Dr. Harold Sala On Aging Well

While I am sending this eNewsletter to all my Friends, I suppose it is more for those Friends who are my classmates and others in my generation - we who have reached our eighties but refuse to lay down and quit.  Yet it can be helpful for my younger Friends, for it gives thought to why we may be a wee bit slower in responding.  I will admit that I, and I am sure other of my generation, forget that we have aged just a wee bit.  Which brings a pleasant flash-back.    

In the early 1990s my mom was in the hospital in Alabama and I flew home to spend a week with her.  Each day I would go to the hospital cafeteria for lunch - and I was shocked.  My hometown is not a really big city, so I should have been seeing folks I knew.  For several days I looked at all the white haired folks, seeking an old acquaintance or classmate.  Nothing, nada!

Then on the third day it dawned on me.  The white haired folks I was looking at - were not my generation - but were the children of my generation.  When I began to look through clear eyes, there was Patty Brocato, a classmate.  While we were eating lunch, Ralph Milam, another classmate, stopped to say hello.  Yes, it is amazing what we find when we look through the right lens.  But I still refuse to admit to being a senior - except for restaurant senior discounts. 

Today when I received my "Guidelines For Living Daily Devotional" from Dr. Harold Sala of Guidelines International Ministries - it made me think.  The Eighties Decade of life is a rather unusual one today.  In earlier generations, by eighty most of us would have been gone.  But today, as Dr. Sala points out in his devotional - even though we have lost as number of friends and family, a good number of them are still with us and active. 

About twenty years ago two of my high school friends, James Henson and Bob Davis, and I began networking via e-mail and started adding other classmates.  In those decades, using both e-mail and other social media - I have been able to stay connected with many of my classmates and other friends as we slip slowly into that magic decade - our Eighties.  We have lost some, but many of us are still active and sharing our thoughts, pleasures, sometimes sorrows - but like the 1970s Bee Gees' song tells us, still "Staying Alive!"

I will admit that today in my writings, I do find myself today traipsing down Memory Lane more often.  And I do find myself using that old phrase "flash back" more frequently.  A few years ago a Christian sister at Bible study, who also receives my Friends Ministry eNewsletter, said to me, "Bill, it is amazing that you have such vivid memories of your childhood."   And I had to admit that, along with the gift of writing which God has given me - He also has given me the ability to see and relive so much of my earlier life.  So I suppose sharing those flash-back memories is also part of the writing ministry He has given me.

Many thanks to Dr. Harold Sala for reminding me of the blessing of flash-backs, in his Guidelines For Living Daily Devotional today.  If you would like to also read his devotionals, hear his 5-Minute Daily Guidelines For Living Devotionals podcasts, finds his books and other writings, or just give to help his amazing ministry - Google "Guidelines International Ministries."   You can also find "Guidelines International Ministries" on Facebook. 

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5 WAYS TO AGE WELL
Guidelines For Living Daily Devotional
By Dr. Harold Sala, May 23, 2019 Guidelines International Ministries

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.  Deuteronomy 34:7

"Dear Dr. Sala," wrote a friend, "Would you have any suggestions to help people who have reached their eighties and feel they have nothing to live for?  I admit feeling very useless at times.  I am 82, in a wheel chair, and have little energy."

In recent days, there has been a graying of society as more and more of us are living longer and longer; and with the years come new challenges.  Frankly, every year I hear from more and more people who are struggling with the challenges of aging.  I've done two things, thinking about this issue.  First, I've asked again, "What does God say in His Word about this?"  Then, I've talked with a number of seniors who are there and asked them what they have found that is helpful, which I can share with you.

The fact is that the number of men and women in their eighties has increased dramatically in the last two decades.  Better medicines, better nourishment, and better health care in general have combined to give a lot of seniors more years.  Whereas many would have succumbed to illnesses a few years ago, they now often fight back and have years to enjoy, provided they can enjoy them.

Far sooner than we would like to admit, the years turn into decades and we find ourselves doing fewer and fewer things for the first time and more and more things for the last time.  How can seniors handle the changes of life?

May I suggest the following:

Guideline #1:  Come to grips with the fact that you are here by the will of God, not fate or chance.  God makes no mistakes and suffers no surprises.  Paul wrote, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..."   Never forget, until He calls you, you’ve got work to do.

Guideline #2:  Realize that your true value as a person is dependent on your character and not your productivity.  One of the flaws of our thinking, especially as we age, is that we are not worth much unless we are producing.  This, of course, runs contrary to everything that the Bible says.  It tells us that you are of value and worth, not because of what you do, but because of what you are.  Paintings and fine books only become more valuable with age, and so it is with people.

Guideline #3:  Accept your lessening strength with grace.   "I greet each day as a gift," says Beatrice Cole, at age 90.  She says that the last decade, from age 80 to 90, has been the best gift of her life, though she has been alone most of that time except for the company of her pet poodle.

Guideline #4:  Force yourself to get out and mix with people.  "After I lost Ethel," said Frank Emery, "I forced myself to get out, to travel, to play golf, to be with people." Sitting at home, refusing to reach out to others, only compounds your loneliness.

Guideline #5: Refuse to accept defeat at the hand of yourself.  Theologian Dr. Wilbur Smith once wrote, “It’s no sin growing old, but it’s mighty inconvenient.”  My wife of 60 years and I recently co-authored a book entitled, Age is Just a Number.  Now that we are both in our 80s, it’s nice to write about something we have experienced firsthand. As the horses of time gallop down the lessening hills, share your life experiences with those who follow in your footsteps.  Your memories will be with them long after you are gone. Indeed.

Resource Reading:  Isaiah 40:1-11

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I pray you have found today's Guidelines For Living Daily Devotional edifying and helpful.  If so please let Dr. Sala know that you appreciate his ministry.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

Driving Down My Auto Memory Lane

Yesterday a friend posted a graphic on Facebook which asked the question:  "Has Anyone Ever Owned A Buick?  If So, How Did You Like It?"  And memories began to flood my mind and heart.   As usual a song which perfectly fit the moment came to mind, "Yesterday When I Was Young" by Andy Williams.  The lyrics of that song seemed to have been written about me - for they fit my life so well.  I suppose many of us can say that, but to me the lyrics touched deep inside.

Listen to the lyrics in this video and see if you find yourself there:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUbFi5MsyE8

When I left the Air Force in 1958, my family and I came to Southern California and for $75 I bought a 1946 Plymouth from a little old lady in Glendale (literally!).  That Plymouth lasted for a couple of months while I began my career in the computer industry and could buy a newer car.  The evening we took ownership of our cherished almost new 1956 Buick Century station wagon - the poor Plymouth collapsed and died, outside the car dealership.

The 1956 Buick Century had a powerhouse engine, station wagon or sedan.  I drove our Buick station wagon for the next year in Southern California - and then drove it, zig zagging across country.  Leaving the Los Angeles area I drove the beautiful Route 66 to Albuquerque, turned north to Denver to visit my in-laws, east to Kansas to visit a brother-in-law, then south to Alabama to visit my mom and family. 

From Alabama we went north to Norfolk, Virginia, where I worked as a Field Engineer on the Burroughs B-220 computer system at the Norfolk Naval Supply Depot for nine months.  Then in our trusty Buick, we moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where I worked for several years in the Burroughs Corporation Washington DC office.  We were there for the inauguration of President Kennedy.

In Virginia we downsized to the newly introduced rear engine 1961 Corvair station wagon.  In the Washington DC snow, the ability of the rear engine drive allowed me to ignore the snow when others were stuck on the side of the road.  Then in early 1963, our trusty 1961 Corvair station wagon brought us back to Southern California, where I drove it for a few more years.

In 1965, living the Southern California singles life, I bought a new 1965 Chevy Malibu SS convertible.   That was a "young man living in Southern California" dream car - class and power all the way - top down, wind blowing in my hair.  Even though it was a new and beautiful color (as you can see in the photo) introduced by Chevrolet that year - they must have allowed someone from West Hollywood to name the color.  When a valet parking attendant ask what color of Chevy Malibu I wanted brought around, I said very distinctly, "Purple!  A PURPLE Chevy Malibu convertible."   No way I was going to tell him it was "Evening Orchid" - not in Southern California.

That beauty took me on many road trips.  First up and down the West Coast, then on a move to Huntsville, Alabama, where I worked for a year driving all over the Southeastern states.  Then from Huntsville I drove back to Southern California - riding in style in my "Purple" Chevy Malibu SS convertible. 

In 1977 I took my last road trip in the Purple Passion convertible - driving solo from Southern Cal to Alabama, then to Boston, and then back to Southern Cal via the northern route, about 8000 miles total.

Later in 1977 I met the woman who finally put a ring on my finger and made me settle down, my lovely Filipina, Dory.  We met shortly after my road trip, in the late Spring of 1977, fell in love, and married on September 2, 1977.  A year later she decided I needed a Cadillac to match hers - so she bought me the red 1975 Cadillac Sedan de Ville.  Now I was truly riding in style. 

One day, circa 1978, I was driving from Orange County to to a sales meeting in Westwood, California - and since that was during the time when California had a 55 mph speed limit - I drove 55 mph all the way.  As I was approaching my Wilshire Boulevard freeway exit, to avoid blocking traffic behind me I sped up just to get into the exit lane - and, voila!, there was a California Highway Patrol with flashing lights.

I explained my reason for speeding up - but, rules are rules.  He asked for my driver's license, okay - then he asked for the car registration.  I explained that because my wife purchased the car, it was in her name.  He looked at the registration, looked at the car, then looked at me in my three-piece business suit - and told me with a smile, "That's okay.  You look like you belong in this car." 

Yes, there are really nice California Highway Patrol officers - with good judgment and good taste.  Just kidding.  But he was a exemplary representative of our fine CHP family of officers.  No, I am not saying that because our grandson-in-law is a CHP officer.  But, he too, is a fine gentleman, an exceptional CHP officer, a good Christian brother, and to put icing on the cake - he treats our granddaughter like the princess she has always been to us..

This is my trip down Memory Lane of the cars I purchased.  Since being wed to my Filipina Fireball, I have not done the actual buying of any car.   She knows I hate to bargain, while it is in her blood.  I walk into a car dealer, or any other store, see something I like - if I can afford it, I buy it.  If I cannot afford the price I see, I walk away.  Yes, I know, dealers expect folks to bargain and that is why they tack on 25% - so that they can allow you to bargain them down 15% and feel like you have a good deal. 

I paid sticker price for the Buick station wagon, the Chevy Corvair station wagon, and the Chevy Malibu convertible - and felt just fine doing it and loved my vehicles.  Not sure what Dory paid for the Cadillac - but that was my transition.  Let  her bargain and I will just enjoy.

When our daughter, Lana, was 19 and working she decided to buy a car.  She found a nice car at a Chevrolet dealer and asked me to take a look at it.  We looked it over, I believe we drove it, and I told her I liked it.  She bought the car - and a few years later when friends asked what she paid, they told her, "You paid too much!"  

She came home telling me that I let her pay too much.  I told her, "Honey, you asked to to look at the car and see if I thought it would be right for you.  I liked it and told you that.  But I never pretended to be one who would bargain with a dealer.  If you wanted that, you should have taken your mom with you."  Not sure if she ever forgave me.

To my Friend who posted the original Facebook graphic about the Buick car, "Thanks For The Memory Trip!"  Let's take a trip again one of these days.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

Is There Too Much Arguing And Inbreeding Within The Christian Faith?

For years it has bothered me that Christians spend so much time and effort to prove others within the faith wrong.  We see Calvinist/Reformed folks casting stones at those standing in Arminian theology, and vice versa.  We see those in the Free Grace Movement continually casting stones at what they call the Lordship Theology believers.  We see Legalism Theology folks condemning those in the Literal Theology pews.

And we see continual fighting over which Bible translation is the real Word of God.

Folks, just imagine how we would impact the world - if we would only spend that time and effort to reach the unsaved of the world. 

Let's take a moment and look at the Great Commission:

Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and Make disciples of all the nations, Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' "

Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Mark 16:15, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.' "

Do you see anywhere in the Great Commission - which is Jesus Christ's marching orders for all His church - that He is telling us to quibble and argue among ourselves?  Do you see anywhere that He tells us to stay within our own little circle of friends and within our own little local family of believers?   No.  Nor do I.

What does Jesus Tell Us?  Hasn't He told us to go into all the world seeking to save the unchurched, the unsaved?  Or has He suggested we prove other Christians and churches wrong?  Has He suggested that we lure people away from other churches - in this way, bringing them, their friends, and their families into our church?  Or has Jesus told us to go into the highways and byways, i.e., to the unchurched and unsaved, and bring them into His house (Matthew 22:9-10, Luke 14:23)?  But how can churches reach out to the unsaved - when they spend all their time arguing over church methods, traditions, and theology issues with other believers?

Although I am not a fan of Pastor Rick Warren's Social Theology, nor his Purpose Driven Movement, nor his views on inter-religion ecumenism - I am a strong fan of his ideas on church growth.  In his book, published in 1995, titled "The Purpose Driven Church," Warren wrote, "The Saddleback (Church) statistic I'm most pleased about is the fact that 80 percent of our members found Christ and were baptized at Saddleback.  We have not grown at the expense of other churches" (page 50).  In other words, regardless of how we view Rick Warren on other issues - the fact that, in 1995, 80% of that large congregation was composed of people who had been unchurched and unsaved - and had been brought into the Saddleback Church through evangelistic outreach efforts.

In response to accusations that he supports Chrislam, Warren responded, "As an evangelist, I spend much of my time speaking to non-Christian groups.  You cannot win your enemies to Christ - only your friends.  So we must build bridges of friendship and love to those who believe differently so Jesus can walk across that bridge into their hearts.  .  .  .  .   In the past 10 years, Saddleback Church has baptized over 22,000 new adult believers - simply because we express love to those who don’t know Christ yet."  ("Rick Warren Addresses Rumors He Supports Chrislam"  - https://www.charismanews.com/us/32322-rick-warren-addresses-rumors-he-supports-chrislam)

During the seven years I was posting on the Religion Forum of my hometown newspaper, the TimesDaily, I had a number of folks from differing Legalistic churches joining with agnostics and atheists to condemn me to hell, declaring that I was preaching nothing but heresies.  The most vocal was a gentleman who was positive that everything I posted was from Satan.  During those years I told him that I am Baptist and that what I share is from conservative Baptist teachings, from a literal Bible view.  But when I asked him, just to know where he found his theology, which church or denomination he attends or follows - he would never tell me.  He was absolutely adamant about not disclosing his church or denomination affiliation.  But it was obvious that he held to an extremely Legalistic theology.

I told him that I hold to a verbal plenary inspiration view of Scripture, that I believe all 66 books of the Bible are without error in the original manuscripts.  "Verbal" meaning that every word of Scripture is God-given.  "Plenary" meaning that all parts of the Bible are equally authoritative.  "Inspiration" meaning that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired.  Yet when I asked the basis for his view of Scripture - all he would tell me was that my view was wrong.

So, why did I debate the issues with him?  While I admit to being a bit uncomfortable spending so much time refuting his claims, I felt that I had to offer Biblical truths to offset his claims.  On that Religion Forum each day there were typically 20, 30, 40 members posting - but literally thousands reading our posts.  How do I know that is true?  Each day the TimesDaily Religion Forum would post those statistics:  XX Members Posting - XXX (often XXXX) Readers.  I posted, not for those other members who were actively posting, but for those hundreds or thousands of readers who seldom posted, but came to the Religion Forum to read what was posted.  Would my time have been better spent just sharing the Gospel to unbelieving readers?  Yes.  But when you see someone leading folks over a cliff - can you justify not warning them?

"But, Bill, isn't that what you accused the Calvinist vs the Arminians, the Free Grace vs the Lordship folks, etc., of doing - arguing over Biblical issues?"

While discussing differences between theological issues is the heartbeat of Apologetics, there is one big difference in these two situations.  Most often the differing theological proponents within apologetics are debating with other believers.  And while that is productive toward helping believers mature and encouraging them to dig deeper into their personal study of Scripture - it is not addressing the main issue of the Great Commission - which is to be His witnesses to the unsaved of the world.  So would that goal be better served if we spent less time on Apologetics - and more time sharing the Gospel to the unsaved?  Yes.

We who have achieved some degree of maturity in God's Word have two responsibilities:  First, to reach the unsaved for Christ.  And, second, to help new believers and others grow more mature in their knowledge of God's Word.  In doing that, we who might be leading or sharing will also grow more mature in that knowledge, for we learn as we lead.

"Bill, you initially mentioned arguing and inbreeding within the Christian faith.  What do you mean by 'inbreeding' within the Christian churches and denominations?"

Glad you asked.  Have you ever noticed that when local churches have guest speakers - those speakers are most often from within their own tight little circle, i.e., clique, of local churches - always from within their own small family of churches?  How often do we see our local churches, on special occasions which might call for a guest speaker, invite someone from outside their circle to speak? 

There are many highly qualified speakers, i.e., pastors, missionaries, theologians, even Christian businessmen, politicians, and musicians - who can be discretely checked for theological beliefs and invited to speak on special occasions in our local churches.  But it has been my personal experience over the past 30 plus years that local churches seldom reach out t to such people, preferring to have one of their own come to the pulpit.  We often see a tight little group who stand as mutual guest speakers within their own circle of churches.

All across our Christian nations there are gifted speakers to call upon.  While I cannot speak personally for other parts of America, in Southern California I know there are many gifted speakers who could be invited to speak.  Just off the top of my head, I am thinking of Dr. Harold Sala of Guidelines International Ministries, a great speaker.  Then there is my Friend, Leon Patillo, a gifted Christian musician and pastor who gives great messages and tops them off with a professional musical presentation. 

Another Christian Friend, Jun Polistico, who, when he is back home in America, would make a great speaker at your church.  He, too, is a gifted professional singer.  With a little effort your church can connect with such Christians who will be happy to help encourage, motivate, and edify your local fellowship.  Could a speaker from outside that family circle bring new and invigorating Light within your fellowship?  Food for thought.

Why do I call that practice of "staying within your circle of churches, large or small" a form of inbreeding?  Let's look at it from a Biblical view.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1) - and how many times have we heard, "Where did Cain get his wife?"

Yes, in the beginning brothers, sisters, cousins, etc., intermarried.   But God knew that once the ball started rolling, He had to change the rules to stop the results of long time inbreeding.  It is a well known fact that inbreeding within a family will cause problems, i.e., deformities, lower mental capacity, and a number of other problems.  And in a Christian fellowship family, could that not also happen and hinder the working of the Holy Spirit?

These are thoughts which have been on my mind over the years.  And I want to just toss them out for consideration.  I pray that the Holy Spirit is moving strongly in your church fellowship family.  If not, maybe a special guest speaker can help boost a Holy Spirit revival.  Just a thought.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

My Mom's Mars Hill Jesus Drawing

Recently A Hometown Friend And Christian Sister, Juanita Black Rickard, posted on Facebook about her Mars Hill Christian School Class of 1957 Reunion.  And that brought back a sweet memory.  About 1989 my mom was in the Helen Keller Hospital and I flew home to be with her during that time.  I was a relatively new believer and knowing that my step-father had my mom involved in a cult church for years, I wanted to witness to her.  Being a new believer I was not sure how to begin witnessing to her and my other family members. 

I searched all the Christian bookstores and finally settled on the Billy Graham "Steps To Peace With God" tract.  With a pocket full of these tracts, I went home ready to be a witness, albeit a clumsy one.

During that week, as I sat in her hospital room we talked about the Christian faith.  I told her, "Mom, it doesn't matter what we have done in this life, Jesus Christ will forgive us.  Even if I had murdered twenty people, when I received Him as my Lord and Savior - He forgave all my sins."

And her answer blew my mind.  She quietly told me, "I didn't know that."  Think about that, my step-father had her in the Herbert W. Armstrong cult church for twenty years - and she did not know that Jesus Christ would forgive her sins.  How can that be, that a supposed-Christian church would not teach that Jesus Christ died to forgive our sins?

That made me wonder how many other people, even people who sit in church every Sunday - do not know that Jesus Christ died to forgive all of our sins.  When Jesus declared on the cross, "It is finished!"  (John 19:30) He meant that He had done all that was required from God to forgive ALL sins - past, present, future.  He has done His part, He has forgiven all sins, and He has made eternal life available to all people.  The next step in ours - we have to believe in His name and receive Him as Lord and Savior.  John 3:16 tells us that God so loves the world (you, me, everyone in all generations) that He gave His Son to die on the cross so that WHOEVER believes in His Son WILL HAVE eternal life.

Do you know for sure that all of your loved ones and friends know and believe that simple statement?   My mom did not, after sitting in church every Sunday for twenty years.

Because of my step-father, she had been in a cult church for twenty years - and had not heard the real Gospel or had an opportunity to become a true believer.  To fast forward for just a moment, by the grace of God I was able to remedy that before she passed away on February 22, 1994, and I know, beyond all doubt, that upon death she went to be with the Lord.

During my hospital visit with her, we talked about the Christian faith, and watched Christian television shows.  One day, as we were watching a television show, mom told me, "I wish I could see Jesus."   When she said that, I decided I could do something to cheer her up and brighten her hospital room.   Wanting to give her something which would keep Jesus Christ on her mind, I left the hospital and drove to different Christian bookstores in the Shoals area looking for a small painting of Jesus Christ that I could leave on her nightstand - just to remind her that Jesus Christ is always there for her and He wants her to become a child of God.

Because the Shoals area of north Alabama is predominantly Baptist and Church of Christ oriented - none of the book stores I visited sold paintings of Jesus Christ.  After driving around for several hours, I eventually remembered the Mars Hill Christian School in Florence and that they have a bookstore.  Off I went to Mars Hill School and, although they, too, did not sell paintings or drawings of Jesus - I did find a large flip chart envelope and on the front it was a drawing of Jesus Christ coming out of the tomb in glory.   Just what I had envisioned.

I purchased the package, left the flip charts for the school to use, and used their paper cutter to trim the envelope and get just the drawing of Jesus Christ.   Then I stopped at the local K-Mart store for a frame - and took that framed drawing to my mom's hospital room.  I walked into her hospital room beaming with joy - for I had fulfilled her request - I had a picture of Jesus Christ for her.  Then she blew me away again when she said, "I meant that I wish I could see Him in person." 

My pride of accomplishment was deflated, I had misunderstood her desire.  But she did keep the drawing in her hospital room and took it home with her when she left the hospital.  And over the years she kept the framed drawing in her home because she knew that I had given it to her our of love.  When she was promoted to heaven, I brought the drawing home with me.  I still have it hanging in my office - to remind me of my Lord and of my mom.  I have it hanging beside my computer right now - and I don't feel that I am being disrespectful to Him.  That drawing only reminds me of the two people who have loved me the most:  Jesus Christ and my mom.

Many feel that having such a drawing or painting is worshiping an idol.  And others of us view it like having a reminder of a loved one - to keep that loved one in mind and heart when we are not together.   But NOT to be worshiped in any way.  When I was stationed in Korea in 1956-57, I took photos of my wife and children with me.  I hung them on my nightstand by my bed to have a feeling of being close to my family, a reminder that one day soon we would all be together again.  When I look at my mom's drawing of Jesus Christ, I am reminded that one day He, my mom, and I will be together again, for eternity.

In my collage below, the image on the upper right is my mom's Mars Hill Christian School drawing that I have kept all these years.  I have many Christian Friends who believe it is wrong to have such a drawing and I will be the first to say that NO ONE knows what Jesus really looked like.  I believe that was by God's design, so that no one will worship a photo or a painting.

Exodus 20:4-5, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.  You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, . . ."

I read this as telling me that I should not make nor worship any idol - putting it in place of, or on the same level with, God.  There is no way that I worship these drawings.  But they do remind me of how much Jesus loves me.  I am not posting this to offend, nor to argue with, anyone who believes differently.  I respect your faith and your belief.

I am only sharing with my Friends why I have this particular drawing and what it represents to me ~ the love of my Jesus Christ and my mom ~ and give praise to God that I know my mom is in heaven today and that I will one day join her in true face-to-face worship of Jesus Christ.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

Ford Family Celebration Of Life

ALL BELIEVERS ARE THE FAMILY OF GOD.  Yet many times God brings us together within a smaller, more intimate Christian family.  We have our immediate family of loved ones and we have our extended local church fellowship family.  Then, in His own time, God often places us in a special and very intimate family situation which we never expected.  That happened to me and it began all the way back in April 1956, long before I was a Christian believer, and half a century before God would reveal His purpose.

In April 1956 I was assigned in the Air Force to serve at Osan Air Base in Korea.  There I came to respect and admire a very special person, 1/Lt. Robert Ford, a pilot in the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron where I was assigned.  In March 1957 1/Lt. Robert Ford was killed in the crash of an F-86 aircraft - and although it did have a strong effect upon me then, I had no idea what an impact it would have in my life half a century later. 

Below is a prayer request for the Ford Family which I posted one year ago at the early passing of Bob Ford's son, Chip.  I want to share it again as a celebration of the lives of 1/Lt. Bob Ford, his wife, Libby, and their son, Chip.

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Mary Ford wrote:  Tue, May 8, 2018 - Bobby's Son

Dear Bill,  I wasn’t sure if Margaret told you, but Chip Ford, Bobby’s son, passed away this weekend.  He has had some health issues for awhile and we are very sad over losing him at such an early age!  I just keep picturing Bobby and Libby welcoming Chip into Heaven - as they all walk with our precious Lord together!  I just wanted you to know since you have been so wonderful to the Ford family!  In Christ, Mel Ford

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Life, especially our Christian life, takes us down many paths and highways over the years.  This walk down Memory Lane began in April 1956 when I was assigned to the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron at Osan Air Base, Korea.  I was a Radar/Airborne Gunsight Control Technician on the F-86 aircraft and 1/Lt Robert "Bob" Ford was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who had transferred to the Air Force as a fighter pilot and was assigned to our 311th FBS.

Bob Ford was highly respected and admired by we enlisted men for the way he treated us as equals - while we were doing our assigned tasks of keeping our pilots and their planes flying safely as they went into harm's way each day.  1/Lt Bob Ford was killed on March 11, 1957, when his F-86 aircraft crashed.  That day was my mom's 40th birthday.

On September 11, 2003, God brought me into contact with Bob Ford's widow, Libby.   On September 11, 1999, she had posted a brief message on the Korean War Project web site.  She posted it in the 311th FBS chat room, because she was upset that Lt. Bob Ford, buried at Arlington National Cemetery, would not have his name on the Korean War Memorial. 

A friend introduced me to that web site late one evening via e-mail, and that evening, at 3:00 AM, September 11, 2003 - four years to the day later, I found Libby Ford's post.  September 11th holds a special meaning for all Americans - but now that date had a new and very powerful meaning for me.  This is part of Libby Ford's post on the Korean War Project web site which got my attention:

HEADER:   1 /Lt. Robert A. Ford, Jr KIA  -  NAME: Elizabeth (Libby) Ford COMMENTS:  1/Lt. Robert A. Ford, Jr. was killed in Korea on March 11, 1957 after being extended over in Korea.  .  .  .

In 1956-57, when Lt. Bob Ford and I were in Korea, there was a definite probability of the war flaring up again. Because of this, everyone in Korea at that time was in a potential war situation.  So, we, and especially our pilots, took to heart the responsibility of being prepared and ready.  When our pilots went up in a simulated bombing or dogfight exercise; they knew that the next exercise might be for real.  This was the situation we lived under at that time.

Viewing the Korean War Project web site that evening, the name, 1 /Lt. Robert A. Ford, Jr, immediately caught my attention as I was scanning the posts.  The next morning I called Libby Ford at her home in Virginia.  That began a close friendship which lasted until Christmas day, 2009, when she was promoted to heaven to join her beloved Bob in the presence of our Lord.

During our initial phone conversation in 2003, she asked if I would write my memoirs of that year in Korea, so that she, their children, grandchildren, and other family members would have those memories to treasure.  What began as my memoirs of that year - God turned into a one year effort as Libby Ford and I gathered memorabilia, photos, and other pieces to enable me to build a memorial web site for 1/Lt Robert "Bob" Ford.

Let me digress a wee bit. Because I had such admiration for Lt. Bob Ford - the moment I heard of his death that day in 1957 is permanently engraved in my mind, heart, and memory.  I can vividly see that moment, where I was, and what I was doing when I heard the bad news.  After work on March 11, 1957, a friend and I had left our work area near the flight-line at Osan Air Base.

We were walking across a taxi strip toward our living quarters when one of the crew chiefs ran up and told us, "Lt. Ford has been killed.  His plane crashed at K8."  K8 was Kunsan Air Base.  As Bob Ford was flying back from the Mitsubishi plant at Nagoya, Japan, to Osan - he crashed at the Kunsan Air Base.

That day stays in my mind as vividly as the day that President Kennedy was killed.

Over the years since becoming friends with Libby Ford, I have been able to build and maintain our memorial web site for Bob Ford - and just as important, I have become friends with all of Bob's family.  It is by the gracious, Christian generosity of Bob's brother, Tom, that I can post this prayer request today.  Two years ago, my computer died and I was using a 12 year old clunker.  Tom sent me the HP computer that I am using today.

Tom's wife, Mel, thoughtfully made sure I knew about the passing of Bob's son, Chip.  Libby's sister, Margaret, who lives further north in California has been a long time friend and Christian sister.

On Christmas day, 2009, we had to say "Good night" to Margaret's sister, Libby.  And today we have to say "Good night" to Robert A. “Chip” Ford, III - far too soon.

You may wonder why I suggest we say "Good night" and not "Goodbye" to Chip Ford.

When we lose a member of a Christian family such as the Fords, I am reminded of what my Christian mentor, Pastor Sam Lacanienta, always tells us at memorial services.   This is what he would say if he were speaking at Chip's Celebration of Life service, "Chip is a Christian believer and has gone home to be with his Lord.  If you are also a believer, you will not say, 'Goodbye' to Chip.  Instead you will say, 'Goodnight, I will see you on that glorious resurrection morn.'   However, if you are not a believer, you must say, 'Goodbye' to Chip today." 

You may also wonder why Pastor Sam would say, "Chip is a Christian believer" when he is now dead.  Chip's mortal body has died - but Chip lives eternally - and on the Glorious Resurrection Day, Chip will have his immortal body.  Chip is very much alive today.

All Christian believers, upon death, at the next moment are alive in the presence of Jesus Christ.  A few years ago, Anita, the wife of a Friend, Pastor Yeo, became ill and died suddenly.  After her Memorial Service, we all went to a restaurant for fellowship and to remember Anita.  As we were taking turns sharing our thoughts, one lady said, ".  .  .  when Anita was alive."   And, I added, "Anita is more alive today than ever.  Before she was alive in this fallen mortal world.  But now she is alive in the presence of Jesus Christ."   And, Pastor Yeo agreed with me.

That is why we will say that Robert A. "Chip" Ford, III, is very much alive today - in the presence of his Lord.  And he is in precious and loving fellowship with his dad and mom, Bob and Libby Ford.

Yet, while we know that Chip is with his mom and dad, that he is with our Lord Jesus Christ, eternally happy - Chip's family and friends will miss having him in their daily lives.  We will have a short time of mourning - as we all celebrate Chip's life.

And that is why I ask you to pray for the Ford family - that they will all know His peace, comfort, and blessed assurance.

This is the Bob Ford Memorial web site:  

http://www.bob-ford-memorial.com/

Thank you for your prayers and God bless,

Bill 

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Metaphors In The Bible ~ Do They Invalidate Or Enhance The Bible?

Years ago, when we first established our Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog site, the first item I posted was our Statement of Faith.  Why?  Our Statement of Faith defines what we believe concerning Jesus Christ and our Christian faith.  It defines what we share with others about Jesus Christ.   The Bible guides our Christian walk, it is the foundation of our Conservative Christian Faith, and it guides what I write in our blogs.  And the foundation of our Statement of Faith is how we view God's Written Word, His Bible. 

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.  The Bible is the sole authority for our Christian faith and our Christian life.  The Bible is God's authoritative written revelation to man.  We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture and that all 66 books of the Bible are without error in the original manuscripts.

We believe Scripture should be interpreted according to its historical, grammatical, and literal sense.  We believe that Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts and words of the Bible, so that the whole Bible, in the original manuscripts, is without error in its moral and spiritual teaching and in its record of historical facts.

Note:  Verbal Plenary Inspiration of Scripture means:  "Verbal" means that every word of Scripture is God-given.  "Plenary" means that all parts of the Bible are equally authoritative.  "Inspiration" means that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired.

Over the years many have asked me, "Bill, are you saying that you believe that we should read every single word of the Bible literally?  If that is true, then is Jesus teaching us in John 6:53-55 that we should literally eat His body and drink His blood?  Isn't that rather grotesque?"

If that is what Jesus really meant, yes that would be very grotesque.  This is the passage you have suggested:

John 6:53-55 (nkjv), "Then Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.  (54) Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  (55) For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.' "

First let me assure you that Jesus is not asking us to practice cannibalism.  So, no, that is not what He meant.

Let's take a moment and review how we interpret Scripture. 

Do we interpret and read the Bible as the "literal" written Word of God, His sole authority for our Christian faith ~ OR ~ do we read the Bible as the "symbolic" spiritualized Word of God, i.e., a book of symbolism, myths, metaphors, and fictional stories used to illustrate and teach the thoughts of God? 

Is the Bible only a good guideline for Christian living?  But NOT the literal, inspired Written Word of God?   Liberal Theology believers lean toward a spiritualized symbolic view of Scripture - while we Conservative Theology believers fully support Scripture as the Holy Spirit inspired, Holy Spirit inerrant, Holy Spirit literal Written Word of God.

Is every word of Scripture to be read literally?  No.  In the Bible we find that much of it is literal, but we also find symbolism, metaphors, teaching parables, and poetry.

"So, Bill, how do we know when to read the Bible literally - and when to apply one or more of these figures of speech to what we are reading?" 

Glad you asked.  First let's recognize and agree that God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).   He wants us to understand His Christian Users' Manual, the Bible.  So He is not going to make it a book of puzzles, pitfalls, and traps.  When we read a passage of Scripture, a good rule of thumb is to read it literally, in our normal everyday natural language.  If it makes sense reading it this way, that is His meaning and His message to you.  If a literal reading does not seem to fit - try one or more of the figures of speech to see what He is teaching us. 

So basic rule of thumb in reading Scripture:  Try the literal reading, if that fits you have His message.  If the literal reading does not fit, then look at another reading.

Let's dig a bit deeper in understanding the interpretation of Scripture.  Three words, or methods, which you will encounter in an expositional study of Scripture, whether you are looking for them or not, are:  Hermeneutics, Exegesis, and Eisegesis.  Why are these words, or more accurately the processes they describe, so important to understand?   These processes describe how we study, understand, and teach the Bible.   So, what do they mean?

Hermeneutics -  Biblical hermeneutics defines the principles and methods used in interpreting the text of the Bible.  The Bible should be interpreted literally.  We are to read the Bible in its literal meaning, unless the passage is obviously intended to be symbolic, or if figures of speech are employed.  In other words, when we read a Bible verse or passage literally, if the meaning fits, that is what God intended.  If a literal reading does not seem to fit, then we look for a symbolic or metaphorical meaning.  Most of the time, the literal reading fits perfectly.

Another aspect of Biblical hermeneutics is that passages must be interpreted historically, grammatically, and contextually.  Interpreting a passage historically means we seek to understand the culture, background, and the time period of the writing.  (see more at "What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?" - GotQuestions.Org)

We know that understanding a writing in its historical and grammatical sense is important, but why is context so important?

Taking verses out of context can lead to errors in interpretation and misunderstandings.  The Biblical context of a verse or passage is affected by the verses immediately preceding and following it in that chapter, book, and even the entire Bible - and can impact the meaning of that writing.  Your interpretation and understanding of a Scripture verse must not contradict, or be contradicted, in other parts of Scripture.

Hermeneutics tells us how we should interpret Scripture.  The actual process of doing the interpretation is called Exegesis and Eisegesis - the Yin and Yang of Bible interpretation.   One method gives us the message God wants us to find in His Written Word, i.e., Exegesis (Yang?).  Using Exegesis we read FROM Scripture God's message to us. 

The other method gives us what man wants the Bible to say, i.e., Eisegesis (Yin?).   Eisegesis allows man to read INTO Scripture what he wants it to say.

Exegesis -  The process of reading FROM the Bible the meaning and understanding of the message given to us by God in that Scripture verse or passage.

Eisegesis -  The process of reading INTO the Bible what man wants it to say, so that it supports his predetermined theology.

Let me paraphrase an old 1897 newspaper editorial written by an atheist newspaper columnist in response to an 8-year old girl's question, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."  

I will say with confidence, "Yes, Virginia, there are Figures of Speech in the Bible!  But they do not change God's message to us."   One of the most useful and at the same time, misunderstood, Biblical figures of speech might be the metaphor.  So, let's talk about metaphors.  What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech which relates two objects that are dissimilar.   In other words, it describes one object in terms of another.  "George is a couch potato!"  George may be passive, but he is not a potato.    A metaphor describes one object as being or having the characteristics of a second object, as when Jesus tells tells us in John 6:48, "I am the bread of life."   He is God, He is human - but He is not bread.

Metaphor:  "Your eyes are pools of liquid love."

Simile:  "Your eyes are like pools of liquid love."

Similar but different.  Both are used in Scripture.

METAPHORS IN THE BIBLE:  JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE http://www.hopefromthebible.com/bible-metaphor-jesus-bread-of-life

There are many metaphors in the Bible that help us to better understand God.  One example is Jesus comparing himself to bread.  He called himself the "bread of life" that came down from heaven.

"For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. .  .   I am the bread which came down from heaven."    (John 6:33, 41 NKJV)

Jesus Gives Life:  One way that Jesus and bread are alike is that they both sustain life.  By eating bread, we gain strength that we need to stay alive and thrive in our work or ministry.  Similarly, but to a much higher degree, "eating" Jesus (using His comparison to bread) gives us the strength and endurance that is necessary to live a productive and successful "spiritual" life that brings glory to God.

How Do We "Eat" Jesus?:  In John 6, after Jesus told the crowd that He was the bread from heaven.  He then told them to eat His flesh, and that, "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life,.  .  ." (v54).  While it's obvious that Jesus wasn't asking them to literally eat the flesh of His body - at first glance it may not seem obvious what He really meant by "eating His flesh."  But if we look back a couple chapters in John, we get a hint to His real meaning.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14).  I would suggest that the "eating of Jesus' flesh" is referring to absorbing the Word of God.

When Jesus tells us to "eat his flesh" - He is urging us to partake of the Word of God.  This of course involves reading the written Word of God, the Bible, but goes far beyond just reading words on a page.  Partaking of God's Word involves a radical change in lifestyle, a shift in thinking that puts God and His desires first.  It compels us to act as Jesus acts, to demonstrate His love in all that we do, to live in the fullness of Christ.  To live in Christ's fullness - is to truly live eternally.  For eternity begins here and now.

In Remembrance of Jesus:  How can we be sure to remain conscious of Christ, the Word of God?  When Jesus gave bread to his disciples to eat, he told them to, ".  .  . do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).  We, too, can remember Jesus every time we eat bread, and even every time we eat anything.  As we eat, we can remember that just as we partake of bread (or food in general) in order to live - so also we partake of the Living Word of God to live spiritually now and throughout eternity.

About The Author:  Jonathan Hostetler lives in southern Pennsylvania.  He grew up in a strong Christian family, dedicated his life completely to Jesus at the age of 9, experienced a spiritual breakthrough at the age of 15, and is now in his mid twenties, joyfully serving God and sharing God's message of salvation and hope both on the internet and in person.

Following that train of thought, that Jesus is really telling us to be very intimate with the Word of God, both Living and Written -  in John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that we must be born-again of the water and the Spirit.  The water being the Living Water which we also find in John 4, when Jesus tells the woman of Samaria that if she drinks the Living Water she will never thirst again, i.e., she will live eternally.   That Living Water is the Written Word of God, the Bible,

Other metaphors in the Bible:  As you can see, figures of speech such as metaphors are literary tools God has used to make His Written Word come alive for us as we read and study His Word:

• Isaiah 64:8  ~  "But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our Potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand."

In this metaphor, God is compared to a potter who molds clay.  God’s followers are the clay and are subject to his design and influence.

• John 8:12  ~   "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’ "

Jesus calls himself “the Light of the world.”  In The Bible, light refers to salvation, and darkness refers to sinfulness.

• John 15:5  ~  "I am the Vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."

Jesus compares Himself to a Vine and calls His followers branches of the Vine, i.e., extensions of Himself. 

•  Revelation 5:5  ~  "But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, . .  ."

•  Revelation 5:6, "And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb. . ."

•  Revelation 5:8-12  ~  "And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.  .  ."

Jesus first came in human form as the Lamb of God - our sacrificial Lamb.  Just as the lamb that was sacrificed in the temple, Jesus was crucified on the cross symbolizing His "once for all" sacrifice for humanity. 

But when He returns, His Second Coming, He will come as the Conquering Lion of Judah, Lord of lords, King of kings.  And as the Root of David, He will sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem ruling the world for 1000 years, the perfect theocracy, His Millennial Kingdom on earth.

• 1 Peter 5:8  ~  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Notice that Satan is also compared to a fierce and a dangerous lion.  But he is the "roaring lion" - the blood thirsty, crafty, and deceitful serpent which deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden

In closing let us keep in mind that God's perfect plan of salvation includes all of us.  We are told in 2 Peter 3:9, "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."

God has created the perfect plan of salvation for you and me.  His Son, Jesus Christ, has come into our Sin Prison and "paid in full" our debt to God, He has purchased our Full Pardon.  Now it is up to each of us, individually, to get up and walk out of the Sin Prison Cell which has held us captive for so long.  On the cross Jesus paid our Death Penalty in full and then announced in John 19:30, "It is finished!"  Meaning there is no more to be done for us to gain our freedom - except for us to receive, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, His perfect gift of eternal life.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

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