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And the second is like unto it,Thou Shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39)

Christians like to haggle as witnessed by the profusion of denominations. We frequently do so over that which is inconsequential while ignoring the most important things Jesus taught. Almost 2,000 years ago, the Jewish people also liked to haggle. On the occasion quoted in Matthew some Pharisees, those who by their own admission were skilled in the law of Moses, were not just interested in haggling but were set upon tricking Jesus – discrediting Him. He chose the occasion to set down the Commandments of the New Covenant. First, we must love ourselves because if we do not we cannot comply with second, to love our neighbor. That in turn is the foundation for loving God. We cannot love God and hate our neighbor. We cannot love our neighbor unless we love ourselves. For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20). We can haggle over what it means to love ourselves. Some consider the suggestion heretical. So, if we despise, detest and denigrate ourselves, is that how we are to treat our neighbors?

Little matter anyway. We contemporary Christians have a reverse emphasis on just about everything. Of course God loves us. John 3:16 says just how much. For Christians, that should be a non-arguable given. Yet virtually every Sunday, from the floodlit grand stages of mega-churches, television personality preachers continue to sermonize to overflowing crowds of thousands that God loves them. Because He does He just can’t wait to be asked to "prosper" them so He can – you know, the Jabez thing again. We strain to justify our selfish greed in the name of His love. Would these churches be as large if the sermon was reversed – love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:36).

So what is the contemporary Christian’s "second commandment?" It’s the reverse of what is found in Scripture. "Neighbor, thou shalt love me as thy self." It goes right along with marketing strategy theology that has God just "chomping at the bit" to give us every little crumb of our heart’s desire that is being preached so much from star studded pulpits. Some are even strident enough to barely hold back from recommending we take what is "rightfully" ours by force. He doesn’t want us to be sick, to suffer, to be persecuted and unpopular. "Don’t change, He loves you just as you are." "Don’t stand out, apart from the crowd, blend in, fit in to the scene." Anything and everything is promised if we will just be nice enough to say we accept Jesus as our Savior. It is our day for a miracle, because I want it, it is from God but only if it is very, very big. "Neighbor, thou shalt love me as thyself" elevates the corrupt philosophy that the world is indebted to us because we are saved to a moral principle.

Historically, the Jewish people gave every indication they felt much the same way. From the time they left their bondage in Egypt until their nation slipped into oblivion under the conqueror’s boot, they acted as though God owed them more. It wasn’t sufficient that He called them apart to be a "peculiar people." Not at all, actually because they were so called, they felt everyone else on the planet was indebted to them. So deeply ingrained in their being was the appeal of this world that after three years of tutelage the apostles asked, just before His ascension, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6) They could not grasp that His Kingdom and their prosperity were not of this world.

We are hard pressed to separate ourselves from the things of this world. It is hard to look around at what we Christians value with our time and effort and not agree we are consumed by its lust. Encouraged by the empire builders of the mega churches, truly we act as though the world owed us something just because we claim to be Christian. Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts we are told in James 4:2. But still we ask – demand. To paraphrase Luke 6:29-30, "Give to me when I ask of thee my neighbor and even more. It is though we have the impression that "mine is the kingdom."

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Stewardship

Before talking about what Christian stewardship is, let us look at what it is not. First, it is frequently used for fund raising purposes. There is no Scriptural foundation of such usage. Second, it and tithing almost always treated as though they are synonymous terms. They are not. Tithing, was an Old Testament Tabernacle/Temple tax used: (1) to maintain the edifice and to support the Levitical priesthood, (2) to support widows, orphans and foreigners who, like the Levites, had no inheritance. If we all worshipped in The Temple, there might be some justification for tithing. We do not. If a Levitical priesthood existed, there might be some foundation for tithing. There is none – at least in Christian churches.

The idea of "stewardship" as expressed in Scripture is that we, Christ’s disciples, are to take scrupulous care of that which He left in our charge. Stewardship is the prudent management of our resources. The "mysteries" spoken of in this first letter of Paul to the Corinthians refers to the comforting, enlightening and purifying work done by the Holy Spirit, not money and property. It is divine not worldly treasures we are stewards over. That’s what Peter has in mind in this passage, As every man hath received the gift, so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). Most likely the "gift" is the Holy Spirit. What the Apostle was saying is that we should carefully use that precious gift to spread the Word; to share it with others as He has told us to do. After all, what is the most precious of our possessions, salvation through Jesus Christ or our SUV’s?

This isn’t to say careless use of material things is condoned. To the contrary, Jesus tells us, If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:11) Greed, after all, is a rather obvious expression of whom we serve. If we spend our time, talents and energy amassing wealth, if the things are our measure of success, our attention is, at best, divided. At the same time, nothing can be more distracting than burdensome debt. Wise management of material things would seem only prudent for the Godly. Being hounded by the specter of homelessness and hunger is really not conducive to a spirit of loving generosity. The bottom line is that the "mammon of unrighteousness" is to be used by us in the pursuit of righteousness – for the good of others and, thus, the honor of God.

The passage just quoted from Luke (16:11), leaves us with a very good notion of just how God feels about material things. The New International Version of the Bible translates "unrighteous mammon" as "worldly wealth" that is starkly contrasted with things of true and lasting value. And, the emphasis isn’t upon how many material possessions one has, as it is how they were acquired and used. We would have to look at "loyalty," "honesty," "integrity" and "morality" as the admirable goals rather than one’s bank account as the true measure of trustworthiness. The widow who spent her last "mite" on cocaine would never have reached the pages of Scripture any more than the one who gave the tenth part of her billions to charity. The "least" Luke writes about isn’t a pauper’s alms and the "much" a billionaire’s fortune (Luke 16:10). Rather, the "least" are things of this world, regardless of the amount or value, and the "much" is things of God that is of inestimable value. Thus, the Biblical principle of stewardship stresses the importance of carefully and prudently managing our God-given material resources as a barometer of what kind of stewards we are over His gift of His Spirit, His Sacrifice and His Bidding

For centuries the church has used these Scriptures to wrest "indulgences" from its members. Little do Protestant churches remember Luther’s pilgrimage climb of the Scala Sancta – the 28 steps Christ climbed to Pilate’s palace that turned him so against the excesses of the Roman Church. Be that as it may, have they hoisted themselves on their own petard? While insistently demanding a 10% sacrificial offering sweetened by promises of a 100 fold Godly return they have not managed their "unrighteous mammon" or the "manifold grace of God" at all well. In spite of the treasures spent on temples, cathedrals, churches and halls the world remains overwhelmingly heathen. Regardless of the fortunes spent on "missionary" efforts to every conceivable place on the planet, after nearly 2,000 years most of the world remains overwhelmingly heathen. Even after roughly half a century of an amazing media blitz, no preacher claims the majority of Americans are Christian. And every November, as surely as falling leaves here they come, great and small, begging a penance lest they fault on a loan, have to cut their services, lose their media network or close their doors. Where is the stewardship over their material resources?

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed James 1:14

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And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband Revelation 21:1-2

How frequently we hear about this "New Jerusalem" these days. The persistent strife in the Middle East, going on since 1948 seems to be a catalyst for interest in the "end times" even if most writers and speakers fail to notice that John saw the real New Jerusalem descending out of heaven rather than from the barrels of American and Israeli guns. Most also seem to fail to note that this prophecy in Revelation speaks to the final state of the "church" rather than to an actual city on earth. It is the ideal theocracy; the restoration of Paradise. Zionists don’t mention that Paul in 1Thessalonians 2:14:16 and Acts 13:45-46 seems to intimate that the Jews are no longer the convenient people, instead the kingdom of God has passed to the Gentiles any more than they recognize that any pretense of Israel being a nation ended with the death of Solomon. It is as though the destinies of America and Israel are inextricably linked to bring about God’s grand plan.

Stephens speech to the saints in Jerusalem is frequently cited as support for our Zionist leanings in this country. Yet some commentaries interpret his comments as more directed toward the fact that human efforts, particularly the religious efforts of his time, kept Israel from "knowing the righteous Savior and true worship" (Gospelcom.net) rather than a warning to the contemporary enemies of the nation of Israel. They certainly failed to take into account the fact that Israel did not keep the commandment upon which this pledge rested notably their rejection of Jesus (Luke 17:25)

Some American Christians seem to think that God has ordained our Nation to be the protectorate of Israel. He blessed ancient Israel under its four kings, now He’s blessing it with our protection. Whether or not that is the case, We need to take care not to meet the same fate – and there are many parallels. No one could dispute our blessed existence. We believe that God is on our side as they believed He was on theirs. Scriptures seem to suggest we all really need to get on the side of God. Ancient Israel forgot it was blessed to be a blessing as have we. Christ is the promised blessing, not prosperity. Christ is He whom we honor and on whom we must focus. The Second Coming, the New Jerusalem, the millennialisms, the Rapture salvation itself and all else will see to themselves if our hearts are on the cross.

We are not the protectors of the Chosen People, God is. Stephen correctly records that God said "I will bless," "I will make," "I will judge," "I will curse," not you will. Where are we told to "take up arms against a sea of trouble and by opposing, end them?" To the contrary it is by grace are we saved through faith; not of our own efforts because we would be inclined to boast of our accomplishments (Ephesians 2:9). Surely, if we are not in charge of our own salvation, we are not in charge of protecting Israel, the Second Coming or the advent of the New Jerusalem.

There will be a new heaven and a new earth and a New Jerusalem -- the Throne of God. He will walk in the Garden in the cool of the evening and inquire after His children. This time they will not hide their nakedness or fashion clothing to hide their sinfulness for themselves. Instead, cleansed by the blood of Jesus they will meet Him with here are we Lord, and glory to your Holy name.

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Stewardship is the management of God’s resources temporarily under our control. If we would look at it in that way two questions would come to mind. First, what do we really "own?" Life itself is borrowed. Second, what is really important to us? If we had to choose, is it our bank accounts we most treasure or our loved ones? Given a choice of 1 more year with a loved one or 1 billion dollars, which would we choose? PS, we aren’t going to die at the end of that year, but the loved one is. Who do we most treasure, can we rank-order our love from least to most? What life is most valuable, mortal or eternal? Love is a resource. Time is a resource. Our knowledge, experience, wisdom and abilities are resources. Who is the faithful and wise steward spoken of in the parable? Is it he who manages his money well, stays out of debt and tithes the stipulated 10% to his local church or he who manages all his resources for the glory of God? A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another John 13:34.

We are empowered by the Spirit in word and thought and deed to do our Heavenly Father’s bidding. That is our ministry. He is to be the focus and purpose of our lives. Rest assured, when He is the focus, we are in ministry wherever we are, what ever we are doing. We are to be a faithful steward. Jesus speaks of a faithful and wise steward (Luke 12:42). We are faithful when we are striving to use the gifts He has given us. A faithful steward is one who attempts to make his life is his ministry, trying not to be distracted by the world and trying to obey the will of the Lord. Seeking to live a life to honor God is our ministry. Using our gifts on that journey is stewardship.

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FOCUS
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I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly John 10:10

Common sense tells us that "what you see is what you get." that "seeing is believing" and other such everyday statements testifying to the truthfulness of our "natural senses. "Perceptual psychologists, those who study the mechanics of how we see, hear, etc. will tell you differently. The evidence they have gathered suggests we "see" little and "perceive" much. What we want to see and what we are conditioned to see plays a much larger part in what we actually "see" than we think. They know, for example, that what you focus upon pretty well determines what you "see." That’s the whole lesson of visual illusions. What one "sees" in the famous "Old Woman, Young Girl" illusion depends upon the details of the picture one focuses upon. Highway engineers puzzled over how so many drivers manage to hit telephone poles that are spaced hundreds of feet apart and the poles that are only one or two feet thick. The engineers were able to determine from accident victims that they were concentrating on the poles trying to miss them. Drive down an empty street (please) and focus on something to your right and see how difficult it is not to "unconsciously" steer in that direction.

Jesus knew the power of perception long before any psychological theory. In Luke 12:34 He tells us, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. That’s focus. Like the telephone poles along a highway, money, cars, houses – treasures – aren’t inherently evil. If anything is evil, it is the distraction they provide. They have no permanency, no cleansing power, no lasting satisfaction, but the impact of their shattered debris on the fabric of our eternal being can be devastating. Paul knew of focus, to the congregation of Corinth he wrote, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31. Amen! Peter said essentially the same thing, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen1 Peter 4:11 Please read the chapter.

If we can agree that Paul and Peter were on the Right track, what does Paul’s admonition to "do all to the glory of God" come down to? Surely it has a broader application than to one’s dietary habits. What, then? What is it we are to focus on in our daily lives, in our solemn assemblies? Collectively, what things should the Christian community do to bring glory to God? Peter gives us some rather substantial hints: In verse 7 of Chapter 4 he writes, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, he continues, love each other deeply (v. 8), we are to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (v.9), Each one, he records, should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms (v.10). And, he begins by concluding The end of all things is near (v.7).

Concerning 1 Peter 4:7, Matthew Henry’s Commentary states, "The destruction of the Jewish church and nation, foretold by our Saviour, was very near," are there parallels here as well? So, we debate the forms of baptism, the nature of the Eucharist (Imagine that, arguing over the Last Supper!), the timing and exact sequence of the events surrounding the Second Coming, which day is the Day of Rest, clerical orders, liturgical content – even how and at what age we may become a church member.

Have we turned Christianity into a wart instead of the nose? It seems we have no eye with which to see or ear to hear. Is God really glorified by any of this? Peter tells us to "faithfully administer God’s grace," not to create rituals, follow denominational liturgies or so-called "church orders." We are to love one another, not debate one another and offer hospitality rather than controversy. What host would intentionally set about to insult a guest in his house? Yet how often do we do exactly that in God’s house for reasons and in ways that have nothing to do with preaching the Good News or glorifying God? Creeds and canons have become icons to be worshipped. Even if their original intent was for teaching and instruction, how much did they represent the guidance of human wisdom for the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Are these our teachers or the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26?

Acts 1⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

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If We Promise
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There is an old popular song lyric that says, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden." Evidently, someone’s expectations exceeded the reality of the relationship. Not quite so evident is why. Did they take too much for granted or were they promised too much? In the first instance, they are responsible for assuming a rose garden, or what ever was expected was excessive. The clarification and the "I beg your pardon" may put a chill on the relationship but were probably justified. If, on the other hand, the person was deceived, perhaps intentionally, then the "I beg your pardon" is totally disingenuous." Which is the instance rests entirely upon what was promised. Whether the suitor promised more than was forthcoming is pure speculation and further examination of the lyrics does not resolve the riddle.

If we "tease" non-believers into the Christian faith with endless promises of the good life without strain or pain, what can we expect? Like children, given everything, nothing required, sheltered from all standards and all harm, won’t we produce "Spoiled Christians." If we do, then who is responsible when all they seem interested in are the covetous, temporal and superficial aspects of Christianity? When lives aren’t changed, when a careful observer can’t pick out the Christians in society, who is responsible? Who will be responsible for this spit -- Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth Revelation 3:16

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Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises 2 Peter 1:4
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench,
till he send forth judgment unto victory Matthew 12:20

This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you Luke 22:20

Today, many preachers are encouraging us to "seize the promises," to "claim the victory" as our covenant with Christ our Lord proclaims. Frequently cited are Genesis 1:28, Deuteronomy 28:1-13, Proverbs 10:22, Matthew 6:25-33, Matthew 28:18-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 11:1, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:10, John 1:2, John 10:10 and Luke 4:19 for example. The particular slant given these passages is that they promise success, health, wealth, fame, glory and all else that goes with an opulent life-style. Its victory, over adversity in what ever form it might take. Victory over personal enemies, business competitors, the "trials and tribulations" of life.

So, when the Scriptures say God Blessed them as it does in Genesis 1:28 or All these blessing will come upon you as it says in Deuteronomy 28:1, not only are these blessings to the Jewish Nation carried out of the ancient past but expanded to encompass gentile Christians. Matthew 6:25 telling us not to worry about our lives, what we eat or drink is interpreted as a promise that God will provide and, as one pastor said, "That clearly doesn't mean a good life in the sweet by and by after you die. It means right now. You have already been redeemed into the good life. You have been predestined for the blessing of God." Another emphatically declares, "It is not the will of the Father for His children to be ‘broke, busted and disgusted.’ Every born-again believer has a blood-bought right to wealth and riches."

Whether or not their interpretations are correct, there are indisputable promises we can seize and undeniable victories we can claim. The promise of eternal life, that we will inherit the kingdom, His Second Coming, a new heaven and a new earth. We are the "children of the promise," Romans 9:8, the adopted children of God. We may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world caused by evil desires 2 Peter 1:4, the promise of the Holy Spirit. We are to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 1 Peter 2:5. We are promised to be able to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Whatever one might say about how well off Christians are cannot possibly be an overstatement. The simple truth is that we are the most fortunate people ever in the history of all creation. Yes, we are prosperous, beyond measure. Yes we are unimaginably victorious. Yes we are celebrated and honored above all. Yes we have opulence to make all the kings and kingdoms that ever existed envious. We have lasting promises and eternal victories. Our covenant is forever. Unlike the transitory, illusional, shallow promises of material gain and the creature comforts of this life, we are, indeed, the Covenant Children who may claim His eternal promises and everlasting victory. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus, not a modern-day preacher, said, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. How is that to be misinterpreted?

In Luke 12:16-20 the parable of the "rich fool," gives us further evidence that the promises and victories we seek are greater than any earthly possessions or triumphs. The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Pray God, what others should we seek?

There is another promise, Follow me, And I will make you fishers of men Matthew 4:19

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AT LAST: FACTUAL/SCIENTIFIC PROOF FOR CHRISTIANITY

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:
blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29

WELCOME announces the web site in bold letters. "Whether you are looking for scientific support for your faith," it continues, "or answers to questions about God and science, Reasons To Believe exists for you. And, it goes on to proclaim, "Answering Skeptics, Encouraging Believers, Reasons To Believe is an international, interdenominational ministry established to communicate the uniquely factual basis for belief in the Bible as the wholly true Word of God and for personal faith in Jesus Christ." Isn’t that just terrific?

Aside from its founder, Dr. Hugh Ross, the list of "Scientific Scholars" is long and impressive, all with doctorate degrees and working at or teaching at prestigious private and public universities as well as in agencies of the Federal Government. The list is very impressive. Should you be interested it can be found at About RTB along with a note from Dr. Ross and fascinating information about the ministry. They aren’t alone, Reasons To Believe lists dozens of comparable sites all eager to demonstrate that science and religion (notably Christianity) are really friends; that they support and reinforce one another rather than being the antagonists so many seem to believe. Dr. Ross has made this matter his ministry and the focus of his life and career – a real crusader. He is to be applauded.

What is so very admirable about Dr. Ross’ ministry is that he and other scientists can come out in the open about their Christian beliefs – that they may freely (in some cases, aggressively) defend them.) Evidently times have changed. Not many years ago such public declarations would be grounds for dismissal at most "academic" institutions and governmental agencies. While many believed, few proclaimed. Speaking for his staff, he declares, "Everyone involved in the ministry of Reasons To Believe—our volunteers, staff, and board of directors—believes that he or she brings God-given talents to a special team assembled by God for the purpose of helping to fulfill the Great Commission." More acclamations!

That they have chosen to rewrite a number of critical Bible passages in their enthusiasm is not so admirable. Zeal and sincerity are not the measures used for Scriptural proof. Instead, any proposition must not countermand Scripture. For example, and just one of many, Fazale (Fuz) Rana, Ph.D. (Vice President of Science Apologetics) Richard Deem, MS (Apologist) Hugh Ross, Ph.D. (President, Reasons To Believe, Pasadena, CA, 91117) make the following assertion, "While not specifically alluded to in the text of Genesis 1, the hominids creation is encompassed by the Day Six Creation events in which the nepes or animals with will, emotion and intelligence are created." With the uncertainty of the derivation of "nepes" it can be stated with great certainty that the word "creature as found in Genesis 1:6, Strong’s 5315 for "creature" or "nephesh" and Strong’s 2416 for "beast or chay" are totally different that Strong’s 0120 for "man" or Adam.

While admirable, even with distortions and misinterpretations, for overcoming their "scientific" backgrounds, this group is not distinctive. Many have attempted to "prove" the Bible’s authenticity over the centuries. Isn’t this group, like many of their contemporaries, simply modern "Doubting Thomas’s?" Wasn’t this what Jesus was also saying to the rich man from Capernaum, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe John 4:48? Couldn’t He just as well say to Dr. Ross, Ph.D., "Except you find objective scientific evidence you will not believe?" Bless his heart, Lee Stroble does his level best to make A Case for Christ, but the case has already been made. We simply do not need to reach the unbelievers, churched and unchurched with the lame argument that the works of men are a stronger case for Christ than the Holy Bible. What is a stronger, more appropriate witness of faith than the unequivocal, blind if you will, acceptance of God’s Sacred Scriptures? Through faith, we are taught, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3) Does that mean we accept the Word of God without question – blindly? Read the 11^th Chapter of Hebrews. Perhaps the greater courage comes from admitting that we cannot know or understand everything. Maybe it is that which signals our surrender to His sovereign will; that we have matured in our faith to that degree. Not withstanding the absurdity of presuming to know and understand the infinite.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Hebrews 11:6

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A Neighbor of Mine

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighour as thyself Matthew 22:39

A neighbor died just the other day – killed actually – hit by a car. Kind of a sudden, unexpected death. He was a nice man, a good neighbor – quiet and unassuming. One might say humble –sadly though, a heathen. He will be missed. Come to think of it he will be missed at heaven’s role call too – that’s very sad. We didn’t have too much in common other than a fence. He seemed to have been part of that "hippie," lost generation of flower children interested in the environment and all of that. We’d speak and chat now and then about the neighborhood mostly – nothing very personal. There won’t be another like him – no there won’t.

And so, through the veil came a pause, a moment of reflection, a prayer. He was a good man, a bit odd, but a good man, tender hearted, caring. "Dear God, could you find it in your tender mercy to make an exception in his case?" "Why?" "He was such a nice man, a good neighbor?" "What do you think I put you beside him for? I know you would have gotten around to it sooner or later. How many times do you think I’ve heard that before? Too bad he couldn’t have seen something in you that would have made him notice, made him curious. Maybe, then, he would have asked you! Now why should I save him, for his sake or to salve your guilty conscience? Let me know." But, Father, I didn’t know him very long. "You didn’t hear me!" "Let me try again –pay attention."

Who is our neighbor? Remember what Jesus said to the lawyer? Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? (Luke 10:36). He is telling us that the "royal law" is to be applied unequivocally to all -- the very substance, the entirety of our human service. It wasn’t just that he lived next door, it was that he was a fellow human being – good or otherwise. And now, what about that messy little business of "love thy neighbor," what does that mean? Love is defined in the Scriptures as being generous, tolerant and forgiving in our relationships with others – and more. But as surely as Christ asked how it was possible for us to claim to love God while despising those around us, the grandest expression of love is sharing the Good News with them. Even more deeply that the empty symbols of charity as Paul described them, all our acts of kindness, love or charity pales into nothingness if through our actions more than our words others cannot see Him in our lives.

And before we get into a tirade over works and grace, let us say that what we are taught throughout Scriptures about our outward, manifest, behavior has positively nothing to do with earning our salvation. It is not a matter of debate; salvation is totally and completely due to the absolute graciousness of our Heavenly Father. From the garden onward throughout the unfolding record of His striving with us, that has been the lesson. Remember Adam and Eve’s reaction to sin? First they created "clothing" to hide their sinful nakedness, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed gig leaves together, and made themselves aprons ( Genesis 3:7), then they hid themselves from His very presence, And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God (Genesis 3:8). Their feeble attempt to save themselves failed. God knew their nakedness. He offered the first blood sacrifice, a typology of what was to be Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them (Genesis 3:21). No, this is not works, it is gratitude. In this case the gratitude in our soul is full packed down and overflowing – or so it should be – to the point that it cannot be contained. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

What is it that we shall give in such a generous spirit, our houses, clothes, cars and bank accounts? Make no mistake about it (For I was an hungered, I was thirsty, I was a stranger, Naked, sick, I was in prison Matthew 25:35-36.). But more than that as what we do reflects what we are, we are to give the most precious gift our all our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. To do anything less is a sure sign of an ungrateful wretch. That’s doing it MY way. Our neighbor is dead, he was not fed, he was not clothed, he was not given shelter. God forgive our totally depraved human ways. Never ending praise be to Him for His unfathomable graciousness.

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To Dream the Impossible Dream

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself know unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. Numbers 12:6

Remember the wonderful story of Don Quixote, the Man from La Mancha, and that unforgettable song "The Impossible Dream?" The lyrics elaborate the many wonderful things he would do – right wrongs, love pure and chaste, reach the impossible, "to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause!" And then it concludes with the most dramatic possible – "And the world will be better for this that one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage To reach the unreachable stars!" Admirable! At least Don Quixote saw the community of people as beneficiary rather than he alone profiting from his "impossible dream."

Can we somehow equate "dreams" and "miracles?" Synonyms for dreams include such things as meditation, goals, believing, visionary, hope and to visualize while those for miracles include mediation, vision, insightfulness, foreshadowing and disclosure. Actually, not too far apart with the exception of the supernatural ingredient inherent in "miracles." The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia describes a miracle as "an extraordinary work of God." Smith’s Bible Dictionary clarifies the notion even further: "No phenomenon in nature, however unusual, no event in the course of God’s providence, however unexpected, is a miracle unless it can be traced to the agency of man (including prayer under the term agency), and unless it be put forth as a proof of divine mission." The Blue Letter Bible program finds "miracle" used ten times in the Bible. Although there are only six times dreams are spoken of in the New Testament and Jesus never mentioned them, God appeared many times to his prophets in their dreams. The likes of which included Jacob, Joseph, and Gideon. Perhaps, we shouldn’t be too harsh on the "dreamer" or his dreams.

Don Quixote was dreaming of miracles? The star he was reaching for was to save the world from its wrongs its hurts and deliver it into a loving blissfulness. Big dreams. Big enough to include God. So, how big do our dreams have to be to qualify as miracles - how big before they are big enough for God to be in them? Asking such a question or making such a statement suggests we have forgotten that we are living miracles of God’s creation. Forgotten that our salvation is a miracle made possible only by Divine intervention. Maybe we shouldn’t forget so easily. Possibly, we should count it as an impossible dream that Jesus is a living sacrifice for us by which we are assured eternal life – a larger than life miracle, assure we are assured eternal life – a larger than life miracle. What an impossible "dream" that He is our personal intercessor before God the Father - our High Priest.

How is the font of one’s dreams to be evaluated? By their outcomes – the consequences? Then surely our salvation is of the first order miracle. But what about the rest, one might think the less significant, the mundane, those "little" dreams seemingly unsuited for God’s occupation – daily things? You know, on the theological level what might be referred to as "transgressions," "sins of the flesh," that sort of thing? What more "impossible dream" could one dream than to know that we are forgiven; forgiven even before we ask. Remember, well most of us choose not to, what Jesus said about sin? Whosover therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: (Matthew 5:19). Even more pointedly this passage should be bring the home, If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10). We have been taught that after salvation we don’t sin any more – or, if we do, they are just little ones that don’t really count and then just once in a great while. We even invented a term for those who, in our opinion, have done something major, you know like not going to church or tithing or cussing, drinking/smoking adultery and, maybe even fornication -- "backslider."

And there sits Jesus, at the right hand of the Father patiently waiting to intercede for us while, according to our best estimates, we really don’t need His help. Such an attitude suggests two miracles: (1) that we aren’t immediately smitten dead for our blasphemy, (2) that He still loves us and continues to forgive us. Really BIG miracles, HUGE dreams that surround us every breathing moment of our lives.

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