From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 1 23:44:17 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 1 23:45:14 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Unimpeachable Message-ID: I wish someone could explain to me why the Bible never gets any slack. When we, as creationists, ask questions that science cannot answer, we are often told that just because they don't know the exact answer it doesn't mean they are wrong. After all, they haven't had time to discover all knowledge yet and, who knows, there may be a civilization greater than ours out in the cosmos and the rain forest may contain the cure for cancer. The biggest escape mechanism science has is their ability to be the third party in the universe. They don't make science. They just uncover how it works. On the other hand, as Bible-believing Christians, the Word must be able to withstand attacks and speculation from all directions or it is deemed unbelievable. Why should it be that when an Old Testament quote is used in the New Testament, it is somehow proof that the Bible cannot be trusted if it isn't quoted precisely. Why are we slapped in the face with, "Doesn't the Bible say...?" when the Bible doesn't approve of everything recorded in it. Why is it different accounts of the same incident are contradictory and not complementary? Although consistency of the written word over the ages is matchless, are the copyists not allowed any errors? Finally, if there isn't an explanation, if God chose not to include something, does that imply that what was included is somehow wrong? "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:33-36 Amen indeed. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 3 00:23:59 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat Dec 3 00:24:46 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Faith and Promises Message-ID: <141aed51a44023e4f6296312ac6b42f9@clanwebb.com> What's in it for me? How many times does this question come up when you're asking someone a favor? Sometimes, it goes unsaid, but you can tell that's what the other guy is thinking. That's really the bottom line of our sin nature. What am I getting out of this deal? How am I going to improve my personal situation? Now, you might find this odd, but I don't think there's anything wrong with asking that question in the face of a variety of situations. However, the difference is what the questioner feels is appropriate compensation. To the unsaved, they're talking about money, status, power, or maybe just freebies. I've had more than one friend show up late to join a moving party, but happily participate in the free pizza fest afterwards. I guess that's what you'd call maximizing your investment. Thirty minutes of moving boxes followed by free pizza and watching TV. If what you value is of a higher order, however, then you will be led the right way. If you consider treasures in heaven to be more valuable than payouts here on earth, then you'll be looking to follow God's will. That can never go wrong. What are you willing to do to earn those rewards? "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. [...] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:32-34, 39-40 Have faith in God to follow where He leads you. He has made promises to you if you do, but you may not see those promises fulfilled here. You'll get a much bigger payoff in Heaven. What's in it for you? You can't even imagine. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 4 00:25:29 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun Dec 4 00:35:33 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Find the Line Message-ID: <031f318c9f305f9549f8245dba046aca@clanwebb.com> I have had the same conversation with people so many times, I've lost count. If you have not had this discussion or thought it yourself, I would be surprised. "I know I have not been as good as I could have been during my life, but basically I'm a good person." "After all, if I am a sinful person, God made me this way so He has to shoulder some of the blame." "I should make it into heaven since I'm not as bad as a murderer, rapist, bank robber, or Hitler." Of course the problem here is not a question of how you compare to other people. The real question is how good is good enough? Who draws the line? Remember, now, that those who are saved will be judged as one hundred percent perfect by God since we are redeemed by Christ. Do you really think that, "Look, God, You made me this way, so it's Your fault." is going to be your ticket into Heaven? Event the smallest of brains must reason that such a defense is going to flop. After all, it doesn't even work in the courtroom, "Look, Judge, I didn't set the speed limit, so it's not my fault." How good is good enough? Billy Graham good? Mother Teresa good? Gandhi good? Or, is the standard lower? Maybe it's only preacher good, or big giving good, or unselfish works good. If God draws the line, one side makes it in and the other side doesn't. Where did He draw the line? You sure don't want to just miss, right? How bad would it be if you were just one act of kindness short? Or just one dollar of giving short? Or just one Sunday of church attendance short? Can't you see how inept this line of reasoning is? A one hundred percent perfect God is not vague. He gives one hundred percent answers. He sets one hundred percent parameters. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that "all" means all. Everyone. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5 You can sincerely believe that you are going to Heaven based on your life choices and that God is grading on a curve. However, you are forgetting that you can be sincerely right or sincerely wrong. People sincerely get on a train to go north only to find out there are going south. Salvation is not a democracy. The guy with the most votes doesn't win. The guy with all the power sets the rules and, in this case: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 5 00:23:00 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon Dec 5 00:23:47 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Reunited Message-ID: <7747fcec435ae769c57230200edf1b50@clanwebb.com> One of the nightmares of working on large software projects is the need to modify and repair code written by other programmers. Although programming has a rigid language and there are requirements in structure, there is still much room for a particular programmer's style to be evident. Because that style can vary differently, it can be difficult to discern what the original programmer was attempting to do in any given section of code. If that person happens to still be with the company, you can ask (although if more than a couple of months has passed, it's just as likely that he won't remember a thing). More often in this industry, though, is that the original author is long gone. That leaves me with the task of understanding what he was doing, why he did it, and how to update it for a new feature or fix the bug he wasn't aware of. The danger is that I may not understand all of the implications and connections and so any changes I make will actually break the original intent of the code. And, then, I'm in worse shape than when I started. Now, the easiest way to avoid this situation is to write comments. Comments are just what they sound like. It's a way to leave normal english commentary inside the code so that anyone else reading it might have a clue as to what's going on. Since comments only help those coming later, programmers are notoriously bad about writing them. We never need them at the time, so it feels like a waste. That is until the next guy needs them. Heck, I've even discovered that the programmer I was angry at for not leaving comments turned out to be me a year or two earlier. That's a little humbling. God does this whole process on a grander scale and actually follows through with correct procedure. God made a specific decision to separate men from themselves. He fractured the single unifying culture man had early in his history. He left us clear comments on why. "Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that men were building. The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." " Genesis 11:4-7 He did this because He knew that man would drive himself to ruin quickly. God split us up and sent us away from Babel to save us from ourselves. The Bible tells us exactly why He did this. However, we don't know all the implications or connections involved. There is no way that we, as men, could put this back together again. We don't know enough and would fail at any attempt. We do know that Satan will attempt to reunify man on his own terms in the end times. But that, too, is doomed to fail. Happily, God wasn't done. He did offer a way for men to be reconciled with each other. He offered a way for us to be unified again, but this time under His leadership. "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all of these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?" Acts 2:1-8 The Holy Spirit uses men of God to reunify mankind. Saved men are brothers again. Regardless of our native language, upbringing, culture, or skin color, we are all brothers again in Christ. If you want to see people treating each other like brothers and sisters, just join God's family and spread the word that He's still adopting. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 6 00:12:32 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue Dec 6 00:13:31 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Authority and Submission Message-ID: <6a9ddfacbd5df27db185a6bbdaf97851@clanwebb.com> Authority and submission come and go in our lives. These aspects need to be managed like anything else in a Christian's life according to the teaching of scripture. Trouble can start when someone is practicing either authority or submission and they fail to move from one to the other. Here are some practical aspects of submission based on the balance between the two. Government: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1 Business: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." Colossians 3:22 "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." Colossians 4:1 Family: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"?which is the first commandment with a promise?"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4 Husbands and Wives: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:18-19 Church: "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." " 1 Peter 5:5 Now, it isn't always easy because people are not always easy on one another and Satan loves to mess with these relationships. So, in each case we must prayerfully consider our response as it would please Christ, not the person in authority or the one we have authority over. There is great joy in submission and great joy in the proper administration of authority. Jesus Christ is our model, as He is in all things. He was submissive to God's plan and yet carried the authority to destroy the world. The point is, "Your will be done..." Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 6 23:59:09 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue Dec 6 23:59:59 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] New Message-ID: <767d0e0e12c71096c6ff6ee49b1b102d@clanwebb.com> There's something about new toys. When I was a kid, it was opening a new board game or a new Lego set. The pieces were all in perfect condition. I was going to be the first one to use them. From that point forward they would be my toys and they would develop wear and breakage due to my usage. As an adult, I still go through this rush. Whenever I buy a new computer or TV or DVD player, I get a rush as I cut the tape and remove the styrofoam. I love setting up new items and personalizing them. I love hooking them up and taking them for a test drive. Every time, though, there's a let down. At first, you can't take your eyes off it. A few days later, it's still cool, but you're returning to your routine. Within a few weeks, it's just another part of your house and that newness rush has worn off. Man has not figured out how to manufacture something that doesn't age and he never will. Everything starts to get older. You can't stop the march of time. It will eventually consume all of the wonderful inventions of man. God, however, makes things new every day. God's creations don't lose that newly minted rush. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 God's love, His compassion, His mercy, His grace, is new every morning. Good thing, too, because you and I are likely to need some more tomorrow morning and the next day and the next. We can't use God up and wear Him out. He is always new and always there. God even made you new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 So, don't look for the rush of a new toy. Depend on the rush of a new day of forgiveness, a new day of love, a new day of grace. They never wear out or get old. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 8 00:11:19 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 8 00:12:08 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Judgment Message-ID: <197d7c80f768d0a468a987bc1f6540a0@clanwebb.com> Chuck Colson said, "True tolerance is not a total lack of judgment. It's knowing what should be tolerated - and refusing to tolerate that which shouldn't." Have you ever been confronted with the accusation that, as a Christian, you are judging the world? "You people think you're better than the rest of us." "You are a self-righteous bunch of hypocrites, judging us and then doing the same stuff." "You don't read your own Bible, it says "Judge not lest you be judged." " "You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Romans 14:10 "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." James 4:11 One only has to read these verses slowly to understand that we are admonished to examine concerns closely and remember who we are and under whose authority we are placed. When we look at someone or their behavior, we must not jump to a conclusion about them. Someone may be looking at us in a moment in time that might give the wrong impression as to our intent or our lifestyle. "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24 This verse is the key to judgment. Make a right judgment a righteous judgment. Then we have an obligation, under God-led circumstances, to point out the consequences of sinful behavior and turn in civil law-breakers. We have never been given the authority to judge eternally, besides the fact that we don't know the plan anyway. Jesus was very clear to Peter on this point. "Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, a rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" John 21:20-22 Be amazed at God's plan. Don't try to interfere. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Dec 9 00:02:24 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri Dec 9 00:03:53 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Passing Time Message-ID: <8cab3d841f05d542af5078dad3fc1017@clanwebb.com> The other night after men's prayer, we were joking about getting older. "I looked in the mirror and said, "Oh, my gosh! It's my old man!" " "I have a new phrase when I look in the mirror. Time is not my friend." " One thing nice about losing your memory is that you can wrap your own Christmas gifts." and the classic, "Of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most." The whole concept of time is a mystery. It didn't seem to matter as much in the Old Testament. Of course, those guys lived so long they probably ran out of careers to change to and probably had to start at the top of the list again. If King David had lived as long as Noah, he would have had to cycle back to being a shepherd. We really do put ourselves under pressure of time and it's all based on the idea that time is running out. Time isn't running out. It isn't going to slow down to a stream and then a trickle and, finally, a drip. Time will end when God pulls the plug. Since we don't know when that is, we just have to trust in Him. It isn't important. What is important is to be content right now. The future is in good hands. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 This isn't a defeatist attitude. This is reality. It's not a call to "eat, drink, and make merry, for tomorrow we may die." Don't claw at life, but see past your troubles. Because, when the time is up... "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:10-11 In the end, my friends - and only God knows that moment - we WIN! Between now and and the 25th, say Merry Christmas to at least three strangers a day. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 10 00:26:24 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat Dec 10 00:27:47 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Knowledge Message-ID: I have a love for knowledge. I loved learning and understanding the intricacies of math through high school and college. I enjoyed studying physics, electromagnetism, and solid state chemistry. Even today, when I find myself with some free time between projects at work, I'll use that time to teach myself something new about my profession. I'll learn a new technology or study the new developments on the cutting edge. After getting saved, I have craved more knowledge about the Bible and love to learn new tidbits whenever I can. Throughout my life, I've had the opportunity to use the knowledge God has allowed me to gain in one of two ways. I have had many chances to use it to hammer a critic or embarrass a rival. I remember distinctly a conversation I had while I was a senior in high school. I was helping a friend of a friend set up a stereo to be used at a small dance. I was providing the stereo and the music and he was providing the speakers. In an effort to impress the girl I was dating, he proceeded to challenge my technical knowledge and tell me that his speakers were too much for my little stereo. He rattled off some buzzwords and told me that it was obvious that they wouldn't work together. He didn't know that I understood enough of electronics to know he was blowing smoke. I proceeded to rattle off even more buzzwords and I actually used them correctly. I explained why he was clueless and finished setting the system up. It worked flawlessly. I gained a moment of joy in dressing down someone acting like a jerk, but I didn't gain anything permanent. He got even less out of that than I did. I have also had many chances to use knowledge to gain more of it. Early in my professional career, I realized that I was going to learn a lot faster if I would simply ask questions and pick the brain of the engineers who had been at it longer than I had. I found one fellow who would put up with me and I learned quite a bit in a few months. In fact, it wasn't long before we were having conversations that were driving his knowledge further, too. We were both performing better by using our knowledge together. To this day, I feel that I am a better software engineer when someone at my level of experience or better is around. It challenges me to do better and keeps me sharp. What I discovered in these two approaches is nothing new. God's been trying to tell us for years. There's no point in annoying people with your knowledge. Stick with those folks that will help you gain more knowledge. Use your knowledge to help those with less. "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes the wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning." Proverbs 9:7-9 Now, the real kicker is what the most valuable knowledge is. For all I have learned and studied in my life, nothing compares to the power and clarity that comes from simply knowing God. Again, this is nothing new. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 Don't use it as a weapon. Don't go picking a fight. Start with God. Seek more. Share it all. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 11 00:16:46 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun Dec 11 00:17:45 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Contentment Message-ID: Maybe I'm getting cynical. Maybe I'm just learning how life works. I don't know exactly why, yet, but I'm developing an automatic response that some might consider strange. Whenever life seems to be going well, whenever all my ducks are in a row and the stars are aligning, whenever things seem to be falling in to place easily, I prepare myself. It seems like those are the times when trouble hits you. That's when to expect the unexpected. It happened to me this weekend. Things went well at work this week and it's looking pretty good for next week. We finished our Christmas shopping today and it started feeling like we could really settle in for the season. Things seemed to be falling into place. Then a few things fell into place the wrong way. Our once-a-month Sunday evening fellowship decided to meet an hour earlier. They also asked that each family bring an appetizer to share. Then, late Saturday night, our washing machine began to act strangely. Put all of that together and we have a Sunday that goes from church, to lunch, to the laundromat, to preparing food, to fellowship, and then to bed. Oh, and we may have to go buy a new appliance this week, too. My weekend went from happy and relaxed to frustrated and stressed by simply adding a broken washer. I have no doubts that the enemy is working these angles on us. Not only is he intent on disrupting our happiness, he's clearly trying to steal our joy as we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Paul spoke about how to respond to these situations in his letter to the Phillipians. He had been at the height of life and the depth of life. He figured out how to ride it all out. "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:11-13 Be content. It's easier said than done, but that doesn't make it any less true. We must learn to be content in any situation. Don't be caught up in the roller coaster of life and feel that the ups and downs have any lasting meaning. They don't. They are only temporary. How to be content? That's the big question, isn't it? Well, Paul had a great prescription. Let God provide the contentment. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:4-7 Rejoice, pray, and find peace. It takes some getting used to, but it works. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 12 00:09:05 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon Dec 12 00:09:50 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Change of Heart Message-ID: <8c8fcfda04e40fbfc8029d688213ae94@clanwebb.com> I tried to use literal interpretations to my advantage early in life. Do you remember that moment when you realized that there was a loophole if you chose to interpret instructions from your parents in a strictly literal sense? Suddenly, you find yourself hoping to get vague directions and general orders from Mom and Dad. When you got something appropriate, you could find a way to slip around the actual work. For me, it was cleaning my room. Whenever I was told to clean my room, I chose to interpret that as cleaning the room itself and nothing in it. In my mind, the closet didn't count, my desk didn't count, and the drawers under my bed didn't count. So, cleaning my room was simply the task of taking everything from the floor and putting it on my desk, in my closet, or under my bed. I would then proudly present my room to Mom and wait for the accolades. As I learned years later, I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. Mom would know what was going on and simply say, "It's looking better, but you're not done yet." I would claim ignorance as to what else she could possibly want. I would feign frustration at the clearly draconian expectations. The fact was that Mom and I were wrestling about a heart issue. I wanted to obey the letter of the law and she was trying to teach me about the spirit of the law. I knew in my heart what she wanted and what I was supposed to do, but I looked for a way out. I wanted a shortcut. This is precisely the reason Christ came and superseded the Law. He taught us to obey God with our hearts, not with our actions alone as the Pharisees were doing. He knows the evil in men's hearts would allow them to think they were holy by their actions without a change of heart. Christ told us that God sees the heart, and He will judge us on that. "The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless." Proverbs 11:20 "He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Luke 16:15 Don't trick yourself into thinking that the actions that can fool men will fool God. He knows your heart. Allow Him to change it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 13 00:10:49 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue Dec 13 00:11:57 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Not That Bad Message-ID: We use a lot of sliding scales in our lives. We gamble against the odds on a daily basis. "How bad can it be?" we will ask when we take a chance. Then when the hammer falls we cry out, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "The punishment is too great for the crime." or "I didn't know this could happen. Nobody told me." Every single person on the earth has the ability to accept or reject God. They may not understand His history or have a clear picture of His character, but they can accept or reject Him simply by paying attention to the world around them. The line between right and wrong isn't hard to see in the vast majority of life situations. We just choose to gamble and place our wrong decisions on a sliding scale. We hope God doesn't regard all sin in the same light and that He will just shrug His shoulders and say, "Children will be children. Naughty, naughty, we mustn't do that now." "These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face." Psalm 51:21 God is taking notes on your behavior. You will get away with nothing. When your earthly father fails to confront you with your sin, don't make the mistake of thinking your actions will be allowed to slide. The longer you make decisions based on how much you can get away with before the pain is noticeable, the more you are crushed when confronted. "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 52:5-10 How can we expect a God that loves us to not rebuke us when we put ourselves in danger? How would you feel about an all-powerful God that allowed you to put your soul in danger by not paying attention to your every move? Run back to Him the instant He confronts you. He has the antidote for every poison you choose to drink. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 14 00:21:08 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed Dec 14 00:22:15 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Not Alone Message-ID: Like most boys at that age, I wanted to play Little League baseball. Of course I started with Tee Ball, but when you played the outfield, not much happened. When we finally got to the point where the players were pitching, it got interesting. Dad decided to take on the Herculean task of teaching me to catch fly balls. I distinctly remember one long afternoon in the backyard when Dad hit me pop flies for what seemed like hours. I caught very few because I was afraid of being hit by the ball. Dad was doing his best to encourage me to be brave and get under the ball. I just keep backing away at the last second. I could tell he was running out of ways to explain it to me, but he just kept hitting those fly balls to me. It may have been that day or some other day like it, but I did finally figure it out. I had to go through the same process with my own son. I can do that now because Dad was a good coach. The reason Dad kept trying to teach me to catch a fly ball was because I had to learn to do it myself. If I wanted to play, I had to perform. Of course, it would have been much easier for me if Dad could have played the outfield right next to me. Then he could have helped catch those fly balls that I couldn't. He could make the long throw to the infield when I couldn't. Obviously, the rules don't allow for that to happen. Sometimes, I fall into the trap of thinking of God like a coach or the corner man in a boxing match. He's there to teach you and pump you up, but eventually you have to go out there alone and perform. We go to church. We read the Bible. We pray. But, when we head to work or to school, we will sometimes leave God behind and try to carry out His will on our own. The rules of life don't say that your coach can't be on the field with you. He does do all of those things, but He can do so much more. God will be standing next to you as you go through your day. He'll hold you up when you're weary. He'll clear a path when you're lost. He'll even fight your battle when you've been taken out. He trains you: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." Psalm 18:32-34 He is with you on the field: "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:7-8 He will even fight in your place: "Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." Psalm 16:7 Take the training. Listen to His coaching. But, don't leave Him behind when you head out onto the field. Keep Him by your side. You don't have to do it alone. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 14 23:37:03 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed Dec 14 23:37:48 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Fun Words Message-ID: <98e0a9a2131b3798321fb7e0eaed11b0@clanwebb.com> Here's a cool word: "Axiomatic". The definition is: self-evident. You get up in the morning and it is light outside. It's axiomatic that the sun came up. You can have fun with a word like this. Left unattended, a toddler will find trouble. It's axiomatic. Over a period of time, a teenager's room will prove the theory of entropy (another fun word), it's axiomatic. This word is the best answer I have ever used when someone declares to me that there is no proof of God. When this happens to you, just relax, take a small breath, look at them as you would the above-mentioned toddler or teenager, and say in your best British accent, "It's axiomatic, my dear man." Then don't say anything while remembering that the first person to speak next is the loser. Now, if they insist on moving the conversation, use another fun word: fiat. Most of them will think you are referring to a small imported car, but you know better. Fiat comes from the Latin and means "let it be done". It implies that the action is causing something to happen out of nowhere. When God used it, it was to create. He created by fiat. Once again, think of the toddler or the teenager. They are both at creating excuses by fiat. "Who ate all of the cereal and left the empty box on the shelf?" They will create, by fiat, a phantom from nothing in order to pass the blame. "Who wrote on the wall with magic marker?" Same guy, right out of nowhere. The reason they think it will work on you is because creating by fiat actually happens. God made the universe by fiat, out of nothing. Now, because everything needs a builder and any teenager can figure out eventually that you have to get back to the original creator, they will then ask, "Who made God?" Be brave, because if they insist on claiming there is a brick wall at the end of the universe with a sign on it saying, "The End", God has a few words for them. "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 25:5 Smile. It's okay. We're right. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 15 23:35:11 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 15 23:39:54 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Hasty Shepherds Message-ID: If you have studied the Christmas story, it comes as no surprise to you that December 25th probably was not the very day of the birth of the Savior. It should also be no surprise that the Magi came some time after the birth. I certainly am not making excuses for scripture, but perhaps for Hallmark who tries to get the whole story on one greeting card. One part of the story that I had not pondered before really came to life for me this season. It set a great picture in my mind and made me smile, to be sure. Scripture tells us that an angel came to a few shepherds and announced the birth of the Lord. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 8-14 If you ponder this scene for just a moment, you can imagine these guys (certainly not the group invited to the king's office party) being placed in a life-changing situation. Nothing remotely close to this has ever happened to 99.9% of the world's population, but it happened to them. What happens, next, I think, is pure glee and should be a picture for all of us. They become hasty shepherds. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:15-16 I can just see them bounding off the rocks and down the gullies and across the flats to get to town. They are so excited to see the Christ and tell everyone what happened. I know the feeling. I remember the very moment I became a hasty shepherd. It was the moment that Christ came into my life. Can you remember your hasty shepherd moment? Merry Christmas, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 17 00:15:48 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat Dec 17 00:16:37 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Rest Message-ID: <9162c44d5175c987ff5041561c79c803@clanwebb.com> Sometimes a week flies by and I can't believe it's over. Other times it drags endlessly and I wonder why it seems to be Tuesday for the third time this week. This past week was one of the latter. I've been planning on taking time off from work from before Christmas until after New Year's. I've been looking forward to it for some time. But, much like the last week of school, this week has seemed to drag. Each day has held a new fire to put out and a little more stress than I would expect. Even today, I had to hang around longer than I usually do. Events seemed to conspire to keep me from my vacation. Eventually, it did arrive. I feel like the guy crawling across the finish line, though, as this week has wiped me out. Nontheless, I'm grateful because time cannot be stopped. That day you are looking forward to has to come. You will get to rest. That concept was the only thing that got me through finals week in school. Despite my fear that I wasn't prepared, I could take comfort in knowing that in a few days it would all be over. It didn't matter how well or poorly I did, it would just be done. Time won't be denied. I always got to rest. God has made a similar promise to us all. He promises that He will provide our rest here on earth. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1 "The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23 Furthermore, God promises that we may enter His eternal rest. "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." Hebrews 4:9-10 Whether you're fighting to get to the end of the week or you worry about where your life is taking you, depend on the Lord. He will lead you to the rest you need. He will lead us all to His rest in the end. I'm sure looking forward to that. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 18 01:28:05 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun Dec 18 01:28:50 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] When? Message-ID: <94c9089dee4430d9fd080c06a9e2b1bf@clanwebb.com> About 2000 years ago, God stepped down to earth and lived among us. There are still people who will doubt that this happened, but they are becoming more of a minority every day. There is overwhelming evidence that Jesus Christ was here and that He did things recorded about Him in scripture. When He left, He clearly stated that He would be returning as a conquering King with His reward for the believers. At that time, even the disciples thought He would be back in their lifetimes. Over the years, many people have been convinced that Christ would return in their lifetimes. There are people today who are sure we are in the End Times. The truth is that we don't know. We can't know. "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2 All of this time passing has confused the believer and unbeliever alike. The new believer might be impatient and wonder why He isn't coming back now. The unbeliever points to two millennia as proof that He isn't returning. They both miss the point about what the return of Christ means. His return is not just a political shift or changing of the guard. It's not even a revolution that may change the rules you live under. It will be the end of the lives we know. What comes after will be so radically different that it is unimaginable to us now. More importantly, the change that will occur will be permanent. There will be no going back and changing your mind. There will be no do-overs or second chances after that day. That is why He tarries. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 He is not lazy or forgetful. He is not myth. He loves us so much that He is giving us as much time as possible to recognize the gift He offers. He continues to extend the deadline so as many people as possible can take advantage of the deal. He wants people to be saved. He's just giving us the time to figure it out. So, instead of shaking your head or pounding the table about the fact that He hasn't returned yet, be thankful that He waited long enough for you to get saved. And, always remember, He knows what He's doing. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 19 00:37:56 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon Dec 19 00:38:40 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Sick Message-ID: For the past two days, our son has been telling us that he thinks he's getting a cold. We kept pointing to all the evidence that he wasn't. The humidity is extremely low, so he's just drying out. He's had a long couple of days, so he's just tired. He was not rebuffed, though. He kept telling us, "I'm getting a cold. It's coming." Finally, tonight, we had to admit that he probably did have a cold. As a result, we started to care for him differently. We have been watching closely for fever. We have been giving him medications to help with the cough. We have been helping him to stay warm and drink fluids. I have no doubt he will get better soon. As a matter of fact, he's decided that he is going to will himself to health before Christmas day. He's just stubborn enough to do it. As I was measuring out his meds, it occurred to me how differently my wife and I were acting once we agreed that he was sick. It seemed like a clear parallel to our life. We go through life trying to convince ourselves that we are fine. God has clearly pointed out that we are sick through His Word, but we deny it. We come up with excuses as to why life feels empty. "I was cheated" or "I can't catch a break" or "If I just have a little more, I'll feel better." We'll dance and bend to convince ourselves that we're doing fine and our unhappiness is the result of something or someone else. The truth is that we're just sick. We can't get better by ourselves. If you don't think you're sick, you never go to a doctor or try to take medicine. It's only after admitting you are sick that you will actually seek a way to get healthy. The good news is that there is one (and only one) way to get completely healthy. You will experience a relapse of the symptoms from time to time, but you will not end up the same way as those who are never treated. First, recognize that you are sick. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Jesus Christ offers the cure for the disease of sin that we all have. If you are sure you aren't sick, then His offer isn't for you. "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."" Mark 2:17 Admit you are sick. Accept the cure. Tell everyone else about it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 20 00:57:08 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue Dec 20 00:59:50 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Anxiousness Message-ID: Here is a thought: If evolution is true, how did anxiousness come about? How did we develop that feeling that something is wrong, about to happen, or will have consequences? In God's relationship with man, everything has a beginning and it also has a use. The first recorded anxious thought? "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Genesis 2:6-7 At that moment, man knew anxiousness. You can see it in their actions and feel it when you read the verse. It is just like God to take a mistake we make and use it to mold us. He can place it in our minds. "Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart." Deuteronomy 28:65 He lets you know that He knows what it feels like and what to do to cure that feeling. "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25 He uses it to teach you by asking a question. "What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?" Ecclesiastes 2:22 Then, He gives you the answer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6 How could this process happen by random selection and mutation? How did this kind of feeling come about? Feelings like compassion and anxiousness have a source and a divine maker. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 Wishing you a still Christmas without anxiousness. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 21 00:28:55 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed Dec 21 00:29:52 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Law Message-ID: Is it harder to live by a law or the spirit of a law? "Do you not know, brothers ? for I am speaking to men who know the law ? that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?" Romans 7:1 "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." 1 Timothy 1:8 "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law" " Galatians 3:10 When the Old Testament law was written, it was in answer to a request from sinful people for parameters of living from a perfect God. And God knew that they could not keep them. Hence, they were under the laws they couldn't keep that condemned them to death. However, God never meant for us to die. Thus, we refer to the spirit of the law. "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant ? not the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with his question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." " Matthew 22:34-40 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1-4 For a law to have a spirit it must have a moral character. Jesus Christ took care of the old law and became the character and the spirit of the law. Many man-made laws are just a way for one group of people to impose their will on another group of people. God's laws have a moral character to integrate into our character. We were made to be a match for His laws, that is why they are more of a relief than a burden. That is why they enrich our lives and not restrict them. Be happy and embrace the spirit of all of God's laws. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 22 00:35:01 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 22 00:36:11 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] I Don't Make the Rules Message-ID: I am continually amazed at how thickheaded people can be. Specifically, I'm speaking about the hammering assaults on Christians who believe what the Bible says and aren't afraid to say so. To the world, an acceptable Christian is one who will adapt his beliefs to the changing times. It is one who will make an exception now and then. It is one who will tolerate different theologies. Well, forgive me for not being an acceptable Christian. Of course, I don't really care whether the world likes me or not. It's my Father in Heaven that I'm trying to please. I will not bend the Bible to fit the times. I will not make exceptions to God's will. I will certainly live peacefully with people of other faiths, but I will never believe that they are following a different path to the same God. This whole thought came to mind while watching an interview on TV tonight. The interviewer was asking a pastor of a large Evangelical church about how one gets to Heaven. He simply said, "Well, the only way I know of is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior." The interviewer followed up and said, "But if you don't?" Without missing a beat, the pastor replied, "Then you don't get in." The interviewer went on to ask whether the pastor was bothered by the fact that many folks find that attitude judgmental and exclusive. He shrugged and said that he didn't want anyone to be turned off by his attitude, but that he simply wanted to share the truth that had been revealed to him. What gets me about these questions is the presumption that the human beings here on earth have somehow been the ones deciding who gets in and who doesn't. The questions are always phrased to attack the believer as the one with a narrow point of view who should be condemned. By excluding God from the equation, the critic can accuse the believer of being arrogant and insulting. The problem with that whole premise, of course, is that we didn't make the rules. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." " John 14:6 Jesus said it. I believe it. Don't complain to me if you don't like the rules. Complain to the rulemaker. Just don't bet on Him changing the rules for you. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 22 23:42:38 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 22 23:43:24 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Check Your Cards Message-ID: The distraught teen screams, "I didn't ask for you to have me. I didn't even ask to be born." The parent is thinking at this point, "To tell you the truth, child, I had something a little different in mind, too." It's convenient to blame God for our pain and disappointment, but it is terribly presumptuous. What is in our mind or what we think, is given to us by God. God is the maker. We are the made. When has it ever been that anything made is greater than its maker? "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you you make me like this?'" " Romans 9:20 Rather, we ought to look at ourselves and say, "Wow! Look at this. Have you ever seen anything so unbelievable?" God is really smart. "Far be it from you to do such a thing ? to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis 18:25 God never, ever did anything wrong. However, we do. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 We have been dealt the winning hand and so many of us complain of disappointment because we think there is a better hand in the game. Don't let the world bluff you with pain and frustration because that's all it is: a bluff. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 What an act of love! What a demonstration that you have been given the ace of aces. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 That's the bluff-calling card. Don't get up and leave your winnings on the table. If you accept Jesus Christ, you are a new creature: a winner! Although, He might have done something about those ears. Blessings, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 24 00:25:37 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat Dec 24 00:26:55 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] The Reason Message-ID: <962F2F60-6EB8-4D11-9F0F-3A92EFBE9730@clanwebb.com> Every year it becomes more difficult to see Jesus in the Christmas we see around us. In the news, Christmas is about the economy or politics. In the store, it's about the hot toys and the cool gifts. At work, it's about getting vacation time. Even those who are attempting to pull Christmas back from this brink can fall victim to watering it down. They tell you Christmas is about friends and family. They put on TV specials about homeless kids and long lost loves. There is certainly more value in that than a pile of packages, but it's still not right. No matter how many gifts you give or get, no matter how much family you surround yourself with, no matter how warm and fuzzy you feel inside, you've missed it if you don't remember Jesus Christ. We celebrate the birth of God incarnate. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" " John 1:29 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." " John 8:12 "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." " Luke 22:20 He takes away our sin. He is the light we follow. He brought forth the new covenant between us and God. Don't let this get lost in your own family. Keep the season true. Merry Christmas, Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 25 01:12:36 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun Dec 25 01:14:47 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] The Birth of Jesus Christ Message-ID: This is a reprint of a devotional called, "The Birth of Jesus Christ" by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace of the Dallas Theological Seminary. Merry Christmas! The Year Jesus Was Born: In the western hemisphere, we split time by the birth of Jesus Christ. But did he really even live? If so, when was he born? Sometime ago, I struck up a conversation with a man who claimed that God did not exist. He was an atheist. But not just a run-of-the-mill atheist, you understand. He also insisted that Jesus Christ never existed! This fellow was hard core. Now my atheist friend had incredible faith--blind faith, I might add. His religious fervor, in fact, would put many evangelists to shame. But the evidence that Jesus Christ invaded history is not just shut up to the testimony of the New Testament--as irrefutable as that might be! The very enemies of Christianity claimed that he lived--and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus--as well as first-century Gentile historians--such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus--all testify that the one called Christ lived in Palestine and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, "The historicity of Christ is as [certain]...as the historicity of Julius Caesar" (NT Documents, 119). Now it logically follows that if Jesus Christ lived (need it be said?), he must have been born. The Gospels tell us that his birth was shortly before Herod the Great died. Herod's death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in 4 B.C. It might sound strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born no later than 4 B.C. since B.C. means 'before Christ.' But our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525. At that time, Pope John the First asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the real B.C./A.D. division by at least four years! Now Matthew tells us that Herod killed Bethlehem's babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is 6 B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the one called Messiah was born in either late 5 or early 4 B.C. My atheist friend scoffs at such flexibility. He says, "If you don't know exactly when Jesus was born, how do you know that he really lived?" That is hardly a reasonable question! The other day I called my mother to wish her a happy birthday. "Mom, how many candles on this birthday cake?" I inquired. "I don't know, son--I don't keep track any more," she sighed. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we hung up. Now, of course, I can't be certain, but I do believe that that was my mother on the other end of the phone. She can't remember how old she is (and she's neither senile nor very old), but that doesn't make her a figment of my imagination, does it? Because if she's just a phantom, then for the last three minutes, you've been reading absolutely nothing! The Day Jesus Was Born: This coming December 25th most parents will be lying to their children about old St. Nick. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of our Savior. But was he really born on this day? Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Virtually every month on the calendar has been proposed by biblical scholars. So why do we celebrate his birth in December? The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D., argued that this was Christ's birthday. Meanwhile, in the eastern Church, January 6th was the date followed. But in the fourth century, John Chrysostom argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day till now, the Church in the East, as well as the West, has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Christ's birth. In modern times, the traditional date has been challenged. Modern scholars point out that when Jesus was born, shepherds were watching their sheep in the hills around Bethlehem. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to "some shepherds staying out in the fields [who were] keeping watch over their flock by night" (2:8). Some scholars feel that the sheep were usually brought under cover from November to March; as well, they were not normally in the field at night. But there is no hard evidence for this. In fact, early Jewish sources suggest that the sheep around Bethlehem were outside year-round. So you can see, December 25th fits both tradition and the biblical narrative well. There is no sound objection to it. Now admittedly, the sheep around Bethlehem were the exception, not the rule. But these were no ordinary sheep. They were sacrificial lambs. In the early spring they would be slaughtered at the Passover. And God first revealed the Messiah's birth to these shepherds-- shepherds who protected harmless lambs which would soon die on behalf of sinful men. Whey they saw the baby, could they have known? Might they have whispered in their hearts what John the Baptist later thundered, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Now, of course, we can't be absolutely certain of the day of Christ's birth. At least, not this side of heaven. But an early winter date seems as reasonable a guess as any. And December 25th has been the frontrunner for eighteen centuries. Without more evidence, there seems no good reason to change the celebration date now. We can blame the ancient church for a large part of our uncertainty. You see, they did not celebrate Christ's birth. At all. To them, it was insignificant. They were far more concerned with his death...and resurrection. But modern man has turned that around. A baby lying in a manger is harmless, non-threatening. But a man dying on a cross--a man who claims to be God--that man is a threat! He demands our allegiance! We cannot ignore him. We must either accept him or reject him. He leaves us no middle ground. This Christmas season, take a close look at a nativity scene once again. Remove your rose-colored glasses--smell the foul air, see the cold, shivering animals. They represent the Old Testament sacrificial system. They are emblems of death. But they are mere shadows of the Babe in their midst. He was born to die...that all who believe in him might live. The Visit of the Magi: When Jesus Christ was born, men--known as magi--came from the east to worship him. Were they wise men...or astrologers? Matthew begins his second chapter with these words: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.'" Who were these wise men from the east? Matthew tells us next to nothing about them--he doesn't mention their names, nor how many there were--not even which country they came from. As mysteriously as they come on the scene, they disappear... Though Matthew doesn't tell us much, over-zealous Christians throughout church history have dogmatically filled in the blanks. By the 6th century A.D., these dark strangers were given thrones and names: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar were the alleged names of these alleged kings. But this has nothing to do with the biblical story: we really have no idea what their names were--nor even their number. There could have been 3 or 300 as far as we know! But one thing we do know for sure: they were not royalty. The ancient magi were religious and political advisors to eastern kings--but there wasn't a drop of blue blood among them. But isn't it true that the magi were astrologers? And didn't God prescribe death to astrologers in the Old Testament? 'Not always' and 'yes' are the answers. In Deuteronomy 17, God commands his people to execute all astrologers by stoning. Jean Dixon wouldn't stand a chance in such a theocracy! The fact that she--and others like her-- are so comfortably tolerated--even well respected!--in modern America ought to show us that the U.S.A. is a post-Christian country--at best... But what about these ancient magi? Were they astrologers? After all, they followed a star to Bethlehem. We might answer this in three ways: First, not all magi were astrologers, for Daniel the prophet was the chief of the magi in Nebuchadnezzar's court. Through his influence, undoubtedly many of the magi carried on their religious and political duties as worshippers of the One true God. Second, there are some biblical scholars who believe that Isaiah predicted that a star would appear when the Messiah was born. If this interpretation is correct, then the magi who worshipped the newborn king were clearly following in Daniel's train, for he almost surely taught them from Isaiah. Third, although a few believe that the 'star' they saw was a natural phenomenon--such as a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter--this cannot explain how the star stood right over Bethlehem. Clearly, the 'star' was completely of supernatural origin. If so, it probably had nothing to do with astrology. Therefore, the magi most likely did not subscribe to such superstitious folly. If so, they were truly wise men... I saw a bumper sticker the other day, which read, "Wise men still seek him." Actually, that's not quite accurate. The Bible tells us that "no one seeks God, not even one." But if he has led us to himself, then we have become wise. For it is true that "wise men still worship him." The Boys from Bethlehem: One of the most heinous atrocities in human history was the murder of Bethlehem's babies by Herod the Great. But did it really happen? In the second chapter of Matthew's gospel, we read that when Herod the Great heard of the Messiah's birth, "he was troubled--and all Jerusalem with him." Later, when the wise men did not report back to him, he became furious and ordered all the baby boys up to two years old in and around Bethlehem to be slaughtered! Three questions come to mind as we consider this cruel incident: First, how many babies did Herod actually kill? Second, how old was Jesus when this happened? And finally, why does no other ancient historian record this outrage? In other words, did it really happen? How many babies did Herod murder? Some scholars have suggested as many as 200! But most reject such a figure. Bethlehem was a small community--almost a suburb of Jerusalem. The village itself--and the surrounding countryside--would hardly have more than 30 male infants under two. Most scholars today place the number between 20 and 30. But that's if only the boy babies were killed. Actually, the Greek text of Matthew 2:16 could mean 'babies'--not just 'boy babies.' And psychologically, Herod's henchmen might not have bothered to check the gender of their victims. The number might be as high as 50 or 60. Second, how old was Jesus when this occurred? According to the best chronological evidence, he could not have been more than three or four months old. He was more than likely born in the winter of 5 or 4 B.C.--Herod died in the early spring of 4 B.C. So why did Herod slay all children up to two years old? The answer to the third question might help to answer this one... Third, why is this event not recorded outside the Bible? Specifically, why did Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, fail to mention it? Josephus tells us much about Herod. The best word to describe his reign is 'overkill.' He murdered his favorite wife's father, drowned her brother--and even killed her! He executed one of his most trusted friends, his barber, and 300 military leaders--all in a day's work! Then he slew three of his sons, allegedly suspecting them of treason. Josephus tells us that "Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men" (Antiquities of the Jews 17:310). Killing babies was not out of character for this cruel king. And killing them up to two years old--to make sure he got the baby Jesus lines up with his insane jealousy for power. Josephus might have omitted the slaying of the babies for one of two reasons: first, he was no friend of Christianity and he left it out intentionally; or second, just before Herod died he locked up 3000 of the nation's leading citizens and gave orders that they were to be executed at the hour of his death. He wanted to make sure that there would be mourning when he died...Israel was so preoccupied with this that the clandestine murder of a few babies might have gone unnoticed... Herod thought that he had gained a victory over the king of the Jews. Yet this was a mere foreshadowing of the victory Satan thought he had when Jesus lay dead on a Roman cross. But the empty tomb proved that that dark Friday was Satan's worst defeat! Conclusion: We've been looking at several aspects of the birth of Jesus Christ in this short study. Now, we want to put it all together. In the winter of 5 or 4 B.C., God invaded history by taking on the form of a man. He was born in a small town just south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem, which means 'the house of bread,' indeed became worthy of its name one lonely winter night. For there, in that town, was born the Bread of Life... His mother placed the infant king in a manger--or feeding trough-- because the guest room where they were to stay was occupied. The birth of this king was celebrated that night only by his mother, her husband, and a handful of shepherds. The shepherds had been in the fields around Bethlehem, guarding the lambs which would die at the next Passover. An angel appeared to them and gave them the birth announcement: "today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). In their simple faith, they rushed to see their newborn king. Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah. But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt. And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah... When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other. And they gave him gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This was an unusual present--by any standards. The gold, of course, we all can understand--but the frankincense and myrrh were odd. Perhaps they had read Isaiah's prophecy that "nations will come to your light, and kings to your rising... They will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news... " (Isa. 60:3, 6). This explains the frankincense, but not the myrrh. Now myrrh, like frankincense, was a perfume. But unlike frankincense, myrrh smelled of death. In the ancient world, it was used to embalm a corpse. Jesus himself would be embalmed with this very perfume (cf. John 19:39). If the magi were thinking of Jesus' death when they brought the myrrh, they no doubt knew of it from Daniel's prophecy (9:24-27). In the ninth chapter of Daniel we read that the 'Messiah will be cut off' and this 'will make atonement for iniquity' and ultimately 'bring in everlasting righteousness' (9:26, 24). Even at the birth of our Savior, the shadow of the cross is already falling over his face... The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train. From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 26 01:08:26 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon Dec 26 01:09:22 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Gifts Message-ID: <792EE79F-16FB-4035-8DF5-648FF7B5AC2E@clanwebb.com> "What did you get?" It's the most popular question from kids to their friends on Christmas afternoon. Let them have a good time and share their joy, but find time to remind them of why we give gifts at Christmas. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." Matthew 2:11 "Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." " John 4:10 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." " Acts 2:38 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 It all comes to one conclusion "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15 A gift for every day. Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 27 01:24:39 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue Dec 27 01:25:51 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Engaging Fools Message-ID: One of my favorite stories to tell of a can't-win situation comes from a college friend of mine. He grew up in Texas near the airfield where the Confederate Air Force flies. These guys fly vintage biplanes and World War II planes at shows all around the country. My friend also learned how to do acrobatic flying in some of these planes and I had great fun hearing his stories. One day he was helping a mechanic repair an engine on one of the planes. He had a conversation a little like this: "Careful not to tighten that bolt too much." "Okay, how tight should it be?" "About a quarter turn before it breaks." A short pause while my friend contemplates how to use this information before he gives up and asks, "Um, how do I do that?" "Turn it until it breaks and then back off a quarter turn." As I was reading through Proverbs today, I spotted what seemed to be similarly contradictory instructions. "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 26:4-5 That made me do a double-take. Am I supposed to engage a fool in his folly or not? Since I know the Bible does not contradict itself, I realized I was missing something. As I read it again, I realized God is telling us to walk a tightrope when engaging folks like this. Specifically, I was thinking of folks who challenge the Bible and truth it contains. On the one hand, we don't want to lower ourselves to their methods and attitudes to the point where the observer can't tell the difference. Don't curse those who curse you. Don't lie to those who lie to you. Don't try to outdo them with their own faulty methods. On the other hand, if the act of ignoring this person will cause them to think that you have capitulated, then that's no different than telling them, "You're right." In these situations, you should carefully engage them with the truth. Debate them on the arguments they make and explain where they are wrong. Often, I find it helpful to follow another proverb when you have to follow this path. "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25:21-22 Gentle, but firm. Loving, but honest. Answer, but don't mimic. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 28 00:33:29 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed Dec 28 10:48:20 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Careful Packing Message-ID: Ever since I started writing software for a living, my job has been cyclical. I don't have a job where every day is the same. Some folks can tell you exactly what their work day will be like in three months. I can't. I can't because software development is really a series of projects. They each have a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning is always fun because there are no limits. We brainstorm on a white board and come up with amazing, creative ideas. I spend most of these days in meetings and bouncing ideas around in email. The middle is more realistic. We cut back on the outlandish suggestions and work on what's possible in the given timeframe. It's still satisfying, though, because I get to design and build new things. Days during this time are spent writing code as we implement each new feature or change as specified. Each one presents different challenges, though. The end is a little stressful because time begins to feel short. We have to polish the product up and fix all of the little details that have been left undone. Those days are spent in a rapid response mode. We wait to hear about bugs from QA and we fix them. Near the very end, we will literally sit around for a few hours until we hear about a new bug and then work madly for a few more hours. It's hurry up and wait at it's best. When it's all done, though, a new product is finished and sent out to customers. It then begins generating revenue that pays the salaries of me and my coworkers. That's gratifying. Then we spend a few days cleaning off our desks and whiteboards with anything related to that project and getting ready for the next one. This time of year reminds me of the end of a project. I'm packing up our Christmas decorations. I'm cleaning out some files. I'm reading end-of-the-year financial statements. There's a sense of packing up the old year and getting ready for the new. That's a great feeling, but I fear that Jesus can get lost in that shuffle. Here we have just spent time intensely focused on the birth of Christ. We study what a fantastic gift He is and what His life means for all of us. When the holiday is over, though, it can be easy to pack Him up with those decorations. I catch myself looking forward to the new year by thinking about new opportunities at work, new projects at home, future vacations, and even plans for the summer! But, often those thoughts don't include my Lord. At the risk of falling into the same trap (and as a request to keep me out of it, too), I encourage you all to keep Christ on your dining room table. Keep Him on your mantle. Keep Him at the center of your heart. " "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' " Matthew 22:36-37 Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 29 00:30:07 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu Dec 29 00:32:54 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Right Before We Knew It Message-ID: <34F38B69-8DEF-469C-8EDB-5786F9695D62@clanwebb.com> Focus can happen in an instant or it can take time. The results are always the same. Something you didn't see before now is right before your eyes. Many times, during a hunting trip, I have been sitting on a log or a rock scanning trees, rock piles, and ridge lines. Then, on the third or fourth pass, something comes into focus that wasn't there before. A rock or a tree becomes a deer or a set of antlers. Any hunter will tell you that it works the other way, too. Read these two unrelated passages: "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." Isaiah 40:22 "All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again." Ecclesiastes 1:7 Do you see it? Here's a clue: junior high earth science. This doesn't appear to be much of a stretch to me. The earth is round and there is a hydrological system in place. Isaiah lived over 700 years before Jesus walked the earth. Most folks think King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. We don't know exactly when, but you can be sure it was long before 1492 when Columbus sailed. How about gravity? "He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing." Job 26:7 Hey, if Job were making this up, surely he would have come up with something a little better than "over nothing." I mean, the Greeks had Atlas and they were considered the smart guys. There is no doubt that people in history have made up myths to sustain a belief system. The Greeks and the Romans stand tall in the story-telling department. Homer could spin a great yarn. But the Bible is just right. It is great fun to explore scripture. Happy New Year, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Dec 30 01:48:35 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri Dec 30 01:49:29 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Opinions and Religion Message-ID: <67E0C2C1-540B-44D5-9772-26A241AAB5C1@clanwebb.com> I don't know why anybody should give my opinion the time of day. On the other hand, I read a lot of other people's opinions and, because they managed to get them published, we are supposed to believe what they have to say. Well, I am of the opinion that Jesus Christ is exactly who the Bible says He is. A lot of people will say that makes me religious and they have their opinions about that. "Religion is the fashionable substitute for belief." Oscar Wilde "Truth, in matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived." Oscar Wilde "The idea of a good society is something you do not need a religion and eternal punishment to buttress: you need a religion if you are terrified of death." Gore Vidal "Religion is a monumental chapter in the history of human egotism." William James The public and publishers think very highly of these folks. College professors will have you study them to improve your minds. I feel they are clever, witty, lost people. Probably something to do with the relationships with their mothers. Sorry, that was just an attempt to be witty. "Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;" " Proverbs 1:20-32 Who are you going to trust? A playwright? A novelist? A modern philosopher? or the Word of God? What's your opinion? You have one, don't you? Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 31 00:13:38 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat Dec 31 00:14:25 2005 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Contentment Message-ID: Well, here I am at the end of another year. They seem to move faster, now, but move they do. It's a time of year when I end up doing a lot of remembering about the past year and previous years at this same time. What were we doing last New Year's Eve? What were we doing five years ago? What has changed over this last year? Are we where we thought we'd be? I can't help but to compare our situation with where we were a year ago. Are we doing better or worse financially? in our relationships? spiritually? Admittedly, I don't ask that last question a lot, but it should be part of the process. More often it's easier to take the mathematical metric of comparing income and expenses from this time last year and estimating how next year will go. Then my thoughts start to get a little off track as I think about a possible bonus check in a couple of months or other changes that might come up. After a while it all makes my head spin and I wonder how life got so complicated. As a senior in high school, I had more optimism than experience and life didn't appear that complicated at all. The school paper interviewed me near the end of the school year and asked me a question that I answered quickly, but that answer haunts me today. They asked something like, "What is your long range goal in life?" Now, I'm sure they were looking for something like "owning my own company" or "working in Congress", but I simply answered "contentment". At that moment in time, I really didn't want the brass ring the world was offering. I just wanted to go out and do a good job and be a servant of God. I wanted to be content with what He had given me and where He was using me. That answer haunts me today, because it's so easy to lose sight of that simplicity now. Life appears complicated when you focus on it too much. But, when you focus on God, the world will fade away and it gets easier again. "Keep falsehoods and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8-9 It's simple when you remember who's arranging it for you. Ask God to provide you with your needs and strive to be content with that. Leave the rest up to him. Here's to contentment in the coming year! Happy New Year! Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 1 23:44:17 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2005 23:44:17 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Unimpeachable Message-ID: I wish someone could explain to me why the Bible never gets any slack. When we, as creationists, ask questions that science cannot answer, we are often told that just because they don't know the exact answer it doesn't mean they are wrong. After all, they haven't had time to discover all knowledge yet and, who knows, there may be a civilization greater than ours out in the cosmos and the rain forest may contain the cure for cancer. The biggest escape mechanism science has is their ability to be the third party in the universe. They don't make science. They just uncover how it works. On the other hand, as Bible-believing Christians, the Word must be able to withstand attacks and speculation from all directions or it is deemed unbelievable. Why should it be that when an Old Testament quote is used in the New Testament, it is somehow proof that the Bible cannot be trusted if it isn't quoted precisely. Why are we slapped in the face with, "Doesn't the Bible say...?" when the Bible doesn't approve of everything recorded in it. Why is it different accounts of the same incident are contradictory and not complementary? Although consistency of the written word over the ages is matchless, are the copyists not allowed any errors? Finally, if there isn't an explanation, if God chose not to include something, does that imply that what was included is somehow wrong? "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:33-36 Amen indeed. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 3 00:23:59 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2005 00:23:59 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Faith and Promises Message-ID: <141aed51a44023e4f6296312ac6b42f9@clanwebb.com> What's in it for me? How many times does this question come up when you're asking someone a favor? Sometimes, it goes unsaid, but you can tell that's what the other guy is thinking. That's really the bottom line of our sin nature. What am I getting out of this deal? How am I going to improve my personal situation? Now, you might find this odd, but I don't think there's anything wrong with asking that question in the face of a variety of situations. However, the difference is what the questioner feels is appropriate compensation. To the unsaved, they're talking about money, status, power, or maybe just freebies. I've had more than one friend show up late to join a moving party, but happily participate in the free pizza fest afterwards. I guess that's what you'd call maximizing your investment. Thirty minutes of moving boxes followed by free pizza and watching TV. If what you value is of a higher order, however, then you will be led the right way. If you consider treasures in heaven to be more valuable than payouts here on earth, then you'll be looking to follow God's will. That can never go wrong. What are you willing to do to earn those rewards? "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. [...] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:32-34, 39-40 Have faith in God to follow where He leads you. He has made promises to you if you do, but you may not see those promises fulfilled here. You'll get a much bigger payoff in Heaven. What's in it for you? You can't even imagine. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 4 00:25:29 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 00:25:29 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Find the Line Message-ID: <031f318c9f305f9549f8245dba046aca@clanwebb.com> I have had the same conversation with people so many times, I've lost count. If you have not had this discussion or thought it yourself, I would be surprised. "I know I have not been as good as I could have been during my life, but basically I'm a good person." "After all, if I am a sinful person, God made me this way so He has to shoulder some of the blame." "I should make it into heaven since I'm not as bad as a murderer, rapist, bank robber, or Hitler." Of course the problem here is not a question of how you compare to other people. The real question is how good is good enough? Who draws the line? Remember, now, that those who are saved will be judged as one hundred percent perfect by God since we are redeemed by Christ. Do you really think that, "Look, God, You made me this way, so it's Your fault." is going to be your ticket into Heaven? Event the smallest of brains must reason that such a defense is going to flop. After all, it doesn't even work in the courtroom, "Look, Judge, I didn't set the speed limit, so it's not my fault." How good is good enough? Billy Graham good? Mother Teresa good? Gandhi good? Or, is the standard lower? Maybe it's only preacher good, or big giving good, or unselfish works good. If God draws the line, one side makes it in and the other side doesn't. Where did He draw the line? You sure don't want to just miss, right? How bad would it be if you were just one act of kindness short? Or just one dollar of giving short? Or just one Sunday of church attendance short? Can't you see how inept this line of reasoning is? A one hundred percent perfect God is not vague. He gives one hundred percent answers. He sets one hundred percent parameters. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that "all" means all. Everyone. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5 You can sincerely believe that you are going to Heaven based on your life choices and that God is grading on a curve. However, you are forgetting that you can be sincerely right or sincerely wrong. People sincerely get on a train to go north only to find out there are going south. Salvation is not a democracy. The guy with the most votes doesn't win. The guy with all the power sets the rules and, in this case: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 5 00:23:00 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2005 00:23:00 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Reunited Message-ID: <7747fcec435ae769c57230200edf1b50@clanwebb.com> One of the nightmares of working on large software projects is the need to modify and repair code written by other programmers. Although programming has a rigid language and there are requirements in structure, there is still much room for a particular programmer's style to be evident. Because that style can vary differently, it can be difficult to discern what the original programmer was attempting to do in any given section of code. If that person happens to still be with the company, you can ask (although if more than a couple of months has passed, it's just as likely that he won't remember a thing). More often in this industry, though, is that the original author is long gone. That leaves me with the task of understanding what he was doing, why he did it, and how to update it for a new feature or fix the bug he wasn't aware of. The danger is that I may not understand all of the implications and connections and so any changes I make will actually break the original intent of the code. And, then, I'm in worse shape than when I started. Now, the easiest way to avoid this situation is to write comments. Comments are just what they sound like. It's a way to leave normal english commentary inside the code so that anyone else reading it might have a clue as to what's going on. Since comments only help those coming later, programmers are notoriously bad about writing them. We never need them at the time, so it feels like a waste. That is until the next guy needs them. Heck, I've even discovered that the programmer I was angry at for not leaving comments turned out to be me a year or two earlier. That's a little humbling. God does this whole process on a grander scale and actually follows through with correct procedure. God made a specific decision to separate men from themselves. He fractured the single unifying culture man had early in his history. He left us clear comments on why. "Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that men were building. The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." " Genesis 11:4-7 He did this because He knew that man would drive himself to ruin quickly. God split us up and sent us away from Babel to save us from ourselves. The Bible tells us exactly why He did this. However, we don't know all the implications or connections involved. There is no way that we, as men, could put this back together again. We don't know enough and would fail at any attempt. We do know that Satan will attempt to reunify man on his own terms in the end times. But that, too, is doomed to fail. Happily, God wasn't done. He did offer a way for men to be reconciled with each other. He offered a way for us to be unified again, but this time under His leadership. "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all of these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?" Acts 2:1-8 The Holy Spirit uses men of God to reunify mankind. Saved men are brothers again. Regardless of our native language, upbringing, culture, or skin color, we are all brothers again in Christ. If you want to see people treating each other like brothers and sisters, just join God's family and spread the word that He's still adopting. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 6 00:12:32 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2005 00:12:32 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Authority and Submission Message-ID: <6a9ddfacbd5df27db185a6bbdaf97851@clanwebb.com> Authority and submission come and go in our lives. These aspects need to be managed like anything else in a Christian's life according to the teaching of scripture. Trouble can start when someone is practicing either authority or submission and they fail to move from one to the other. Here are some practical aspects of submission based on the balance between the two. Government: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1 Business: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." Colossians 3:22 "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." Colossians 4:1 Family: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"?which is the first commandment with a promise?"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4 Husbands and Wives: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:18-19 Church: "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." " 1 Peter 5:5 Now, it isn't always easy because people are not always easy on one another and Satan loves to mess with these relationships. So, in each case we must prayerfully consider our response as it would please Christ, not the person in authority or the one we have authority over. There is great joy in submission and great joy in the proper administration of authority. Jesus Christ is our model, as He is in all things. He was submissive to God's plan and yet carried the authority to destroy the world. The point is, "Your will be done..." Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 6 23:59:09 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:59:09 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] New Message-ID: <767d0e0e12c71096c6ff6ee49b1b102d@clanwebb.com> There's something about new toys. When I was a kid, it was opening a new board game or a new Lego set. The pieces were all in perfect condition. I was going to be the first one to use them. From that point forward they would be my toys and they would develop wear and breakage due to my usage. As an adult, I still go through this rush. Whenever I buy a new computer or TV or DVD player, I get a rush as I cut the tape and remove the styrofoam. I love setting up new items and personalizing them. I love hooking them up and taking them for a test drive. Every time, though, there's a let down. At first, you can't take your eyes off it. A few days later, it's still cool, but you're returning to your routine. Within a few weeks, it's just another part of your house and that newness rush has worn off. Man has not figured out how to manufacture something that doesn't age and he never will. Everything starts to get older. You can't stop the march of time. It will eventually consume all of the wonderful inventions of man. God, however, makes things new every day. God's creations don't lose that newly minted rush. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 God's love, His compassion, His mercy, His grace, is new every morning. Good thing, too, because you and I are likely to need some more tomorrow morning and the next day and the next. We can't use God up and wear Him out. He is always new and always there. God even made you new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 So, don't look for the rush of a new toy. Depend on the rush of a new day of forgiveness, a new day of love, a new day of grace. They never wear out or get old. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 8 00:11:19 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 00:11:19 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Judgment Message-ID: <197d7c80f768d0a468a987bc1f6540a0@clanwebb.com> Chuck Colson said, "True tolerance is not a total lack of judgment. It's knowing what should be tolerated - and refusing to tolerate that which shouldn't." Have you ever been confronted with the accusation that, as a Christian, you are judging the world? "You people think you're better than the rest of us." "You are a self-righteous bunch of hypocrites, judging us and then doing the same stuff." "You don't read your own Bible, it says "Judge not lest you be judged." " "You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Romans 14:10 "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." James 4:11 One only has to read these verses slowly to understand that we are admonished to examine concerns closely and remember who we are and under whose authority we are placed. When we look at someone or their behavior, we must not jump to a conclusion about them. Someone may be looking at us in a moment in time that might give the wrong impression as to our intent or our lifestyle. "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24 This verse is the key to judgment. Make a right judgment a righteous judgment. Then we have an obligation, under God-led circumstances, to point out the consequences of sinful behavior and turn in civil law-breakers. We have never been given the authority to judge eternally, besides the fact that we don't know the plan anyway. Jesus was very clear to Peter on this point. "Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, a rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" John 21:20-22 Be amazed at God's plan. Don't try to interfere. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Dec 9 00:02:24 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2005 00:02:24 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Passing Time Message-ID: <8cab3d841f05d542af5078dad3fc1017@clanwebb.com> The other night after men's prayer, we were joking about getting older. "I looked in the mirror and said, "Oh, my gosh! It's my old man!" " "I have a new phrase when I look in the mirror. Time is not my friend." " One thing nice about losing your memory is that you can wrap your own Christmas gifts." and the classic, "Of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most." The whole concept of time is a mystery. It didn't seem to matter as much in the Old Testament. Of course, those guys lived so long they probably ran out of careers to change to and probably had to start at the top of the list again. If King David had lived as long as Noah, he would have had to cycle back to being a shepherd. We really do put ourselves under pressure of time and it's all based on the idea that time is running out. Time isn't running out. It isn't going to slow down to a stream and then a trickle and, finally, a drip. Time will end when God pulls the plug. Since we don't know when that is, we just have to trust in Him. It isn't important. What is important is to be content right now. The future is in good hands. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 This isn't a defeatist attitude. This is reality. It's not a call to "eat, drink, and make merry, for tomorrow we may die." Don't claw at life, but see past your troubles. Because, when the time is up... "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:10-11 In the end, my friends - and only God knows that moment - we WIN! Between now and and the 25th, say Merry Christmas to at least three strangers a day. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 10 00:26:24 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2005 00:26:24 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Knowledge Message-ID: I have a love for knowledge. I loved learning and understanding the intricacies of math through high school and college. I enjoyed studying physics, electromagnetism, and solid state chemistry. Even today, when I find myself with some free time between projects at work, I'll use that time to teach myself something new about my profession. I'll learn a new technology or study the new developments on the cutting edge. After getting saved, I have craved more knowledge about the Bible and love to learn new tidbits whenever I can. Throughout my life, I've had the opportunity to use the knowledge God has allowed me to gain in one of two ways. I have had many chances to use it to hammer a critic or embarrass a rival. I remember distinctly a conversation I had while I was a senior in high school. I was helping a friend of a friend set up a stereo to be used at a small dance. I was providing the stereo and the music and he was providing the speakers. In an effort to impress the girl I was dating, he proceeded to challenge my technical knowledge and tell me that his speakers were too much for my little stereo. He rattled off some buzzwords and told me that it was obvious that they wouldn't work together. He didn't know that I understood enough of electronics to know he was blowing smoke. I proceeded to rattle off even more buzzwords and I actually used them correctly. I explained why he was clueless and finished setting the system up. It worked flawlessly. I gained a moment of joy in dressing down someone acting like a jerk, but I didn't gain anything permanent. He got even less out of that than I did. I have also had many chances to use knowledge to gain more of it. Early in my professional career, I realized that I was going to learn a lot faster if I would simply ask questions and pick the brain of the engineers who had been at it longer than I had. I found one fellow who would put up with me and I learned quite a bit in a few months. In fact, it wasn't long before we were having conversations that were driving his knowledge further, too. We were both performing better by using our knowledge together. To this day, I feel that I am a better software engineer when someone at my level of experience or better is around. It challenges me to do better and keeps me sharp. What I discovered in these two approaches is nothing new. God's been trying to tell us for years. There's no point in annoying people with your knowledge. Stick with those folks that will help you gain more knowledge. Use your knowledge to help those with less. "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes the wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning." Proverbs 9:7-9 Now, the real kicker is what the most valuable knowledge is. For all I have learned and studied in my life, nothing compares to the power and clarity that comes from simply knowing God. Again, this is nothing new. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 Don't use it as a weapon. Don't go picking a fight. Start with God. Seek more. Share it all. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 11 00:16:46 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:16:46 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Contentment Message-ID: Maybe I'm getting cynical. Maybe I'm just learning how life works. I don't know exactly why, yet, but I'm developing an automatic response that some might consider strange. Whenever life seems to be going well, whenever all my ducks are in a row and the stars are aligning, whenever things seem to be falling in to place easily, I prepare myself. It seems like those are the times when trouble hits you. That's when to expect the unexpected. It happened to me this weekend. Things went well at work this week and it's looking pretty good for next week. We finished our Christmas shopping today and it started feeling like we could really settle in for the season. Things seemed to be falling into place. Then a few things fell into place the wrong way. Our once-a-month Sunday evening fellowship decided to meet an hour earlier. They also asked that each family bring an appetizer to share. Then, late Saturday night, our washing machine began to act strangely. Put all of that together and we have a Sunday that goes from church, to lunch, to the laundromat, to preparing food, to fellowship, and then to bed. Oh, and we may have to go buy a new appliance this week, too. My weekend went from happy and relaxed to frustrated and stressed by simply adding a broken washer. I have no doubts that the enemy is working these angles on us. Not only is he intent on disrupting our happiness, he's clearly trying to steal our joy as we celebrate the birth of the Savior. Paul spoke about how to respond to these situations in his letter to the Phillipians. He had been at the height of life and the depth of life. He figured out how to ride it all out. "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:11-13 Be content. It's easier said than done, but that doesn't make it any less true. We must learn to be content in any situation. Don't be caught up in the roller coaster of life and feel that the ups and downs have any lasting meaning. They don't. They are only temporary. How to be content? That's the big question, isn't it? Well, Paul had a great prescription. Let God provide the contentment. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:4-7 Rejoice, pray, and find peace. It takes some getting used to, but it works. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 12 00:09:05 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:09:05 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Change of Heart Message-ID: <8c8fcfda04e40fbfc8029d688213ae94@clanwebb.com> I tried to use literal interpretations to my advantage early in life. Do you remember that moment when you realized that there was a loophole if you chose to interpret instructions from your parents in a strictly literal sense? Suddenly, you find yourself hoping to get vague directions and general orders from Mom and Dad. When you got something appropriate, you could find a way to slip around the actual work. For me, it was cleaning my room. Whenever I was told to clean my room, I chose to interpret that as cleaning the room itself and nothing in it. In my mind, the closet didn't count, my desk didn't count, and the drawers under my bed didn't count. So, cleaning my room was simply the task of taking everything from the floor and putting it on my desk, in my closet, or under my bed. I would then proudly present my room to Mom and wait for the accolades. As I learned years later, I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. Mom would know what was going on and simply say, "It's looking better, but you're not done yet." I would claim ignorance as to what else she could possibly want. I would feign frustration at the clearly draconian expectations. The fact was that Mom and I were wrestling about a heart issue. I wanted to obey the letter of the law and she was trying to teach me about the spirit of the law. I knew in my heart what she wanted and what I was supposed to do, but I looked for a way out. I wanted a shortcut. This is precisely the reason Christ came and superseded the Law. He taught us to obey God with our hearts, not with our actions alone as the Pharisees were doing. He knows the evil in men's hearts would allow them to think they were holy by their actions without a change of heart. Christ told us that God sees the heart, and He will judge us on that. "The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless." Proverbs 11:20 "He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Luke 16:15 Don't trick yourself into thinking that the actions that can fool men will fool God. He knows your heart. Allow Him to change it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 13 00:10:49 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2005 00:10:49 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Not That Bad Message-ID: We use a lot of sliding scales in our lives. We gamble against the odds on a daily basis. "How bad can it be?" we will ask when we take a chance. Then when the hammer falls we cry out, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "The punishment is too great for the crime." or "I didn't know this could happen. Nobody told me." Every single person on the earth has the ability to accept or reject God. They may not understand His history or have a clear picture of His character, but they can accept or reject Him simply by paying attention to the world around them. The line between right and wrong isn't hard to see in the vast majority of life situations. We just choose to gamble and place our wrong decisions on a sliding scale. We hope God doesn't regard all sin in the same light and that He will just shrug His shoulders and say, "Children will be children. Naughty, naughty, we mustn't do that now." "These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face." Psalm 51:21 God is taking notes on your behavior. You will get away with nothing. When your earthly father fails to confront you with your sin, don't make the mistake of thinking your actions will be allowed to slide. The longer you make decisions based on how much you can get away with before the pain is noticeable, the more you are crushed when confronted. "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 52:5-10 How can we expect a God that loves us to not rebuke us when we put ourselves in danger? How would you feel about an all-powerful God that allowed you to put your soul in danger by not paying attention to your every move? Run back to Him the instant He confronts you. He has the antidote for every poison you choose to drink. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 14 00:21:08 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:21:08 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Not Alone Message-ID: Like most boys at that age, I wanted to play Little League baseball. Of course I started with Tee Ball, but when you played the outfield, not much happened. When we finally got to the point where the players were pitching, it got interesting. Dad decided to take on the Herculean task of teaching me to catch fly balls. I distinctly remember one long afternoon in the backyard when Dad hit me pop flies for what seemed like hours. I caught very few because I was afraid of being hit by the ball. Dad was doing his best to encourage me to be brave and get under the ball. I just keep backing away at the last second. I could tell he was running out of ways to explain it to me, but he just kept hitting those fly balls to me. It may have been that day or some other day like it, but I did finally figure it out. I had to go through the same process with my own son. I can do that now because Dad was a good coach. The reason Dad kept trying to teach me to catch a fly ball was because I had to learn to do it myself. If I wanted to play, I had to perform. Of course, it would have been much easier for me if Dad could have played the outfield right next to me. Then he could have helped catch those fly balls that I couldn't. He could make the long throw to the infield when I couldn't. Obviously, the rules don't allow for that to happen. Sometimes, I fall into the trap of thinking of God like a coach or the corner man in a boxing match. He's there to teach you and pump you up, but eventually you have to go out there alone and perform. We go to church. We read the Bible. We pray. But, when we head to work or to school, we will sometimes leave God behind and try to carry out His will on our own. The rules of life don't say that your coach can't be on the field with you. He does do all of those things, but He can do so much more. God will be standing next to you as you go through your day. He'll hold you up when you're weary. He'll clear a path when you're lost. He'll even fight your battle when you've been taken out. He trains you: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." Psalm 18:32-34 He is with you on the field: "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:7-8 He will even fight in your place: "Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." Psalm 16:7 Take the training. Listen to His coaching. But, don't leave Him behind when you head out onto the field. Keep Him by your side. You don't have to do it alone. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 14 23:37:03 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 23:37:03 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Fun Words Message-ID: <98e0a9a2131b3798321fb7e0eaed11b0@clanwebb.com> Here's a cool word: "Axiomatic". The definition is: self-evident. You get up in the morning and it is light outside. It's axiomatic that the sun came up. You can have fun with a word like this. Left unattended, a toddler will find trouble. It's axiomatic. Over a period of time, a teenager's room will prove the theory of entropy (another fun word), it's axiomatic. This word is the best answer I have ever used when someone declares to me that there is no proof of God. When this happens to you, just relax, take a small breath, look at them as you would the above-mentioned toddler or teenager, and say in your best British accent, "It's axiomatic, my dear man." Then don't say anything while remembering that the first person to speak next is the loser. Now, if they insist on moving the conversation, use another fun word: fiat. Most of them will think you are referring to a small imported car, but you know better. Fiat comes from the Latin and means "let it be done". It implies that the action is causing something to happen out of nowhere. When God used it, it was to create. He created by fiat. Once again, think of the toddler or the teenager. They are both at creating excuses by fiat. "Who ate all of the cereal and left the empty box on the shelf?" They will create, by fiat, a phantom from nothing in order to pass the blame. "Who wrote on the wall with magic marker?" Same guy, right out of nowhere. The reason they think it will work on you is because creating by fiat actually happens. God made the universe by fiat, out of nothing. Now, because everything needs a builder and any teenager can figure out eventually that you have to get back to the original creator, they will then ask, "Who made God?" Be brave, because if they insist on claiming there is a brick wall at the end of the universe with a sign on it saying, "The End", God has a few words for them. "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 25:5 Smile. It's okay. We're right. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 15 23:35:11 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 23:35:11 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Hasty Shepherds Message-ID: If you have studied the Christmas story, it comes as no surprise to you that December 25th probably was not the very day of the birth of the Savior. It should also be no surprise that the Magi came some time after the birth. I certainly am not making excuses for scripture, but perhaps for Hallmark who tries to get the whole story on one greeting card. One part of the story that I had not pondered before really came to life for me this season. It set a great picture in my mind and made me smile, to be sure. Scripture tells us that an angel came to a few shepherds and announced the birth of the Lord. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 8-14 If you ponder this scene for just a moment, you can imagine these guys (certainly not the group invited to the king's office party) being placed in a life-changing situation. Nothing remotely close to this has ever happened to 99.9% of the world's population, but it happened to them. What happens, next, I think, is pure glee and should be a picture for all of us. They become hasty shepherds. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:15-16 I can just see them bounding off the rocks and down the gullies and across the flats to get to town. They are so excited to see the Christ and tell everyone what happened. I know the feeling. I remember the very moment I became a hasty shepherd. It was the moment that Christ came into my life. Can you remember your hasty shepherd moment? Merry Christmas, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 17 00:15:48 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 00:15:48 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Rest Message-ID: <9162c44d5175c987ff5041561c79c803@clanwebb.com> Sometimes a week flies by and I can't believe it's over. Other times it drags endlessly and I wonder why it seems to be Tuesday for the third time this week. This past week was one of the latter. I've been planning on taking time off from work from before Christmas until after New Year's. I've been looking forward to it for some time. But, much like the last week of school, this week has seemed to drag. Each day has held a new fire to put out and a little more stress than I would expect. Even today, I had to hang around longer than I usually do. Events seemed to conspire to keep me from my vacation. Eventually, it did arrive. I feel like the guy crawling across the finish line, though, as this week has wiped me out. Nontheless, I'm grateful because time cannot be stopped. That day you are looking forward to has to come. You will get to rest. That concept was the only thing that got me through finals week in school. Despite my fear that I wasn't prepared, I could take comfort in knowing that in a few days it would all be over. It didn't matter how well or poorly I did, it would just be done. Time won't be denied. I always got to rest. God has made a similar promise to us all. He promises that He will provide our rest here on earth. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1 "The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23 Furthermore, God promises that we may enter His eternal rest. "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." Hebrews 4:9-10 Whether you're fighting to get to the end of the week or you worry about where your life is taking you, depend on the Lord. He will lead you to the rest you need. He will lead us all to His rest in the end. I'm sure looking forward to that. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 18 01:28:05 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 01:28:05 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] When? Message-ID: <94c9089dee4430d9fd080c06a9e2b1bf@clanwebb.com> About 2000 years ago, God stepped down to earth and lived among us. There are still people who will doubt that this happened, but they are becoming more of a minority every day. There is overwhelming evidence that Jesus Christ was here and that He did things recorded about Him in scripture. When He left, He clearly stated that He would be returning as a conquering King with His reward for the believers. At that time, even the disciples thought He would be back in their lifetimes. Over the years, many people have been convinced that Christ would return in their lifetimes. There are people today who are sure we are in the End Times. The truth is that we don't know. We can't know. "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2 All of this time passing has confused the believer and unbeliever alike. The new believer might be impatient and wonder why He isn't coming back now. The unbeliever points to two millennia as proof that He isn't returning. They both miss the point about what the return of Christ means. His return is not just a political shift or changing of the guard. It's not even a revolution that may change the rules you live under. It will be the end of the lives we know. What comes after will be so radically different that it is unimaginable to us now. More importantly, the change that will occur will be permanent. There will be no going back and changing your mind. There will be no do-overs or second chances after that day. That is why He tarries. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 He is not lazy or forgetful. He is not myth. He loves us so much that He is giving us as much time as possible to recognize the gift He offers. He continues to extend the deadline so as many people as possible can take advantage of the deal. He wants people to be saved. He's just giving us the time to figure it out. So, instead of shaking your head or pounding the table about the fact that He hasn't returned yet, be thankful that He waited long enough for you to get saved. And, always remember, He knows what He's doing. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 19 00:37:56 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:37:56 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Sick Message-ID: For the past two days, our son has been telling us that he thinks he's getting a cold. We kept pointing to all the evidence that he wasn't. The humidity is extremely low, so he's just drying out. He's had a long couple of days, so he's just tired. He was not rebuffed, though. He kept telling us, "I'm getting a cold. It's coming." Finally, tonight, we had to admit that he probably did have a cold. As a result, we started to care for him differently. We have been watching closely for fever. We have been giving him medications to help with the cough. We have been helping him to stay warm and drink fluids. I have no doubt he will get better soon. As a matter of fact, he's decided that he is going to will himself to health before Christmas day. He's just stubborn enough to do it. As I was measuring out his meds, it occurred to me how differently my wife and I were acting once we agreed that he was sick. It seemed like a clear parallel to our life. We go through life trying to convince ourselves that we are fine. God has clearly pointed out that we are sick through His Word, but we deny it. We come up with excuses as to why life feels empty. "I was cheated" or "I can't catch a break" or "If I just have a little more, I'll feel better." We'll dance and bend to convince ourselves that we're doing fine and our unhappiness is the result of something or someone else. The truth is that we're just sick. We can't get better by ourselves. If you don't think you're sick, you never go to a doctor or try to take medicine. It's only after admitting you are sick that you will actually seek a way to get healthy. The good news is that there is one (and only one) way to get completely healthy. You will experience a relapse of the symptoms from time to time, but you will not end up the same way as those who are never treated. First, recognize that you are sick. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Jesus Christ offers the cure for the disease of sin that we all have. If you are sure you aren't sick, then His offer isn't for you. "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."" Mark 2:17 Admit you are sick. Accept the cure. Tell everyone else about it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 20 00:57:08 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:57:08 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Anxiousness Message-ID: Here is a thought: If evolution is true, how did anxiousness come about? How did we develop that feeling that something is wrong, about to happen, or will have consequences? In God's relationship with man, everything has a beginning and it also has a use. The first recorded anxious thought? "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Genesis 2:6-7 At that moment, man knew anxiousness. You can see it in their actions and feel it when you read the verse. It is just like God to take a mistake we make and use it to mold us. He can place it in our minds. "Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart." Deuteronomy 28:65 He lets you know that He knows what it feels like and what to do to cure that feeling. "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25 He uses it to teach you by asking a question. "What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?" Ecclesiastes 2:22 Then, He gives you the answer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6 How could this process happen by random selection and mutation? How did this kind of feeling come about? Feelings like compassion and anxiousness have a source and a divine maker. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 Wishing you a still Christmas without anxiousness. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 21 00:28:55 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:28:55 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Law Message-ID: Is it harder to live by a law or the spirit of a law? "Do you not know, brothers ? for I am speaking to men who know the law ? that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?" Romans 7:1 "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly." 1 Timothy 1:8 "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law" " Galatians 3:10 When the Old Testament law was written, it was in answer to a request from sinful people for parameters of living from a perfect God. And God knew that they could not keep them. Hence, they were under the laws they couldn't keep that condemned them to death. However, God never meant for us to die. Thus, we refer to the spirit of the law. "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant ? not the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with his question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." " Matthew 22:34-40 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1-4 For a law to have a spirit it must have a moral character. Jesus Christ took care of the old law and became the character and the spirit of the law. Many man-made laws are just a way for one group of people to impose their will on another group of people. God's laws have a moral character to integrate into our character. We were made to be a match for His laws, that is why they are more of a relief than a burden. That is why they enrich our lives and not restrict them. Be happy and embrace the spirit of all of God's laws. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 22 00:35:01 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2005 00:35:01 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] I Don't Make the Rules Message-ID: I am continually amazed at how thickheaded people can be. Specifically, I'm speaking about the hammering assaults on Christians who believe what the Bible says and aren't afraid to say so. To the world, an acceptable Christian is one who will adapt his beliefs to the changing times. It is one who will make an exception now and then. It is one who will tolerate different theologies. Well, forgive me for not being an acceptable Christian. Of course, I don't really care whether the world likes me or not. It's my Father in Heaven that I'm trying to please. I will not bend the Bible to fit the times. I will not make exceptions to God's will. I will certainly live peacefully with people of other faiths, but I will never believe that they are following a different path to the same God. This whole thought came to mind while watching an interview on TV tonight. The interviewer was asking a pastor of a large Evangelical church about how one gets to Heaven. He simply said, "Well, the only way I know of is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior." The interviewer followed up and said, "But if you don't?" Without missing a beat, the pastor replied, "Then you don't get in." The interviewer went on to ask whether the pastor was bothered by the fact that many folks find that attitude judgmental and exclusive. He shrugged and said that he didn't want anyone to be turned off by his attitude, but that he simply wanted to share the truth that had been revealed to him. What gets me about these questions is the presumption that the human beings here on earth have somehow been the ones deciding who gets in and who doesn't. The questions are always phrased to attack the believer as the one with a narrow point of view who should be condemned. By excluding God from the equation, the critic can accuse the believer of being arrogant and insulting. The problem with that whole premise, of course, is that we didn't make the rules. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." " John 14:6 Jesus said it. I believe it. Don't complain to me if you don't like the rules. Complain to the rulemaker. Just don't bet on Him changing the rules for you. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 22 23:42:38 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2005 23:42:38 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Check Your Cards Message-ID: The distraught teen screams, "I didn't ask for you to have me. I didn't even ask to be born." The parent is thinking at this point, "To tell you the truth, child, I had something a little different in mind, too." It's convenient to blame God for our pain and disappointment, but it is terribly presumptuous. What is in our mind or what we think, is given to us by God. God is the maker. We are the made. When has it ever been that anything made is greater than its maker? "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you you make me like this?'" " Romans 9:20 Rather, we ought to look at ourselves and say, "Wow! Look at this. Have you ever seen anything so unbelievable?" God is really smart. "Far be it from you to do such a thing ? to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis 18:25 God never, ever did anything wrong. However, we do. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 We have been dealt the winning hand and so many of us complain of disappointment because we think there is a better hand in the game. Don't let the world bluff you with pain and frustration because that's all it is: a bluff. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 What an act of love! What a demonstration that you have been given the ace of aces. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 That's the bluff-calling card. Don't get up and leave your winnings on the table. If you accept Jesus Christ, you are a new creature: a winner! Although, He might have done something about those ears. Blessings, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 24 00:25:37 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 00:25:37 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] The Reason Message-ID: <962F2F60-6EB8-4D11-9F0F-3A92EFBE9730@clanwebb.com> Every year it becomes more difficult to see Jesus in the Christmas we see around us. In the news, Christmas is about the economy or politics. In the store, it's about the hot toys and the cool gifts. At work, it's about getting vacation time. Even those who are attempting to pull Christmas back from this brink can fall victim to watering it down. They tell you Christmas is about friends and family. They put on TV specials about homeless kids and long lost loves. There is certainly more value in that than a pile of packages, but it's still not right. No matter how many gifts you give or get, no matter how much family you surround yourself with, no matter how warm and fuzzy you feel inside, you've missed it if you don't remember Jesus Christ. We celebrate the birth of God incarnate. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" " John 1:29 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." " John 8:12 "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." " Luke 22:20 He takes away our sin. He is the light we follow. He brought forth the new covenant between us and God. Don't let this get lost in your own family. Keep the season true. Merry Christmas, Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Dec 25 01:12:36 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 01:12:36 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] The Birth of Jesus Christ Message-ID: This is a reprint of a devotional called, "The Birth of Jesus Christ" by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace of the Dallas Theological Seminary. Merry Christmas! The Year Jesus Was Born: In the western hemisphere, we split time by the birth of Jesus Christ. But did he really even live? If so, when was he born? Sometime ago, I struck up a conversation with a man who claimed that God did not exist. He was an atheist. But not just a run-of-the-mill atheist, you understand. He also insisted that Jesus Christ never existed! This fellow was hard core. Now my atheist friend had incredible faith--blind faith, I might add. His religious fervor, in fact, would put many evangelists to shame. But the evidence that Jesus Christ invaded history is not just shut up to the testimony of the New Testament--as irrefutable as that might be! The very enemies of Christianity claimed that he lived--and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus--as well as first-century Gentile historians--such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus--all testify that the one called Christ lived in Palestine and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, "The historicity of Christ is as [certain]...as the historicity of Julius Caesar" (NT Documents, 119). Now it logically follows that if Jesus Christ lived (need it be said?), he must have been born. The Gospels tell us that his birth was shortly before Herod the Great died. Herod's death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in 4 B.C. It might sound strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born no later than 4 B.C. since B.C. means 'before Christ.' But our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525. At that time, Pope John the First asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the real B.C./A.D. division by at least four years! Now Matthew tells us that Herod killed Bethlehem's babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is 6 B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the one called Messiah was born in either late 5 or early 4 B.C. My atheist friend scoffs at such flexibility. He says, "If you don't know exactly when Jesus was born, how do you know that he really lived?" That is hardly a reasonable question! The other day I called my mother to wish her a happy birthday. "Mom, how many candles on this birthday cake?" I inquired. "I don't know, son--I don't keep track any more," she sighed. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we hung up. Now, of course, I can't be certain, but I do believe that that was my mother on the other end of the phone. She can't remember how old she is (and she's neither senile nor very old), but that doesn't make her a figment of my imagination, does it? Because if she's just a phantom, then for the last three minutes, you've been reading absolutely nothing! The Day Jesus Was Born: This coming December 25th most parents will be lying to their children about old St. Nick. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of our Savior. But was he really born on this day? Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Virtually every month on the calendar has been proposed by biblical scholars. So why do we celebrate his birth in December? The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D., argued that this was Christ's birthday. Meanwhile, in the eastern Church, January 6th was the date followed. But in the fourth century, John Chrysostom argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day till now, the Church in the East, as well as the West, has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Christ's birth. In modern times, the traditional date has been challenged. Modern scholars point out that when Jesus was born, shepherds were watching their sheep in the hills around Bethlehem. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to "some shepherds staying out in the fields [who were] keeping watch over their flock by night" (2:8). Some scholars feel that the sheep were usually brought under cover from November to March; as well, they were not normally in the field at night. But there is no hard evidence for this. In fact, early Jewish sources suggest that the sheep around Bethlehem were outside year-round. So you can see, December 25th fits both tradition and the biblical narrative well. There is no sound objection to it. Now admittedly, the sheep around Bethlehem were the exception, not the rule. But these were no ordinary sheep. They were sacrificial lambs. In the early spring they would be slaughtered at the Passover. And God first revealed the Messiah's birth to these shepherds-- shepherds who protected harmless lambs which would soon die on behalf of sinful men. Whey they saw the baby, could they have known? Might they have whispered in their hearts what John the Baptist later thundered, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Now, of course, we can't be absolutely certain of the day of Christ's birth. At least, not this side of heaven. But an early winter date seems as reasonable a guess as any. And December 25th has been the frontrunner for eighteen centuries. Without more evidence, there seems no good reason to change the celebration date now. We can blame the ancient church for a large part of our uncertainty. You see, they did not celebrate Christ's birth. At all. To them, it was insignificant. They were far more concerned with his death...and resurrection. But modern man has turned that around. A baby lying in a manger is harmless, non-threatening. But a man dying on a cross--a man who claims to be God--that man is a threat! He demands our allegiance! We cannot ignore him. We must either accept him or reject him. He leaves us no middle ground. This Christmas season, take a close look at a nativity scene once again. Remove your rose-colored glasses--smell the foul air, see the cold, shivering animals. They represent the Old Testament sacrificial system. They are emblems of death. But they are mere shadows of the Babe in their midst. He was born to die...that all who believe in him might live. The Visit of the Magi: When Jesus Christ was born, men--known as magi--came from the east to worship him. Were they wise men...or astrologers? Matthew begins his second chapter with these words: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.'" Who were these wise men from the east? Matthew tells us next to nothing about them--he doesn't mention their names, nor how many there were--not even which country they came from. As mysteriously as they come on the scene, they disappear... Though Matthew doesn't tell us much, over-zealous Christians throughout church history have dogmatically filled in the blanks. By the 6th century A.D., these dark strangers were given thrones and names: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar were the alleged names of these alleged kings. But this has nothing to do with the biblical story: we really have no idea what their names were--nor even their number. There could have been 3 or 300 as far as we know! But one thing we do know for sure: they were not royalty. The ancient magi were religious and political advisors to eastern kings--but there wasn't a drop of blue blood among them. But isn't it true that the magi were astrologers? And didn't God prescribe death to astrologers in the Old Testament? 'Not always' and 'yes' are the answers. In Deuteronomy 17, God commands his people to execute all astrologers by stoning. Jean Dixon wouldn't stand a chance in such a theocracy! The fact that she--and others like her-- are so comfortably tolerated--even well respected!--in modern America ought to show us that the U.S.A. is a post-Christian country--at best... But what about these ancient magi? Were they astrologers? After all, they followed a star to Bethlehem. We might answer this in three ways: First, not all magi were astrologers, for Daniel the prophet was the chief of the magi in Nebuchadnezzar's court. Through his influence, undoubtedly many of the magi carried on their religious and political duties as worshippers of the One true God. Second, there are some biblical scholars who believe that Isaiah predicted that a star would appear when the Messiah was born. If this interpretation is correct, then the magi who worshipped the newborn king were clearly following in Daniel's train, for he almost surely taught them from Isaiah. Third, although a few believe that the 'star' they saw was a natural phenomenon--such as a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter--this cannot explain how the star stood right over Bethlehem. Clearly, the 'star' was completely of supernatural origin. If so, it probably had nothing to do with astrology. Therefore, the magi most likely did not subscribe to such superstitious folly. If so, they were truly wise men... I saw a bumper sticker the other day, which read, "Wise men still seek him." Actually, that's not quite accurate. The Bible tells us that "no one seeks God, not even one." But if he has led us to himself, then we have become wise. For it is true that "wise men still worship him." The Boys from Bethlehem: One of the most heinous atrocities in human history was the murder of Bethlehem's babies by Herod the Great. But did it really happen? In the second chapter of Matthew's gospel, we read that when Herod the Great heard of the Messiah's birth, "he was troubled--and all Jerusalem with him." Later, when the wise men did not report back to him, he became furious and ordered all the baby boys up to two years old in and around Bethlehem to be slaughtered! Three questions come to mind as we consider this cruel incident: First, how many babies did Herod actually kill? Second, how old was Jesus when this happened? And finally, why does no other ancient historian record this outrage? In other words, did it really happen? How many babies did Herod murder? Some scholars have suggested as many as 200! But most reject such a figure. Bethlehem was a small community--almost a suburb of Jerusalem. The village itself--and the surrounding countryside--would hardly have more than 30 male infants under two. Most scholars today place the number between 20 and 30. But that's if only the boy babies were killed. Actually, the Greek text of Matthew 2:16 could mean 'babies'--not just 'boy babies.' And psychologically, Herod's henchmen might not have bothered to check the gender of their victims. The number might be as high as 50 or 60. Second, how old was Jesus when this occurred? According to the best chronological evidence, he could not have been more than three or four months old. He was more than likely born in the winter of 5 or 4 B.C.--Herod died in the early spring of 4 B.C. So why did Herod slay all children up to two years old? The answer to the third question might help to answer this one... Third, why is this event not recorded outside the Bible? Specifically, why did Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, fail to mention it? Josephus tells us much about Herod. The best word to describe his reign is 'overkill.' He murdered his favorite wife's father, drowned her brother--and even killed her! He executed one of his most trusted friends, his barber, and 300 military leaders--all in a day's work! Then he slew three of his sons, allegedly suspecting them of treason. Josephus tells us that "Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men" (Antiquities of the Jews 17:310). Killing babies was not out of character for this cruel king. And killing them up to two years old--to make sure he got the baby Jesus lines up with his insane jealousy for power. Josephus might have omitted the slaying of the babies for one of two reasons: first, he was no friend of Christianity and he left it out intentionally; or second, just before Herod died he locked up 3000 of the nation's leading citizens and gave orders that they were to be executed at the hour of his death. He wanted to make sure that there would be mourning when he died...Israel was so preoccupied with this that the clandestine murder of a few babies might have gone unnoticed... Herod thought that he had gained a victory over the king of the Jews. Yet this was a mere foreshadowing of the victory Satan thought he had when Jesus lay dead on a Roman cross. But the empty tomb proved that that dark Friday was Satan's worst defeat! Conclusion: We've been looking at several aspects of the birth of Jesus Christ in this short study. Now, we want to put it all together. In the winter of 5 or 4 B.C., God invaded history by taking on the form of a man. He was born in a small town just south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem, which means 'the house of bread,' indeed became worthy of its name one lonely winter night. For there, in that town, was born the Bread of Life... His mother placed the infant king in a manger--or feeding trough-- because the guest room where they were to stay was occupied. The birth of this king was celebrated that night only by his mother, her husband, and a handful of shepherds. The shepherds had been in the fields around Bethlehem, guarding the lambs which would die at the next Passover. An angel appeared to them and gave them the birth announcement: "today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). In their simple faith, they rushed to see their newborn king. Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah. But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt. And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah... When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other. And they gave him gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This was an unusual present--by any standards. The gold, of course, we all can understand--but the frankincense and myrrh were odd. Perhaps they had read Isaiah's prophecy that "nations will come to your light, and kings to your rising... They will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news... " (Isa. 60:3, 6). This explains the frankincense, but not the myrrh. Now myrrh, like frankincense, was a perfume. But unlike frankincense, myrrh smelled of death. In the ancient world, it was used to embalm a corpse. Jesus himself would be embalmed with this very perfume (cf. John 19:39). If the magi were thinking of Jesus' death when they brought the myrrh, they no doubt knew of it from Daniel's prophecy (9:24-27). In the ninth chapter of Daniel we read that the 'Messiah will be cut off' and this 'will make atonement for iniquity' and ultimately 'bring in everlasting righteousness' (9:26, 24). Even at the birth of our Savior, the shadow of the cross is already falling over his face... The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train. From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Dec 26 01:08:26 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 01:08:26 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Gifts Message-ID: <792EE79F-16FB-4035-8DF5-648FF7B5AC2E@clanwebb.com> "What did you get?" It's the most popular question from kids to their friends on Christmas afternoon. Let them have a good time and share their joy, but find time to remind them of why we give gifts at Christmas. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." Matthew 2:11 "Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." " John 4:10 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." " Acts 2:38 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 It all comes to one conclusion "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15 A gift for every day. Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Dec 27 01:24:39 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 01:24:39 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Engaging Fools Message-ID: One of my favorite stories to tell of a can't-win situation comes from a college friend of mine. He grew up in Texas near the airfield where the Confederate Air Force flies. These guys fly vintage biplanes and World War II planes at shows all around the country. My friend also learned how to do acrobatic flying in some of these planes and I had great fun hearing his stories. One day he was helping a mechanic repair an engine on one of the planes. He had a conversation a little like this: "Careful not to tighten that bolt too much." "Okay, how tight should it be?" "About a quarter turn before it breaks." A short pause while my friend contemplates how to use this information before he gives up and asks, "Um, how do I do that?" "Turn it until it breaks and then back off a quarter turn." As I was reading through Proverbs today, I spotted what seemed to be similarly contradictory instructions. "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 26:4-5 That made me do a double-take. Am I supposed to engage a fool in his folly or not? Since I know the Bible does not contradict itself, I realized I was missing something. As I read it again, I realized God is telling us to walk a tightrope when engaging folks like this. Specifically, I was thinking of folks who challenge the Bible and truth it contains. On the one hand, we don't want to lower ourselves to their methods and attitudes to the point where the observer can't tell the difference. Don't curse those who curse you. Don't lie to those who lie to you. Don't try to outdo them with their own faulty methods. On the other hand, if the act of ignoring this person will cause them to think that you have capitulated, then that's no different than telling them, "You're right." In these situations, you should carefully engage them with the truth. Debate them on the arguments they make and explain where they are wrong. Often, I find it helpful to follow another proverb when you have to follow this path. "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25:21-22 Gentle, but firm. Loving, but honest. Answer, but don't mimic. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Dec 28 00:33:29 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:33:29 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Careful Packing Message-ID: Ever since I started writing software for a living, my job has been cyclical. I don't have a job where every day is the same. Some folks can tell you exactly what their work day will be like in three months. I can't. I can't because software development is really a series of projects. They each have a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning is always fun because there are no limits. We brainstorm on a white board and come up with amazing, creative ideas. I spend most of these days in meetings and bouncing ideas around in email. The middle is more realistic. We cut back on the outlandish suggestions and work on what's possible in the given timeframe. It's still satisfying, though, because I get to design and build new things. Days during this time are spent writing code as we implement each new feature or change as specified. Each one presents different challenges, though. The end is a little stressful because time begins to feel short. We have to polish the product up and fix all of the little details that have been left undone. Those days are spent in a rapid response mode. We wait to hear about bugs from QA and we fix them. Near the very end, we will literally sit around for a few hours until we hear about a new bug and then work madly for a few more hours. It's hurry up and wait at it's best. When it's all done, though, a new product is finished and sent out to customers. It then begins generating revenue that pays the salaries of me and my coworkers. That's gratifying. Then we spend a few days cleaning off our desks and whiteboards with anything related to that project and getting ready for the next one. This time of year reminds me of the end of a project. I'm packing up our Christmas decorations. I'm cleaning out some files. I'm reading end-of-the-year financial statements. There's a sense of packing up the old year and getting ready for the new. That's a great feeling, but I fear that Jesus can get lost in that shuffle. Here we have just spent time intensely focused on the birth of Christ. We study what a fantastic gift He is and what His life means for all of us. When the holiday is over, though, it can be easy to pack Him up with those decorations. I catch myself looking forward to the new year by thinking about new opportunities at work, new projects at home, future vacations, and even plans for the summer! But, often those thoughts don't include my Lord. At the risk of falling into the same trap (and as a request to keep me out of it, too), I encourage you all to keep Christ on your dining room table. Keep Him on your mantle. Keep Him at the center of your heart. " "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' " Matthew 22:36-37 Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Dec 29 00:30:07 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:30:07 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Right Before We Knew It Message-ID: <34F38B69-8DEF-469C-8EDB-5786F9695D62@clanwebb.com> Focus can happen in an instant or it can take time. The results are always the same. Something you didn't see before now is right before your eyes. Many times, during a hunting trip, I have been sitting on a log or a rock scanning trees, rock piles, and ridge lines. Then, on the third or fourth pass, something comes into focus that wasn't there before. A rock or a tree becomes a deer or a set of antlers. Any hunter will tell you that it works the other way, too. Read these two unrelated passages: "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." Isaiah 40:22 "All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again." Ecclesiastes 1:7 Do you see it? Here's a clue: junior high earth science. This doesn't appear to be much of a stretch to me. The earth is round and there is a hydrological system in place. Isaiah lived over 700 years before Jesus walked the earth. Most folks think King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. We don't know exactly when, but you can be sure it was long before 1492 when Columbus sailed. How about gravity? "He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing." Job 26:7 Hey, if Job were making this up, surely he would have come up with something a little better than "over nothing." I mean, the Greeks had Atlas and they were considered the smart guys. There is no doubt that people in history have made up myths to sustain a belief system. The Greeks and the Romans stand tall in the story-telling department. Homer could spin a great yarn. But the Bible is just right. It is great fun to explore scripture. Happy New Year, Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Dec 30 01:48:35 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 01:48:35 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Opinions and Religion Message-ID: <67E0C2C1-540B-44D5-9772-26A241AAB5C1@clanwebb.com> I don't know why anybody should give my opinion the time of day. On the other hand, I read a lot of other people's opinions and, because they managed to get them published, we are supposed to believe what they have to say. Well, I am of the opinion that Jesus Christ is exactly who the Bible says He is. A lot of people will say that makes me religious and they have their opinions about that. "Religion is the fashionable substitute for belief." Oscar Wilde "Truth, in matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived." Oscar Wilde "The idea of a good society is something you do not need a religion and eternal punishment to buttress: you need a religion if you are terrified of death." Gore Vidal "Religion is a monumental chapter in the history of human egotism." William James The public and publishers think very highly of these folks. College professors will have you study them to improve your minds. I feel they are clever, witty, lost people. Probably something to do with the relationships with their mothers. Sorry, that was just an attempt to be witty. "Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;" " Proverbs 1:20-32 Who are you going to trust? A playwright? A novelist? A modern philosopher? or the Word of God? What's your opinion? You have one, don't you? Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Dec 31 00:13:38 2005 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:13:38 -0800 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Contentment Message-ID: Well, here I am at the end of another year. They seem to move faster, now, but move they do. It's a time of year when I end up doing a lot of remembering about the past year and previous years at this same time. What were we doing last New Year's Eve? What were we doing five years ago? What has changed over this last year? Are we where we thought we'd be? I can't help but to compare our situation with where we were a year ago. Are we doing better or worse financially? in our relationships? spiritually? Admittedly, I don't ask that last question a lot, but it should be part of the process. More often it's easier to take the mathematical metric of comparing income and expenses from this time last year and estimating how next year will go. Then my thoughts start to get a little off track as I think about a possible bonus check in a couple of months or other changes that might come up. After a while it all makes my head spin and I wonder how life got so complicated. As a senior in high school, I had more optimism than experience and life didn't appear that complicated at all. The school paper interviewed me near the end of the school year and asked me a question that I answered quickly, but that answer haunts me today. They asked something like, "What is your long range goal in life?" Now, I'm sure they were looking for something like "owning my own company" or "working in Congress", but I simply answered "contentment". At that moment in time, I really didn't want the brass ring the world was offering. I just wanted to go out and do a good job and be a servant of God. I wanted to be content with what He had given me and where He was using me. That answer haunts me today, because it's so easy to lose sight of that simplicity now. Life appears complicated when you focus on it too much. But, when you focus on God, the world will fade away and it gets easier again. "Keep falsehoods and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8-9 It's simple when you remember who's arranging it for you. Ask God to provide you with your needs and strive to be content with that. Leave the rest up to him. Here's to contentment in the coming year! Happy New Year! Wyatt