strategies and terms, but who to root for in football, basketball, and baseball.  The Gators, the Rays, the USF Bulls, the Miami Dolphins, the Buccaneers, sometimes the Jags if they aren’t thoroughly embarrassing themselves, and any SEC team that is not playing Florida at the moment. 

            But if any of those teams are playing, I do not enjoy what most people call “a good game.”  Why would anyone enjoy something that causes heart-burn, heart palpitations, and heart-ache?  I cringe until the score becomes outrageously unbeatable, and then sit back and enjoy the rest.  That’s my kind of game.

            And though it certainly isn’t a game, that’s the way I like my contests with the Devil too.  It ought to be that lopsided a score.  We have a Savior who has already taken care of the hard part.  We are already so far ahead, even before we start, that a comeback by the opponent should be unthinkable.  We have an example how to overcome.  We have help overcoming.  We have a promise that we CAN overcome if we just try.  We have every possible advantage, including coaches and trainers and all-star teammates, and a playbook that is infallible. 

            We have the motivation too.  As we said, this isn’t a game.  There is no next season, and defeat is an unthinkable consequence that should spur us on to adrenalin-boosted, nearly superhuman feats.  And the trophy is far better than anything offered us in this life.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  Now they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one, 1 Cor 9:25.  That crown is called a “crown of life” in several passages—an eternal life with our Creator. 

            Do not make your game a close one.  Don’t sit back and let the Adversary make a comeback.  Don’t fumble the ball, or commit an error, or make a turnover out of carelessness and apathy.  Victory is not handed to you on a platter.  You still have to want to win, and fight like that every minute.  My kind of game may not appeal to you when you watch your favorite teams play, but it should be the only kind you want when your soul is at stake. 

            We are “more than conquerors” with the help of God (Rom 8:37).  His game plan involves a rout, running up the score, and rubbing the enemy’s nose in defeat.  And it can go exactly that way with just a little effort on your part.

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"...But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:53-55, 57

Dene Ward

Did you see the video going around of the mother goose leading her babies up a set of two stone steps somewhere in an urban center?  (She might have been a duck, but I am not a poultry expert and it suits my purposes here to call her a goose.)  Those steps were twice as high as those goslings.  At first the mother waddled on, but soon she realized she was alone so she returned to the steps and watched as each baby leapt to the top of the next step over and over and over—and usually fell back.  It took no less than five or six tries per step for each one, and some many more.  The last little fellow almost had it but then fell onto his back, exhausted.  Did he give up?  No, he got up and kept on trying, and finally, several minutes after all the others had made it, he got to the top of the second step and ran to his mother, who then turned and led her tiny gaggle across the plaza.

            That mother had it easier than you and I do.  She had no hands and arms to be tempted to reach out and help.  All she could do was patiently wait, honking her encouragement.  Too many times we use those hands and arms when we shouldn’t, thinking we are doing the right thing, and our children grow up emotionally frail in the process, with a warped sense of their place in the world—usually the center, they think.

            What would have happened if you had never let go of those little hands as your toddler tried his first steps?  What would have happened if, when he tried to climb, you always came along, picked him up and put him where he was trying to go?  What would happen now if every time something wasn’t exactly the way he wanted it, you came along and made it that way?  Sooner or later he must find out that the world does not run to his schedule not his set of likes and dislikes, and the earlier he learns that the less painful it will be for all of you.

            In his work, Keith has come across many young people who finally found out that their parents could not get them out of trouble as they were hauled off to prison in manacles.  Once, a nineteen-year-old probationer thought he could bypass some of the rules of his sentence, namely his officer checking to see if he was home where he belonged, because “I have a mean dog.”

            “Lock him up,” Keith said.  “That’s your responsibility because I will be doing my job, which is your punishment for your crime.  If you don’t, I have authority to stop the dog any way it takes.”

            “Bbbbbbut you can’t hurt my dog,” he blubbered.

            “YOU will be hurting your dog,” his officer told him, and finally got through.  He did the crime because he thought he could get away with it—mama and daddy had always gotten him out of trouble before.  Now he had to pay the consequences.  I wonder if his parents ever did make him do something he did not want to do as a child. 

            God gave those goslings a goose, a mother who would stand there and patiently wait while her children tried and learned and grew stronger even with their failures.  He gave a goose who would honk her encouragement when they fell flat on their backs, urging them with “love” to get up and try again.

            Some parents don’t have the sense God gave a goose when they raise their children.  What do you think will happen if you fix every problem and adjust every situation to their liking?  As adults they will be persistently dissatisfied and miserable, or constantly in trouble and probably devoid of true friends who are tired of always having to do things their way.  Certainly love them, but “learn” to love them in the hard things (Titus 2:4).  Teach them, discipline them, tell them they can do it and cheer them on.  Add a more “tactile” form of exhortation when necessary.  Give them words of encouragement, of admonishment, of rebuke, of love.  That is why God gave them parents instead of a goose.

Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching…My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. Proverbs 4:1-2,20-21

Dene Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.]  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil [one.]  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

Whatever task we face will require the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-19, (perhaps prompted from Isaiah 59:17) for we face Satan every day as he tries to destroy every good thought and deed. Even the apostle Paul felt compelled to ask for prayer on his behalf as he faced the wiles of the devil while carrying the gospel to the lost. The book of Ephesians was one of Paul’s letters written from prison. During Paul’s time in prison he obviously became well acquainted with the armor worn and carried by his captors in the Roman army. Following Isaiah’s lead (Isaiah 59:17), Paul drew a powerful comparison between a soldier’s armor and the spiritual armor of God.

For us, our own temptations may only be the day-to-day variety in facing the challenge of a new day, or we may be dealing with increased pain or grief. God provides these six areas, including prayer, in living the life of a Christian, to strengthen and protect us and help us triumph over Satan in our spiritual battles. Each piece of the armor of God is essential, and the Bible tells us how to put them on and use them effectively.

Paul emphasized that with God’s help we are “to stand”. We will be able to hold the line, to not retreat, to not give up an inch of God’s territory. If God’s army is fighting for us in heaven than by all means we should be ever diligent concerning the spirit of faith within us and for those that are fighting for us! (see 2Kings 6:14-17) 2Ki 6:17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Notice the invisible guard of angels that encompass and defend us, Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

THE BELT: A belt was a critical piece of equipment to be put on, and it secures all the other pieces of our armor. Wearing the belt showed that the soldier was ready for action, since he would only loosen his belt when he went off duty. Truth should surround us like a belt. Knowing God’s truth is the ONLY source that will fight Satan’s lies and deception. And to be truly ready for the battle, we must be completely truthful ourselves in our inner being. As Jesus said, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul exhorted us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: The breastplate protects the most vulnerable area of the body. To be righteous is first of all to believe, repent, be baptized, to be forgiven of our sins (Acts 2:38) through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that justifies us and makes us right with God (Romans 5:9). In gratitude we should strive to do what is right in God’s eyes. Psalm 119:172 tells us that God’s commandments are righteousness. Obeying God is beneficial, not burdensome (Deuteronomy 10:13; 1 John 5:3).

SHOES WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE: Not barefoot, but shod, just as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar realized the benefit in traveling over rough terrain, held firm with spikes on the soles. The word “preparation,” denoting being prepared and ready, reminds us that we are to be eager to preach the gospel of peace. Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Isa 52:7).

SHIELD OF FAITH: When our faith in God and His love is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land a blow. If you notice how a long-ago army fought, the presence of a wall of shields required many soldiers working together. Together we too will be able to take on any challenge, strengthening each other with our faith, building up and serving together as we are able.

HELMET OF SALVATION: The heart of our hope. We can receive tremendous comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Jesus Christ gave to save us and the wonderful Kingdom in which we now serve, looking for the hope of our salvation.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT: The sword of the Spirit, like the Roman gladius, their offensive weapon, can also help us to conquer all our enemies, including that most difficult one, our human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We must continually sharpen it with regular and focused Bible study. By studying the Word of God daily, we can have God’s wisdom in the forefront of our minds, ready to help us make wise choices to fight off Satan’s attacks.

WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION: Praying reminds us we are in the battle of our lives, and it reminds us of the source of our strength and defense. How often do we fail to talk to God or are our prayers without depth? Surely not. Watch out for “me” trouble and don’t forget to give thanks.

Eph. 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Taken from various resources

Joanne Beckley

At the end of every gardening year I always end up with extra plum tomatoes and nothing to do with them.  My pantry is full of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and even tomato jam.  So what else is there?  Now that I have a grandson who is a manic dipper of anything he can pick up in his chubby little fingers, I had a sudden epiphany.  “Ketchup!” I said to myself.  “Make the boy some ketchup.”

            So I found an easy recipe—not a quick one by any means, but once you get past the initial chopping and measuring stage, all you do is stir once in awhile for a couple of hours. 

            I did not want to put a lot of energy into something I had never tried, so I made a small batch.  I filled a five quart Dutch oven halfway with chopped plum tomatoes, onions and peppers, sugar, vinegar, and spices, and put them on to cook.  About two and a half hours later I poured up one generous cup of ketchup.  It was definitely the best ketchup I had ever tasted, and plenty for Keith and I who take a year to go through a 32 oz bottle, but it was not going to do for a ketchup fanatic, and it certainly wasn’t worth the work.  Now that I know the recipe is good, though, I will fill two of those pots to the brim and in about the same amount of time have something a little more worthwhile.

            And that is our problem when it comes to converting the world.  We only fill one pot half full and then wonder why we got such a small return.  Then we become discouraged, or worse, decide that God’s way doesn’t work any more and then we really get into trouble, going places and doing things we have no authority for, denigrating God in the process.

            We see the 3000 baptized on Pentecost and say, what’s wrong?  Why can’t we do that?  Let’s do a little math.  Most scholars estimate the population of Jerusalem during a feast day at 1 million or more.  Three thousand out of one million is not that much.  In fact, it’s the same as 300 out of 100,000, or 30 out of 10,000 or 3 out of 1000.  That’s less than one third of one percent, or, to be silly about it, it’s a short one-third of a person for every hundred. 

            Stop being so negative.  Stop allowing sheer numbers without perspective to discourage you.  This is a Biblical principle.  The road is narrow.  Only a few will find it.  We just have to make sure that their inability to find it wasn’t our fault.  And we have to remember above all, that it isn’t God’s fault either.  It is not the fault of His methods.  It is not the fault of His plan.   We certainly cannot improve on the ways of the Almighty.  What we can do is implement them.      

Fill as many pots as you have with tomatoes.  If you want a 3000 day, then cook a million.  Most of us can’t do that, but we can cook a hundred in a lifetime surely.  And if all you get is one cup of ketchup, that’s wonderful.  In fact, it’s better than Pentecost.  You did not fail by any means.  You did your part, and, even better, you did it God’s way.

For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 

1 Corinthians 1:21-25

Dene Ward

Don't run away because of the title of this book.  The authors do believe that Jesus existed and was the Son of God.  The aim of authors Eddy and Boyd is to carefully study and ultimately call into question those who do not believe Jesus was the Son of God, or that he even existed. In order to do so, they very carefully distance themselves from their faith most of the way through the book in order to make their treatise as academic as possible.  Be aware that this is a scholarly treatise.  It is not easy to read, but if you are reasonably intelligent, as I believe my readers are, you can understand it and come away more assured about your own faith.

               The first chapter is nearly interminable.  Don't run away from that either.  Just read a section or two at a time, keeping a dictionary handy.  The authors are setting forth not only what they are investigating, but also how they plan to do it.  That part does get a little tedious, but I am not sure you will understand what you are reading if you skip it.  Once you are past that, it goes much more quickly.  In fact, the last half of the book is a breeze after that.

               The scholars the authors are speaking about say they are using the "historical-critical" method, which includes a naturalistic (no miracles allowed) approach to everything.  Eddy and Boyd show how this method is nothing more than post-Gutenberg Western Academia blowing their own horn as the only ones who are doing it right.  They are charged with chronocentrism, ethnocentrism and circular reasoning.  "When nothing is allowed to count as evidence against a presupposition, and when nothing is allowed to call into question one's metaphysical commitments, the commitment to the presupposition is, for all intents and purposes, a religious commitment to a dogma…This hardly seems consistent with a discipline that calls itself 'critical' and strives to be…objective and unbiased…in its assessment of evidence."  The authors then advocate an "open" historical-critical method, which they believe is much more fair and includes the humility to recognize that they are not the only intelligent ones out there.  More than once, Western Academia is scolded for its arrogance.  Some of the arguments made by these people to "prove" that the Gospels are no more than myth even I can answer.  The fact that Jesus' sermons on the same topic are often "different" in each gospel?  I am married to a preacher.  He often preaches the same sermons again and again, but he does not use exactly the same words.  It depends upon the audience for one thing, and anyone telling the same story more than once will use different words with each telling.  It is not a rote performance. 

               The authors answer every objection these scholars make in their own very scholarly way.  At the end, they don their theological hats for a final brief moment and say, "the Holy Spirit, personal commitment, and covenant trust must carry one the rest of the way.  If this work has, to any extent helped to clarify the solid historical grounds for this faith response, it has served its purpose."  I think it does exactly that.

               The Jesus Legend is published by Baker Academics and is also available on Kindle.

Dene Ward