Friendship – Edition #5: Moving Others Up

April 7th, 2006

I have news about my heart. And as they say about a sure fire kicker in the NFL, “It’s Good!” Yes, my heart is fine. There is no damage on my heart. Wow, I am so grateful that through it all, God has protected me and blessed with this great news. So, my heart is good and my brain is good. We still don’t know what is causing the leg pain but that will be found out soon enough, I am sure. Now, today is Friday (or as I call it “Friends Day”). I am thinking of doing a quiet time on every Friday that helps me become a better friend and a better servant to those I know.

Friendship – Edition #5: Moving Others Up

Luke 14:1-14
One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.

Then he asked them, “If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?” And they had nothing to say.

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Dropsy (noun):

• Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue.

James 2:19-24
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

What I like about the scripture from Luke is that, Jesus is saying, as I see it, that I need to be giving to those in need. It’s not wrong to fellowship with friends and family, but it is better to help the poor, the sick, and those in hardship. Friends are great… but how greater would it be to make a friend who is in need. For it is written “wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him.” What has been given me should be that of a rotation of stock. I shouldn’t hoard up money and pass away from this world with nothing to show for it. What good is money when I am dead? Charlie and the Charlie Factory said it best in regards to the golden ticket. One of the uncles said that Charlie shouldn’t sell the ticket. Money comes and goes, but there are only five tickets… he should use that ticket because it is priceless and the opportunity may never come again. Now, think about the Kingdom of God and turn that into a golden ticket. Will I see it to pay the rent? Will I go and waste it away and get kicked out like the four other children? Or will I make the most of the opportunity, save my friends and family as did Charlie? Charlie did something quite amazing… he befriended Willie Wonka. He gave him something that Wonka didn’t have anywhere else, a family, trust, and companionship that everyone needs in this Earthly life. When I put myself out there, helping the homeless, the crippled, and the needy, it is a deed, but more importantly, the possibility of creating a friendship is there… I have a golden ticket, what will I do with it?

The Tongue - Edition #7: A Solemn Vow

April 6th, 2006

A friend sent a response from Edition 3, noting:
“After reading your quiet time today I wanted to add that Jesus’ heart toward Judas was filled with love and compassion, so much so that the other eleven disciples had no idea that Judas would be the betrayer. Jesus treated Judas with the same love as he gave the other disciples. I think that this is where the difference is… he had a heart of love, humility and compassion toward Judas… along with the rest of us sinners. That is why, when he was hanging, in excruciating pain, on the cross he could appeal to God on our behalf, “Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.” It wasn't just a matter of controlling his tongue, but controlling his thoughts and choosing love…

Good point. Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.

Panting and perspiring, a friend and I were on a tandem bicycle at last got to the top of a steep hill. “That was a stiff climb,” my friend said. “It certainly was,” I replied. “And if I hadn’t kept the brake on, we would have slid down backward.” I got some good news, I guess. The MRI came back clean, so there is nothing wrong with my brain. I was somewhat hoping that they would find something, simply because if they did, they might be able to fix my bi-polar as well. But alas, it is good news that there isn’t a tumor or anything like they were speculating. I get results back on my heart test today.

The Tongue – Edition #7: A Solemn Vow

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.

I should not be quick with my mouth. I need to let my words be few. That reminds of the Proverb that says that when words are many, sin is not far. When I speak, I am accountable for what I say. A vow is an interesting word.

Vow (verb):

• A solemn promise or statement by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.


• An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.


• A declaration or assertion.

If I should make a vow, it is a promise. It is a declaration that I will or will not do something. It is a binding agreement that whatever was vowed will be followed through. It is to be done with emphasis. It is to be done in a strong way and done with force from the heart. Vows shouldn’t be taken lightly. In this day and age, unfortunately the society I live in puts less meaning into a vow. Marriage vows, baptismal vows, governmental vows are just a few that I can think of that fall to second hand where first place becomes the “me, myself, and I.”

John 1:19-21
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Everyone should be slow to speak and quick to listen. Everyone includes me. I generally am the one who is slow to listen and quick to speak. And when I do those things, my mouth leads me into sin. I am beginning to see something in all this, I am beginning to understand a little more about the tongue and just how wicked it really is… this is really a tough thing to truly grasp my brain around. At least my brain doesn’t have a tumor in it, and for that I am grateful. Thanks for all your prayers, and I beg that you continue your prayers for a finding of my leg pain, my friend’s health problems, and my aunt’s cancer. Have a wonderful day and may God bless you all in a surprising and wonderful way. Johnny Out.

The Tongue – Edition #6: Words of a Mocker, Words of a Fool

April 5th, 2006

Did you know this morning the time hit 01:02.03 04/05/06? This won’t happen again for another 100 years… and I slept right through. Oh well. A friend said to my wife, “Don’t tell me you believe your husband’s story that he spent the day fishing. Why, he didn’t come home with a single fish!” My wife then said “And that’s why I believe him.” I’ve been fishing several times in my life and I haven’t caught but just a cold. I’m willing to bet that many parents are trying to induce labor today to have the birthday 4/5/06. Oh me, oh my, oh me.

The Tongue – Edition #6: Words of a Mocker, Words of a Fool

Proverbs 22:9-12
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

Mock (verb):

• To treat with ridicule or contempt; deride.


• To frustrate the hopes of; disappoint.


• To express scorn or ridicule; jeer.

Deride (verb):

• To speak of or treat with contemptuous mirth.

Mirth (noun):

• Gladness and gaiety, especially when expressed by laughter.

I haven’t done this in a while… but I really needed to see the full definitions to get a true idea of what is being said. Drive out someone who treats others with contempt and laughs while doing so, and out goes conflict. Keep those around you who have a pure heart and whose speech is gracious.

Proverbs 14:5-10
A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

Fool (noun):

• A person who lacks good judgment.


• A person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of.

I notice that one who mocks and fools are one and the same according to the bible. If I were to shout and scream at the top of my lungs at why people are doing things wrong, ridiculing them for there actions, then I would not only be mocking them, I would then become a fool. This not only opens my eyes, but it cuts my heart. It shows me just how much conflict/resolution should not be about the raising of the voice and foaming of the mouth.

Psalm 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Anger is a feeling, rage is a choice. Anger is simply a feeling of displeasure and hostility. And when it isn’t controlled, it leads to sin. The sin comes out either by words and expressions such as kicking a cement wall, punching a wall, and throwing of objects. It can also come out in ways of cursing, yelling, and saying things that really shouldn’t be said in a forum. And when these things occur (and I’ve done all these things in my past), it is not of sound judgment, and I was a fool by definition. I was a mocker by definition. God grants repentance. And being that repentance is change, and God grants change of the heart, I pray that this study is God granting me that repentance. Anyway, the Ranger game is on tonight, on cable no less (and I don’t have cable), so no score updates as I study. Alas, Johnny Out.

The Tongue - Edition #5: Hot Words

April 4th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #5: Hot Words

Proverbs 16:27-32
A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Scorching (adj.):

• Hot and dry enough to burn or parch a surface.

It’s not the most exciting passages in the bible and definitely not the easiest to personalize when you read it. A perverse man stirs up disagreements. A person who talks about other people’s personal lives separates close friends. In fact, they can even squash the possibility of being close with someone. Also, a man acting with great force or emotional intensity leads others down a path this isn’t Godly. A guy who puckers his lips is bent on evil. I recently had a birthday… nowhere near having gray hair, although my son sometimes makes me feel like it is coming soon when he wants his bottle. I also had a friend who had a 50th birthday… and the scripture (actually verse 31) is something that I talked about, but did not speak directly. There is a saying that the good die young… the bible doesn’t say anything of the like. It is a blessing to live a long life. And in some cases, it is very much the same blessing to live a short life. Who out there can determine what time frame of life is best outside of God? And who can say that it is a shame to live a life of only 20 years, 30 years or 60? I think that the time is irrelevant on this earth. What is best is how that life is lived. If I live a life of selfishness, thinking of only my needs and not the needs of others, speaking my mind like that of a scorching fire, separating my friends and family from me and the living God, but live to be 150 years old, then my life was a waste. If my life was filled with kind words of others, thinking of other peoples needs before my own, being a man who controls my temper, leading my neighbor down paths that are good, and die tomorrow, then I would consider my life to be better lived than that of the 150 year old. Rangers are up 7 to 1 right now in the sixth inning… things looking good for the guys in blue. Isn’t there a campaign for everyone to “back the blue”? Anyway, I have been up for much of this day, exhausted from tests and scans and prodding and poking… needles, they are not my friend. IVs are not a friend of mine, except when a doctor used a Novocain spray (which in my mind is the best medical invention EVER!) I think now that I finished this, prayed and such, I will watch the finish of the game and crash out. So… Johnny Out.

The Tongue – Edition #4: Tongue Batting Cleanup

April 3rd, 2006

Today, the season for the Rangers begins. The game is currently in progress as I start this, Rangers trail 5-2. I’ve already been to the doctor and had a MRI, which I almost fell asleep in through the beeps and weird sounds. I don’t know what the results are… I just hope that something is found and the healing or reduction of pain can begin. My leg pain is getting worse to the point to where it is really hard to fake it and walk without a limp. I did well through the first quarter, going 90 in 90… the second quarter has been a struggle in the past, being my weakest quarter over the previous three years. Also, there is a new scam out there that I want everyone to be aware of… it’s a Jury Duty Scam. A simple avoidance of the scam is to go, but things happen. Most of us take the summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of scam has surfaced. Fall for it and your identity could be stolen, reports CBS. In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. Give out any of this information and your identity just got stolen. This is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud. You can verify this information at Snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp). Rangers are now down 6-2 (in the seventh)

The Tongue – Edition #4: Tongue Batting Cleanup

Proverbs 12:1-6
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man. A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

I find this scripture to be somewhat comical. He who hates correction is stupid. He’s STUPID! It can’t be any clearer. And I am not a big fan of discipline, to be honest with you. But it is good to see this scripture on occasion because it puts me in my place. In a good way mind you, it puts me there. (It’s now 7 to 2) I hope to be a man who is positive and desirable in nature. I want to have a character that is obedient to God. And I want it to be my nature to do so. The thing that happened more than a week ago shows me that I am not there. My sinful nature is pouncing on me and I need Gods help to master it. I think on the grand scale, it was a good thing to happen because I learned something of my character that I didn’t realize that I had.

Matthew 12:33-37
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

I’m not saying that I am evil or good… it’s just my mouth spoke of unloving things. God doesn’t have anything to do with such things. The overflow of my heart was bitterness and evil. Verse 6 says that “speech of the upright rescues them.” I read that the word “them” is in reference to those who are evil… the upright rescues the evil. I find that interesting because the “upright” that I make out here is Christ. And even though I can fall into my sinful nature and blast someone out of the water with the bitterness in my heart, Christ sees me and helps me get repentance and rescues me through the good things stored up in him. And if that doesn’t bring me a little encouragement in a game where the Rangers are down 7-2 going into the ninth inning, I don’t what will. Sure, the Rangers will most likely loose this game, but with the help of my God, I will walk away from this game a winner. Johnny Out.