Do the Right Thing

The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel is worth reading over and over. There is so much good stuff in there that you have to read it many times to glean all of it. I really like the passage from today's reading.

We find Jesus challenging us to rethink how we think about The Law. Even today, we have a tendency to rank sins according to their severity. To God, any sin is an intolerable offense and is enough to keep us from His holy and perfect presence. Murder is on the "big sin" list, but then Jesus reminds us that unrighteous anger has the same spiritual consequences.

Jesus is basically telling us to just do the right thing. Be reconciled to your brother. Settle things with your adversary. Be at peace with others so that you can be at peace with God.

Adultery is another sin that makes the "big" list. Once again, Jesus says that the ill thoughts are as offensive to God as the act is. He instructs us to go to great lengths to guard ourselves against sin.

He addresses divorce and reminds us that God's plan is for a couple to remain married for life.

He tells us to keep our word and to be better than others expect us to be. He instructs us to forgive people; to bless people; to help people.

Unfortunately, we've bought into the whole "I have rights" attitude of the world around us. We're more worried about our rights being infringed on that we are about somebody that we may be hurting, offending or ignoring. Throughout the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of Matthew, Jesus gives instruction on how to face day to day life.

John's simple summary for today--Just do the right thing!

John <><

Temptations

The first part of today's reading in Matthew deals with Jesus facing off with Satan in the wilderness. I think that the progression of the temptation is interesting and I think that we can learn from it and the way that Jesus handled it. It's easy to say that...you know...he's Jesus. That's supposed to be easy for Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus faced the temptations as a man--just like we face them. In the wilderness, Jesus turns them aside by using the Scriptures. This is as good an encouragement as there is for us to read and remember the Scriptures. They will help you during times of temptation and trials.

In any case, Satan begins with a simple temptation--you're hungry, why not just use a little godly power to satisfy your physical needs? There is no misusing the Scriptures here. There is no need to. The simplest temptations deal with satisfying our personal wants and desires; taking care of number 1. So what would've been the harm? Jesus is hungry (he's been fasting 40 days). Jesus is God. Take care of business. Turn a few rocks to bread and eat. (although Satan lack some serious imagination here. Really, if a minor miracle is in order why not a plate full of some serious hot wings, a steak--medium rare please, or a cheese cake with strawberries?) But Jesus faces the temptation ... like a man, and turns Satan aside with a quote from the Scriptures.

Then Satan ramps it up a bit and starts in on Jesus on a more personal level.
"So you're the Son of God, eh? Let's see what happens if you put yourself in danger. The Scriptures say that God is watching out for you; that His angels will keep the junior God from hurting himself."
But Jesus refuses to play in Satan's little game. Once again, Jesus uses the Scriptures to turn Satan aside.

Finally, it's the biggie--the one that gets all of us. Fame, fortune, wealth, and POWER! "Jesus, I can give you all of these things...if you will worship ME!"
By this time, Jesus has figured out that He's not living a life of great comfort. He doesn't have a horse or camel to travel on. He doesn't have a rich set of parents to fund the upcoming years of ministry. He is going to have to convince a lot of people that he is bringing the message of God and a little wealth and power could be pretty helpful in getting people to listen to what he has to say. Instead of being the servant-Savior, he can be the King-Messiah that everybody is expecting. This could make the next three years a proverbial piece of baklava.

Unfortunately, many of us want to take the shortcuts. Too often we want to execute God's plan in our way. Even when we have a pretty good idea of what God wants from us, we tend to want to improve on His design. For a third time, Jesus uses Scripture to turn Satan aside--plus a strong rebuke to let Satan know that He is not going to entertain these temptations any longer!

If Jesus called upon His divine nature to overcome these temptations, then the Bible can't teach us that He faced temptation as a man--besides, Jesus set those divine characteristics aside when He became man. He faced them the way we face them and He overcame them the same way that we can overcome them...as humans trusting in God's Word.

I believe that there might be a sermon in there!

John <><

Missed

I'm just going to say that my day isn't over yet so even though the time stamp says it's Jan 5, it's still Monday--sort of. To keep up with reading through the New Testament here is the combined reading for the 4th and 5th.

It starts with the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and then moves into the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. There is some pretty good stuff in there. I'll be commenting on some of it later today in another post.

'Til then...

John

A Snowy Day in the Ozarks

The snow started last night around 8 o'clock and has been falling ever since. It started as a fine powdery snow but the flakes are starting to get a little bit bigger now. It looks like a little bit more that 4-5 inches and it's still falling nearly 20 hours after it started. Soon I'll have to make my way out to where the horses are and make sure that they have some food and water. I'll also have to get out and shovel off the driveway (again) but might wait to see if it stops within the next couple of hours.

All-in-all, it makes for a nice afternoon to enjoy a book, a blog or to just sit and relax.

*******

I haven't commented on the daily Bible passages because they are passages that I talked about in December as Christmas was approaching. Today's reading begins the Earthly ministry of Jesus as told by Matthew. If you want to read a little bit about John the Baptist (not this--John, the Baptist; THE John the Baptist) you can check out Chapter one of Luke's account.

John's ministry was foretold in the prophesies of the Old Testament. He would prepare the way for the Messiah. His message is the same message that Jesus preaches as He begins His work--"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." John also tells that we must show our repentance (turning away from our own way and turning towards God) by the fruit that we produce. We'll see this same message from Jesus in a few days as we finish reading the Sermon on the Mount.

Then Jesus comes and is baptized by John. It may seem odd that Jesus gets baptized before He begins His ministry, but I think that Jesus sets the example for us. I truly believe that before a Christian can have a successful, Spirit filled ministry, they must begin by obediently following Jesus in baptism. Matthew ends his account by recording Jesus' command that we make disciples, baptize the believers and teach all of the things that He commands. It was important that Jesus was baptized because it is important that we are baptized.

Just imagine what it would have been like on that day. Day after day, people came and were baptized by John. But on this day, after this man Jesus is baptized, the Spirit descends upon Him and a voice booms from heaven, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Awesome!

John <><

New Testament reading for Jan 3--Matthew 3.

A Fresh Cup of Coffee

One of the many simple things that I enjoy is a good cup of coffee. Last year, Aaron's girlfriend bought me a french press for Christmas. I like the coffee brewed in the press but rarely have the course ground coffee to use in it. I generally have my coffee ground for espresso and that's too fine for the press. It works for the drip coffee maker, I just use a little less than I would a medium grind.

This Christmas, Aaron bought me a coffee grinder. It seem strange that somebody that really enjoys coffee like I do didn't have a grinder already. It's just one of those things that I never went out to buy for myself.

So today I went to Starbucks and bought my favorite beans (gift card from Hannah), ground them coarse in my new grinder (gift from Aaron), and brewed them in the French press (gift from Jenny). Mmm, mmmm. A little late in the day for my first cup of coffee, but worth the wait.

By the way, I started the day at the Red Cross donating a double unit of platelets. There is always a need for blood products. Once again I would like to encourage you to become a donor. It doesn't take much time and it is a simple way to give a gift that really will make a difference in somebody's life. I brought my HP Mini with me and listened to an Alister Begg sermon that I had downloaded and took care of my daily Bible reading.

You may have noticed that yesterday's post included a tag on for anybody that would like to read through the New Testament in a year. I'll try to keep you current, but doubt that I'll post every day. If I miss a day, just read the next chapter or so and I'll post again soon. There's some good stuff in there!

John <><

New Testament reading for Jan 2 -- Matthew 2, The visit of the Magi and escape to Egypt.

I Resolve to...

...not make another resolution that I am destined to fail to achieve!

For this year, I make just one resolution--to live life purposefully.

I want my relationships with people to be meaningful. I want to have fewer acquaintances and more friends.

I want to be very aware of the moments that I spend with my family. I'm afraid that I often take them and their time for granted. This year I really want to cherish that time--everything from text messaging over a great distance to being able to share a meal and a hug.

I want to get to know my God better. I want to immerse myself in His Word and commit to living my life according to it. I want to introduce Him to others and brag about Him often. I want to be able to tell others why I believe what I believe and help them to share why they believe what they believe.

I want to learn and I want to grow. At the end of each day I'd like to be able to look back and see that it wasn't wasted.

I want to stay positive about people and about life.
I want to be less critical and more forgiving.

I want to end 2010 better than I start it.

I want to be a better husband.
I want to be a better dad.
I want to be a better preacher.
I want to be a better magician.
I want to be a better employee.
I want to be a better friend.
I want to be a better writer.

I want to be a better John.

I hope that December 31, 2010 finds you as a better you.

John <><

If you'd like to read through the New Testament this year read Matthew 1 today about the genealogy and birth of Jesus.

December 31

I know--it's the last post of 2009 and it should probably be something meaningful. Maybe a little look back at the year or a hopeful look to the future. But what I'm thinking right now is that in just about 7 weeks pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Spring Training Camp and the Great American Pastime will once again be underway.

Here is a little winter warm-up to whet your appetite. Grab a bag of peanuts or box of Cracker Jacks, your favorite cold beverage and maybe grill a hot dog. Then sit back and enjoy...



Happy New Year!
John <><

Did You Know...

...that in the mid 1500's, French politician, Jean Nicot served as an ambassador to Portugal? It was there that he was introduced to a plant heralded for its medicinal value. Nicot sent this plant (a member of the nightshade family) to France where it was declared to be the Queen's herb. Jean Nicot was duly rewarded for his find by being appointed as Lord of Villemain. He also gave his name to the plant genus, Nicotiana tabacum, which we know simply as tobacco.

Along with the nicotine found in tobacco, other nightshade plants have toxic chemicals or hallucinogenic properties.. The Nightshade family of plants include henbane, mandrake, and jimson weed. Also in the nightshade family are tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, chili peppers and eggplant.

Now you know.

John <><

The Best of 2009

One of the other blogs that I frequent recently ran a "Best of 2009" by picking one favorite post from each month. I was re-reading some of my old posts and thought that I would do the same. Although these are reruns, some of you haven't been reading for that long so they may be new to you. I hope that they will bring a smile to your face, encouragement to your heart and give you something to ponder.

I do want to thank you for dropping by from time to time and reading my thoughts and occasional rants. I appreciate your comments--both here at Out of My Hat and on my Facebook notes. I hope that December of 2010 finds all of us in a happier, healthier place. I have no doubts that the coming year will be filled with both challenges and blessings. I wish you well and encourage you through the tough times and heartaches and hope that your blessings will be many.

All the best,

John <><

January--Monday Morning Observations
February--Ten Honest Things About John
March--Another Favorite Bible Story
April--Day of Silence, Day of Truth
May--It's Not About the $$Money$$
June--A Better Sermon
July--Jesus Camp Revisited
August--Pinch-hit Homerun
September--We're Number 37!
October--Random Thoughts
November--Price vs. Value
December--From a Heathen and a Pagan

Old News--at least to Air Traffic Controllers

This story ran last week. There was video on ABC (video link in the story). Maybe you saw it. Maybe you were outraged by the wasteful spending. It came as no surprise to those of us that are Air Traffic Controllers. It was pretty much "business as usual" in the FAA. It really didn't take long for the culture to swing from working together for aviation safety (during the Clinton Administration) to the FAA dictatorship of the Bush Administration. It appears as if the FAA Management culture will take a little more time to swing back towards working together for the good of aviation during the current Administration. We do have a labor contract--at the order of the President. But getting to do what you want without accountability is a difficult thing to give up and I have a feeling it is going to be a long time before controllers place any trust in those that manage the agency.

Overall, I'd have to say that we have a pretty good management team at Springfield, MO. That's not to say that they don't have their moments of cranial rectosis, but they are usually decent enough to deal with. It was interesting that they immediately tagged NATCA (the controller's union) as the whistle blower that informed ABC News of the story. It may have been somebody from NATCA, but with an employee satisfaction ranking of 214 out of 216 government agencies there are a lot of potential whistle blowers in FAA land. NATCA members only make up about a tenth of FAA employees. There is also the nagging thing about the general public being fed up with government waste. The information could have come from a hotel employee or from a non-union member controller.

The good news is that there is hope for the future. In spite of the poor planning to properly staff air traffic facilities in the FAA, they are now being more creative in training new controllers. If you look at the graph at the end of the article, you'll see that the road ahead is a long one. I hope that our new Administrator will look to the controllers for help in shaping the system and continuing to keep the US skies the safest in the world.

I don't want to make too much of the ABC story. Like the one manager said, "What are you gonna do?" It's what we deal with on a daily basis. I can tell you this--for the most part (hey, every occupation has its weak links), the men and women that I know in the business of ATC are the very best. They work their butts off to make sure that you get to where you are going in a safe, orderly and expeditious manner.

So keep flying. The guys in the ABC story aren't the ones working the airplanes!

John