Pompous Pacer

The year was nineteen seventy something and I was about to enter my senior year of high school. I had been working a side-job taking care of an elderly man who had multiple sclerosis (MS) and was deteriorating in his physical health. Mentally, he was a sharper than any tack that I had ever seen!

My job started off pretty simple: I would go over to his apartment (which was only a block away) and help him into his wheelchair in the morning; sometimes helping him get his socks on.

As his MS got worse, I would also go over to his apartment in the evening to help him out of his wheelchair and into his bed.

In time, he needed more help as the tremors would sometime make simple tasks very difficult for him, like preparing breakfast or pulling up his pants.

We had looked at several assisted living facilities, but none would meet his or our approval. Again, this was the seventies, and most of the facilities we looked at smelled like urine all the way out to the parking lot.

No way could we let him live there.

He was a very smart man who had a very prestigious career and had made a good income, so money wasn’t really an issue. His wife was deceased, and he had no children.

The solution that he came up with was to hire in-home nursing to give him further assistance. He also purchased a lift to assist getting him in and out of bed and another for the tub.

He also had another idea; he wanted to buy me a car so that I could drive him places.

I want to say that he was really a great guy and I enjoyed spending time with him. He loved reading books in order to stay a step ahead on new technology and the latest trends.

As I said, his mind was sharp as his body was falling apart. He joked with me that his mind would still be working for several days after he was buried in the ground.

Did I mention that he wanted to buy me a new car?

I really had no reason to respond the way I did when he purchased a brand new car and gave it to me. The plan was that it would be mine to use as much as I wanted and it was mine to keep after he died.

The problem? It was an AMC Pacer! No teenager wanted to drive, let alone be seen in a Pacer! Remember, this was sixteen years BEFORE the movie “Wayne’s world” came out and made it ‘popular’.

And, no, it didn’t come with a factory issued licorice dispenser. That was an aftermarket item that you couldn’t get until 1992!

My oldest brother had a Dodge Challenger at the time which further added to my reluctance to drive the car. His was cool, mine was lame!

The man told me that he had done research in Consumer’s Report and said that this was one of the best values in the market today. He also liked that it would be easy to load and unload his wheelchair in the back. And he loved that he could see out the windows.

That last statement didn’t help at all; if he could see out, then others could see in!

I should also mention that my next older brother had a Camaro with a spoiler on the rear. My next youngest brother had a Nova!

There is no way that I would be seen in a AMC Pacer.

So I made excuses not to drive it.

Yes, I turned down his generous gift to me. I NEVER even drove it! And I starting spending less and less time with him in order to NOT drive the car…I wanted the provision; just not in that way.

In a very short time, his body failed to the point where he was placed in a nursing home. He died within the month. I didn’t know what happened to the car; and didn’t really care at the time where it ended up.

I had been an ungrateful and proud teenager who, although I needed a car, choose to let pride stop me from receiving a gift from a generous person who wanted to show his appreciation for me.

I also missed out on my opportunity to spend time with this great man.

I missed it by allowing my pompous pride get in the way.

As I write this I have several thoughts.

First of all, it reminds me of Naaman in the Bible. He was a great and honorable man and the commander of the army of the king of Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was also a leper. (Read the story in 2 Kings Chapter 5).

Naaman had a chance to get healed of his leprosy, but he didn’t like how it was to be done.

Naaman was told that if he wanted to be healed; “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”

 

Naaman said, “NO!” In fact he became furious at the preposterous suggestion. He wanted the provision; just not in that way.

Fortunately, he gave in, did what he was told to do, and received a complete healing.

My other thought is wondering how many times have you and I missed provision simply because we were too pompous to receive? How many times did it come and go and because pride caused us to stumble and fall short?

Finally, what about provision for that hole in your soul; for that sin in your life? Have allowed pride to stop you from simply receiving the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Naaman almost missed it by allowing his pompous pride get in the way.

Be careful that you don’t make the same mistake.

“Today when you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” (Hebrews 3:15)

“But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” (1 John 1:7-10)

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on Him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

All Scripture is from the New Living Translation (NLT), copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Using It the Way It Was Intended

I'm writing this blog sitting at the cabin where there is no paper...

I needed some so I went to the drawer that we have stocked over the years with paper along with crayons, pens, markers, paint, pencils (plain and colored), coloring books, and other items necessary for rainy days and other moments of creativity...

The drawer is empty of plain paper because many people; young and old, have grabbed paper to use it the way it was intended. Many of their creations now hang on many refrigerators throughout the state of Minnesota. Several of them are covering the refrigerator at this very cabin.

In fact, when two of my grandchildren came up to spend the day with Cathy and me and their mom, one of the first things that they wanted me to see (after greeting me with; "Grandpa!") were the drawings that they had made during their last trip to the cabin. They were now prominently displayed on the cabin refrigerator for all to appreciate like the "Mona Lisa" or any other great piece of art in the Louvre in Paris, France.

"Yes, I saw it!” I told them as they were delighted with my response and my recognition of the subject matter of the drawings. From there, they showed me whatever else was on their minds and we set out for a great time at the cabin.

And now they are gone; back to their own home as I sit and write down my thoughts...or attempt to.

As I said, the drawer is void of any blank paper; that is except for a "Mad Libs" book which are blank on the backsides...which is not how the book was intended to be used.

The page was made with the intention of people filling in the blanks on the pages to create a funny story. One player secretly fills in answers in the blanks (when requested) that are either names, nouns, or adjectives and then, when completed, reads the story aloud to the audience.

The game is frequently played as a party game or as a pastime by those who like this sort of activity; why, I'm not really sure because I'm not a fan of Mad Libs...

But I digress...or actually, it reinforces my thoughts for this blog today.

The creators of Mad Libs had an intended purpose for the creation of the book; beyond just the making of money. They produced it so that people would come together and fill out the blanks to craft a story that would be read and (hopefully) make people laugh and have a good time.

They created it and had a specific way that they wanted it to be used. That is why it comes with instructions; which can also be used as a rule book for times when people disagree on how to play the game.

It wasn't their intention that I tear the page out of the book, turn it over, and write on the back page which was completely blank. They didn't want me to write my own story. No, they wanted me to use the printed side and ONLY fill in the blank spots.

They wanted me to use it the way that it was intended; not make up my own rules or laws to justify my own preference. They wanted me to not change things to justify how I wanted to use what they had created.

What have we done with that which The Creator of heaven and earth has created? We, too, change the rules and use all that we see differently than it was created for.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:18-25)

 

May God continue to have mercy on each one of us!

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them and stricken them, and the hills trembled. Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still." (Isaiah 5:20-25)

New King James Version (NKJV)

All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“It Would Help if You Turn the Key the Right Way!”

An ice storm came through this past week and left our two vehicles encased in what appeared to be solid lead crystal. Which, although it looked beautiful, would stop Cathy and I from being able to use the vehicles to drive to work. 

Since I was aware that the storm was coming, I arose early to allow enough time (and elbow grease) to remove the results of freezing rain. When I went outside, I discovered that one to two inches of snow had fallen on top of the vehicles already encased in ice.

It took me about 30 minutes to remove all the snow and scrape off everything.

My next task was to open the doors so that I could gain entrance to be able to start the vehicles and warm them up prior to departure.

Our car opened immediately when I used the remote control to open the door locks. I was happy and proceeded on to our pickup truck.

The key unlocked the doors immediately on the first attempt; or at least I thought that they had opened…because when I went to lift the door handle I had no success in opening the truck door.

‘No big deal’, I thought, I would simply pound on each of the doors and coax it them open; which I did and then tried the door handles again…with no success.

‘No big deal’, I thought, I would simply pound once again on the door and coax it to open; which I did and then tried the door handles again…again with no success.

‘No big deal’, I thought, I would simply go into my shop, get a rubber mallet and use it to pound on the door and coax it to open; which I did and then tried the door handles again…with no success.

‘No big deal’, I thought, I would simply go into my shop, get a small flat pry bar and use it to gently pry on the door and coax it to open; which I did (along with using the rubber mallet) and then tried the door handles again…with no success. 

‘No big deal’, I thought, I would simply continue to gently pry on the door and coax it to open; which I did (along with using the rubber mallet) and then tried the door handles again…with no success.

Each time I would alternate between the driver side and the passenger side repeating the attempts to get inside.

As I was using the pry bar I noticed through the passenger window that the lock button was down, not up; indicating that this door was locked.

I took my key, inserted it into the lockset, turned it, and the button popped up. I immediately lifted the door handle, and the door opened!

I quickly went to the driver’s side and did the same procedure and that door opened as well!

As I pondered what had just taken place I concluded that, although we normally lock our vehicles, they were instead NOT LOCKED when I first went to get inside.

My attempts were stopped not because they were frozen, but because I had LOCKED the doors rather than unlocking them as I had assumed.

And it would help to turn the key the right way!

Those who read my blog know that somehow through this mistake I will still draw a spiritual truth to post for the readers’ consideration. So here I go…

Salvation is a free gift for anyone who will call upon the Name of the LORD. BUT you can’t get in without turning the key the right way.

No, it is not a formula of using the antiquated words or an old form of English.

No, you don’t have to wonder whether your hands should be folded with fingers up or whether they should be interlocked making sure that your hands are in some carefully formatted position. 

No, you don’t have to be at special location or be in a special position to receive the gift of salvation from Jesus.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV).

He is the ONLY way to come to salvation. He alone paid the price with His death, burial, and resurrection. In other words; it does help to turn the key the right way!

We humans will always try to formulate and script our own methods to into heaven; as though it was up to us to decide how things are to be done. Even if we can formulate the perfect plan (have the right key), it still helps if you turn the key the right way!

The Bible says; “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NKJV) and “There’s a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell.” (Proverbs 16:25 MSG)

All our own efforts will always leave us banging on a door that will not open even though we have a key in our hands.

No, the door will only open when it is the same door at which Jesus stands knocking. Then and only then will we be able to enter in.

Jesus said; “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV)

NKJV Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

You Nailed It!

“Did you just shoot yourself with the nail gun?” my father-in-law asked me as I was standing on a ladder about twelve feet off the ground.

We were up at the family’s cabin doing some finish carpentry and my task was to install trim on a stained glass window on one of the gable ends of the building.

“No” was my simple reply back to him,  as I didn’t want to be distracted in my attempt to continue my work…Or at least that is what I was hoping would be communicated to him…

“Yes you did; I saw you do it!” he replied.

“No, you are mistaken”, I said hoping he would drop it so that I could finish my work.

“Then move your hand” he replied in attempt to get me to tell what really happened…And, I was busted!

What had happened was in my attempt to hold two pieces of trim together and nail them I had shot a nail through one of my fingers and attached it to the window frame!

And, for some reason, I didn’t want to admit that I had nailed not only the trim together, but also my finger to the frame!

Why is that? One simple word: PRIDE. Arrogance, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling…

So I “stood my ground” not wanting to admit that I my finger was nailed to window frame as I was standing on a ladder about twelve feet off the ground. Nor did I want to admit that I needed help removing my finger from the window frame…which I eventually did…

This wasn’t the first time I had done something in front of others and hoped that they hadn’t noticed it. I know, seems hard to believe; right?

There were numerous other times like when I walked off the end of our dock (while fully dressed) as I was giving directions to a passing boat…and with my family watching me as I did it!

I have been poked, probed, hit, tripped; all at the amusement of others, all the while attempting to make it look as though it was planned.

One time I accidently stabbed myself after our Bible Study with an antique crochet hook; the kind that are used for crocheting doilies. It was so sharp that whatever it touched was instantly attached like a burr attaches itself to your pant leg as you walk past a field.

I had been playing with it (don’t ask me why) by bouncing it off the right side off my body and I ended up stabbing myself to the point in which I couldn’t stand up because it had penetrated my skin into the muscle…

I still have an internal scar from this event that when hit causes me pain!

But even worse than that, others from our Bible Study group were watching and they saw me stab myself!

And once again the denial came because of one simple word: PRIDE.

 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

So why is it we let pride get in the way in admitting that we are hurt or did something wrong or that we need others to help us? Why is it that we are so prideful to the point that we won’t ask for help even when we are nailed to a board twelve feet off the ground?

Simply put, we live in a world that is not how things are supposed to be. It is a world filled with pride:

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16)

Then what is the antidote for pride? One simple word: HUMILITY. to depress; figuratively to humiliate (in condition or heart): - abase, bring low, humble (self).

The Bible says;

“When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

“A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)

 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

How do we get humility? How can we cut through our stubbornness and allow others to bring a hammer?

Simply put; we look to Jesus. He knew how to humble Himself:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-7)

We look to Jesus:

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

I need to excuse myself because I think that I just nailed myself to another board…

 

All Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.