A Non-Memory Memory

I might have problems remembering what someone just said, or the reason I walked into a particular room in our house, but for some reason I can remember events in my life from my very early childhood.

I can remember the layout of the trailer we lived in until I was about three. Actually, I can very vividly remember some things from my first birthday party. Now I don't claim that I knew what it was at the time, but later in life I saw pictures of it, and connected the memories with what they were from. I may even have some memories from earlier. I just don't have anything to connect them to.

My wife used to make fun of how I claim to be able to remember the day I was born. I don't. But the point of what I'm writing is not to impress you with my abnormal long-term memory. To use the words of a famous television detective, "It's a blessing, and a curse."

But rather, something someone said to me after Wednesday night Bible study got me to thinking about something I don't remember.

This person was asking where Martha (i.e., the baby) was. I knew they had gone downstairs to the baby Bible class, so I pointed downstairs and told them where they could find her. Then the person smiled at me with the smile that only someone wiser and more knowledgeable than myself about raising children could have, and said, "Start 'em young!"

That got me to thinking about one thing, that despite my freakish memory, I don't remember. I don't remember the first time I went to Bible class. Really, I don't remember ever not being in Bible class. Obviously the gratitude for that non-existent memory goes to my parents. I pray that Jenaleigh, and whatever other children we may have can say the same thing, and not just because they are forgetful.

Now don't mistake what I'm writing to mean that taking your children to Bible class as infants guarantees anything, or that someone who hasn't done that has scarred their child for life. But on the other hand, however important or unimportant Bible class is to you, it's an opportunity to make a lasting impression on your child. Don't think of that impression lasting years. Think in terms of eternity.

Let me share some good advice that I once heard from someone much older and wiser than myself about children and Bible class: "Start 'em young!"

-Daniel Howell

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7, NKJV

Tech Tip Tuesday - Fix the Mix: Audio Recording Problems Solved

If you have questions, send me an email at dhowell86@gmail.com

~Daniel Howell

 

Tech Tip Tuesday–“I thought a tablet was medicine…”

Back last Spring, Apple shook the world of personal computing by introducing a device that would have only been seen in Star Trek ten years earlier. The iPad changed the game. Well, it changed the game for a lot of people. While a lot of my tech buddies jumped, I looked before I leapt.
Well, maybe I was just broke, and I told myself that to keep from feeling bad.

In any case, I'm just now entering the world of tablet. After two computers died in our house within one week (not blaming anyone...), I managed to convince my wife to go along with my plan to purchase a tab. Instead of opting for an iPad, though, I went the Android route. My new toy? The Acer Iconia A500.

Now I'm not just writing this blog to tell you about my latest tech purchase. I did wait a few weeks to spill the beans about it on the blog. Why? Well I know of more than a few preachers out there who jumped onto the iPad wagon last Spring who are now disillusioned with their tablet experience. I wanted to make sure it wouldn't be a flash in the pan for me, too. I had that whole "should I or should I not" conversation with myself at least a dozen times, and talked myself out of it eleven of those. I'm very cautious when it comes to new technology.

The following are my initial impressions from the first few weeks I've had the thing.

Things I Like

• Portability: I think this is one of the tablet's major selling points. Actually, it's so portable and easy to use that I use it on the couch, a little in my office, and of course on trips. I even use it just to get out of the office during the week. Battery life on my tab is great, at about 10 hours with average use.

• Google: Well, it's not that I like Google, but they do have some useful products. One of the advantages of Android is that my login to my Google account (Gmail, Calendar, etc.) is what's tied to my Market account. There were several purchased apps for my phone which automatically showed up in the Market on my tablet as purchased and ready for download when I signed in on the tab. SO, I can share apps I bought for my Droid X phone with the tablet without re-purchasing them. Love that.

• Flash: It's bigger than you think. I'm waiting for Prezi to get on the ball with an Android app.

• Power: The newest version of Honeycomb (Android OS version 3.1) has REAL multitasking power. That's a must for me when writing a lesson or article. Now admittedly, the ability to switch between apps on my phone is lacking. But I can run several apps simultaneously on the tablet, and switching between them is as simple as touching a tab at the bottom of the screen. A popup appears on the left side of the screen that I can scroll through to find the app I want to switch to. Very handy!

• Peripherals: I have a full sized USB port on the side of this tablet, as well as a mini HDMI port. The USB port works as a "host," which simply means I can plug other devices into it! The list includes thumb drives, hard drives, and even USB keyboards and mice. This was one of the features that sold me, for obvious reasons.

• Hand Held: Let me explain why this is a big deal. I loved having my Kindle to read from. It's much more ergonomic to read a Kindle with one hand than it is to read a paper book. Of course you can't get any other work done on a Kindle besides reading. But the tablet takes that same feel, and lets me get work done. For example, in my personal Bible study, I like to make notes. But, I do a lot of my personal study at night in bed before I go to sleep, or in the early hours of the morning. It's not practical for me to pull out my wide margin Bible, Pigma pens, and a notebook, and lay in bed with those. I have to take notes, though. It's situations like those where the tablet shines. I do it all in one device. I will mention specific apps for that at a later date.

• Media: This thing is a media machine! I have a 5-megapixel camera on the back, and a 2-megapixel camera on the front. The video from the back camera is actually not that bad. Add in the Honeycomb update, which includes Android Movie Studio, and you have a web content creating machine!

Things I Don't Like

Every rose has its thorn. In the interest of fairness, let me share a couple with you:

• PowerPoint: I have a few different Office suites that I downloaded to try to find a workable solution for PowerPoint. There isn't one. The most I can do with a presentation for the moment is flick through it. I can create new presentations, but I'm limited to mere text entry. That's not how I do PowerPoint. Android simply doesn't render slides well, and doesn't support transitions or animations. Maybe someone will fix that in the future. For the present, there are workarounds that I'll bring up later.

• Lack of Tablet Specific Apps: The Android Market is still a little behind in this regard. This one seems to be improving, though.

How Have I Already Used it?

• Study: Whether the bed, couch, office, back seat of the Jeep, or even the coffee shop, this device makes it easier to get serious work done without hauling around a laptop.

• Preaching: Electronic dependence scares me, so I still take paper into the pulpit just in case. But having this to preach from has been a joy for the past couple weeks.

• Writing: A couple weeks ago I wrote my bulletin article for the week while in the back seat of our Jeep, traveling down the interstate. I used my phone as a mobile hotspot to send the file to the member who does the bulletin. I have written all of my latest blog posts on the tablet, including this one. It's easier to fit work on this device into my life right now than it is to fit work on a laptop.

• Sharing: Jenaleigh looks even cuter in pictures when you see them on a tablet.

What Plans Do I Have for the Future

• Media Content Creation: With HD video and basic editing capabilities, I plan on trying it out at our next church get-together. I also may do some Tech Tip Tuesdays from this device as well. When you don't have to transfer footage to edit, and can also post from the same device it saves time. In theory, I could even edit "on the fly." We'll see how that goes.

• Teleprompter: I've been working on some TV spots with GBN, but I always have to work from memory. Believe it or not, I don't always get it on the first take. I'm hoping this device can save me some time there, too.

• Evangelism: Think Jule Miller with this one. When I get some of that up and going, I'll let you know.

I hope the previous has given you a little insight into the whole tablet thing, at least from my perspective. Over the next few weeks, I'll probably share a few more things about it with you in the way of apps, uses, problems, solutions, and the like.

~Daniel Howell

A Drink for the Baby? No? What?

Yesterday, Martha, Jenaleigh and I decided to go to Ponderosa for lunch. Well, maybe it was Martha and me who decided to do that. Either way, we were going to the buffet.

If you've never been to Ponderosa, let me fill you in. It's a little like Golden Corral. If you've never been to Golden Corral, well, I'm out of comparisons. You pay for your dinner upfront. The hostess takes you to your seat. You feast.

Well, being as Draffenville is a small town, a lot of teenagers work at Ponderosa. In fact, the guy working at the cash register this day looked to be about 16 or 17. But he seemed nice, and was very friendly.

As we walked up to the register to place our order, he nervously glanced down at the baby carrier I was holding, which contained Jenaleigh. He took our order (two buffets and two waters) then asked a couple questions, the answers to which I thought should be obvious.

"Would you like to get her anything to eat?"

Keep in mind, Jenaleigh is a 10 week old at this point. She has absolutely no teeth poking around in that pretty little mouth. Still, I smiled and said, "No thank you!"

He seemed okay with my decision. But then he asked a second question.

"Well, would you like to get something for her to drink?"

"No thank you," I said, smiling again at his silly questions.

This time he seemed genuinely concerned at my response. He had a worried look on his face, as though he was teetering on the edge of thinking I was barbaric for not getting something to drink for my daughter. Still, he checked us out, and passed us on to the hostess, with the same worried look on his face.

Here's the point of this story. Some things can seem blaringly obvious to us, yet slip through the minds of others. This doesn't mean they aren't smart people. They just might be completely unaware of some vital information which could help them in their reasoning. Consider the following this week, especially as it pertains to sharing the gospel.

• You don't know some people's background. For all I know, the teen at the register could have been an only child, with no little cousins, and has never had a chance to be around babies. The same is true of some folks who walk through our doors. Just last week I had two different conversations with people who attend our services regularly. One was a member from a denominational background who had a few questions. The other was not a member, but was from a Catholic upbringing. History shades the present day's perspective. History also illuminates the present day's problems. Keep the person's background in mind when you assess their questions. Let this help you to be understanding towards them. If you don't know their background, ask! I've found that people love to tell their story. Let that knowledge shape how you approach them with the Gospel.

• You don't know the real knowledge level of some people. This is a simple "ask and find out" proposition. Preacher friends, especially the young ones (not that I'm old, but I've had some advantages) please wipe that shocked look off your face when a member of 25 years asks a question that you and I both feel they ought to know the answer to (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14). Some simply haven't done due diligence in their study. Some can't, because they lack the education. You'd be surprised who never finished high school. It’s not your job to condemn, but to help them grow (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16).

• Never think something is too obvious. The reason ought to be obvious. What, you don't see it? I guess you'll never learn...

• Avoid the "curse of knowledge." This curse happens when you've done intense study, which you should do. Then, you take that scholarly knowledge and try to explain all the eccentricities of the work of the Holy Spirit to a person who doesn't understand the purpose of miracles to begin with (see Mark 16:17-18). It won't work well for you.

I hope you will try to keep some of this in mind as you are out and about this week. Now go out and help those who don't know to know.

~Daniel Howell

The Other Side of the Jordan

This past Thursday evening I made a trek to some familiar territory. I had some business to take care of in my old town of Clarksville, TN. Since I was by myself, I decided to take a trip down memory lane and drive by the house that Martha and I rented when we lived there.
Now to put this in context, realize that Martha and I lived in Clarksville for four years while we attended college: one in dorms, one in a little apartment the first year of our marriage, and the last two years at the house on Sevenmile Ferry Road North.

As I saw the house from a distance, I realized that even though I hadn't laid eyes on it in three years, nothing had changed. As I drove by the house, I noticed my former land-lord (who lives next door) mowing his grass. I don't know why I acted so impulsively, but I pulled into his driveway. I rolled down the window, and he stared at me, a confused look on his face. I could tell he was trying to figure out who I was. I said, "Remember me?" Then it dawned on him who I was.

I can honestly say that he seemed genuinely happy to see me. He admitted that he couldn't remember my name, and I didn't admit to him that even though I'd written him 25 checks over the course of two years, I couldn't remember his. But it's what he said next that floored me.

"I heard that y'all had a little one!"

I don't have any idea how he knew that we had a baby. Really, I don't. I thought I had absolutely no associations with this man left. In fact, he couldn't even remember my name! I'd spent the last three years in two different towns, in two states, and hadn't talked to him or his family in all that time. I'm not "friends" with him, or anyone else I think he knows on Facebook. I have no idea how he knew.

Still, it got me to thinking about the following: People are watching, even when we don't think they are. They can hear things, even from a different city. I think some people have the "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" mentality about their trips and vacations. They might "let their hair down" when they travel, or after they move. After all, who is there to see? Well, trust me, "they" are there, and "they" see, and "they" call their family and keep them up to date.

In Numbers 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad petition Moses to let them posses the land east of the Jordan, for the sake of their livestock. They reach an agreement, and that is that the men of these tribes still have to fight with the other ten tribes when they cross the Jordan to posses the land. After they have served, then they can return home. If they fail to keep their word, he directs a statement to them in verse 23 which was as true for them as it is for us today, even when we think we are on the "other side of the Jordan" and that no one is watching: "...Be sure your sin will find you out."

Rest assured (or uneasily), it will. Even if "they" don't see us, and God is the only one who sees our sin, there will be consequences.

But on a positive note, we can also know that we might be a positive influence to someone, and never know it! Remember, they are always watching, even if you are on "the other side of the Jordan."

~Daniel Howell

Afraid, But Not Willing

I'm scared to death about being a father. It's not Jenaleigh as a baby that scares me, but it’s the teenage, then adult Jenaleigh. It's also the following thought: "What if I don't teach her the way that I'm supposed to? What if she grows up, and loses her love of God, and of His church?”

Don't think that I don't worry about whether she'll be, or stay, faithful. I'm not too proud to entertain the terrifying possibility that she won’t. After all, preacher's kids have a reputation for going apostate (whether that reputation is fitting or not). Too many times I’ve seen families of preachers have children who fall.

In the Bible I also read about a lot of good men with very bad children. Samuel had his evil sons (cf. 1 Samuel 8:1-3), David had Absalom (2 Samuel 13-18), Solomon had Rehoboam (1 Kings 12), and in a sense, Adam and Eve had God as their father (cf. Genesis 1-3). All of their children failed at one point, if not bitterly.

You see, I realize that the choice to obey is, and has to be, hers. Otherwise it won't count. No one can obey from compulsion and be pleasing to God. Rather, God wants us to obey from the heart (cf. Romans 6:17-18). If it isn't her obedience, than it doesn't matter.

I don't know that there is really a sure-fire way for a parent to guarantee their child's faithfulness. I don’t know that there is a checklist that someone can follow which is a “no doubt” method assuring faithfulness for life. That's the scary part. You see, just as she (when she becomes accountable for her actions) isn't saved just because I am, I'm not a sinner just because of her. Ezekiel says this:

“²⁰ The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. ” (Ezekiel 18:20, NKJV)

In other words, ultimately it is my child who will be responsible for her actions before God. What can I do about it? Locking her up at home doesn't work any better than letting her roam free to make her own mistakes. I’ve seen the fruits of both. After all, Adam and Eve had the haven of the garden of Eden, yet Satan still found them in the home God created for them. Surely sending them out to do as they please doesn't solve the problem, either. Balance is what is needed (cf. Ephesians 6:4). The best I can do is be sure to “stack the odds” in her favor. Rest assured they’ll be stacked high!

Obviously it's not always a parent's fault when their child isn't faithful. I suppose that in one way, it's their opportunity to experience (ironically) what God experienced, and still experiences with his lost children.

Still, I won't enter fatherhood with the expectation of defeat. If I go into fatherhood excusing myself before I “fail,” how can I ever really know that I will try? After all, God demands perfection of us (cf. Romans 6:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:21) though it is unattainable through our own actions (1 John 1:8; Romans 3:23). God’s expectations of us don’t diminish, even if we are incapable at times.

Likewise, when it comes to God’s expectations of saving His children, he doesn't give up either. God has the expectation of victory:

“⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV)

The key in that verse? The phrase “not willing.” God is “not willing” that any should perish. Does that mean that they won’t? No, they will endure punishment if they don’t repent (cf. Matthew 7:13-14; also John 5:28-29). God tells us that there will be people lost (sorry Rob Bell). Still, it is said of Him, he is “not willing.” What a beautiful thought, that when it comes to His children, he won’t give up.

May it be said of me, and of you fathers as well, that we are “not willing” for our children to perish. God gave His Son for that cause. What will you give?

~Daniel Howell

Fatal Flaws

I’m not the kind of person who is always looking for the silver lining in a storm cloud. I’m positive, but I’d like to think I’m also realistic about life. Sometimes we may never know why we suffer. Job never knew, even though we know, since we have the 3^rd person perspective (cf. Job 1).

But we can always learn from tragedy.

Tuscaloosa. Joplin. Hackleburg. Phil Campbell. Countless others. Some were larger cities, others were small towns. All suffered. All are still suffering. And then I find the following article on USA Today’s website: Tornado lessons could lead to stronger buildings.

You see, a pile of rubble might not look like a lot to you and me. But to people who study the effects of storms, it’s a gold mine of information. Tim Marshall, a meteorologist and engineer, said the following:

"The damage is Mother Nature's fingerprint, and I play Sherlock Holmes looking for evidence…"I looked at residences, businesses and schools in order to see what the fatal flaws were in these buildings that made them collapse." (Keen, 2011)

Sometimes we can’t tell where a fatal flaw is until it is exposed. Without crash testing cars, we can’t see what needs to be fortified or redesigned. No one who is thinking straight would dare try to scale a wall on a rope without first giving it a good, hard pull from the ground. Sometimes things need to be broken for them to be made stronger.

The same thing is true of the struggles you face in your life. The old adage, “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” has a bit of truth to it. The Bible puts it this way:

“³ The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, NKJV)

Oddly, we usually spend more time protecting, and hiding our weaknesses, rather than working to eradicate them. Doesn’t that seem a bit backwards to you? Maybe it’s because the process of getting better hurts. But sometimes we have to go “through the fire” or “into the storm” to come out better on the other side. Our trials can provide us valuable information about ourselves, and help us to become better if we learn from what we live through.

James puts it this way:

“² My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. ” (James 1:2–4, NET)

When things are broken down, you get a chance to learn. You get a chance to see where you can be stronger. You get a chance to put things back together in a better, stronger way. You’ve seen the weaknesses. Now fortify them with God, and His Word, before your flaws become eternally fatal.

~Daniel Howell

Works Cited

Keen, J. (2011, June 6). Tornado lessons could lead to stronger buildings. Retrieved June 7, 2011, from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2011-06-07-tornado-lessons-building-design_n.htm

Women’s Wednesday | “It’s Just a Kiss!”

The entire Sophomore class gathered for an afternoon assembly. It didn’t matter what the subject of the meeting was, it was getting me out of history class, so I was a happy camper. The speaker got up on stage. She was tastefully dressed, petite, and soft spoken yet commanding. She began to talk about her choices in life concerning dating, engagement, and marriage. I don’t recall much of the speech, except for this … She popped a tape into the VHS player (remember those black boxes that held movies once upon a time?) It was her wedding tape. We didn’t watch it all. Just the end. The kiss. That kiss was the first time she and her chosen one had kissed. EVER.

I remember scoffing. How in the world could you marry someone without ever kissing them? What if they were a terrible kisser? How could the marriage ever work?

Now, looking back on this, I respect this woman whose name I cannot even remember. Especially today, as a parent typing this while holding my daughter in my arms, I respect her even more.

No, my husband and I did not wait until our wedding day to have our first kiss. Do we wish we had? Yes, the more and more we think about it, the wiser I think it would have been to hold off on that physical contact until the marriage vows were complete.

Why? Well, let me suggest the following to you… (And please, keep in mind that I am in no way condemning those who chose or choose to kiss before marriage. I simply think that the subject should be carefully studied by both parties and a decision made based on examining the Bible and your hearts.)

Kissing can be a sexual act based on lust. The kiss I’m speaking of in this post is not the one you’d give your mom or dad. Not the kiss you’d give your dog. But rather this kiss would be a kiss that is inappropriate between sister and brother. It’s inappropriate between mother and son. You know what type of kiss I’m talking about, more than just a peck – open mouth, passionate kissing. Or what about this kiss: “A kiss involving insertion of the tongue into the partner’s mouth, open mouth kissing using the tongue.” (definition of French kiss, Dictionary.com) Kissing such as this triggers physical responses (arousal) in the kissers’ bodies. There is no doubt in my mind that these acts are sexual acts! Remember the urgings of the inspired apostle Paul: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Ephesians 5:3, ESV). Or what about 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality.” (ESV)? But, don’t just think about the type of kiss, ponder its purpose. When a boyfriend and girlfriend kiss, why are they kissing? Is it to show an innocent display of affection (as you would kiss your mother on the check?) or is it more about passion and fulfilling improper physical intimacy – LUST! We need not look any further than the first book of the New Testament to see that lust is a sin (Matthew 5:28).

Kissing can lead to further sexual sin (which, remember, we are to flee from, 1 Cor 6:18). As Joshua Harris states in his book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye: “Physical interaction encourages us to begin something we’re not supposed to finish, awakening desires we’re not allowed to consummate, turning on passions we have to turn off.” Are you willing to take that chance, kindling a desire for even further sexual sin?

If you’ve yet to enter the dating or courting world, remember to stay pure and contemplate what that means. If you’re already in a dating relationship that involves kissing, it’s not too late to stop. If you’re a concerned parent you can help frame and shape the way your child sees kissing and possibly help prevent them from entering into a slippery slope of sin that the world will push on them as innocent. Arm them with the mantra: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) – have them memorize this verse, analyze it, and keep it in their hearts as they enter into a dating relationship or courtship.

(Author’s Note: I highly recommend checking out Joshua Harris’s “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” and “Boy Meets Girl” for further info on courting and physical purity before marriage. The books are very easy reads full of anecdotes and Scripture references.)

~Martha Howell

Tech Tip Tuesday–“Focused Blogging”

Since I’ve gotten several plugs from the Ministry Geek This Week podcast on The Equip Network, I thought I’d plug them again. The past couple weeks’ podcasts have dealt with blogging, and doing it effectively. It got me to thinking about a problem that bloggers often have – what do I need to write about?

It’s easy for writer’s block to put up a wall between you and your keyboard. I’ve found, though, that when I suffer from that dreaded writing disease, it’s usually because I’ve lost focus of what I’m supposed to be doing on my blog.

I won’t say I’m an expert in this field, but I offer the following suggestions, along with the links to the MG podcasts:

• Stay true to your niche. Don’t stray off the topic of your blog. For example, my blog is about practicing Christianity/Ministry. I try to make sure that every article that appears on this blog has something to do with doing or at the very least changing a way of thinking. Practicality is the point of this blog. I may not always hit dead center on the target, but I at least aim to hit it.
  
  
• Stay true to your niche. Yes, I did repeat the same sentence. This time, what I mean by it is, don’t stray off into writing styles and content types that don’t suit who you are. Your writing will read as though you are “forcing it,” and that’s because you are.
  
  I’m a little more conversational in my writing style (or at least I think I am). For this reason, I’m not going to start writing scholarly-styled articles to post on this blog. You wouldn’t want to read them. In the same thought, you need to stick to what you can do well.
  
  
• Take a long look at your analytics. This means that you are going to have to blog for a little while in order to build the readership data, but take a good look at what kinds of posts receive the most attention. I started out doing a lot of videos on this blog, but it turned out that those days had the lowest readership of all other types of posts. For that reason, I dropped them, almost entirely. It’s not worth my time to write/produce something nobody is going to read or watch.
  
  Also, take a long hard look at your search terms. You ought to be creating tags for every post you make. Over time, you’ll be surprised at what search terms brought people to your website. Here are a few terms that people used to find my blog in the past month or so:
  
  
  
  
  • God is not mocked
    
  • Christian Practice
    
  • Chocolate milk
    
  • Pinkytoes.com
    
  • Ministry uses for Droid
    
  • Recipe for a Christian life
    
  • Reasons why I forget about the goodness of God
    
  • How to practice trusting in God
    
  • I think I’m too smart
    
  • Christian mixed bathing church of Christ
    
  • What do Christian guys think about one piece bathing suits
    
  • Practice wearing bikini
    
  • “Church of Christ” children “fallen away”
    
  • Pictures of girls swimming in their backyard pool without wearing any clothes [I hope he found the article he needed instead of wanted! D.H.]
    
  • Getting the right answer the wrong way
    
  • What do you call a person who accepts Christ but doesn’t live it?
    
  • I’m smart but I’m still a Christian
  
  
  
  

It’s quite revealing seeing how people find my blog. It also gives me a chance to see what things people are looking for. What are the needs of those who stumble across my blog? How can I better serve them? If you are having problems figuring out what to write, take a look at what people are already reading on your blog. It can be awfully enlightening.

Well, that’s it. I hope this gives you a little to chew on.

Be sure to listen to the Ministry Geek This Week Podcast.

~Daniel Howell

What Grace Can’t Do

The following is my manuscript from Sunday, June 5, 2011 AM worship service. Hope you find it useful!

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Grace: A Wonderful Thing

Let me tell you, 1 Peter 2:2-3 has taken on a whole new meaning for my wife and me. It seems like there is no end to the feeding of our newborn daughter! Jenaleigh can’t just have a little milk and be content. It’s like she’s always hungry!

It’s a wonderful thing to experience firsthand the kind of attitude that Peter is talking about here. It’s the kind of desire that we ought to have.

I don’t know about you, but just like a baby takes comfort in its mother’s arms, I take great comfort in the grace of God. It is indeed a wonderful thing to know that when it comes to my relationship with God, I can know that he won’t give me what I really deserve (i.e., show me mercy), but that he’ll give me what I don’t deserve. That’s how many people have defined his grace; It’s the benevolence of God that he extended to us through his Son on the cross (cf. John 3:16) as action against our sin.

If you’ve truly “tasted” the graciousness of the Lord, then you know that you can’t just have a little. You want more! You see, the Bible tells us that God is able to do great things for us by his grace. His grace brings salvation (Titus 2:11), and as Peter alludes to, it is able to build up his people to spiritual maturity through his Word (cf. Acts 20:32). It’s also God’s grace that gives us sufficiency to do every good work (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:8).

Indeed we ought to be thankful like Paul was in 2 Corinthians 9:15 when he gave thanks for God’s “indescribable gift.” God’s grace obviously does so much for us! But what if I told you there were some things that God’s grace couldn’t do?

A Sinner Saved by Grace

You see, I’m afraid that “grace” has become merely a “buzzword” in our time. Just as some words and phrases fall in and out of style over the decades, the phrase, ”I’m a sinner saved by grace” seems to have suffered the same fate. The more stylish it is to say such a thing, the more the deeper meaning is diminished.

So many false teachers today have spoken and written of God’s grace in such a way as to water it down, and make it into something that it isn’t. While God is able to do far more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), his grace can’t go beyond the bounds that He laid down for it. There are just some things that God’s grace can’t do.

A Startling Revelation

Noah gives us some information on how God’s grace is limited. Of course we read that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (cf. Genesis 6:8). Some translations will opt for “favor,” but according to the Septuagint, the word there is charis, the same word used in the New Testament to refer to grace. Both are right. But this might lead to a startling revelation for some people about God’s grace.

The point is this: Noah found grace in God’s eyes. Granted, it wasn’t the same “brand” we have (through Christ), but did that exempt him from building the ark? Let’s just play a “what if” scenario here. “What if” Noah, in having found grace from God, suddenly expected God to save him on the basis of grace only, and decided not to do all of the work necessary to build the ark? After all, he did find grace! Of course that’s silly. But that’s exactly what people are expecting God to do when they preach the doctrine of grace without “works” of righteousness. Instead, Noah had the right idea; he did all that God commanded him to do (cf. Genesis 6:22).

When people expect all the benefits of salvation, without all the “work” involved, they’ve fallen off the boat. After all, Paul wrote to the church in Philippi (Philippians 2:12) to “work out your own salvation.” He didn’t mean to make it up, but rather, the sense is to realize it in practice (Mounce). Your salvation is based on doing. After all, faith without works is dead (cf. James 2:26).

God has some limits on his grace. This limit is not about numbers (e.g., Calvinism). This limit is also not a “throttle” on the amount of grace. Either someone has God’s favor, or they don’t. The limits on His grace have nothing to do with God’s part, but everything to do with what we do, or don’t do with His grace. God’s grace is limited by our obedience!

God’s Grace Can’t Help You if You Refuse It.

Some things just obviously don't work. Ever tried to light wet wood? Ever tried to run gas in a diesel engine? Ever tried to get on the lake with a boat that has a hole in it? It ought to be obvious then that God's grace isn't going to do anything for someone who outright refuses it.

God’s grace isn’t going to overwhelm anyone. It can certainly be refused. John records in Revelation 21:8 that among those who will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone are those listed as “unbelieving.” It should be apparent that God won’t save those who don’t believe in Him. That’s the end of the story. We see that it’s Jesus’ desire to help save those who need saving. But even He is restricted from helping some people (Matthew 23:37). It’s not because He can’t, but rather, because they aren’t willing. Surely God’s grace can’t help those who don’t want it.

God’s Grace Can’t Help You if You are Not Obedient

Paul makes a very clear statement in 2 Thessalonians 1:8. He makes it plain that God will punish those who don’t obey when Christ returns.

“⁸ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8, NKJV)

If someone isn’t willing to do their part in salvation, which means, obedience, to His plan, then God can’t do his part. In fact, because he is just and a righteous judge, he is under obligation to punish (Romans 2:5)! Obviously, God’s grace does nothing for those who are disobedient.

God’s Grace Can’t Help You if You are Rebellious

Somehow, some people convince themselves that a little sin every so often isn’t going to hurt them. Maybe it’s going out to loosen up with a few drinks on the weekends. Maybe it’s making a short trip to the riverboat every couple months. Maybe it’s a little of this, or that, or this habit, or this vice.

How many of you who have raised children tolerated a little rebellion from them? Now it’s one thing for your child to do something wrong “on accident.” But you knew it was entirely different when you told your child not to do something, but they did it anyway. If you wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) tolerate open rebellion in your children, what makes you think that God is going to in His children? Paul deals with that folly of thought in Romans 6:1-2.

Also, Consider Hebrews 10:26-27:

“²⁶ For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26–27, NKJV)

Keep in mind that God forgives all sin that we are willing to admit (cf. 1 John 1:9), but someone who is continually rebellious, i.e., lives a with mindset which accommodates sin instead of abstaining from it, has turned their back on God. In other words, God can’t forgive them because they haven’t admitted wrong-doing, and are still in the process of doing whatever it may be. There’s no one left to forgive such a person. There’s no other sacrifice that can be made other than the one Christ made, and they’ve rejected it. God’s grace can’t help them while they live in that state.

Some Good News

I hope that it’s apparent to you today that you and I have a part that we have to fulfill when it comes to God’s grace. God’s grace can only work in our lives if we allow it through our obedience. God’s grace is present and powerful in the lives of those who are willing to live obedient lives of service to God. Christ Jesus, the central figure of God’s grace, washes us of our sins by his blood, so long as we continue to walk with Him in the light (1 John 1:7). Have you started that walk?

~Daniel Howell

Flat-Faith Christians?

I’m sure most all of us are familiar with the myth that supposedly prevailed during the time of Christopher Columbus about the Earth being flat. People were afraid that when he sailed in search of the Indies, that he was going to eventually fall off the edge of the earth. This idea prevailed because of a fictitious biography about Columbus written by Washington Irving which painted Columbus as a hero since he defied the establishment of that day and sailed anyway (Wells, 2005).

The truth: people of Columbus’s day didn’t think that the earth was flat. They knew better. Accordingly, you would think that seriously considering such a view about our planet would seem utterly ridiculous today. If you think that, let me introduce you to some people: The Flat Earth Society.

Yes, they do exist. Yes, they seem to be serious. That slight curve you see in the horizon when you stand on a mountain (Bishop, A view from Everest, 2010)? Well, they say that’s evidence of a circular earth, not a spherical one. When a ship disappears over the horizon? Well, that doesn’t prove the earth is spherical, but rather that it’s flat for sure (Bishop, Ships appear to sink as they recede past the horizon, 2010)! What about those images from space of a sphere, especially the time-lapse videos which so the earth rotating? Well, they prove flatness, too.

Never mind that for a while I made my living in a field where understanding how lenses and optics affect your perception of lines and angles (photography), but when I look at the pictures they use as “proof,” it doesn’t take much to see that they look like images of a sphere to me.

I see huge flaws in their reasoning. What’s their biggest flaw? Their minds are pre-disposed to see only the “evidence” that “proves” their theories. They aren’t handling the evidence properly!

When your views on something are shaped in the same way that these so-called “flat-earthers” are, by mishandled evidence or faulty reasoning, your conclusions are going to be wrong. Mishandled evidence is the same as having no evidence. Approaching evidence with a decision already in mind about its interpretation constitutes a dishonest examination as well.

The same thing is true of any “evidence” we have from the Bible about anything. If someone approaches a question or problem with their mind made up about what the Bible will say before they’ve taken the time to really examine the evidence, they’re being dishonest, and mishandling God’s word (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15, ESV). In those cases, their faith is based on the same principles of examination that these “flat-earthers” base their views on. I guess you could call such a person a “flat-faith” Christian. Like a flat balloon, their faith hasn’t been fully filled out with the God-breathed truth (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).

We might chuckle a little about the Flat Earth Society. Even though they seem ridiculous, their views are relatively harmless. On the other hand, it’s certainly no laughing matter when people ignore evidence in God’s Word about what they should be doing. Be honest: Are you guilty of being a “flat-faith” Christian? (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5)

~Daniel Howell

Works Cited

Bishop, T. (2010, February 24). A view from Everest. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from The Flat Earth Society Wiki: http://www.theflatearthsociety.org/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=A+View+From+Everest

Bishop, T. (2010, October 18). Ships appear to sink as they recede past the horizon. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from The Flat Earth Society Wiki: http://www.theflatearthsociety.org/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Ships+appear+to+sink+as+they+recede+past+the+horizon

Wells, J. (2005, May 20). Not the Flat Earth Myth Again! Retrieved June 1, 2011, from Center for Science & Culture: http://www.discovery.org/a/2587

Manuscript Monday, Tuesday Edition–“Give Me a Reason”

Since yesterday was Memorial Day, I decided to forego MM in favor of something a little more appropriate for the day. But today, we are back on track.

Today’s manuscript deals with doubt. Or more correctly, I wrote the lesson to help others gain a little insight into how they can deal with their doubts.

We all have doubts about different things at different times. The doubts themselves aren’t wrong (initially), as we all wonder about certain things from time to time. But if not dealt with correctly, doubt will lead to sin (cf. Hebrews 11:6). Thomas the prime example of a doubter. But Jesus dealt with Thomas’s doubt, and we learn that he helps us deal  with ours as well.

Hope you find it helpful!

~Daniel Howell

“Give Me a Reason” (PDF)

A Soldier

I’ll be honest: I probably only spent a total of one hour with the man. But that was long enough to make a lifelong impression. He was a part of the “greatest generation,” and when you look at the lives of men like him, you have to wonder how it could have gotten any greater.

I was blessed to know Jack Gattis, Sr. for just a few short weeks after moving to Hardin, KY. The first time I met him was in the hospital, right after he had surgery on his foot due to circulation problems. He was the father of one of our members, so I felt compelled to visit him. When I walked into the room I couldn’t tell that anything was wrong with the man. I’ve seen perfectly healthy people live daily in worse spirits than this man was in after having had a rather significant operation.

Unfortunately, he would continue to have problems with his leg and foot, and would pass away in early May 2011.

I’d never been part of a funeral with full military honors. Certainly such a memorial was fitting for this man. But there was something that struck me about what the chaplain said whenever it was time for the army to do its part of the graveside service.

After having placed a bayonet equipped rifle barrel down into the ground, and topping it off with dog tags and helmet, creating the Battlefield Cross, he explained the significance of the symbol. He said that anywhere you found such a display on a battlefield, it marked the place where a warrior had fallen. While Bro. Gattis hadn’t fallen in combat, he was willing to give his life for his country, and thus, they honored him in that way now.

Indeed, he was a fallen warrior, but maybe not just in the way you would think.

I had been paying close attention to the way the family remembered him over the course of that day. During the service itself, he was described as being a man who lived his life for God. In essence, he had given his life for the cause of Christ. He had died a warrior on the spiritual battlefield.

One of the pall bearers later told me a story which, I think, sums it up. He asked me, “Do you remember FDR, and how he didn’t want anyone to know that he was sick?” I acknowledged to the affirmative. He said, “That’s just how Mr. Jack was. He would drag his leg behind him, all the way into church, but try to hide it so you didn’t think anything was wrong with him.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve known people to complain and stay home for far less than that. He was a fighter.

Indeed, his life was about more than just “going to church,” and I’m sure that I could spend countless paragraphs describing this great man to you. But here’s the point I’m trying to make: I have a feeling that while he would be greatly honored by the display of the military in appreciation of his service to his country, he would probably count the recognition of his service to God as a higher honor.

He would want you to serve God and feel the same way.

As you remember those who paid the ultimate price on Memorial Day, thank the Lord for men like Jack Gattis, who served his country, and above all, his Lord.

“¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. ¹¹ Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, ¹⁶ and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. ” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NET)

~Daniel Howell

I Never Saw Them Run That Fast

The following is my devotional from last night (5/25/11).

While I don’t think anyone would think of Memorial Day as being a particularly exciting kind of holiday, I can remember one from my childhood that certainly was. The reason I can remember it is because it was the day where I saw my parents run the fastest that I had ever seen them run, and likely the fastest they’ve ever run since.

We had wanted to do something special on this particular day, and one of the few attractions open in our area was Casey Jones Village, in Jackson, TN. They had a “putt-putt” golf course that we had every intention of playing on. The problem was that the weather was supposed to get pretty bad sometime later in the afternoon. Well, we ignored that.

We made the trip to Jackson (about a half hour drive) and pulled into the parking lot for the golf course. After paying the fees, and picking up our putters and golf balls, we set out onto the course. The first few holes were uneventful. Then terror struck.

A gigantic blast of wind blew across the course and torrential downpour of rain started all at once. We looked up, and we were shocked to see a tornado just right across the road! My parents grabbed my sister and me, and we took off across the golf course, seeking shelter. I had never realized that my parents were quite as quick on their feet as they were! In the blur, I remember looking across the course and seeing another family with children doing the same thing. I clearly remember being terrified.

After a few seconds, though, the wind died down, and the tornado went away. Or at least that’s what we thought it was. You see, across the interstate from where we were located, there was an area where heavy construction was taking place. They were building a huge shopping center, and because of that, had graded all of the grass off of a big field. Evidently, the wind blew in just the right way so as to pick up a lot of that dust and shape it to where it looked just like a tornado. It was a sigh of relief to realize what had happened, but it still took a few moments for the shaking to stop.

Never had I felt so exposed, and in danger. Even though what at first seemed threatening turned out to be nothing, I still couldn’t shake the feelings of “what if.” What if it had been real? What would we have done? We had no real shelter.

Sadly, that’s the same progression of feelings that people often have spiritually when it comes to problems they face, those spiritual storms, if you will. They ignore the clear warning signs around them that danger is on the horizon, and to seek shelter. In other words, they think they can make it on their own without God.

Maybe its temptation. Maybe it’s relationship problems. Whatever it may be, they ignore the problems, and thus, ignore the solution. Then the storm strikes and they wonder where it came from. How could it be so bad? Since they didn’t prepare to find shelter in the first place, they run around aimlessly, terrified, often seeking help in all the wrong places. They become spiritually confused, and sadly, fall.

But God wants us to know that He is the shelter for the storms of life. He provides that shelter at all times. When life gets hard, he wants us to come to him (cf. 1 Peter 5:6-7). It makes a huge difference to find Him before you even think you need Him, instead of waiting until it’s too late.

We know that God always takes care of His people. We find an interesting passage in Isaiah which is written to this effect. In Chapter 25, we see what is a song of praise. It’s a song of praise about deliverance. What’s strange about it is that it is written before the events song is praising ever even happen.

“¹ O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth…⁴ For You have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall ” (Isaiah 25:1, 4, NKJV)

Oh what a wonderful thing to be so sure of God’s deliverance that Isaiah could sing a song of praise about it before it even happened. Just as God eventually delivered them, He promises to see us through whatever we may face in this life, storms and all (1 Corinthians 10:13), and to give us a way to safety.

Do you have that same surety of God’s deliverance? How fast can you run to Him?

“¹⁸ That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. ¹⁹ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, ²⁰ where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ” (Hebrews 6:18–20, NKJV)

~Daniel Howell

Manuscript Monday?–“Looking Outside Yourself”

I think I want to try something new this week. Well, actually, I know I do want to try something new this week.

When I look at my schedule, I realize that I do a LOT of writing. Or at least, when I’m on my normal schedule, I do a significant amount of writing. Between sermons, Bible classes, blog posts, bulletin articles, podcast scripts, and a handful of other odds and ends, I spend quite a bit of time at my keyboard.

This week, I want to take one of those projects, my Sunday morning sermon, and share it with you.

Now, I don’t normally write manuscripts for my sermons. I only take an outline with me into the pulpit, and I even try not to look at that. For a change, though, I decided to write a manuscript for this Sunday’s AM sermon for a couple reasons:

1. Writing complete sentences always forces me to fully develop my thoughts. It keeps me honest, and helps the development of the point I’m trying to make.


2. I’m planning on adding some book writing to the pile of writing that I already do. I think this can be some good practice.

I hope that you can benefit from this manuscript. I know it’s a little on the long side (6.5 pages of paragraphs), but it shouldn’t take too long to read. For preachers, I added an outline to the end of the manuscript to help you out if you’d like to use it. Yes, feel free to use it (that is, if you find it useful).

Also, I’d love to know what you think about this idea. Leave your thoughts in the comments section of this blog (please put them here instead of Facebook).

Hope it blesses you in some way!

~Daniel Howell

“Looking Outside Myself” (PDF)

Right Answer; Wrong Reasoning

When I was in high school, I had a friend who was really good at math. He prided himself in being able to solve problems “in his head.” I’ll admit, I’m not sure how he did it, but most of the time, he was right.

The problem was our math teacher, Rutha Williams. Well, not her as a person, but that she was not thrilled with my friend’s abilities.

I can remember the two of them getting into a heated argument one day in class. You see, he solved a problem without “showing his work,” and she had taken her fill of this particular practice.

“That’s not the way you are supposed to do it,” she insisted.

“But I got the right answer,” he replied.

Well, yes he got the right answer. But she was right. What she knew (in her decades of teaching wisdom) is that while he would get the right answer through his method most of the time, he was not a savant. His reasoning wouldn’t hold up to solving every problem.

Do you have a reasoning problem? Do you walk around using inadequate or even faulty reasons to defend your faith? Are you doing what’s right, but for the wrong reasons?

Just as he argued, “but I got the right answer,” you might substitute it with, “but I’m doing what’s right!” You try to comfort yourself through the idea that you are doing right, even if you don’t know why. This is not enough.

The problem is that you may do what’s right most of the time, even with very basic or even faulty reasoning. But there will be a time when faulty reasoning will let you down. That day comes when you have to defend your beliefs against the faulty logic of others. Feeble logic can tie your hands together and leave you unable to defend against what may be obvious false doctrine!

Why can’t we use musical instruments on Wednesday nights? Can a couple partake of communion during their wedding? Do I only have to be here on Sunday morning?

If you base your beliefs about worship on faulty reasoning, you’re not going to be able to answer the hard questions properly. You will be left with no apologia. That’s the word translated as “defense” or “answer” in 1 Peter 3:15. It means being able to give a formal justification. It’s giving the real reason. It’s the same word Paul used in Acts 22:1 when he began to defend himself in front of a mob of Jews. Obviously, not just any answer was going to do in that case, and when we are faced with hard questions about our faith, not just any reason will suffice.

Tradition, intuition, and philosophy will all at some point fail us in finding the right answers to difficult questions about religion. But we can be assured that if we use the right reasons, we’ll always get the right answers! “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NET)

~Daniel Howell

Women’s Wednesday–“A Little Chocolate Milk?”

“Chocolate milk has long been seen as the spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down…”¹

As a child, I remember walking through lunch lines and eyeing the drink selection. Chocolate milk cost 25 cents extra in elementary school, so I’d have to choose between orange juice and regular milk if I was out of pocket change. Orange juice won hands down. I despised white milk. GROSS! But, there were days when OJ wasn’t available and the only choice I had was plain white milk. I’d put it on my plate, but not drink it. I’d rather go thirsty rather than drink that stuff…

Apparently, I wasn’t alone. Some kids just don’t like milk in its plain form and the only way they consume it is if it’s flavored with chocolate or strawberry. In fact, when some school districts banned flavored milk, milk consumption dropped by 35%!¹ So, it seems like a no-brainer to keep flavored milks in school, right? After all, who cares if we have to add sugar to get our kids to drink milk? At least they’re drinking it, right? WRONG.

Did you know that 8 ounces of strawberry milk has a total of 27 grams of sugar, the same as a Coke?¹ This means that while giving our kids the calcium and nutrients that they need, we’re also giving them what they don’t need – extra sugar. A little bit of bad with the good.

I’ve heard it said this way. Imagine you received a pan of yummy looking brownies from a neighbor. You ask what’s in the brownies and she replies with the following: “Eggs, Cocoa, Flour, Milk and a just a tiny tiny drop of dog poop.” Well, the other ingredients might be wonderful, but doesn’t that little extra “surprise” negate the goodness of everything else? Of course it does!

A little bad with the good, makes the good … BAD! For example:

- In Worship: Sneaking in little “extras” that God did not ask for taints the whole worship. Even one little “bad thing” (note: many are not inherently bad, just not what God deemed acceptable for our worship of Him) can cause our entire worship to be in vain, pleasing US instead of pleasing Him. Please make sure that when you enter into worship of Him, you are examining everything that you are doing and that is being done. For more information on what is acceptable and unacceptable check out your Bible – God’s inspired Word (for a starting place of study, visit http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/290-the-divine-pattern-of-acceptable-worship-part-2)

- In Our Entertainment Choices: Do you accept just a few inappropriate scenes in an otherwise “good movie”? How many times have I heard the following statement: “The language is rough, but it’s a great movie”? Does that mean because there’s just a little bad, that it’s okay?

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8)

Notice that the inspired Paul did NOT write, “Meditate on these things most of the time, but if you have to let a few curse words in or view a few sex scenes, that’s okay, it’s just part of life.”

- In Our Social Activities: “Well, most of what goes on at Prom is okay… There are only a few kids that are ‘bumping and grinding’ on the dance floor; and only a handful of girls are wearing low-cut and backless dresses; and only 2 or 3 show up drunk.” Are you consciously choosing to be at an event/location where the works of the flesh are, even if they’re just “a little bit” present? (Galatians 5:19-21) Whether it is prom, the beach, a club, or even a friend’s house – remember that a little bit of bad taints the whole lot.

Think on this as it pertains to your spiritual life: Do you want to consume the strawberry milk (a whole lot of good with just a tiny bit of bad to make it more palatable) or the plain white milk (pure and good)?

¹ 2011, May 09. “Schools may ban chocolate milk over added sugar.” http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/ap/us_food_and_farm_chocolate_milk. Accessed May 11, 2011.

I Think I’m Pretty Smart

(Today’s post was written with teens in mind… pass it along!)

I think I’m a pretty smart guy.

Now, I don’t mean that in a haughty sort of way. I know as you read the first line of this post, you probably think I’m being a bit proud. But then again, don’t you think you’re pretty smart, too?

As a matter of fact, I bet you think you are smart enough to make the best decisions in your life. You know what’s right. You know what’s wrong. You know the limits, right?

I bet you’re even smart enough to know just how far you can push the limits. You know just how close you can get to that line (i.e., sin) without actually crossing over. You know how to live life to the fullest.

You’re probably smarter than I am.

You know how to avoid the “big” stuff. You know not to cuss. You don’t drink (oh what self control you have to have to go to those parties where your friends are, and resist the pressure). You are NOT about to have pre-marital sex (you know how to “stop” things if it’s just you and him/her). Ladies, you know exactly how short your skirt can be, how much skin you can get away with revealing, while still seeming sexy. After all, you wore the most “modest” prom dress to this year’s prom. Guys, you know exactly how long you can look at that skin without seeming like you are an animal. You resist, right?

You’re so smart, you can ride real close to that line.

You still live life. You’re too smart to be fooled into sin.

That’s smart, right?

Please make note of my sarcasm, but then again, you’re smart enough to catch it, right!

I’m sure you’re also smart enough to understand the following:

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NET)

I’m also sure that you are smart enough to not be fooled, and to figure out the principle of these verses, too:

“Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” (Galatians 6:7–8, NET)

Now I know that you are smart, but I have this feeling (well, actually, I’m sure, see 1 Corinthians 1:20) that neither you nor I are smarter than God. When you continue to sow to the flesh, meaning, do things that gratify your physical wants, while thinking that since you know where “the line”is, you’re okay, someday you will reap the consequences.

Now you may not seem to be directly “sinning”, but you can’t live with a mindset of “let me see how close” or “let me be a little like my ‘friends’” and please Jesus. You can’t mix a little darkness in with light. It’s a physical and spiritual impossibility (2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesian 5:8). Take a flashlight into a dark room, and you’ll know what I mean.

You might think you are smart enough to “ride the line,” but that’s not following Christ. God wants you to “flee” (2 Timothy 2:22), in other words, run away. Stay away from it (1 Thessalonians 5:22)! You see, dabbling around close to the line, i.e., sin, is like playing close to a cliff. Some day you WILL fall over the edge. That’s the meaning behind the whole idea of reaping corruption (Galatians 6:8).

You can’t fall off a cliff when you are nowhere near the edge.

I don’t think you want to try to make God a fool, either.

But when you live your life, trying to be just like all of your “friends,” compromising your Christianity for fun’s sake, and thinking you are “winning,” you are trying to make God seem foolish.

You’re telling God, “You’re wrong, I can __________ and not sin.”

I’d like to think you are smart enough not to do that.

“ Guard against self-deception, each of you. If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” ” (1 Corinthians 3:18–20, NET)

~Daniel Howell

You Have to Want It

[I apologize for no posts in the past couple days. The following is of a personal nature, and I sincerely hope you can find some value and insight in it. – D.H.]

I want to be a dad.

I often sit and dream about what my daughter is going to be like. As I’m driving down the road, I sometimes imagine what conversations we might have, and what we might do during daddy/daughter time. I want to be a dad.

Why?

Why, when I know what kind of world she’s coming into? Why, when I think about the difficulties that lie ahead of her mother and me, and even her? Why, when I know that some day she’s going to belong to someone else?

Why? Here’s why:

1. Children are a blessing. I admit, this is probably a semi-selfish reason, but nonetheless, Biblically backed. In Psalm 127, the idea is of letting the Lord build the house. Well, how does he build it? Children are one way. Children are pictured as a gift or inheritance (vs. 3), a reward (vs. 3b), also [practically] as security in old age (vs. 4). “How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (vs. 5, NET)


2. I want to see God’s Kingdom continue. I won’t always be on this earth, but my children (and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) can continue my influence, just as I continue my father’s Christian influence on me. Now this is not to say that I’m going to be solely responsible for populating the Lord’s Church in the future, and that if I don’t it has a danger of disappearing (see 2 Peter 1:11, underline “everlasting”). Rather, I’m excited about the ways that my bringing up this child (and children) in “the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) can have a positive, lasting effect in God’s Church in the future. Actually, it’s quite humbling if you think of it that way, and the responsibility that fathers have becomes even more obvious.


3. I want to start a procession of souls toward Heaven. Not just of my own children, but of their spouses, children, friends, children’s friends, spouses, children (see Deuteronomy 11:18-21 as well as 2 Timothy 1:5)… I think you get the point.

Why would I not be excited? It’s just something you have to want.

~Daniel Howell

Let Us Never Forget…

The Lord knows we are forgetful people. For this reason, God, at various times, designated certain memorials so that mankind could remember what he did for us (i.e., the Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26:26-29). It’s all because we have a tendency to forget all of the good things God has done on our behalf.

We especially seem to become forgetful in times of distress. Sometimes we might even forget that the God of Heaven actually loves mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8). When tragedy comes, some have a habit of blaming God, and thus attributing things to Him which he never did!

There are many reasons that things happen. Sometimes people suffer because of the sinful actions of others. Sometimes people suffer because of the “laws” of nature. Indeed, sometimes people suffer because of their own choices. Even so, sometimes it just seems like there’s no good reason for the suffering someone experiences.

None of these things are excuses to forget the goodness of God!

In a way, Psalm 107 deals with this very issue. While more directly this psalm deals with the returning exiles Babylon, the psalmist writes of various life situations still pertinent to us. But in each case, there is the reminder that God brought them out of those situations! Some were hungry and thirsty (vs. 4-6), some were staring death or imprisonment in the face (vs. 10-13), some were suffering because of their sinful choices (vs. 17-20), and some dealt with the forces of nature (vs. 23-28). They all suffered. They all lost something. Still, they were all delivered by God.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble… Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man… Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:2,15, 21, 31, 43, ESV)

Let us never forget, even in times of distress, the steadfast love of God.

~Daniel Howell

Women’s Wednesday–CYTOTEC

He wore a white coat over his dress clothes. He carried a file folder full of records. He was distinguished. He was authoritative. He was the doctor!

We started discussing labor options. I was only 34 weeks and would not be under his care for much longer (I was to be released back into the care of my midwife at 35 weeks); but, I still wanted to know what he would do.

He recommended induction at 39 weeks, using a “wonderful drug” that mimics the “natural progression of labor”.

Wow. I was impressed. This “wonder drug” sounded a lot better to me than the dreaded Pitocin I was always hearing about – with its strong and unnatural contractions.

So I asked, “What’s the name of this drug? And why don’t more people use it?”

He answered, “Cytotec. And I don’t know why more doctors don’t administer it.”

I could have stopped there and accepted his authoritative answer and even requested the use of Cytotec in my own labor process. He is a doctor after all, and he made it sound wonderful!

But, I decided I had to find out more for myself. And I think I found the reason why more doctors don’t administer it…

1. Cytotec is NOT approved for use in pregnant women. There have been absolutely no clinical trials with the drug on pregnant women.

2. Because there have been no trials on pregnant women, doctors do not know the “correct dosage”. They have to guess.

3. Since it’s in a pill form, if there are adverse affects, the medicine cannot be stopped like a medication in a drip form.

4. Even the drug’s manufacturers warn medical providers to not use this drug on pregnant women and of its harms including: uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress, amniotic embolism, fetal death, and maternal death.

Wow. It seems like my authoritative in control doctor didn’t pass along some information to me, did he? Maybe he omitted this information knowingly or maybe he did not know. Either way, it’s important to note that as individuals we must stay informed and not let anyone else control our decisions concerning medication or more importantly… our spiritual life!

So, who makes the decisions in YOUR spiritual life?

1. Your Preacher: Think about it. They’re very similar to doctors – they wear snazzy clothes; when they talk you listen (or at least you SHOULD!); they are well educated in their “trade”; they have a lot of influence. Do we sometimes just “take their word for it” like we do doctors? How many times have you heard “but my preacher says…” Don’t fall into this trap! Just like my doctor may have not have known for himself the truth about Cytotec, your preacher is fallible. He may not have all the answers all the time. Examine for yourself the truth (Acts 17:11) – study the Word (2 Tim 2:15) and make your own decisions.

2. Your Parents: Do you attend a particular church or congregation just because “that’s where Mom and Dad went?” Do you hold a certain view on a subject because “that’s what Mom and Dad thought?” Even if Mom and Dad are/were right – we need to know why! “…and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Peter 3:15

3. Your Kids: You may not want to admit it; but do they hold power over your spiritual decisions? Do you attend a certain congregation because you want them to be able to “have fun” and not because of what is being taught? Do you skip worship services because you want your kids to be able to play in their baseball game? When these decisions affect spiritual decisions, they become authoritative!

4. Your Peers: Sometimes we think we’re safe amongst Christians; but unfortunately that’s not always the case. We can never let our guard down and follow the crowd, no matter how noble or righteous they seem! Equip yourself with the Word to avoid this dangerous pitfall! (2 Tim 3:16-17)

So many people have the potential to hold authority over our spiritual lives. Some we may not even clearly see as “authoritative figures” (like children), but they still exert great influence over the decisions we make. So take charge. Inform yourself. Make your own decisions. Because in the end it will be YOU – not preacher, momma, daddy, junior, or bubba – who will answer to God for your decisions (Romans 14:12).

~Martha Howell

(For more information on the dangers of the drug Cytotec in pregnant women, visit: http://babyhowellblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/going-to-be-induced-educate-yourself.html.)

Tech Tip Tuesday–Study from PDF’s Using Adobe Digital Editions

Here’s the link to Adobe Digital Editions’ download.

I failed to mention in the video that ADE also supports EPUB books as well.

And the link to Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

God is Not Mocked

As long as I can remember, I’ve loved food. I mean really loved food. I love to eat it. I love to cook it. I love to smell it being cooked. I love the taste of good food. Food is great.

Even when I was a small child, my appetite was more in line with what adults should be eating. I would fill my plate, and then I would do my best to clean it, making it a “happy plate.”

I can remember being at different church meals, even visiting with my grandparents, and hearing the phrase (said after seeing my plate piled high with food), “If you eat all of that, you’re going to be sick!”

I always dismissed it.

Thinking back on it, though, I often remember having a feeling after I ate. It was a feeling of being “stuffed.” I thought that’s what it meant to be full. Curiously, sometimes that feeling of being “stuffed” also felt a lot like being “sick.”

I would do my best, though, to convince myself that I wasn’t sick. I was uncomfortable, but not sick. I couldn’t let the adults be right! I couldn’t show them any weakness!

It’s only as I matured into adulthood that I started to make the connection between eating too much, weight gain, and the misery that ensued. When I ate too much, and felt sick, no matter how much I tried to reason it away, I was reaping what I had sown!

Sometimes I’m deeply saddened when I look at the lives of certain people and the problems they share with me. It’s not just because of the problems themselves, but it’s when they tell me their rationalization, I mean, story, as to how they “found” themselves in the situation they are in that really makes me sad. As they tell me of the decisions they made, I can see where they went wrong. Sadly, many times, they can’t. After all, everyone has a reason (excuse).

The mantras, “That’s life,” or, “Life happens,” are a verbal way of tossing off our responsibility for our problems. Paul stated it this way in Galatians 6:7-8:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption [emp, D.H.], but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ” (NKJV)

Sometimes we want to be like children. We want to pass off the responsibility for our problem to “fate.” But “God is not mocked.” We may want for God to be wrong about the consequences of our actions. We may even think we can outsmart Him. But in the end, we will “reap” the kind of lifestyle that we “sow”. You can count on it.

The good news is that the principle of sowing and reaping works not only to the negative, but to the positive. We can sow “to the Spirit”, and reap those things as well (see. Galatians 5:22-24). What kind of life are you sowing?

~Daniel Howell

The Most Important Person in the World

I remember well the first time I met him. I had gone to visit the campus of Alabama Christian College, which was at the time transitioning into Faulkner University. I was there considering whether or not to enroll as a student.

I was the stereotypical, hardworking “country boy” gone to the big city.  I knew why I wanted to go to college—I wanted to be a preacher. I just didn’t realize at that point the extraordinary opportunity that lay before me.

Buddy Baker was the one who had invited me to drive to Montgomery for my visit, and so when I arrived, my first stop was the development office where he worked. At that time, the development office was in a brick house located near the current parking lot for the Harris-Parker Building which houses the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies.

After chatting with Buddy for a few minutes, he said, “Let me give Brother Winkler a call to let him know you are here.” After speaking with, I’m assuming, Sister Winkler, Buddy handed me the phone so that I could speak with Brother Winkler. I took the phone but no one was on the line. I waited, thinking he would pick up at any moment.

A few minutes passed, and a gentleman entered the development office. It was Brother Winkler. He had walked across campus on that hot, humid August day to greet me in person rather than on the phone!  Needless to say, that made me feel quite special and gave me my first impression of a great man who would profoundly influence my life.

Brother Winkler taught me a lesson that day about preaching and about people—and I hadn’t even officially enrolled as a student. What was the lesson you ask? Simply this—every person is important!  I was just a country boy who wanted to learn to preach. He was an accomplished preacher, writer, and head of a Bible Department at a university. He took some extra time out of his day and made an extra effort he did not have to make and it made me feel important and valuable.

Fellow preachers, how do you treat the people with whom you interact from day to day? Do you treat them like a bother or a brother? Do you act as though they are a pain rather than a person? Do you consider their soul rather than your schedule?  All of us understand that some folks would be just a little more likeable if they were a little more considerate. But regardless of their thoughtfulness or thoughtlessness we still can choose how we act toward them.

I’ve met fellow preachers who, to be honest, gave me the impression that they are on earth to be served rather than to serve. By their demeanor it almost appears they never read that Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). It is really no wonder that they are such moving preachers—doing so about every six months to two years!

For many years I have had a philosophy I have tried to practice. No matter who I am with, I try to esteem them, treat them, and make them feel as though they are the most important person in the world. I try to regard my time with them as the most important thing I have to do at that time.  When people sense this in your disposition, they are more likely to listen when you try to teach them, and are more apt to respond positively when you are forced to rebuke or correct them.

In reality, this is plainly a part of being Christ-like. Paul illustrated the significance that others should have in our lives with the fact that Jesus considered me (and each one of us) more important than the things He had in heaven with the Father (Philippians 2:3-8).  How remarkable is it that Jesus Christ loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20)!  We should be stricken with awe over this and be more than willing to do the same for others!

No, I will never forget the first time I met him. He taught me a lot about being a preacher that day when he made me feel like the most important person in the world. Will you try to do the same for someone today?

-Mark Howell