A Soccerdad’s Love

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).

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

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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.

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”

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I often use Wednesdays as a day of catch-up or to rest a bit. Many professional offices such as doctors or dentists are closed half a day on Wednesday to provide a chance to get caught up on paperwork. In many rural areas, they also close half a day on Wednesday.

I became aware of the practice… which is what I call “a Wednesday reflection”.. when travelling to Blount County, about 45 minutes outside of Birmingham, one Wed years ago. Of course, at the time, I was a bit upset because I wanted to conduct some legal business that day. Yet, ever since then, I have made a mental note of the number of areas and businesses and professionals that change their routine on Wednesday.

I have gradually adpoted a ‘Wednesday reflection’ in my own life.. where I slow down a bit on Wednesday, take inventory of what’s going on in my life, pay bills, run errands and so forth. Today, I must pay Jonah’s rent, get $400 for mom and try to get my car tag renewed.

This morning, I had breakfast at ‘Cracker Barrel’ because Daniel took Joel to school. That gave me extra time to in Max Lucado’s book, 3:16…Words of Hope. The book itself is a reflection on 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.”

The first chapter introduces the background and circumstances surrounding when Christ shared those words. Of course, the interesting thing is that these words were not shared during a time of preaching. Nor were they shared with the disciples of Christ as inside knowledge on what must a man do to be saved.

Instead, the words were shared during a private conversation with a man named Nicodemus. In his day, Nicodemus was a man of rank and stature. He was a religious leader who dedicated himself to the scriptures. Yet, the Bible says that Nicodemus waited until it was night time so he could visit Jesus and talk to him without being seen. One wonders what Nicodemus saw in the life of Christ that made him want to talk to Christ in private without being seen so he would not risk damage to his personal reputation other than to those who were always around Christ.

It is clear that there was something about the life of Christ that made a respected leader in the synagogue want a private conversation with him.. it makes one wonder what it was that Nicodemus saw….

Monday, January 14, 2008
It is hard to believe the month is half over.

Today is the first day that we have returned to our regular routine. I drove Joel to school this morning. Josh called from So Carolina about an issue with his tuition and fees bill. Jonah is in school at UAB and needs me to cover his apartment so the folks from Brighthouse can install cable/internet. (That reminds me to cancel the service from Bellsouth).

I also had a chance to eat breakfast at the Ranchouse and do my morning quiet time in Max Lucado’s book, 3:16… Words of Hope. I have decided to start at the beginning of the book and share with the boys some of the thoughts that were placed on my heart as a I meditated through this book. The title, 3:16, is taken from the verse, John 3:16, where Christ shares one of the most popular verses, “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)

One of my lifetime hopes is that the boys will capture the practice of mediation… where they review. . . reflect. . . chew on. . . and ponder. . . a verse, a thought or an experience and its meaning for them and their life.

Quiet time thoughts are times of mediation. They are times to reflect and ponder on the experiences that come our way and what God may be saying through those experiences. The book, 3:16 . . . Words of Hope is a good place to start. Our perspective begins with the thought.. For God so loved the World… Jonah, Josh, Joel, mom, dad …...