A Soccerdad’s Love

Sunday, February 3, 2008

I have tried to use Sunday as a day of rest and reflection as much as possible. Years ago, I read a book by Gordon McDonald called ‘Ordering Your Private World”. That book contained a great chapter on the principles of the Sabbath and having a regular sabbath time in one’s life

My emphasis is not on whether Saturday or Sunday should be viewed as ‘the official Sabbath day’. Nor is the emphasis on not doing any work at all. The lessons from Scripture about the Sabbath was that it is a day of rest and reflection.

The rest can be taking off the entire day form work, or changing one’s routine for the benefit of refreshment. The emphasis however is taking time to reflect on one’s life, on how one can be a better man, areas of improvement and doing one’s best to live a life that pleases the Lord.

The principles of rest and reflection are from the early days of Scripture. God was the first one who rested and reflected. We learn in Genesis that on the seventh day God rested and ‘looked back’ on what He had done and saw that it was good. There is indeed a time to look back and reflect on all all we have ‘done’ and hopefully to say that “it was good”.

One of my regrets is departing from the routine of a regular time of reflection and a time of “ordering my private world’ around living a life that is pleasing to the Lord based on the convictions he has placed on my heart.

Saturday, February 2, 2008 Nicodemus Embraces The Condition for Peace with God

The response of this respected leader to the condition Jesus outlined to peace with God has lessons for us. Max Lucado’s book, 3:16 …The Numbers of Hope is very much worth reading. Each person will draw different things from the book.

The book causes me to go to John 3 and read the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus for myself.. and allow God to speak to my heart the way He clearly has spoken to the heart of Mr. Lucado. Great devotionals are far more than reviewing an intellectual assessment of the scriptures. Great devotionals provide a wonderful opportunity to see how the heart of another man is moved by the words of the Bible as he thinks and ponders on its meaning for his personal life. We have the privilege of reading the thoughts and expressions that are placed on his heart.

Jesus had just said, “I assure you” to underscore the next thought he would share. Jesus then communicates, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kindom of God.” (John 3:3).

Nicodemus responds, “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” (John 3:4)… then Nicodemus asks another question.. yes, two (2) questions back to back, “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born”. (John 3:4).

Nicodemus may or may not have understood the spiritual dimensions of the response of Christ. Yet, the one thing is clear, Nicodemus embraced, fully embraced the condition that Jesus outlined to have peace with God. It is noteworthy he did not give the line of thought of the Pharisees to having peace with God… nor did he share the thoughts of so many that he tried his best to be a good man, and to live a life as consistent as he could by the scriptures. The role of Nicodemus as a public figure was to teach folks the way to peace to God and how one can be right with God.. in short, how one becomes a Christian.

Yet, Nicodemus put all those reasons that he personally believed or that he taught as a ruler to the side. Instead, he embraced, totally embraced, the condition that Christ outlined to peace with God. He did not offer another plan or way to be at peace with God. And later in this conversation Christ would address this condition from a different angle when he shared, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Friday, February 1, 2008 : Remember the Underscore: The Promise and the Condition

All of us underscore points we want to emphasize in conversation. That sometimes happens with tone of voice, body language or questions we may ask. Jesus goes out of his way to underscore the comments he made to Nicodemus.

We must always remember and reflect on the context. This leader of the Pharisees had just made comments about Christ that could get him killed or ostracized among his fellow Pharisees. He had referred to Jesus as a “teacher from God” and and acknowledged that God was “with him” (John 3:3).

The response of Jesus was designed to get the attention of Nicodemus, the attention of each person present in the room that note and the attention of you and me. The simple phrase of Jesus was “I assure you”. (John 3:3)

These simple words have the effect of a personal promise from Jesus himself in what is about to be said next. It communicates that what was about to be said next was not to be taken as a personal opinion or a personal belief. The underscore was a promise from Jesus himself so that Nicodemus, those present in the room that night, and that you and me would always remember the words that would be shared after the promise.

The promise and guarantee was simple, ““Unless one is born again, one cannot see the kingdom of God”. (John 3:3). The promise of Jesus to Nicodemus is a promise to you and me… unless one is born again is the condition outlined in the promise. It is understandable why this simple phrase would be repeated throughout history. It is a message built on the personal promise of Jesus and is one that communicates in a singular fashion that which is needed to be a peace with God — one must meet the condition.

Tuesday, January 29, 2007 : Jesus Sheds Light on the Comments of Nicodemus: One Condition

Max Lucado’s book, 3:16 . . The Numbers of Hope, puts the popular verse, John 3:16, into proper focus. The verse of course arises out of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus has just indicated why he risked his personal reputation and status by coming to Christ at nite. He had just verbally expressed a position that was out of sync with that of his fellow Pharisees. Simply put, he had acknowledged that Jesus was a “teacher from God” and that God was “with him” (Jesus) (John 3:2).

It is not clear whether Nicodemus sought a similar affirmation from Jesus, … or sought to establish himself as different from his fellow Pharisees and wanted Jesus to know that he recognized and respected Jesus as a man of God.

Jesus does articulate what was required to see the kingdom of God. I like the phrase used by Billy Graham in the title of one of his books, “Peace with God”. The Response of Jesus was to clearly and simply communicate what was required to be at peace at God, “Unless one is born again, one cannot see the kingdom of God”. (John 3:3) There are conditions and requirements before one can be at peace with God.

The articulation of the condition to be at peace with God is an issue we all must address. Each person present must have also wondered what was required to be at peace of God.

Certainly, Nicodemus, as a public teacher of spiritual matters, had developed ideas on what was required to be at peace with God. Jesus does not mention that there are many possible ways or many vehicles for one to achieve peace with God and see the kingdom of heaven. He also does not mention any particular effort or code of conduct… good or bad each man must pursue. Instead, he mentions the spiritual act of “being born again.”

One can ponder long and hard on the words of Christ. This is the context of the Great Conversation where Jesus says the words of John 3:16, ” “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Monday, January 28, 2007

I had a very nice time this weekend with Joel. He and I went to a movie together on Saturday nite. . . and then had breakfast together Sunday morning. I regret with all of my heart that we are not living together. I miss being in the same room or house with him and Felicia, and just the comfort one’s presence can bring.

I hope we can live together in an apartment or home for his senior year of h.s. I am thankful that we have the opportunity to ride together to school each morning so we have some time to enjoy each other’s company. Listening to the Steve Harvey morning show together has become a special joy and treat.

Joel and I have talked about going to church together on Sunday mornings. The dad of one of his teammates named Jarrod Bookins is pastor of a church in the area. It would be very nice to attend church together for spiritual input a few times a month.

Joel has matured so much as a young man.. and some because of circumstances. I feel badly that he and mom are living with the Martins.. and that within a short span we no longer live under the same roof and both Jonah and Josh are away at college. I hope that he and the boys realize how much I deeply love each of them and want the best for them.

My hope is that Joel can go to a good school. Going to college is the best opportunity for the boys to have a new life and be free the issues we have faced.

Saturday, January 26, 2007 - A Final Word on a Great Inquiry from a Good Man

It has been nice to return to my quiet time this morning. It is funny that sometimes, I feel I do not have ten (10) minutes to spare for a short devotional. And then there are times when I realize how much I missed thinking about spiritual matters; and amazed at how much that feeds the inner soul.

This morning, I read about the initial response of Jesus to the opening statement of Nicodemus to begin, what has turned out to be, one of the great conversations in history. The response of Jesus at John 3:3 is itself filled with meaning: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. Yet, as conversations go between people there is often a delay or a pause between one speaker and the next. That is particularly true when men are carefully choosing their words and each thought is an expression of the heart.

Of course, that was true when this Great Conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus began to unfold. When Nicodemus had finished saying, ‘no one can do the signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:3), there was naturally a pause and a brief moment of silence. To those present in the room that nite, it must have been a moment filled with inner reflection.

Nicodemus was a respected leader. He was a leader in a religious group, the Pharisees. He was known to be a man of character and integrity. In short, he was known to be a man who led a life that tried to mirror what he taught in the synagogues. The role that Nicodemus played in the public life of his day was to teach and lead others in spiritual matters. Nicodemus taught others what the Scriptures said and tried to follow those teachings himself. Nicodemus was a good man.

That fact is what makes the opening words from Nicodemus so meaningful. This good man, who sought to follow the teachings of scripture, had publicly acknowledged before others that God was with this man from Nazareth, one who was born in a manager, and who did not have the formal learning or training in scripture like him and his fellow Pharisees. Nicodemus clearly wanted to know more about Jesus and why God was ‘with him’.

All present in the room that nite understood that Nicodemus was inquiring about this relationship with God that Jesus possessed. This was indeed a great inquiry. Though Nicodemus could stand on his record of being a good man, Nicodemus clearly sensed there was something about the relationship with God that was different with Jesus… and that indeed, God was ‘with him”.

The Great Conversation was now underway. It begins with a inquiry into the relationship that Jesus had with God…. a relationship perhaps that Nicodemus also wanted for his own life. It was in this context that the conversation would end with the now famous words, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

My hope is that you guys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel.. would be be men of character and integrity. Good men. I also hope that you will make inquiries like Nicodemus into the relationship that Jesus had with God and covet that for your own life as well.

Dad

Thursday, January 24, 2007

The words that Nicodemus initially shared that nite were rather striking. In a moment that was filled with obvious tension and interest, Niocodemus shares comments that tell every person present that his view of Christ was quite different than those held by his fellow Pharisees, the group that would one day recommend and support the crucifixion of Christ.

Nicodemus makes two initial comments, captured by scripture, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do the signs that you do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2 KJV)

Under the circumstances, the comments of Nicodemus were very profound. He openly put aside the sentiments of his fellow Pharisees. He also openly expressed his heart’s belief that “God was with this man called Jesus”. It is clear that this public figure and ruler of the Pharisees was embracing the concept of a living God, and that this God was working thru this man called Christ.

Nicodemus acknowledged that no one could do the signs that Jesus was doing unless God was with him. Nicodemus clearly wanted to know more, and understand more, about the spiritual dimension of Christ. My hope is that the boys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel… will have similar heart-to-heart conversations with God, and with those people they meet whose lives reflect a genuine commitment to Christ.

This initial sentence from Nicodemus set the tone of the meeting that nite. Every person present now knew that Nicodemus was not there on behalf of his fellow Pharisees to make threats, challenge Jesus or anything along those lines. Nicodemus was there for his own spiritual needs. As a leader in those times, of a group not popular with Christ, Nicodemus was humbly acknowledging that the current sentiment of the day that the Pharisees and religious leaders alone had a special relationship with God simply was not true.

The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus had begun. It would end with a comment from Christ that would mmarize how a man finds God. “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Dad

p.s. p.s. As a reminder, remember to spend 30 min a day at one of the sites in the Marketing Pond reading emails, ads or websites. You will eventually generate $40 or $50 a month in extra spending money. It is a great way to make money online. As you share this with a friend here and a friend there, you will one day have ten (10) or fifteen (15) folks who also like the idea of earning free money as they learn about ways of earning $ online. Hits4Pay is one of the best ‘GPT’ sites in getting started.

Wednesday, January 23, 2007

I have immensely enjoyed driving Joel to school each morning. We have both come to enjoy “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” with comedian Steve Harvey… and particularly the ‘Strawberry Letter’ where folks write in about the personal relationships and both Steve and Shirley Stawberry, a co-anchor, reply to the letter. Shirley’s response is intended to be sound advice from the heart. Steve’s advice is both from the heart with an incredible comedic slant that brings joy to the heart.

That show also features the best R & B music which, as Steve often shares, are love stories with words pregnant with meaning. It has brought back so many old memories. I also find myself identifying and relating to the words shared by the artist as he (or she) pours out her heart in song. I love the “Freedom Friday” show where on Fridays Steven’s nephew, Nephew Tommy, and Shirley, try to outdo each other with memorable love songs from the past.

This morning, I had planned to skip my traditional quiet time but as the morning progressed, I realized that I missed that time of reflection. My quiet time before the Lord provides food for my heart and soul perhaps more than I realize.

One reason that I had considered skipping my quiet time is that I want to address other events of my life and the world around me. In one respect, I want to do this through a separate blog as a vehicle to earn $ from writing and blogging. From this standpoint, I wonder if I should just have a separate blog that can be ‘monetized’. From a different standpoint, I think to myself that regardless of whether I monetize the blog, the overall purpose is to provide a spiritual outlet for myself and for the boys, and Jonah, Josh and Joel to have a permanent record to read about dad and the things that he thought about and were meaningful to him.

Time and awkwardness make it difficult to talk about some issues. Sometimes, a letter or blog can do that for someone. Well, most of all, I hope the boys and Felicia realize how much I deeply love them. I wish I could have been a better dad, and provide them more financially. Yet, I accept the ups and downs that life brings.

One of my hopes for 2008 is to set aside ten (10%) of my earnings on a regular basis for spiritual or charitable purposes. I have started sending my tithe to a Paypal account called “TheStewartTithe@gmail.com. The heading on each message is the same, “A Tithe of Thanks”.

I am so thankful that directly, or through the caring hearts of others, God has met our basic needs. I once recall Max Lucado sharing in his book, 3:16 . . . The Numbers of Hope that we often overlook the manna from heaven where God provides for our basic needs in a manner just as real and just as concrete as when He provided manna for the children of Israel. Yes, there is much in life to be thankful for; I will be forever thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a dad and the wonderful times I have shared with the boys.

Dad

p.s. As a reminder, remember to spend 30 min a day at one of the sites in the Marketing Pond reading emails, ads or webistes. You will eventually generate $40 or $50 a month in extra spending money.

As you share this with a friend here and a friend there, you will one day have ten (10) or fifteen (15) folks who also like the idea of earning free money as they learn about ways of earning $ online. When that happens, you will find yourself earning a few hundred a month, and you will begin to realize you have a small business started.

These ‘get paid to’ (GPT) sites share the advertising revenue they receive from companies which want to exposes their business to potential customers like you and me. You really do get get paid just to read and review ads and websites.

The GPT sites get paid by these companies simply for making you aware of their opportunity, regardless of whether you join. The advertising company also wins because a customer like you may decide he is interested in using the company’s services. The first site we will work together is called Hits4Pay which deposits $10 into our Paypal account just for getting started.

Monday, January 21, 2007 - ” A Great Man Shares A Great Conviction”

This morning was a time to reflect more on the Great Conversation that was initiated by a leader of a religious group in Biblical times called the Pharisees. The leader of course is a man named Nicodemus. As I reflected on the initial comments of Nicodemus to Jesus, I tried to place myself in the shoes of those present who themselves must have reflected on the conversation when they saw Nicodemus performing in his public role as a leader of the Pharisees which later played a significant role in the persecution and crucifixion of Christ.

I also thought about Mr. Lucado’s book, 3:16 . . . The Numbers of Hope itself. The book has been a wonderful devotion for my inner soul. My hope and prayer is that the boys.. . Jonah, Josh and Joel will come across similar books that speak to their heart and affect their personal lives, decisions, and values.

Even as I reflect again on Nicodemus and Jesus, it is who these great men were, and the roles they played in the lives of others at this time, that give such great meaning to this Great Conversation. The Pharisees would one day crucify Christ. They already took issue with the claims and actions of Christ.. from claiming to be the son of God, to telling folks their sins were forgiven when only God can forgive sins, to healing people, to performing ministry on the Sabbath. . and most of all to publicly denouncing the Pharisees as hypocrites.

Yes, there was tremendous tension in the air that nite as the ruler of the Pharisees began to speak. There was clearly curiosity as well… because the scriptures leave the clear impression that Nicodemus was not your ordinary Pharisee but was one who genuinely tried to live out his convictions.

So that nite, in the presence of others, this respected public leader, visits Jesus in private, and opens the Great Conversation with words that must have shocked and touched every person present, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher of God and that you come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2).

Thus, the Great Conversation begins with a ruler from the group that would one day crucify Christ sharing his personal conviction about Jesus. There is little question about the impact that the life of Christ had on Nicodemus. Nor is there question about the great courage and great humility displayed by Nicodemus as he shared these opening words in the presence of others in one of the Great Conversations (and there are many) that have take place.

Later, the verse of John 3:16 would be shared and of course it is repeated, rightfully so, as one of the great verses of scripture. My hope is that each time you (Jonah, Josh & Joel) hear, think about, or remember the words of John 3:16 that you will think about this Great Conversation where Christ would eventually say to Nicodemus, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Dad

p.s. I know each of you guys have expressed an interest in learning how to make money online. I will start leaving a short post-script on some of the best sites that pay you to read emails, ads and websites. Doing well in school of course is the top priority for each of you. If you are consistent in spending 30 min a day, you can generate $40 or $50 a month in extra spending money.. and in these short post-scripts, I will share a little each day.

We will begin with a site called the Marketing Pond which collects the tops ‘get paid’ to sites under one umbrella. These ‘get paid to’ (GPT) sites share the advertising revenue they receive from companies which want to exposes their business to customers such as you. You get paid just to read and review ads and websites. The GPT sites get paid for making you aware of the opportunity. The advertising company also wins because a customer like you may decide he is interested in using the company’s services. The first site we will work together is called Hits4Pay which deposits $10 into our Paypal account just for getting started.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

This morning was a time to think about the first words shared between Nicodemus and Jesus. The first words of any conversation are important.. the tone, inflection of the voice and body language are all communicators. Lucado’s book, 3:16. . . The Numbers of Hope, causes one to think about this.

We also have the advantage of history. We understand that the religious group in which Nicodemus was a leader was called the Pharisees. The Pharisees would later play a pivotal role in Jesus being crucified.
The Pharisees took issue with several things Jesus said and did. Jesus referred to himself as the son of God. The Pharisees took issue b/c of the implied statement that Jesus is God. Jesus said ‘if you have seen me you have seen the Father’. The Pharisees took issue. Jesus told individuals that their sins were forgiven. The Pharisees believed (rightly so) that only God could forgive sins. Jesus healed on the Sabbath.. Another issue.

So, you can see that the initial words from a respected ruler of the Pharisees would carry great meaning to everyone in the house that nite. The initial words of Nicodemus reflected his own personal conviction from taking a good hard look at the life of Christ and how the lives of those who were following the teachings of Christ had changed.

In fact, the words of Nicodemus reflect a great conviction… that was different from the general sentiments of the Pharisees. Nicodemus says quite simply and humbly, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2 NKJV).

Every word shared by Nicodemus reflects his own great convictions and great respect for this man called Jesus . . and represent a great departure from the general beliefs of his fellow Pharisees. Nicodemus, begins with calling Jesus, Rabbi. . . a term used with to describe men whose role is to teach us about God, God’s ways and God’s expectations. Not a single challenge with Christ referring to himself as the Son of God, or telling folks their sins were forgiven, or healing on the Sabbath.

That one word, Rabbi, communicated ‘great respect’ for Jesus. It came from a man who was trained in the scriptures and deeply respected as a public figure. This was Nicodemus’ way of humbling himself before Jesus.. and it was immediately recognized by everyone present. The custom was to look to a man like Nicodemus for direction and guidance.
In the circles in which Nicodemus traveled, Nicodemus was the Rabbi. Instead, Nicodemus, with one word, communicated that he respected who Jesus was and that the spiritual values Jesus possessed and taught were making a difference in the lives of men.

My hope for you guys.. Jonah, Josh & Joel,… is that you will have a similar respect for Jesus. My hope is that you will be men of great conviction and that like Nicodemus will have the courage to weigh spiritual issues on your own, regardless of what those around you say and do. Nicodemus, was quite right.. Jesus in the great Rabbi, who teaches us about who God is, about God’s ways and how we can have a relationship with God.

Hopefully, you will reflect in the years to come that the verse so often mentioned, John 3:16, was mentioned in the context of a conversation between a respected religious leader named Nicodemus who sought out Jesus for a private conversation about spiritual matters. I hope you go directly to Jesus the way Nicodemus did to get a first hand grasp and your own great convictions. Nicodemus correctly referred to Jesus as Rabbi, one who teaches us about who God is, about God’s ways and how we can have a relationship with God.

The Great Conversation begins with a Great Conviction… Rabbi . . . and eventually ends with the verse that is recognized as one of the most significant expressions of the Christian faith, “For God so Loved the World, that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Dad

Friday, January 18, 2008 - “The Great Conversation… Great Men Have Great Qualities”