Doug Van Pelt

Free The West Memphis Three

The New Testament...well, the Bible itself has some great drama in it. I love the action involved inside of and around Paul's epistles. In his letter to Philemon (always a fun one to pronounce like a Jamaican: file -- eee -- mon), he instructs Philemon, his friend and brother in Christ, to take back his runaway slave, Onesimus. This slave became born again while with Paul and Paul is sending him back to his "owner," but asking his owner to forgive him and receive him as he would receive Paul himself (as a free man and brother in Christ). Can you imagine (in the 1860's) Pastor Paul sending your uncle Henry (who had fled through the Underground Railroad to a free place in Illinois) back to the South? Henry would face incredible danger in the Southern US in that time. The prevailing thought around Henry's "owners" would be that this slaved needed to be beaten or killed for his insubordination and escape. But Pastor Paul is asking him to be received as a peer. This is radical stuff.

I am flat-out amazed that so many of our beautiful dark-skinned family members actually embraced the Christian faith of their cruel owners back in that time. I would love to study the missionary efforts more closely to find out why they would trust this "white man's God." Their faith has enriched our lives, faith, and culture a million times over. The laments in music that crafted gospel, R&B, blues, and ultimately rock and roll were born out of very real suffering.

Now I know how some of my German friends feel. I remember bringing up the subject of Nazi-ism to a German friend. They were ashamed of their past. I, too, am ashamed of the behavior of so many of my white brothers and forefathers in the early years and centuries of this country. The ignorant and foolish belief that a certain race was inferior to theirs is just insane and crazy.

I remember how, after seeing Shindler's List, I sat in the theater as the credits rolled and cried. I though, 'I wish God would let me go down into the depths of hell and step on Hitler's face with sharp golf shoes.' I wouldn't mind doing the same with some slave "owners" from the South. But, like some of my beautiful brothers and sisters of the faith have done before me, forgiveness is a possible and beautiful and only right thing to embrace. God has forgiven me of my sins, which would condemn me to the same place of eternal punishment; but it was by His mercy that He forgave me. I shouldn't hold back that same mercy from anyone.

Forgiveness and mercy -- that's the stuff that changes entire cultures. May it envelope our culture today. May it grow and may it never know its limits as it spreads through its opposition like a knife through soft butter, melting away layers of hatred with pure love.

Not Enough Sleep...

...can make Jack a dull boy.

Whew! Not sure what it is, but I haven't been able to sleep lately. That makes it hard to be spiritual. While some people think caffeine keeps one from being spiritual...I'm more inclined to agree with those that say "without caffeine it's impossible to be spiritual" -- at least before noon! I think I'll have some coffee, as I'm still dragging and it's almost 10.

At the end of 2 Timothy, Paul talks about a number of people that deserted him, and even one (Alexander the metalworker) who did him great harm. Paul apparently sees his own end coming, as he states: "I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure." He says it with no regrets, though: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."

That's some interesting insight into eternity.

In Paul's letter to Titus (chapter 3 specifically) he encourages the people of God to "be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." This is good advice, as humility can go a long way with anyone. Paul then goes on with a great discourse that shows the utter simplicity of the gospel:

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

That's awesome. I like how the appearance or event of God's kindness and love "appearing on the scene" changes us. I think devoting ourselves to doing what is good will consume our time in such a way that we won't focus on others' shortcomings or the negative "don't do this or that" type of stuff.

The beginning of this letter to Titus reminds me of a friend who took on a memoriz-ation project. He memorized every Scripture that emphasized or explained the deity of Christ. In Titus 1: 3-4, Paul refers to "God our Savior" and then greets Titus with "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior," thus equating Jesus ("Savior") with God.

Stellar Kart, Disciple, Falling Up, Kutless

Took my 7 year old daughter to a show last night. She was being her usual shy self when meeting new people, etc. I was holding her in my arms and she wouldn't really say "hello" to greetings. Kutless' manager asked her, "What, are you four years old?" (she's short and was kind of curled up in my arms). This potential insult got her out of her shell. "No, I'm seven and a half," she said.

We saw the first night of a tour, with full production a travelling emcee, and bands running on a tight schedule. It was cool. It was exciting to see her respond to the emcee and Disciple's Kevin Young asking questions about prayer and asking God to work in our lives. It was encouraging to see her respond, and I was grateful for opportunities like this. As much as I'd like to tell her exactly what to believe and why, even at a young age she is deciding for herself and choosing God's way. That's cool.

In 2 Timothy 3 Paul gives an uncanny description of modern life. It's not too far off today, although it was written sometime in the first century, when the Roman empire was widespread in Europe and the Middle East.

"There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."

He goes on to encourage Timothy (and us):
"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."

I like how familiarity with teachers and mentors is brought up here. When dealing with such personal and intimate things as our relationship with God and our training in right-living, it's important to trust (and be able to trust) the ones who are instructing us. Timothy did, and that gave him even more confidence to continue on in these things, because he had a chance to see it lived out over a period of time (and not hear it in a one-time slick presentation of some new doctrine). Consistent "body life" in a local church provides this healthy role modelling and training. Sometimes the benefit from participating in a local church cannot be seen in real-time. It's that consistency over time, day-in, day-out or week-in, week-out that builds familiarity and trust. Only attending "when we feel like it" won't give us the same building blocks for a firm foundation set for growth. These things are subtle, but important.

Multiply

Paul continues his great "grandfatherly" advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2. He tells Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Hmmm. Being strong in grace sounds like a really good thing. He also encourages him to "entrust to reliable men, who will be qualified to teach others." In other words, he wants Timothy to work in reproducing kingdom people and multiplying the kingdom of God. I can't think of a Paul or a Timothy in my life right now (my narrow definition describes a very frequent (like weekly or semi-monthly) meeting and sharing, so that encouragement and sharing (and thus reproducing kingdom character) can take place. I think there are seasons we go through where we don't have this consistently taking place. I think the best "seasons," though, are the ones where that discipleship stuff is happening. A great balance in the Christian life is to actually have a "Paul" (someone who's mature and discipling you); and a "Barnabas" (a peer who is growing in Christ with you); and a "Timothy" (someone you are pouring your life into so as to help him/her grow in Christ).

There are some other issues brought up in this chapter, as well. One of which is quarrelling. Paul actually says that it is of no value. He points out that the false doctrine ("that the resurrection has already happened") of Hymenaeus and Philetus has "destroyed the faith of some." Wow. That is so NOT a good thing.

Paul says a servant shouldn't be resentful. That is a hard one, but good advice to follow.

Here is a photo of my temporary office. As the new digs continue to be readied (getting electricity and plumbing out in the country takes time), I work out of my home. It's cool that -- with an internet connection -- I've got all I need to publish a magazine.

I'm Obsessed With Telling You About My Religion...

...Is that crazy? Will you listen?

I don't know. Maybe brutal and blunt honesty is the best way to bring up Jesus or start a spiritual conversation. There are hundreds of ways to start a conversation on spiritual things, but when the air is "dead" with silence, it can be awkward to transition into such a dialog.

Sometimes it's best to be frank and call this awkwardness or hesitancy for what it is: we're embarrassed or ashamed of Jesus. We'd rather not face the rejection or wrath of man. Somehow we've become ashamed of this most gracious Man and Savior. This is crazy. It's not always the case, but when it does boil down to fearing man and the potential "reaction" than we care about obeying or sharing our excellent news, then we need to weigh the differences, realize our wrong, and repent.

The flip-side of that problem is taking words like the above paragraph and making us feel so guilty that we just want to go barf the gospel on someone to fulfill this religious duty and make the guilt go away. Somewhere in the middle there's a balance. We shouldn't be ashamed of Jesus, our Father, or the incredible story of the lengths He went to in order to redeem us. Sometimes in this situation I will embrace or take on the potential derisive label of "Jesus freak" or "admit to be a religious fanatic," and chuckle a little bit. Taking on the "worst" label willingly sometimes makes me think that I've somehow slightly disarmed the tension (maybe just in my own head), which allows me to relax and just be me. Not hiding who I am or what I believe, but not being obnoxious about it, either.

"I thank God, Whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace."

It's cool that Paul brings up Timothy's heritage. Sometimes as young people we hate our parents, rejecting their influence on our lives. Sometimes we so want to identify our own faith (and make it "our own") that we subtley reject our parents in the faith. It's cool to embrace that, embracing who we are and how we came to be. Of course we are our own person, totally unique, but neglecting the influence of our parents, forefathers, leaders can be a mistake, where we lose out on the richness of a heritage.

Paul goes on to encourage Timothy to not be ashamed. He refers to the Holy Spirit, Who is a person that has been given to us and Who can empower us. Relying on and trusting in Him can totally help.

xxx

I've been listening to the special edition of P.O.D.'s Testify, which has a track-by-track commentary (kinda like a DVD commentary, but all audio), which is really totally cool. The more I listen to this album, the more I love it. I'm "settling in" and getting familiar with the album and all its transitions from song to song, all the subtle nuances of the sounds, and getting the wonderful words dug into my brain. "Strength of My Life" is a new worship song for me.

Here are some photos I didn't use in the Pelican i1030 product review I did. These are photos of attempting to back up over the device.

As you can see, it went flying. I didn't run over it with enough speed (though I went fast), or the angle of hitting it wasn't good. It collided with the case but didn't damage it structurally, just gouging a few big scrapes on the surface.

Turn Around Bright Eyes

Paul again warns young Timothy about others that have wandered from the faith, as a caution not to repeat the same error:

"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you."

He gives him some hard teaching to pass on, as well, when he gives him instructions on what to teach those who are under the yoke of slavery. While the instruction to not treat believing masters worse, but actually better, it is common sense and good stuff; but I can imagine that the audience of slaves doesn't want to hear that kind of thing. That is a tough row to hoe, and it seems even tougher (or easier?) to tell someone else to deliver that message. Sometimes I feel a little uneasy when my wife tells me to spank one of our girls for being disobedient, when I know nothing of the offense. It seems odd to enforce someone else's discipline, but we are a team, so my doing is acting as one. So it was with Paul and Timothy. I'm sure Paul wasn't dishing out instructions he wasn't willing to follow if he were there.

"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing."

That's a bad place to be.

Well, it's not a Wednesday, but today will likely be a "Website day," as both new issues of our "brother publications" are now out. Lord willing, I'll post a few photos on this blog, too. I've taken some that I've wanted to post for awhile, but it seems I've been too danged busy to edit them and post 'em. Here's hoping I can get to that today.

It's cool: right now our dog (Biscuit) is just laying down at my feet. Dogs are wonderful.

Lala Poop

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are youg, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

That is so cool to remind someone that's young and dealing with those common feelings of inadequacy, inexperience, and just plain "nerves" about doing big and great things. Helping someone relax and just do what they were meant to do is a good thing. Confidence is such a huge thing, and the kind of encouragement that is confidence-building encouragement is the kind of encouragement that bears much fruit. You might never know what sort of good things you set in motion when you speak words like that to someone.

I always remind myself, 'We have the same Spirit inside of us that raised Jesus from the dead, and (thus) we have the potential to do great and mighty things in His Name.'

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

Why is this important? What is it about "body life" and fellowship that is necessary to holy living? Jesus commanded it, and Paul does, too. If we don't quite understand it, I think it's still a good idea to obey it. I always like to know the "why" and "how" about something, so I wonder about this. Maybe faith is like a virus or infection. Maybe there's hidden properties we don't know about that spread when believers come together. Unlike a virus, which makes us sick, this is the sort of spreading thing that makes us healthy. I know in my own life that hearing the Word preached helps me grow in faith, confidence, and inner peace and joy.

Paul In Your Face

1 Timothy begins with some warnings and instructions about making a command of certain men ("not to teach false doctrines any longer..."). At the close of chapter 1 Paul tells his beloved disciple, Timothy:

"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."

Now, is that some intence "calling out," or what? Paul named these guys and their rejection of the faith is on permanent record in Scripture. Whoa. Tough move!

Paul also talks straight about some false teachers, who "promote controversies rather than God's work -- which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and good conscience and a sincere faith." (the very things Paul was hoping Timothy to hold on to)

Paul continues: "Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaninglless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm."

Whoa! Paul is not holding back, is he?

He then explains: "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers -- and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me."

Implied in this is that the righteous, filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit, are not slaves to sin and its power any more. Perfection? Not quite; but free from sin. Is there a difference between being a "sinner" and being "sinful?"

It's interesting to see "slave traders" in that list of people given over to sin. My daughters are learning about the Civil War and slavery and we were listening to a book about Dred Scott today. I'm so glad they are learning about the atrocities of slavery. My hope is that they will nurture a tender hearts towards those whose ancestors were so horribly mistreated as property only 150 years ago. I want them to have pure hearts and not get tainted by the evil of prejudice. I can't imagine the filthy guilt a slave trader must've felt for selling husbands separate from their wives and children -- tearing apart families for a buck. I am blown away and quite mystified by the faith of our dear and beautiful black brothers and sisters. Why would slaves adopt, accept and worship the God of their evil masters? I'd like to study that "mission work," as it's a miracle any slaves turned to the God that allowed their masters to be so cruel and inhuman.

The new issue (Mar/Apr, #118) of HM is in the mail (along with a Hard Music Sampler CD) to subscribers. The latest issue of Heaven's Metal Fanzine (Feb/Mar, #62) is also in the mail. Our new stickers and "Pit Moves" posters are here. I'm so excited to have them around. I'm looking forward to that cool yellow and large printed shirt -- "Pit Move #5," which will hopefull be around soon. Lord willing, next week will show some updated content on this site. Have a blessed weekend! I plan on seeing Plumb (with my family) and Pilotdrift over the weekend.

God Is Fat

I couldn't resist using this headline as I saw yesterday's -- God Is Just. But let me give you some background before you accurately accuse me of heresy! I was having a conversation with God a number of years ago...

[You can't have a conversation with God! You are mentally ill!]

...and I was basically telling him about the woman I wanted someday. One of her qualities, among many others, was that she wouldn't be fat. The underlying message was that I couldn't love a fat woman.

Then I "heard" God say, "I'm fat. Does that mean you don't love Me?"

I cried inside when I "heard" that. I'm not implying that it is a literal description of the fitness of the Creator, but it's easy to identify with the "created in His image" quality in each of us -- skinny, fat, slow, fast, pretty, "ugly," etc. And that God identifies with each of His children. If I didn't love a fat person, I didn't love Him. That's the lesson I learned: not to judge the outside appearance, but to love the person for who they really were. I wrote a song about this experience, but it never fleshed out in the context of my old band.

2 Thessalonians 2 has a great paragraph at its end:

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loves us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

This is an exciting week. In just a few short days I will see the fruit of much labor:
Pit Moves posters (came in on Tuesay. They're huge! 24" x 36" and cool.)
Heaven's Metal Fanzine #62 (a cool issue. Two mistakes, though, make me long for the next one already)
HM #118 (came in yesterday. Love it! Especially the centerspread on Thrice.)
HM stickers (came in yesterday. Little 1.25" round ones, like the HM button.)
HM #118 Hard Music Sampler CD (I should see about 5 copies this morning.)
Lust Control We Are Not Ashamed CD (I might see in another week or so...)

God is Just

It seems perseverance and faith during trials and persecutions is an impressive thing worthy of praise and honor. Sometimes it's easy to think of "doing the right thing" as expected and no hoo-ha or praise should be offered, kind of like how a janitor is expected to make a bathroom or kitchen floor shine. He or she doesn't expect a huge pat on the back and a big deal made out of it. I have probably thought, at one time or another, that perseverance under trial is one of those "expected" things; but Paul talks about "...among God's churches we boast about your (the church in Thessalonica) perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." These persecutions were real and painful and dramatic. Anyone going through that and keeping their faith strong is due that kind of encouragement. It takes bravery to continue on when fear looms nearby.

Paul goes on to say:

"All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power on the day He comes to be glorified in His holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."

Happy Valentine's Day

This goes out to all the lonely lovers, who see couples hold hands and beg the question, 'Why not me?' To those who have heard the voice (in their head): 'I'm too fat, too skinny, too old, too plain, too this or too that.' All those kinds of condemning thoughts are lies we needn't mind. There might be a husband or wife who doesn't feel appreciated, cared for, or feel their 'needs aren't getting met.' All the hurt and pain from these type of thoughts can be hard to deal with. Just listing them (or calling them) out is intimidating, because getting attention might cause hope to spring up and ... someone (sure) better deliver! I remember having a small group (we called it "home church") at my house many years ago, and one week we were going to discuss deliverance. One of my friends, who was kind of like a deacon, leaned over to me and "warned" me against bringing up a subject like this and getting someone's hopes up but not offering what they need. He was refering to one girl in particular who, I think, was cutting herself and very much in need of the kind of deliverance and freedom we were talking about. My thought then (and now) is: 'Jesus can deliver. This freedom is found in Christ and He won't let us down.' If we realize how valuable we are to God (He formed us in our mother's womb. He paid for our salvation with the murder of His only Son.), then we might start to understand that those condemning words are indeed lies. None of us are perfect and all of us are in need of improvement, but none of us are junk or worthless. We are treasures.

I admit that I'm a softee and that I do (gasp) even enjoy romantic comedies and romantic movies. One common ingredient in just about every "love movie" is that scene where, after love is found and then somehow love is lost, that one character runs/goes after the love he/she has "lost." There is usually a scene with no dialog, with just music turned way up as the person drives past the countryside, runs through a crowd, or somehow pursues this love with all his/her might. The music swells and the emotions rise as you see (and appreciate) the feelings of longing and the pursuit of love. The audience begins hoping that they'll find resolution. This, I believe, is how God pursues us. It's as if we are the only person on the planet for Him. He hounds us and pursues us to win our affection. I really believe that He cares for us and that we are His treasure.

1 Thessalonians 5:9:

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Life Is Not Normal

Sometimes our routines can use a good shaking up. Sometimes it's good for us to have to re-think our priorities and the habits and structure we put into our lives. Maybe just realizing that life isn't "normal" or always the same will help me relax and enjoy change when it comes, because life brings change by its very nature.

It's interesting reading 1 Thessalonians. It's cool to see Paul's heart in ministering to and helping nurture new believers that were the fruit of his ministry with Silas and Timothy. It's cool to see how Paul judged the miraculous signs that accompanied them on their missionary trip:

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with Deep conviction."

That was kind of a sign that God was with them and active, moving among them with His Holy Spirit.

The book goes on in chapter 4 to describe living "in order to please God." I love that thought: that God is a person that can be pleased. To do any act that would please Him is complete reward and joy -- knowing that you've somehow touched the heart of God. I love the thought that our hearts are unique and only we can offer God our very own heart. I call it "The Little Drummer Boy Syndrome," but it's better than a one-time gift that others can mimic. We have exclusive rights to our own hearts and no one can force our hearts or steal it away. It is something we can give by our own choice.

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him."

I've long seen these guidelines as safety wires or guides to keep us from harm. We can choose to ignore these guides and plunge headfirst into an action that will hurt us, as well as others, later on. We can betray and use people as if they were there for our own desires. But this type of damage and pain can be avoided. That it was I think these guidelines are for -- our blessing and well-being, not "killjoys" or restrictions of fun.

Rules For Holy Living

[That's the chapter heading that my Bible has for Colossians 3]

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your eartlhy nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness aand patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratittude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

The thing about holiness or "holy living" is it's not about what others do. It's about us as individuals. It's not a looking over your shoulder thing or looking down your nose thing. The pursuit of holiness is a personal, quiet and disciplined thing. It's not so much about actions, but about what we are thinking. It's what we set our minds on.

Sometimes we rule our lives by cliches and old wives' tales. Take, for example, the old adage, "He's so heavenly minded, he's no earthly good." The power of that statement can actually keep us from obeying God's Word. 'I don't want to be no earthly good,' we think and thus disobey God's Word of setting our minds on heavenly things. Look around. Do you actually know anybody (a single person out of all the people you know) who would be guilty of being "so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good?" I don't. I think this is a rare thing. That would amount to someone trying to focus on God but not using wisdom to discern the Scriptures and apply them to his/her life.

According to this chapter in Colossians, holy living is not so much about actions as it is attitudes. The actions or "behavioral sins" that we put off or rid ourselves of are a result of the "holy introspection" we can partner with God (via the Holy Spirit) in examining our hearts. For some people it's different things. This is another reason why we don't participate in the holiness of others, but only ourselves. We cannot know what the Holy Spirit is saying to one person and the next. For you, smoking cigarettes may be an addiction that God wants to uproot. If that's the case, uproot it. If it's not, don't wig out when you see a fellow believer smoking. God may be working on greed with that person, for all you know. Whatever it is God is spotlighting for us, we need to go at it with excellence, hard work and diligence. We might "make it look easy," but it's only because we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit. My advice to myself or anyone else would be to "ask God and obey Him." Sometimes it's the smallest things that He wants us to focus on. Any habit or action can be changed when in submission to Him. And, deeper still, any attitude can change in submission to Him.

The Jailer's Life

After graduating from the University of Texas in 1986, I spent considerable time looking for employment. I wanted a job that involved writing. "Corporate Communications" was where I was looking hardest, where I would manage company newsletters and such. But these jobs in and around Austin were hard to come by. Then I started looking for other full-time jobs. After two months of looking, my savings wore out and I landed a job at a local Pizza Hut. I kept looking for other jobs. One such job was as a prison guard at the Travis County prison. I went through several tests, including a written and a physical test. I had passed all those and went to the next stage -- being before a board of six to seven people. I sat in a chair opposite them and faced their questions. I had a Scripture from Colossians in my mind, ready to use when they addressed my confession to having used marijuana at an earlier age as addressed by a question about drug use. I was going to say that I'd been "transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light," which would hopefully give them confidence that I wasn't a user anymore. They never got into that question, though. They zeroed in on my "Why do you want this job" question, which I answered something about helping young men out of their troubled past, sharing the Gospel, etc. They fired at me with a well-exercised precision about how prisoners use an interest in the Bible to distract guards while another out of eyesight escapes or something. I hadn't considered that and they felt like my good intentions would hurt me in this job duty, so I wasn't chosen for that job. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't get that one, because it has its very trying moments.

If I had to pick a "favorite book" of the Bible, it'd probably be Colossians, because of its concise and praise-filled explanation of Christ and what He's done.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."

Jesus is God.

I remember a sermon by Calvary Chapel's Chuck Smith I heard one Summer many years ago. It was about this verse: "...by Him all things hold together..." He talked about how the atom -- the centerpiece of every piece of matter (all things) -- had electrons floating around the nuetron. Protons and electrons repelled each other. But scientists have long tried to figure out why the atom doesn't explode, as the nuetron has nothing holding it in balance. That mysterious force, though, is explained in this verse.

I hope my science memory isn't so bad that I butchered that explanation. It's been so long since I exercised that part of my brain.

There's 51 days left 'til the next deadline. I've got some great stories chosen for this next issue. I'm looking forward to seeing it take shape.

No Blog Today

Nothing to say.
No time.
Not doing much HM work today, except pulling bushes and trees out of the ground at the old property, helping Charlotta get merch orders out, answer a bunch of email (and not answer a bunch more), but mostly helping out around the house.
Was watching an old Heaven's Metal Video Magazine, Volume 3 VHS tape tonight. Remember those? It appears Bloodgood has broken up (some of their last performance is on this tape). Mortal broke up. Under Midnight was short-lived. At least Tourniquet and Mortification are still keeping on. Those video magazines were fun to put together. Editing video is a related and fun field. But it's also time consuming. A lot of things changed when HM lost a distribution channel for projects like that (and compilation CDs), but it certainly allowed (by forcing) me to concentrate on the main product -- HM Magazine. For that I am grateful. I doubt I'll do video mags (on dvd) again, but it was cool to do while the time and circumstances allowed.

Thanks, I Needed That!

Philippians is the book of joy. It talks a lot about that subject, and much more. I am impressed with my wife. She has the "Philippian Hymn" memorized:

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death --
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place
and gave Him the Name that is above every Name,
that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."

That's quite a lengthy passage to commit to memory, but what a passage to have and be able to quote at any time. That's cool.

Complaining
There's a couple of verses that offer some sweet correction to me -- verses 14 and 15 (going into 16) of chapter 2:

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of life -- in order that I m aybe boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

I have found myself complaining and being angry and frustrated lately. I don't like feeling that way, and I'm told that complaining influences others in a negative way and that God doesn't want that kind of behavior from His people. It's a tough one to handle, but I've found that feelings and emotions can be trained to "submit" to the will and a commitment to offer praise instead of complaining. Simple acts like saying, "Lord, I'm thankful in my circumstances, even though I'm irritated. I rejoice in this..." That act, even though it may defy the "real and honest emotions" of the moment, can actually take charge and put the emotions at bay, making them submit to an authority (your will). That's kind of cool. I know that my complaining is not productive. I also know that I really do want to have a better attitude. I'm thankful that this verse corrects me and reminds me of this.

Rejoicing
3:1 says:
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you."

4:4 says:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Rejoicing is another act of the will, but it produces a great fruit (a thankful heart, good attitude, and it's contagious).

Passion -- real emotion
Paul is addressing believers in Philippi and he says:
"Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Ther mind is on eatthly things."

I can imagine in my mind people talking about sinners in an arrogant way, as if the word "sinner" falls down the slope of their upturned nose in disdain. As if they hate non-believers. But Paul demonstrates the way to be: he said this pronouncement with tears. He actually cried. When I think of people who are upset with another's sin, I think of the appropriate response: tucked away in a prayer closet, weeping over the condition of their soul. That's compassion. That's real caring. That's real love. And that's the way sin should make us feel -- hurt over the pain, not offended at the lack of self-righteousness.

Women have a place of honor -- not second class or second-tier citizens
In chapter 4 Paul is telling the believers in Philippi to help "these women (Euodia and Syntyche) who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

This was written in a day and time where women were not treated or seen as equals, so Paul's admonition here is quite revolutionary. People give Paul a hard time for his discussion on roles (and the problem I have with that is people attach values to certain roles, which I think is bogus), but he and Jesus actually elevated women to co-heirs and equals to men. That's cool. Sometimes we get embarrassed by some idiotic thing that a believer does publically in the Name of Christ, but there are some really cool things we can be proud of concerning the church -- being on the forefront of women's causes and civil rights are but two of them. (Yes, the part about women can be argued and quite a bit of emotion can be thrown in that argument...)

Well, it's time to start planning the May/June issue. I'm not sure who to put on the cover. I like to put a band on there that is cool, that is deserving, that has a new album coming out. At this time, there are no obvious choices. There are a couple bands that are great choices (Zao and The Showdown), but they're coming out in June and July, which is better for that issue... This can be a hard choice to make.

Moving in to the new digs

My friend Doug Giesbrecht helped me carry in the last of the boxes from the POD into the office this morning.
Now I'm going through boxes and putting stuff up.

Paul Q-Pek is driving over today to help me with some of this unpacking.
My birthday's tomorrow, then the Super Bowl is Sunday. It should be a good weekend.

Grandpa Paul

Paul starts off Philippians with another great prayer for the church in Philippi (and for us):

"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.'"

What a fantastic prayer. If this would be answered in us, we would be most blessed. Sometimes, when I am not sure what to pray, I know I can pray a passage like this for my loved ones. Praise God for grandparents and parents (whether in family bloodlines or "in the Lord").

Paul goes on to assuage the fears and worries of the church in Philippi. He was in chains, but he went on to rejoice in his sufferings, for he knew that those circumstances would produce some good results. He not only set an example, but taught them, as well.

Bizzy busy bissie bizzie

Wow. What a time!
I have just finished laying out the new (Feb/Mar) issue of Heaven's Metal Fanzine. I have an email of links from my printer, waiting for me to proof the new (Mar/Apr) issue of HM. Going from one thing to another is crazy. I'm looking forward to down-shifting into a lower gear and slowing down a bit.
:?)

Ephesians 5. What can I say? I'm nailed. Guilty. Wrong.

In verse 3 Paul addresses the church in Ephesus in a specific manner:

"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity; or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people."

I imagine that someone having a private lunch with someone, or joking about an affair -- these types of things... They would "hint" at those around them of sexual immorality. That's to be avoided. What would "hints" of greed be? Walking like a zombie through the aisles of Best Buy? Crushing competition at a public auction? Visibly hoarding a large supply of gasoline? This one's a little harder to imagine. The next verse kills me, though:

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

I have no real excuse or justification for the coarse joking I do with my guy friends. I can say, "It's a guy thing," but it's not right. Calling a friend a "fag" is the beginning, and telling a risque joke is further down this "road." Shocking or getting laughter with dirty jokes, etc is not cool. I'm busted. I've had too many laughs with this kind of humor.