Surprising words

The late Rick Ferguson once wrote a book entitled “The Servant Principle.”  It is a fabulous work.  Although it is out of print and difficult to find, I would still strongly encourage you to try to obtain a copy of it (Amazon.com may have a few copies).

At one point in the book, Dr. Ferguson writes, “The Bible does not deny that sin is fun and pleasurable for a season.  However, the ultimate results of sin are deadly.  Sexual promiscuity, the party life, making money at all costs, sacrificing ethics and morals – in each case, the long-term consequences are deadly.  Whenever you choose sin, it is always a shortsighted decision.  Don’t sell out your long-term future for a short-term pleasure.  Take the long look” (page 126).

The passage Rick is referring to is in Hebrews 11, where we read, “By faith, Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;; for he looked to the reward” (verses 24-26, NKJV, italics added for emphasis).  It is true that there is brief enjoyment when we sin, but the consequences afterwards are what linger.

Interestingly, a character named Penny, from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” all but confirms this notion with her own mouth.  Penny, and her friends Bernadette and Amy are discussing what Penny should do since her ex-boyfriend, Leonard, has started a new romantic relationship with someone else. 

Eventually, in the course of the conversation, Penny says, “Let’s go through this one more time: just because Leonard has a new girlfriend does not mean that I should go out and hook up with some guy.”  “But you could if you wanted to, right?”  Bernadette asks her.  “Yeah, I guess.”  Penny answers.  “What’s that like?”  Amy inquires.  Penny’s response is the money quote: “It’s fun while you’re doing it, then it’s mostly embarrassment, self-loathing and regret.”  She’s on to something.  Sin is fun only for a fleeting moment, and then one has to deal with the enduring consequences.

Kevin

“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him” – Charles Stanley

My allegory (part 4)

Today’s section of the allegory captures the fights that I have with the temptation to go the world’s way and pursue sexual gratification with anyone and everyone.  To the glory of God, I testify to you that I am a virgin and I will be staying that way until I get married.

“Years passed, the boy Believer was now a man.  His story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the many battles he had with his nemesis, Temptation.  You see, Believer lived near the land of Sexual Gratification.  However, Believer’s father had once challenged him to choose a different way.  “Son,” he had said.  “Abstinence is your great ally.  Choose him always and he will never let you down.”  Here is one example of the many fights Believer had with Temptation.

“Well, if it isn’t my dear friend, Believer,” the conniving Temptation greeted.  “You are no friend of mine, Temptation.”  “Why would you say that?  I’m only asking you to do what you know you want to do: join the many others over on Sexual Gratification.  Has God really said that Abstinence is the only path for you?”  Temptation asked.  Whenever Temptation spoke a word, flaming arrows shot out of his mouth.  “Yes, God knows that Sexual Gratification isn’t meant to be inhabited by those who are unmarried as I am,” Believer replied, while simultaneously raising his shield to block and extinguish the flaming arrows.

“That is utter nonsense,” Temptation countered.  “Many unmarried people would claim that it is fun in Sexual Gratification.  Besides, how long have you been waiting for a spouse anyway?  What has it been, ten or fifteen years now?”  “The fun you speak of, Temptation,” Believer responded, “is brief and fleeting.  I have heard from others who have been there that after the temporary fun of Sexual Gratification, there is nothing but shame and regret.  Thus, they chose to leave and go to another land.  And yes, I have been waiting for a spouse for a long while,” Believer answered.  “But I don’t care how long I have to wait.  I’m going to choose the road prescribed to me by my King, Hero, and Lord,” Believer answered.

Temptation shook his head and retorted, “No one is ever going to marry you anyway.  Why not give it up and join us on Sexual Gratification?  After all, you only live once.  Surely you can see deep down that what I’m saying is the truth.”  “The Lord’s will is that I remain where I am,” Believer said.  “I will cling to my ally Abstinence.  If I am not called to be married, then to my Savior I cry out, “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).  Why don’t you just leave me alone, Temptation?  I’ve extinguished multiple amounts of your deadly arrows with the shield given to me by my Lord as a gift (Ephesians 6:16-17).”

Temptation began to walk away, but added, “Very well.  But, this isn’t over.”  Believer knew the drill by now.  He knew that Temptation would indeed be back again “at an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).

Kevin

Allegorical images clarified

In my last blog installment, I presented chapter three of the allegory that I recently wrote for a school assignment.  Today, I want to share the events of my life that I was trying to capture in that particular section. 

First of all, in the story, Believer is attacked by Malady and the attack results in significant blood loss.  In real life, when I was a boy, I developed a kidney disease that resulted in blood in my urine.  After a few months of dealing with this, the doctors informed my parents and me that my kidneys had “worked out the issue.”  They also went on to explain that most patients who develop this kidney disease do not usually make such a recovery.  Typically, the patients have to go on dialysis for the rest of their lives.  In short, God healed me!

Secondly, Believer is so weak from blood loss that he leans against a fence that gives out and he falls into a lake.  Just in case you were wondering, the fence doesn’t allegorically represent anything.  I actually merged two events of my life into one story.  In real life, it was several years after being healed from the kidney disease.  I was playing in a pool, batting around a beach ball; it went over to the deep side of the pool.  As a young boy, I didn’t know how to swim.  I was grasping the side of the pool trying to get the ball, but I lost my grip.

I wanted to capture how helpless I felt in that moment in my allegory.  Believer’s attitude of complete hopelessness was how I was feeling in that pool.  Candidly, I was absolutely convinced that I was going to drown.  Just when I was about to under, I quite vividly remember feeling as if someone pushed me from behind.  This push helped me get to the edge of the pool so I could get out.  To clarify: there was no one in the pool with me; I was completely alone (unfortunately, my babysitters were completely oblivious to my situation).  I truly believe that it was an angel that rescued me!  No, I didn’t see the angel with my physical eyes, but I am convinced that God sent one of His angels to aid me, because it wasn’t time for me to leave this Earth yet.

Part 4 of my allegory is coming (God willing) in the not too distant future, but I wanted to give you those words of explanation today.

Kevin

“Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you”” - Psalm 66:3 (NIV)

My allegory (part 3)

“Believer was about a year into his newfound friendship and fellowship with the Lord.  He was happier, blissful, and more contended than before.  However, this particular day, was a difficult one.  Believer was going about his activities when he came upon a character he had never seen before.  “Who are you?”  Believer asked.  “I am Mr. Malady.”  Malady then attacked and overpowered Believer.  “Why?  Why would you do this?”  Believer asked a few minutes later, now face down staring at his own blood on the pavement as a result of the attack.  “It’s who I am,” Malady answered with a sneer.  “There doesn’t have to be a reason.  “Where is your Great Rescuer now?”  He asked as he delivered one more kick to Believer and then ran away.

Believer slowly rose to his feet.  He staggered around and began to walk to try to find help for his injuries.  After stopping to attempt to gather some strength, he looked back to see how much he had progressed, only to see a trail of his own blood in the path he had just walked.  Clearly, he was bleeding profusely with his encounter with Malady.  “I just need to call for help,” Believer thought.  Several minutes passed, and Believer continued to wobble and stumble along.  He had called for help several times, but no one came to his aid.

Believer happened to come upon a lake.  He stopped another moment to rest upon a fence, grimacing from his pain.  Suddenly, the fence he was leaning on gave out and he began to fall.  He landed in the lake.  “I’m too weak,” Believer thought to himself.  “I don’t have any strength left.  I’m going to die right here.”  As he was going under, he felt someone grab him and pull him out of the water.  It was the One who had rescued him as a baby; the One who had declared that he was no longer to be called Unbeliever but Believer.

“You saved me again!”  Believer exclaimed, still in obvious agony.  The valiant Hero requested that he not talk.  “First, let me tend to your wounds.”  He simply touched Believer’s injured areas and he was immediately healed.  The blood and wounds were gone.  The pain was gone.  “How did you do that?”  Believer asked; his voice strong again as he had evidently regained his physical vigor.  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26; NIV).  “Malady has been defeated,” the Hero continued.  “Go on your way in peace.”  “Gracious Savior,” Believer began.  “How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:3).

Kevin

Happy Valentine's Day!

On this special day that elevates and promotes love, I think it’s important to be reminded of the amazing love of God.  Did you know, dear reader, that the awesome, majestic, all-powerful, Creator of the universe actually loves you?  He does.  The Bible makes this undeniably clear.

In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world…” let me stop right there.  Many of us have read this verse so many times that it becomes too familiar to us.  Read slowly.  “For God so loved the world.”  God loves the world, you and me, so deeply, and so intensely.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”  The love God had was so amazing and so strong that He took it upon Himself to send Jesus Christ to a minuscule speck in the galaxy called Earth.  That’s a pure, selfless, unconditional love! 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes…” Whoever.  That is, anyone at all.  It’s not just for a select few.  Whoever desires to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation on their behalf can do so.  “Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life.  He is praying before His imminent crucifixion.  For the benefit of the disciples, who were no doubt listening in, He says, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”  Eternal life simply means knowing God; to have a genuine relationship with God; to have a personal friendship and fellowship with Him.

It’s a wonderful gift to be loved by a significant other on Valentine’s Day.  What a tremendous blessing!  I don’t intend to minimize this special relationship in the least.  I hope you cherish and adore your special Valentine today and every day.  At the same time, the truth is, a human being cannot love you with a perfect love, but God can and God does!

Kevin

My allegory (part 2)

“Years passed, and Unbeliever was now a boy.  While we are still only barely into the genesis of Unbeliever’s story, many would say that the events that are about to be described are the most important thing to ever happen to Unbeliever.

It was a beautiful day and so Unbeliever decided to take a walk outside.  At some point in the stroll, Unbeliever was ambushed by a blinding white light.  After it subsided, a man was suddenly standing before Unbeliever.  “Unbeliever, I know you are just a boy, but I don’t want you to be ignorant about me anymore,” said the man.  He went on to speak of the sin that was infecting Unbeliever’s soul.  He said that the price of his sin had been paid by Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross, so all that remained is for a person to choose to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unbeliever knew that what the man was saying was true, so he said, “I believe!  I want to have my sins forgiven.  I want to become a Christian.  I wholeheartedly believe!”  The man smiled and announced, “Thus, no longer shall your name be Unbeliever.  For you now believe, therefore from now on, you shall be known as Believer.

He continued, “One more thing: you don’t remember, but we have met before.  I rescued you from Disease as a baby.”  Believer began to cry.  “I…I was told of this story,” Believer replied trying to compose himself.  “It is wonderful to finally meet you.  Thank you so much, for everything.  But if I may be so bold, what is your name?”  Believer asked.  “For today, call me the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).”

By the way, before concluding for today, let me state that this chapter of the story allegorically captures the inner transformation that occurred in my heart when I was only six years old.  In 1987, my parents and I went to a Billy Graham crusade.  Dr. Graham proclaimed the truth of the gospel with his usual boldness, clarity, and passion that day.  When he issued his alter call, I told my parents that I needed to go forward.  God, by His Holy Spirit, illuminated the truth to me.  I became a Christian that day.  It is the best decision that I have ever made in my life!

Let me also mention that I've included a great link from the website got questions.org regarding Jesus' potent words in John 14:6.  Check it out if you are so inclined.

Kevin

http://www.gotquestions.org/way-truth-life.html

 

"Here's what happened:"

I love the television show “Monk” starring Tony Shalhoub.  Whenever Detective Adrian Monk (the main star of the show) solved a case he would usually begin his summation of how the perpetrator orchestrated the crime by saying, “Here’s what happened.”  Just so you all know, in my last blog, I presented an allegorized version of something that did actually occur in my life when I was just a baby.  Before moving on, I thought I’d briefly mention those events.  So as Monk would say, “Here’s what happened:”

I was healed as a baby from what was diagnosed as “Infantile Spasms.”  This simply means that, as an infant, I was having multiple seizures.  I was on many different medicines, and while they minimized the seizures, they never got rid of them completely. 

When I was ten months old, I was in the hospital as I had been many other times.  On this visit, for some inexplicable reason, I flat-lined for three minutes.  I’m told that I turned a shade of blue.  After those minutes eclipsed, however, God brought me back to this life; furthermore, the seizures stopped entirely!  Some suggested to my parents that they should keep me on the medicines, and that I would begin to have them again after getting over the shock of dying.  But they believed (correctly) that God had healed me, and that the medicines were no longer necessary.  It has been over thirty years now, and I have never had a seizure again!

As I portrayed in the allegory, my parents wrote a song glorifying and praising God for healing me.  Further, I thought it was important to document the fact that my parents were faithful to pass my healing on to me.  It is obviously possible for that whole episode of my infancy to have taken place, only to never be apprised of the events that occurred.  So I thank them for sharing what happened with me.  More than anything else, I thank God (the hero of this whole story) for miraculously delivering me from that horrible disease.

Kevin