Eat and Drink and Glorify God.

“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25)

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tommy Neslon, a pastor at Denton Bible Church, has a great series on the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes is a book of the Old Testament, written by Solomon, one of Israel’s greatest kings. He was renowned for his great wisdom, even though he didn’t often make wise decisions. Nelson talks about how Ecclesiastes discusses the vanity of all what modern day philosophies call “life”, i.e. money, power, possessions, sex, and pleasure. The book talks about how life is hard and how a man will not necessarily escape the difficulties of life, but should instead fear God and enjoy the gifts God provides, (food, family, and work when possible). With that in mind, I here recognize the goodness of God in my life by thanking him for the following:

- I am thankful for the smiles of my children and the privilege of seeing them enjoy life and experience small but wonderful things like ice cream, a swimming pool, the beach, and chicken nuggets. I thank God for their laughter, their enjoyment of their evening bath, the love of going outside to play, and their delight in playing with friends.

- I thank God for how my son loves to mow the grass with me. I love seeing my son’s mannishness, how he loves being messy, loves trucks, planes, loud things, and destruction. I thank God for the glory of the sexes, how boys and girls are uniquely and gloriously different. I thank God for the emotional turbulence of my daughter, how in it I see a unique tenderness and femininity that makes her at once infuriating and delightful.

- I thank God for ocean breezes, for good food, for a quiet house after the children have gone to bed, (finally).

- I thank God for a good cup of hot tea in the morning, a quiet ride to work when I can pray.

- I thank God for a good movie that makes me laugh, draws me in, has great acting and a wonderful storyline.

- I thank God and see the glory of heaven in good music. I love the diversity and depth in the various instruments God has created. I appreciate the skill and mastery of those instruments in worship music and in the classical works of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. I love how music can be strong and tremendous, like Beethoven’s 5^th and tender and mournful, like Beethoven’s Pathetique or Brahms’s Requiem.

- I thank God for a soft couch, a porch swing on a cool day, and any other form of comfortable seating.

- Thank you God for good friends, even those who have moved away. Thank you for those who understand my unique and often weird personality and humor.

- Thank you for my wife who loves me tenderly and shows me grace, forgiveness, wisdom, and patience on a daily, (minute by minute), basis. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful friend, a close to perfect mother, and incredible spouse.

- Thank you for sports, for beautiful basketball games, powerful football games, and the skill seen in so many other venues like golf, baseball, and yea even soccer.

- Thank you for a comfy and worn in hat. Thank you God for worn in jeans that fit perfectly.

- Thank you for good books. The Lord of the Rings, the Gates of Fire, and Jack Reacher novels come to mind.

- Thank you that my parents and parents-in law are still alive and I can watch them delight in my children. Thank you I can still partake of their wisdom and life experiences. Thank you for the big boat they will give me in their wills, (I’m joking).

- Thank you for Jesus, “who ever lives and pleads for me”.

Life is hard. The world is broken because of sin. People get sick and die. Relationships fall apart. Work is difficult and infuriating. Bills pile up. Yet in it all God is still glorious and has given us much to enjoy. Thank you Lord.

P.S. Nelson’s excellent sermons can be found at dentonbible.org.

The Bible quotes were copied from Biblegateway.com. 

I couldn't resist the following picture: 

The Grounds for Trusting God: Part 1, God is not Stupid

For me, the foundation I have for trusting God is the assumption that God is not stupid. That’s right, my confidence and obedience is based on God’s lack of stupidity, and (I’m sure if you’re reading this you've never heard THAT before). On the contrary, I believe God is wise and good. When He speaks in the Bible about what is good, right, and true, I believe he knows what he is talking about and therefore his commands can be trusted.

A lot of people read or hear what the Bible has to say about life, marriage, sexuality, goodness, truthfulness, and holiness and feel that God is just a big jerk with a lot of rules who is trying to ruin everyone’s party. Therefore when they read the Bible or hear what it says they reject it because they think God is infringing on their rights or their enjoyment.

I can understand the hesitancy to trust someone who gives instructions about life and behavior. All of us have at one time or another dealt with poor authority figures in our lives, whether that was an unkind parent, an overbearing employer, an incompetent teacher, an arrogant policeman, or a lying politician. I would dare say that most of us could probably count on one hand the number of leaders we have known who were kind, trustworthy, and wise. Good leadership is a rarer than a perfect diamond. So why should we trust the God of the Bible as he seeks to be the leader and authority figure supreme of our lives? How is he not any different than any other faulty leader we have ever known? Is he trustworthy? Is he a tyrant? Does he know what he’s doing? Does he really care about me?

These and more are all valid questions. How can we follow a leader who isn’t trustworthy? How can we follow someone who doesn’t have our best interests in heart? How can someone be followed if he doesn’t know what he’s doing?

So we must know that God is both wise and loving if I am to trust and obey him. So is he? Is God wise and is God loving?

First let’s look at the wisdom of God. I believe God is wise and all knowing. Therefore, when he gives a command or speaks about life, he speaks as someone who knows what he is talking about. Therefore we can trust what he has to say. So how do we know God is wise? I would first argue from a creation standpoint. God created all life. He created humans in his image. As an almighty, eternal creator, he knows what is best for the creatures he brought into existence. In some small way I helped create my children, (let’s just leave it at that). I am their parent. I have the benefit of having lived longer than they have, having experienced more than they have, and I have the intimate knowledge of having watched them grow and experiencing their personalities, faults, and strengths. Therefore in many ways I know what it is best for them. I know eating too much sugar will upset my oldest child’s stomach in a bad way. I can discern the cries of my middle child when she goes to bed to tell whether or not the cry is serious or just an attempt to stay up later. I know my son has a temper that needs to be reined in or he will be a holy terror later in life. Having “created” and raised my children, I have intimate knowledge of them and knowledge to know what is best for them. In the same way God, the creator and “parent” of all life on earth, knows people intimately and knows what is best for those he created.

Secondly, let’s look at what the Scriptures have to say about the wisdom of God. Daniel says about God, “wisdom and power are his,” (Daniel 2:20-21). Paul, looking over the sovereign plan of God over history says,

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen,” (Romans 11:33-36).

God is the all wise one. There is no one who informs the Lord. There is no one who can tell God something he doesn’t already know. There is no one to advise God. How does this play out in our lives? There is no philosophy, thinking, idea, perspective, or religion who will have a better perspective and council on how to live life, how to be happy, how to have a good marriage, how to be a good parent, ad infinitum. No guide, teacher, preacher, or wise man will ever outwit God or add anything to his incredible councils. There is no one wiser than God.

God, the designer, knows how his creations will best function and life happily and healthily. God, as a creator and Father, knows people and what is best for their lives. God, as all knowing and all wise, has no fault or flaws in his thinking. To be crass, but blunt, God is not stupid. He is all wise, all knowing, and his decisions and commands about life, morality, marriage, sexuality, honesty, money, and life can be trusted.

There is, however, a problem with the truth I've laid out here. If God, who is all wise, is not trusted and followed, we show ourselves to be stupid and rebellious. We are rejecting the one who made us and rejecting the one who is all wise. It is one thing to rebel against a leader who is untrustworthy and proven to be an idiot. It is quite another to reject a leader who is trustworthy, wise, and who has a proven capacity to lead and direct another. A rejection of a leader with such credentials shows himself to be stupid and a rebel and will justifiably receive no leniency.

Heavy truths to ponder. So what do you do? Will you trust the only wise God? Or will you trust your own councils, thinking, or “wisdom” of others?

Coming soon, part II, God can be trusted because he is loving. 

Letters to My Daughters #2, Your Mother

You should both know you have an amazing mother. Now you may be asking, "What does my mother have to do with the man I'm going to marry?" Good question. The answer is that the kind of lady you are will greatly affect the kind of man you will marry. Worthless men typically don't get wonderful, classy women. Nasty women don't typically get honorable and attractive men, (though sadly, there are a few exceptions).

Therefore the conclusion and call for you both is to grow into women of integrity, character, grace, gentleness, hard work and purity. Like attracts like. If you are a woman of inner beauty you will attract a man of the same kind of inner beauty who is characterized by integrity, purity, honesty, and faithfulness. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight," (1 Peter 3:4-5).

I sit here looking at a picture of your mother and I together a long time ago. I'm reminded of how beautiful she is, not only in appearance, (she has the most amazing smile), but also in heart and character. She is kind, considerate, respectful, faithful, and forgiving. Your mother loves and honors her parents. She is a tremendous mother to her children, sacrificing her own needs, wants, and health to a fault. She is smart, quick-witted, and incredibly capable of doing whatever she sets her mind to do. Your mother has a great sense of humor and isn't afraid to laugh at herself. She is a good and faithful friend. She is a hard worker. She honors and cares for her foolish and sinful husband. She overcomes obstacles in her path. Your mother is stubborn, but ultimately willing to listen and learn from others and even from her own mistakes. She is not greedy, doesn't have to have the latest stuff to be happy and knows how to enjoy what is the simplest and best in life: good friends, family, and a good meal. She is easy to get along with, is warm and compassionate and is wise and understanding.

I have not mentioned much of her physical attributes, yet clearly I think she is a total babe. The verse I chose for your mother for our wedding was Song of Solomon 7:6, "How beautiful and pleasant you are, O my love, with all your delights!" She is beautiful indeed, but the inner beauty of her character makes her shine all the more. If you want to find a good man, then grow into a beautiful woman, both inside and out.

Love,
Your Daddy

Letter to my Daughters, #1

Dear Lillian and Annie, 

I have been thinking for a while now about writing some letters to you. The letters I had in mind would be about love, relationships, life, and the man you may one day choose to be your husband. The reason I wanted to write instead of talk to you directly is because (1) it's easier for me to write out my thoughts and (2) by the time you're old enough to read and understand these, (i.e. teenagers), you may not want to listen to what I have to say. Therefore letters seem to be the best way to communicate with you. 

I have thought a lot about you two lately and the men you would one day love and marry. I don't know why, really. Lillian, you're only six and Annie, you're only 3. There's obviously a long time to go, (hopefully), before you start falling in love with and dating boys. (Let it be noted I will have all of my scare tactics ready by the time you're 13). Then again I figured I needed to respond to these thoughts in my head and feelings in my heart and write to you now. 

Choosing the man you will love and marry is not the most important decision you'll ever make. Whether or not you will trust and love Jesus Christ as your Savior is the biggest. I would also rate higher the type of lady you will become and the character choices you make along the way. We live in an increasingly corrupted and deceitful world and your character and integrity will be challenged at every step of your life. Maybe the Lord will impress upon my heart to write about these subjects too. But for now my attention is on another matter, which is not as important as the others, but still will have an incredible impact on your lives. 

There is no one who will have a greater impact, (positive or negative, depending on your choice), on your lives than your spouse. There is no person who has the capacity to love or hurt you deeply more than your spouse. There is no one who will know you more intimately, (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), than your husband. He can be the greatest friend of your life or your greatest enemy. He will be, Lord willing, the father of your children, your caretaker in old age, your shoulder to cry on in hard times, the provider for you and your family, and the lover of your soul. If you make a poor choice for a mate it will be devastating to your lives. If you make a wise choice it will be one of the greatest blessings you will ever experience. The person you marry will either bless you or emotionally rend you asunder. Have I made the situation clear enough? I hope so because marriage is more than flowers, a fancy wedding, and a honeymoon, it is two people being united spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally for the rest of their lives. Marriage is a profound mystery and will have profound results on you both. 

Therefore I am writing to you girls to share what little, (if any), insight I have about life, love, marriage, and men, (all men are deviant perverts...done), in the hopes you will gain some wisdom as you look for a mate. I can't guarantee my advice is infallible, but I trust what I say is at least worth considering and will aid you in your choice of a mate. 

Love,
Your Daddy

I Like Angry Psalms...

"Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. 
Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" - Psalm 44:23-26

I think if it weren't for the Psalms I would have given up prayer a long time ago and my faith would be either fragile or non existent. In the psalms I find men, even great men of God, who cry, accuse, and rebuke God. I find men who are very angry with God and how they perceive He has treated them. I see the hearts of men broken and battered over the things they have faced or experienced as well as the sins they have committed. I read the cries of men who are depressed, despairing, and hopeless. I see men who have failed, who are confused, and who are lost. They don't know where God is or what He is doing. 

If I was reading the prayers of some person with no sense, no wisdom, no moral compass, and no relationship with God I would discount these writings and prayers as foolish, stupid, irreverent, and dangerous. If I was around such a person when they were praying I would look for a rock to hide behind in anticipation of God striking that person with lightning for their stupidity. Yet the writers of the Psalms are not these kinds of men. The writers of the psalms are God-fearing, holy, moral and wise men. David, the King of Israel, was the standard by which all other kings were judged and the writer of the majority of the psalms. He was called a man after God's own heart. Yet even David, a man of great faith, humility, and love towards God, was willing to be angry with, chastise, yell at, and express his disappointment with God to God. He did not hide his emotions. He did not hide his anger or despair. He was free before God to share, to cry, and to scream out his brokenness to God and even how upset he was with the Almighty. 

Such behavior feels awkward and unholy to us. Our perception of the Lord is of incredible holiness. We think of a God who can not be approached, who must be appeased, and who will burn up with fire anyone who dares disrespect or dishonor him. Our perception for the most part is grounded in reality because in the Bible we read stories of how God obliterated men and women who sinned against him, who disobeyed his commands, or who approached him improperly. God is holy and man cannot stand in his presence without being dismayed and destroyed by the knowledge of their own unrighteousness, (see also Isaiah, Isaiah 6, see also Moses in a way in Exodus 34, see also Peter after Jesus helped him catch a lot of fish, Luke 5:8). 

So what do we do with the Psalms? They seem so out of place. In the psalms God allows mere men to accuse him, to be angry with him, to rail against how he has acted, and to treat him with such seeming disrespect. In the verse I quoted above, the author tells God to wake up and stop sleeping! The author surely knew God doesn't sleep, nor does he need rest. He also knew God was fully aware of his situation because he knew God is all-knowing. Yet he feels like God has been acting as if He is distant, ignorant, and lazy. He feels God has been sleeping on the troubles of the author's life. How do we make sense of this apparent contradiction between the holiness of God and his willingness to be railed at by mere men? Incredibly the Lord was not so disrespected and angry with the irreverence of the psalmists that he didn't squash them like a grape as soon as the words left their mouths, (or their pens). How does that make sense?

In my humble opinion the Psalms show us a Holy and Mighty God who understands the weakness of men. God knows men are like grass, who are here today and gone tomorrow, (Psalm 103). He understands and pities men who live in a fallen and broken world. I think of Job who vented and complained to God for about 40 chapters before God finally stepped in and straightened things out. The lesson: God allows and welcomes our anger, frustration, and disappointment. The goal is we would ultimately trust him, love him, and wait on him, but in the meantime we are welcome to pour out our souls before the Lord, being confident he will receive us. For what it is worth, allowing the Lord to bear the burden of our brokenness and anger is better than turning to alcohol, drugs, porn, infidelity, violence, or anything else.

I will close in the same way the psalmist ended Psalm 44, without resolution, but instead with pain, hurt, and doubt, but knowing at least that those feelings and those struggles are okay in the presence of Almighty God, (see also Jesus, Matthew 27:45-46). Maybe knowing men in times past were able to emotionally vomit their broken hearts, anger, and doubt lets me know I can freely come to the Almighty with my pain. Maybe knowing things were not always clean, hopeful, and easy is an encouragement that I'm not alone and not the only one who hurts deeply sometimes. Maybe knowing the Lord was able to take men, like David, out of the depths of despair and depression of Psalm 42 and eventually lead them to a psalm of praise like Psalm 145 gives me hope that the Lord may one day do the same in my life.

So what if there's no hopeful happy closing. If you are looking for that, go to a concert or a Fourth of July celebration. As for me, I'd rather live in reality. 

God bless.
T

So What did I learn in Nicaragua?

The response I received from my Nicaragua pictures and blog posts has been tremendous. People have been very encouraging and open to hear about the trip and what I experienced. Several people, however, said they wished I was more introspective about what I learned and what God taught me through my time there. Because of the overwhelming demand, (sarcasm), I must respond to the pleas of the people and share more about my trip.

So what did I learn? I wouldn’t say I learned so much as I was reminded of many things I already knew. I was reminded that God is not a North American. He is not a white guy who drinks sweet tea and prefers college football. God is the god of all peoples. He is the God of Central Americans and North Americans. He is a God who loves the Nicaraguan people. He loves their families, their culture, and their children. He desires that they would all come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. He created a beautiful county and a beautiful people in Nicaragua and loves them. I already knew all of this, but only theoretically. It was wonderful to be reminded that the Lord is the Lord of all and desires to save all. It was good to be reminded the Lord doesn’t look or think just like me, but he is a great God who has created many different peoples, cultures, and languages, and wants them all to know his Son.

I was also reminded I am a teacher. I may not be gifted as an evangelist, preacher, or any other “gifting” listed in Ephesians 4, but I am a teacher. God has wired my mind and heart in such a way that I naturally think about how to teach and communicate with others. He has gifted me, by his grace, that I am effective, (to what degree I’ll let others decide), in communicating his truth. My heart and mind were alive the week I was in Nicaragua because I was always thinking of how to communicate and illustrate the truths of the Scriptures. I felt like I was doing what God had designed me to do.

Any other time when I have worked professionally or ministered within the church, I have always felt out of place. I love the ministries I have had a chance to be involved in, whether men’s groups, Sunday school teaching, or the Stephen ministry I participate in. Stephen ministry, in particular, has been such a sweet blessing as I have learned how to listen to, and bear the burdens of others. Yet in those things, I feel like I’m a bit out of position. It would be like if I was playing basketball at a gym. I could adequately, if I was in shape, play the “2 guard” position. I could shoot okay and help move the ball around the court to help the team score. However, I’m not a guard. I’m 6’5. I belong on the post or around the paint. That is where my body type, experience, and skill set would be most effective. It’s the same in my life experiences. I can adequately serve in other ministries or work in other jobs, but at my heart I am a teacher and would best fit and work teaching the Bible. What does this mean for me in the future? I don’t know. The Lord has not opened doors or led in such a direction. I struggle to trust his leading, timing, and wisdom in the matter. I trust he knows how unhappy I am currently and trust, albeit weakly, that he will use the talents and gifts he has given me in his own time.

What else did I learn? I was reminded of how much I love my family and how my life doesn’t fully function without the presence of my wife and children. I already knew this, but 8 days away from your family will do wonders to make you aware of how much you love them.

I learned I could see myself living and ministering abroad for a time with my family. My only concern is my middle child, Annie. If you know her, you know what I mean. I call her my velvet tank. She’s tender, strong, and wonderful, but emotional at times. How would God work being a missionary into the life of my kids and my wife? Alison struggles with languages more than most people. How would we survive?

I learned my stomach could handle Nicaraguan food, (for the most part).

I learned and loved how much Nicaraguans laugh and enjoy life. Their laughter is absolutely contagious, even when you don’t know what they are laughing about.

I learned there are great servants of God in Nicaragua, even if they don’t have nearly the training or understanding that I do. I met incredible believers with tremendous passion for the gospel, the lost, and the Lord. Some had little understanding of the Word and how to walk with God, but they loved the Lord ten times as much as I do.

I hope this answers the questions as to what I learned while abroad and also provides some insight into how God worked in my heart and mind while I was away. To the thousands…hundreds…tens…okay handful of people who read my blog, God bless you. 

El dia de seis in Nicaragua

Matagalpa

Today is the last day of our classes in Matagalpa. Patrick will try to finish up with the Peacemakers course. Harry and I will try to finish up with 1st Timothy. I told Harry earlier in the week that I would buy him a Chick-fil-a sandwich if we managed to finish 1st Timothy by the end of the week, so he is highly motivated. Both Patrick, Harry, and I have gone slow but steady in our teaching because we wanted to focus more on quality than quantity. Today, we still want to have quality teaching, but also want to get through the material. 

We had our last breakfast at Norman's cafe, another delicious meal, then headed to the church. Patrick worked to finish the Peacemaker's material while Harry and I sat in the back and worked to make  final preparations for our last talk. Patrick was able to finish his course, although he had to cram some things in quickly at the end. I knew Harry would be cutting it close to earn that Chick-fil-A sandwich. 

In the afternoon I led off teaching 1 Timothy 4:1-10. I started off leading the audience in a rousing Spanish version of "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down in my heart". I think the Nicaraguans enjoyed watching me make a fool of myself. In 1st Timothy Harry and I were focusing heavily on how the false teachers were corrupting the Ephesian church by teaching things that were not based in the Scriptures. As an application we tried to remind the Nicaraguans over and over again that they needed to base their thinking on what the Word says, not what we say, what our culture says, or even what their leaders say. We challenged them to ask, "Que Dice La Palabra?" (What does the Word say?). We wanted them to be teachers and leaders that were grounded in the Scriptures for their answers. I talked about how in 1 Timothy 4:6 Paul wanted Timothy to "put these things before" the people, stating the Nicaraguans should be carefully and lovingly teaching the Word to their churches. 

Harry quickly took the last hour and a half to run through the last part of 1st Timothy 4, then 5 and 6. Even though he was moving quickly, I still feel like he was able to address the Word well with the audience. He actually finished on time, so I will have to buy him a sandwich when we get back to the states. (Oh darn, more time with Harry Stevenson). 

At 3:45 or so, we had a ceremony for all of the Nicas that finished the courses. Each participant got a certificate and a book that corresponded with the classes. They were all very proud of themselves and each other for what they had learned during the week and also vowed to take what they had learned and teach it to their churches. We took a lot of photographs afterwards with the Nicas proudly showing off their certificates. As we left the church for the final time, many of the people there were asking for Patrick's Facebook information and email. I found this amusing because Patrick doesn't speak or read Spanish at all!

On the way out of town, we stopped at the Nicaraguan Christian Academy, which is partnered with the CFCI team in Nicaragua. The principle, Kerrie, told us about all of the amazing things they are doing there at the school. The campus was beautiful. They currently have a need for teachers of all kinds, so I would encourage anyone to check out their website or contact them directly. 

On the way home we stopped at a gas station and I got a Snickers and a Coke. Even though we had eaten well all week, I can't tell you how delicious it tasted to eat some American junk food. We finally got back to our home in Managua around 9:00 pm and crashed hard. Only one more day until we go home to our families. As my wife posted on Facebook, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can make it one more day."

Benediciones, 
Travis