From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 1 23:09:17 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 23:09:17 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Instruction Deflection Message-ID: Do you find yourself practicing instruction deflection? That's the fancy name I came up with for a bad habit I have. I suspect it's actually a common problem, but I feel better when it has a name. Basically, what I'm describing is that habit of listening to a sermon and deciding that each item applies to people other than yourself. You mentally deflect the instructions being taught. This is a form of rationalization that happens when you decide that you don't have the problem being described or that the rules simply don't apply to you for some reason. Well, God reminded me today that it all applies to me: "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-" Proverbs 1:1-5 So, Proverbs is important for attaining wisdom, discipline, understanding, and insight. Proverbs is valuable for the simple, the young, the wise, and the discerning. So, unless I can argue that I'm not simple or discerning and I'm not young or wise, I think this covers me. I'm reminded that I can't deflect the instruction of the Word. It applies to me. It applies to all of us. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Aug 2 22:18:57 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 22:18:57 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] No Almosts Message-ID: In the first verse of the book of Titus, Paul makes a very pointed statement. He speaks of the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. He is referring to that event when accepting the truth about Jesus begins to change your life. It is the whole point of changing direction in our lives, but we cannot deceive ourselves that talking a good game means anything. Unless our lives reflect what we speak, even the most lost person can see right through our facade. You simply cannot live a lie and go undetected. You might get by for a while, but your life will reveal its leaks and your boat will sink. God takes a dim view of liars as their example is an excuse for the unsaved to leave their path of discovery. "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16 God demands purity, so "almost" just doesn't get it done. There is a cost to accepting Jesus. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Aug 3 22:13:39 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 22:13:39 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Meaningless Message-ID: <9AC8ADB3-8B66-43FD-9585-FD4666B9CE2B@clanwebb.com> I am amazed over and over how little we learn from the mistakes of those that have gone before us. We seem to revel in our ability to not pay attention. How many times have you heard, "Don't make the same mistake I did." We are so arrogant that we think we can walk the same walk and it will turn out differently. In King Solomon, I think God said, "Okay, listen up, world. I am going to give you one man with power and money so he can explore all the fantasy this world has to offer. This way we can get it all out in the open. He can record it and you can read it." Here are his conclusions in a nutshell: The world in and of itself is meaningless. Too much book learning (as in, spending your life preparing to appear on Jeopardy) is meaningless. Pleasures are meaningless because they never satisfy. Being a workaholic is meaningless. Advancement of the world is never enough. It's to the point that many of our fantastic inventions have no meaning except to produce a profit for a corporation that always wants more. Money beyond your needs is meaningless. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13 The reason we want the stuff and the money is because we don't believe that God is enough. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Aug 4 23:17:21 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 23:17:21 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Distracted Relationship Message-ID: <3F071AB0-14C3-4155-AEF3-E1757B713F3A@clanwebb.com> The brain is an amazing creation. To this day nobody has been able to replicate the speed or power of the human brain with anything we can construct. As the years pass, we may be able to build something similar that matches the human mind in some measurements, but I suspect we'll never understand all of the details of how it works. The things we don't understand seem strange and manifest in unusual ways. I've commented for years how distractions can affect me differently. When I would do math or science homework, I could listen to music with no problem. The left brain could do the math while the right brain could enjoy the music. However, when I needed to write a book report or term paper, I couldn't listen to music or have the TV on. My brain could not deal with two trains of thought that had to process language. The result was usually a very insightful paper with parts of song lyrics unintentionally included. When I had that kind of homework, I had to lock myself in my room and turn everything else off. I couldn't focus otherwise. I find myself having to do the same thing when I talk to God. If I can hear a radio or TV or even another conversation while I'm praying, it's distracting. Heck, if I've been dwelling on something before I start praying, it'll keep injecting itself in my thoughts. I have to find a way to set it aside. It's not easy, but I've finally learned not to kid myself into thinking I can maintain a relationship with God if I'm perpetually distracted. "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all you strength.' " Mark 12:28-30 Notice the word "all". I must love Him with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength. None of those are easy, but loving Him with all my mind seems to be the hardest for me. Still, it's a commandment, so I persevere. I don't have a solution, but I do have a warning: Don't be complacent about this. Don't let yourself be content with a distracted relationship. Strive for clearing your mind and really communicating with Him. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to communicate this way with your wife, too. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Aug 5 21:49:25 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 21:49:25 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Good Works With A Right Heart Message-ID: It's great when you can muster up the courage to do the right thing. But, motivation matters. How many times have politicians done something good, but only because they wanted votes or because they needed to avoid a weak spot during an election? It's hard to take credit for those good events when your reasoning was selfish. The same goes for any effort you put out in life. If you put out that effort under your own strength, it is less likely to succeed and it will have little to no value anyway. If you put out that effort as an effort to God and with God, it will be blessed. "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127:1 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 Are you toiling for your own ends with your own strength? Or, have you committed it to the Lord? Are you seeking your own reward? Or, are you doing it for Him? Good works are okay. Good works for and through God are much, much better. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Aug 6 22:54:12 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 22:54:12 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Set Apart Message-ID: <112CD63C-FAA4-4DC4-886A-395ED4F666DF@clanwebb.com> When I watch ESPN or listen to my local sports radio station, there is no doubt that their target audience is adult males. Unfortunately, their target also happens to be adult males with prototypical male personalities. That seems to include discussing female anatomy and sprinkling your conversation with profanity. It's just assumed. Of course, that's because that's what most of America assumes is the personality of the average sports fan. And that stems from the fact that many, many adult men have acted that way over the years. But, we must be different. I'm reminded that God has called me to be holy: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." " 1 Peter 1:14-16 Remember that holy doesn't just imply a white robe and a halo, the real meaning is "set apart". God wants us to set ourselves apart from the world. So, just how set apart are you if you sound just like everyone else? "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 You can't let the spring of your life get polluted. "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips." Proverbs 4:24 You can't be set apart if you sound just as foul-mouthed as the rest. "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25 Keep your eyes on the prize of Jesus. Don't let yourself be distracted with long glares at the girls in the bikinis or, worse, the girls wearing even less. By definition, you can't fit in and be set apart. I know it's hard to be different. That's kind of the point, though. We can't be witnesses for how Christ changed our lives if we don't let our lives change. Be set apart. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 8 00:23:28 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 00:23:28 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Position of Strength Message-ID: <726E12C6-0CD4-40CE-B83C-822B6CC2A9FF@clanwebb.com> Men judge each other many times based on strength. Being strong of body, mind, judgment, and character make for a great introduction or recommendation. I wonder what the ingredient is for true, pure strength. Is strength an element or a compound? Is it the ability to lift a great weight? Is it the ability to hold back the blow? Science can measure mechanical strength as in an eagle's talon, a bear's jaw, or the head-butt of a ram. But, I think true strength in the pure form is reliance. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7a What appears to the world to be an act of a coward, to step behind a defender, is the greatest strength of a Christian. God is first, out in front, and delivering the outcome. My strength is to retreat at my Lord's will or go forward. It is my position that counts: behind His shield. Whatever righteous position we take or battle we fight, we must not be caught out of position. Allen From WYATT at CLANWEBB.COM Wed Aug 8 22:57:57 2007 From: WYATT at CLANWEBB.COM (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 22:57:57 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Count Me In Message-ID: <9C2ECEFE-1EFB-409B-872F-4641EA24E75E@CLANWEBB.COM> There is a common error that often strikes programmers that has to do with counting. Now, you're probably thinking, "These guys write software, but they have trouble counting?". You'd be surprised how hard it is sometimes. The particular kind of error I'm talking about is called a fence-post error. It is named such, because it has to do with the way you count fence-posts. Imagine you are building a fence with fence-posts and large, one-piece panels that go between the posts. If the panels are eight feet wide, how many panels and fence-posts would you need to fence off forty feet? Think about it before you answer. You would need five panels and six fence-posts. Remember that you have to have a fence-post on each end of the fence. Forgetting that last post is the kind of error you can make frequently when writing software. The corollary is when you should have been counting panels instead of posts and end up counting too many items. I'm happy God never makes a mistake in counting. In fact, He's really good at counting things that we would never try to count accurately: "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7 The counting is really just evidence that He knows each of us individually and in great detail. Even so, He still loves you and wants to build an intimate relationship with you. You can't claim that you aren't important enough. You can't claim that He wouldn't love you if He really knew you. You can't even attempt to hide in the crowd. If He can count the hairs on your head, He knows who you are and where you are at every instant. He still wants you to know Him better. I recommend you take Him up on it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Aug 10 00:21:29 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:21:29 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] There's Always Room for Hope Message-ID: <25CB1C33-FC66-4998-ACBE-78C45DEED8F7@clanwebb.com> "Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope." Psalm 119:116 "Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed." Psalm 119:116 These are the same verse from two different translations. The first is New American Standard (NAS) and the second is New International Version (NIV). I think it shows why it is important to read more than one version. I see the difference as subtle, but interesting. It is as if the Lord has come upon David and he seems out of sorts and God asks why he seems worried. The NAS version shows more confidence. Sustain me, as you have said. I will live and not be ashamed. The NIV seems more desperate. Sustain me. Remember, you promised! Then, I will live. Please don't let my hopes be dashed. In our prayer life, it is important to develop our faith with confidence. Jesus is a friend to us as well as our Lord. He shares and gives as a friend, not as a master doles out to a slave. " "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. "You are My friends if you do what I command you. [ Remember that Jesus commands because He has the authority and He is always right. ] "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." John 15:13-15 We will never understand how the great plan of God works, but we must just accept it. If you don't get your hope in a certain circumstance, it wasn't meant to be. Just remember that hope is always good. Wants can be dashed and we can be disappointed, but hope is for always. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Aug 11 00:12:17 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:12:17 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Like a Lottery Winner Message-ID: I often finish a Bible study or devotional and just shake my head. I am usually reminded just how far I have to go. Just when I think I'm getting close, God teaches me something else and I realize how much more there is to learn. This verse brought on that feeling dramatically: "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches." Psalm 119:14 I immediately had a vision of someone winning the lottery or answering the final question on a game show. You've seen the ones on TV when the guy walks up to their house with the oversized check made out for a million dollars. That is pure, unadulterated glee. It's all emotion, but it's just gushing out of the person at the time they are told. That's some serious rejoicing. Now, I think I'm just beginning to get to the point where I find myself feeling that way about the great gifts and blessings God has bestowed on me. Heck, salvation alone is a gift that blows my mind and can bring me to tears if I contemplate it. It's reasonable to talk about rejoicing when you really consider what He's given us. But, read that again. The psalmist isn't saying to rejoice in the gifts, he is saying that we should rejoice like a lottery winner for the ability to follow His law. I don't know about you, but I've always considered rules and laws something to be aware of so you don't run afoul of them. It doesn't seem to be an especially joyful experience to just follow the rules. Nonetheless, we are to rejoice like newly minted rich folk when we follow His law. That'll make you shake your head. I admit to not doing it, but now it's on my list. It's worth it though. Think of it this way: Following God's laws will make you feel like a million bucks! Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Aug 11 22:20:09 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 22:20:09 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Warn and Pray Message-ID: <7595E108-6EBA-4867-AC2E-37C82F6DC06B@clanwebb.com> Have you seen someone in danger because of their behavior and you know that because of their state of mind they are not aware of the thin ice they are about to step on? They don't seem to be prepared to react or want to be told about the situation. What do you do? Do you try your best, without alienation, to stand by and help when the bottom falls out? Do what Jesus did when He saw Simon Peter in Satan's cross-hairs. "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:30-32 Discipleship isn't always having the right answer and getting the right response. Often, it is doing what you can, in the case above that would be to warn your brother. Then do what you must, in this case pray for your brother. Knowing that trials are part of growth, remember that your brother won't need judgment, but encouragement. Jesus doesn't whack you on the head for your mistakes, the world whacks you for your mistakes. Jesus, as we should do, acts differently. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." Matthew 11:28-30 Let your prayers carry the burden to Jesus. Your job is to be compassionate. "But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,'[...]" Matthew 9:13a You can't solve someone else's dumb mistakes. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Aug 12 23:58:52 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:58:52 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Happy To Be Futile Message-ID: "The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile." Psalm 94:11 Wow. That seems kind of depressing. All of your thoughts are futile. They are powerless and empty. They will come to nothing. The thoughts that you are having about what I just said are futile. There is no strength there. Like so much of the wisdom God shares with us, though, the truth seems to stand reason on its head. This verse is good news. If our thoughts were not futile (in the spiritual sense), then we could be tempted to attempt to enter Heaven without Jesus. We would try to use our power separate from God. No, I'm glad my thoughts are futile for the same reason that I'm glad God's are powerful. I want Him to control my life and the universe. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 This is a good thing. Recognizing your powerlessness will only lead you back to the all-powerful One. Arguing about it doesn't change the truth of it. Any power or strength you have comes from Him. Admit futility and grab on to Jesus. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Mon Aug 13 22:32:32 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2007 22:32:32 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Anxious For Peace Message-ID: Everyone has those times when their lives are anxious. Everything is competition, deadlines, production, sales, and health and it just seems to go on and on. We tend to look into the future with a mental picture of a time or a level that will produce a life that has no anxious moments and that's when we will be in control. We plan for that time with all manner of effort only to find it is never there. Therefore, it is imperative that we work our anxious moments out of our systems and see them for what they are. They are nothing but attempts by Satan to rob us of peace, rest, and joy. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;" Psalm 139:23 Our anxious thoughts are nothing more than our lack of faith in God. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 15 00:13:52 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:13:52 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Dedicated to the Mission Message-ID: <1DDDB340-0977-4F2F-938E-D053976C9B9E@clanwebb.com> I caught the end of an action movie the other night that had to do with President of the United States being kidnapped by terrorists. Aside from the fun popcorn movie moments, I was reminded of something else that carried a deeper meaning. Throughout the movie, several members of the Secret Service and military threw themselves into the line of fire to save the President. Even though it was fiction, it caused me to choke up a bit as I thought about the men and women who are so dedicated that their own lives have become a lower priority. They serve to protect this country and its citizens and are willing to give their lives to achieve that goal. We are to be so dedicated to serving Christ that our own well-being is a lower priority. We should serve His will regardless of the outcome. "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8 The beauty is that we are more than a solider or bodyguard to Christ. We aren't just employed by Him, we are His children. We know how the story ends. We know that whatever happens between now and then, we end up living with Him in Heaven. So, we can't lose as long as we're serving Him. To belong to the Lord is greater than life or death here on Earth. Are you dedicated to the mission? Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 15 22:46:56 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:46:56 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] 24/7 Message-ID: About a year ago I tweaked my foot such that it's had a strained feeling that comes and goes. Today, my podiatrist seems to have isolated the problem as an injured tendon that runs along the outside of my foot and around the ankle protrusion up the side of my leg. The injury had to have happened when my foot tilted too far to the outside at some time in the past. In the meantime, I've been periodically reinjuring it through my normal activities such that it's never really healed. To treat this, he gave me an ankle brace that uses hard plastic splints to keep my foot from tilting too far either way. His instructions were, "Wear this 24/7. You may remove it to bathe." Gee, thanks! When I took the brace off for a shower this evening, I realized that I was being very careful with how I stepped so as not to cause myself to make the problem worse. I was struck how I had not worried about how I stepped earlier in the day, but now that I knew what the problem was and knew what it felt like to have the brace for twelve hours, I was very careful when I removed it. The good news is that the pain is slowly receding and my foot and ankle feel stronger and sturdier when I wear the brace. I'm much more confident when walking quickly, running up the stairs, or bracing myself to push or lift something. Again, when I remove the brace, I'm now less confident than I was just yesterday. A recognition of my weakness has taught me to be careful when I'm not reinforced, but it also allows me to be even more courageous when I am reinforced. I'll let you infer the application to salvation there, because I actually wanted to point out the danger of living without Christ now that you've had your weaknesss exposed. The first step of any sin after being saved is to set Jesus aside for a time. The clothing metaphor works well here: "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14 As long as you keep "wearing" Jesus, you have reinforcement and defense against the desires of sin. Beware the moments when you take Him off. You may justify it as, "It's just one movie, it won't hurt" or "I'll go back to Him tomorrow". Removing the defense and strength of Jesus leaves you vulnerable. Don't ever set Him aside for a passing pleasure. Wear Jesus 24/7. You may NOT remove Him to bathe. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Aug 16 22:22:57 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 22:22:57 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Nitpickers Message-ID: Being a manager means having to deal with a variety of personalities. Furthermore, I have to deal with them in a way that is respectful and calm (not the way I'd usually like to deal with them which is by wringing their neck). One of the most frustrating habits I have to defuse is nitpicking. When something goes wrong, or a major change causes disruption, there will always be at least one person who wants to spend time analyzing what happened, how we got there, and figuring out just whose fault it is. I realize that there's a time and place to find out what went wrong so we don't do it again, but that time is almost always after the project is complete. Those who want to analyze that problem immediately are missing a fundamental point: we can't change the past, so let's worry about solving the problem in front of us. The clock is ticking, so let's get moving. Whether I tripped and fell or someone threw me, I'm still in the quicksand and need to find a way out. Knowing who to blame does not solve that problem. I'm reminded of that attitude when I read about the Pharisees. They wanted to find some nit to pick with Jesus that would disprove who He was. But, in the process, they had to overlook the overwhelming evidence occurring right in front of them that He was exactly who He said He was. After Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath, they badgered the newly healed man. "Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided. Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet." [...] A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner." He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!." John 9:16-17, 24-25 The Pharisees were hung up on whether He had broken the Sabbath, but were completely ignoring the miracle in their midst. The healed man has the best answer by simply sharing his testimony. He basically says he doesn't know if Jesus is who He claims to be, but he does know that he can see again. That's a reminder to us that the best testimony is our own witness. We may not be able to argue every theological point with a critic, but we can simply relay our own story and say, "This is how He changed my life." If someone is nitpicking the Gospel, it's because they don't want it to be true. Help them to see the miracle in their midst by simply relating your personal story to them. They can't argue with a first- person account of your life. Oh, and I recommend not wringing their neck either. That's not conducive to productive conversation. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Aug 18 00:36:56 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:36:56 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] A Moment in Time Message-ID: <5C73B0AC-93A4-4D59-AAFB-F8B6E27B53F3@clanwebb.com> As yet another political season begins, so does the effort to catch the iconic image of the candidates that will burn into the minds of the voters. Sometimes it's something dramatic and inspiring and sometimes it's embarrassing or ridiculous. Regardless, the image makers know that a frozen moment in time can have a long lasting effect on the perception of anyone. Think Michael Dukakis in the tank or George W. Bush at Ground Zero. A fascinating form of photography, called strobe photography, was invented by Dr. Harold Edgerton (who happened to teach at my alma mater, MIT). He used very bright, very short flashes of light to expose film to an instant in time. With some clever triggers, he was able to generate some very fun pictures of a bullet cutting through a playing card, a drop of milk, and a foot at the point of impact on a football. He didn't slow down the motion, he simply figured out a way to extract an instant in time for further consideration. He showed things in a state that we could never see with the naked eye. The point being that no matter how fast the action is, there is a way to take a picture of it and analyze it closely. Now, imagine people can do that with your life. They can take a very small instant of time and present that as the image the world sees of you. If they know about your foibles and weaknesses, this would be a very uncomfortable thing. This is basically what the press does (especially the tabloids). They take one unflattering picture and tell the world that you're about to get a divorce, you're clearly overweight, an alcoholic, and are likely to keel over at any moment. It just takes an instant. Now, while dealing with that troubling thought, consider this: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." " Matthew 24:44-47 So, we don't know when He will return. But it will be quick. Where will He find you when He arrives? If He were to take strobe photographs of your life at the moment He returns, what would they show? What will you be doing when He returns? Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sat Aug 18 23:58:01 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2007 23:58:01 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] No Slacking Message-ID: <28F92BF4-4009-4DD7-82BF-BB81ECB74193@clanwebb.com> Good intentions don't count for much if they aren't followed up with action. When I passionately explained that I really did mean to take out the garbage to my father, he insisted on pointing out that the can in the kitchen was still full. When I enthusiastically described how I had meant to meet my wife-to-be for dinner, she refused to get past the fact that I had been late. The same goes for situations big and small. When politicians give speeches and make rabid declarations of their position, but then don't back that up with their vote, we don't trust them anymore. It can easily be argued that in each of these cases the slacker is actually helping the opposing case. By not doing my chores and being late for dinner, I was showing disrespect for both people involved. By arguing one thing, but not backing it up, the politician shows disrespect for his supporters. The key here is that these are not neutral acts. The act of doing nothing is still an act and it has consequences. This is not the equivalent of treading water or running in place. You are either moving forward or backward. You are supporting one side or the other. There is no Switzerland in situations like this. "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." Proverbs 18:9 Being a procrastinator is no different than actively working against that which you should be doing. You are harming the effort. If that work you are putting off is from God, then you're working against His will. You are causing His plan to slow down or take a detour. His will is still done, but you are now a liability instead of an asset. Having a deep conviction that it's the right thing to do doesn't help if you don't do it. Don't let complacency or the perception of being too busy prevent you from doing the work He's assigned. It is usually the case that new priorities are in order. Is there really anything else you should be doing when there's someone else you can serve and love? Is there really anything else you should be doing when there's work for Him waiting? Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Aug 19 23:14:59 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2007 23:14:59 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Today is the Day Message-ID: <397CE9C3-9C40-4A20-8FE7-A7C511703FE6@clanwebb.com> I have lost count of how many times I've thrown away expired coupons or emails with special sale information. My habit is to keep them thinking, "Oh, I'll have to try to get to that store and see if I can find a good deal." Then, three months later, I find it again and see that it's long past expired. I've missed out. I may have missed a good deal, but I'll never know. Last year, my son asked me to buy some concert tickets for one of his favorite bands. I was busy so, I told myself that I'd check again later that day. A week later, when he asked again, I realized I had forgotten. When I went to buy the tickets then, they were sold out. Once again, I had missed my window of opportunity. The lesson to learn here is to take advantage of a window of opportunity right away. This is especially true when you don't know when the window will close. Why wait and only increase your chance of missing out? Why not right now? "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul is reminding those who read the Scripture that there is no good thing that comes out of waiting to accept Christ. For those of us who are already saved, there is no good thing that comes out of waiting to tell others about Him. We don't know when our time will be up here. So, it's always a dicey proposition to think, "I'll wait until I know him better," or, "He's not in a good place right now. I should wait until he's more receptive." You cannot predict a sudden heart attack or stroke. You cannot predict a drunk driver or plane crash. Today is the day of salvation. If you haven't personally invited Him in, do it right now. If you're waiting to tell someone, get on with it. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Aug 21 00:30:40 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:30:40 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Trade-In Message-ID: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21 This Scripture gives me comfort after the last few days. For various reasons, my right leg hurts, my shoulders hurt, my back hurts, and my hip hurts. I remember recovering much more quickly from these things when I was younger. Now, they hang on for a few days at a time. It's frustrating, painful, and limiting. Still, I'm grateful I can walk and move normally to do everyday things and my job. My mother-in-law has cancer and I've watched as she has lost the strength to walk, lost the ability to use one arm, and is even losing clarity of thought. Whether you're unhappy about your weight, annoyed with your bum knee, or you are completely incapacitated, there are two things to remember: First, be thankful for what God has given you here, because whatever abilities or limitations you have, they can be used to His glory. Secondly, look forward to one of the great benefits of being a citizen of Heaven. If Jesus is your Lord, then He promises a new, glorified body free from sickness, disease, and any other limitation when we join Him. When the day comes, I won't hesitate to trade mine in. Praise God that He has a replacement waiting! Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 22 00:27:44 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:27:44 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Easy Decision Message-ID: Like any professional, I have to keep up with the state of the art in my field. For me, that means reading trade publications, lots of websites, and blogs and doing some learning and research on my own time. I'm now the master of a few technologies and capable in several more. I could probably fake my way through other dozen after that. This is handy when I have need to do work under certain restrictions. It needs to be web-only? I have some tools in my toolbox for that. You want something for PDAs? I can do that, too. When I get a request that's open-ended, though, it can be a tough decision. In that case there are many, many ways to solve the problem and it's not clear which one is the right one at the beginning. They may all seem worthwhile at the start, but three months later, it becomes clear why the one I picked has a fatal flaw and, clearly, I should have picked the other one. That can make for some dicey decisions with far too little information at the beginning of a project. As they say, though, good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions. Of course, this only applies when you get to make the decisions over and over. What happens when you have to make the decision once and there are no do-overs? This is why I'm so glad there's no question about the right way to get to Heaven. This is a one-time decision, but it's not an unclear one. The world would have you believe that there are many paths and most, if not all, will get you there. What if you find out you took the wrong path on the day you die? What then? It's not a mystery, though: "Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." " John 14:5-6 No vagueness here. Jesus is the way to the Father. No one can go to the Father except through Jesus. Now, that's an easy choice. If you want to be with the Father and be in Heaven, you must go through Jesus. It is the clearest decision in your life, but it's often the hardest for some to make. Don't get lost. Follow the signs to the Father. Stay on the path of Jesus. It's guaranteed to get you there. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 22 23:32:55 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:32:55 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] I Want To Go Home Message-ID: <0E351F2F-D212-4746-B836-BF19AE890DED@clanwebb.com> I am baffled how atheists and agnostics can go through life without being mortally depressed. If there isn't anything after this life, what's the point? Why do they bother? If you aren't even sure if there's something afterwards, how are you not consumed with whether your actions here mean anything? It is yet another reason I believe that following Christ is the only logical choice. Even aside from the spiritual response I have to Him personally calling out to me and offering Salvation, the logic seems overwhelming. As our lives get more complicated, distracted, and disrupted and as our bodies get slower, creakier, and harder to maintain, I take solace in where I'm going. "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 I would prefer to be with the Lord. That's not to say that I'm ready to jump out a window and make it happen, but I'm sure I'd be happier in Heaven. The next verse tells the reader why Christians don't commit mass suicide to get home sooner. "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." 2 Corinthians 5:9 Our goal is not the self-gratification of simply going home to be with Him, but to serve Him. When you love Him enough that you'd rather be with Him, you also love Him enough to serve Him. And, if you're reading this, He has plans for you here first. The work is worthwhile, but it's okay to daydream about the end of the race. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Aug 23 23:58:49 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:58:49 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Freedom and Liberty Message-ID: <0B4F3227-C161-4CAF-843E-D8A6729D3DDA@clanwebb.com> During some discussions, two study partners and I were reading Scripture, one from the NAS and one from the NIV. We noticed that the NIV would use the word "freedom" where the NAS would use the word "liberty". I tried to discern the difference in my mind and I have come to a conclusion with which I don't expect everyone to agree. I believe that "freedom" has the connotation that there is the possibility of slavery. It implies that you can fall into it and lose your freedom or come out of it and gain your freedom. On the other hand, "liberty" seems to encompass the right to freedom and carries the idea that you must exercise your liberty responsibly. "But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9 "And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts." Psalm 119:45 And Paul refers to liberty this way: "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?" 1 Corinthians 9:1 By use of our liberty we can become enslaved or we can gain freedom, but the responsibility of liberty is not to roam out of bounds and end up taking someone with us. These subtle references to words and the study of the differences are not my attempt at being dogmatic, but simply to show that God can use the same words to open different eyes in different ways. We should always seek deeper, more pure water from the well. Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Fri Aug 24 22:43:29 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:43:29 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] You Already Have It Message-ID: <2E50639C-8CA4-4D6C-BC50-0CE243E5E226@clanwebb.com> I've heard the same message from two different pastors over the last couple of weeks. I'll take that as a sign. The point of each message was that it's nonsensical for a Christian to be asking for God to give them peace or joy or the mind of Christ. That's because we already have those things. We just choose to ignore them and stick with the stress, anxiety, and distracted mind of the flesh. It's our own fault for covering up the gifts we've been given. I got hit with it again today: "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165 Once again, the point is that we already have "great peace". Nothing can make us stumble unless we let it. So, instead of begging God to give you peace, you need to ask for His help to uncover it. You need to let go of the things of this world that you are choosing over the peace He has already given you. When you do, though, think of the implications in this Scripture. You will have great peace and be stumble-free! I still have some stumbles in my life, so I still have some junk to clean out. How about you? Any stumbles lately? Any disruption to your peace? Maybe it's time to do some heart-cleaning. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Aug 26 00:33:38 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:33:38 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Embrace and Extend Message-ID: <4DD1E467-292E-4236-A395-287BB0691C55@clanwebb.com> There's an old joke in software development circles that says the great thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from. The idea being that everyone has their own standard, which tends to belie the term. It is a fact of our industry, though. I apologize if I offend any Microsoft fans, but they have a unique approach to standards. They will often develop their very own for no apparent reason other than they want it to be of their creation when it's adopted by the community. If that doesn't work, Microsoft employs something they call "embrace and extend". That's really a euphemism for "take over and make it our own". They attempted this with the Java programming language. They added on several Microsoft- only extensions and encouraged developers to use them. Then, that software would only run in Microsoft web browsers and on Windows operating systems. So, something that was designed to be cross- platform and standardized was being used to try to funnel people into a Microsoft-only universe. This really bends the definition of a "standard" past it's breaking point. How often do we try to redefine God's standards? Have you ever tried to find the loophole in His law that allowed you to do that thing your flesh desired? I sure have. Saul tried it too when he was commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites. He tried adding his own wrinkle: " "But I did obey the Lord," Saul said. "I went on a mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal." But Samuel replied: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." " 1 Samuel 15:20-22 I see writings and websites all the time that are written by those who want to extend God's standards to adapt to their world view. They try to explain away what I think are ironclad truths about God and the discover things that have apparently been hiding from scholars for centuries. Whenever we attempt to improve on God's creation, we screw it up. There aren't many standards to choose from when it comes to our God. And, at its core is the idea of love and obedience to God. It's not just a checklist of rights and wrongs. If you are doing something out of a selfish desire, it's not of God. If you are doing something that puts you in a gray area, it's not of God. There is no gray area, that's an illusion of the enemy. By the way, the creators of the Java language sued Microsoft over their corruption of the language. Microsoft lost and had to withdraw all of the software dependent on their version of the language. It didn't work. They had a shot at success, but whatever you do, do not attempt to "embrace and extend" God's standards. They're just fine the way they are and you will always be wrong. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Sun Aug 26 23:29:08 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:29:08 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] No Edges Message-ID: <0CAF5C2B-5CDF-48FF-907E-26A842AEF70F@clanwebb.com> "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is one of my all-time favorite movies. Great characters, great action, and fun story make it a blast to watch. One important plot twist is that the Nazis are digging for the Ark in the wrong place, but Indiana Jones figures out where the right place is. Under the cover of night, he and some workers begin digging on a bland-looking mound in an effort to find the entrance. Finally, one of the grunts hits stone and they realize they've found the slab. Instantly, Jones tells the crew to find the edges. In a matter of a few seconds, the size of the slab can be seen and they assess the effort needed to move it. It's a very brief scene, but it has always struck me how the searcher went from simply knowing he'd found a piece of something to knowing it's size almost immediately. I think there's a larger message there in that when man finds anything, the first thing he wants to know is how big it is and can he handle it. It's our nature. I don't think I'd be very proud of my God if it were easy to find His edges and know how big He was. Fortunately, you can't: "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?" Job 11:7 "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" Romans 11:33 We can't wrap our arms around God like we would something we want to lift. We can't size Him up and decide just how big the lever needs to be to move Him. When we stop trying to find the edges or find the size of God, however, we can fall at His feet and hold on. He will hold us close to Himself. If you can find the edges of something, it's not worth worshipping. I can tell you that you'll never find the edges of God. It's a worthwhile search to know more of God, but don't ever think you'll be able to trace out His abilities or His power. It's a good to admit He's unfathomable and be glad that He is. Anyone not worshipping Him, is worshipping something with edges. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Aug 28 00:40:22 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:40:22 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] As Crimson Message-ID: I had a completely unexpected and bizarre experience over the weekend. I've been wearing an ankle brace for about a week. During the night, I wear it without a sock as it's been too warm otherwise. I don't know why it took so long, but when I woke up on Saturday my foot appeared to have undergone a localized, but severe sunburn due to a skin allergy. It is in the exact shape of the brace, but my foot is a very angry red and is swollen. I haven't worn the brace since, but it's taking some time to recover. I find myself embarrassed by it mostly because I don't want to have to explain it to other people. I've been keeping it covered with socks and jeans, but I certainly still know it's there. Even if I forget about it, as soon as I get ready for bed I'm reminded of this bright, red marking. It's unavoidable. I'm reminded that this is how sin appears on our spirit when God looks at us. We are embarrassed by it and we try to cover it up from those around us and from God, but we cannot forget that it's there. It's unavoidable. That is, until we've accepted His free gift: "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18 My scarlet marking is on my physical body, so medicine and time will help it to heal and slowly disappear. The scarlet markings on our spirit, though, cannot disappear until we are washed in the blood of Jesus and healed by Him. The beauty is that we are immediately clean. There is no delay. We appear holy and blameless before God because of what Jesus has done for us. Don't try to hide your crimson markings. Have them washed away. You just have to admit they are there and then ask for Jesus to cleanse you. I have to be reminded of that frequently. Now, I have to remember to avoid neoprene orthopedics, too! Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Tue Aug 28 23:59:50 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:59:50 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Get It Message-ID: <542DF579-D66F-416C-A710-C642122ED8D6@clanwebb.com> "Not getting it" is a hurdle we all come upon from time to time. Three of us took one of our pastors to a Mariners game last night. Actually, LA played. I'm not sure what our boys were doing. On the way home, he told us a story about one fellow. This guy, we all know, has a real heart for the Lord and will call from time to time to pray with us or to just tell a joke. Well, he called our pastor and told him a joke and he had to tell the caller, "Sorry, I just don't get it". Well, the fellow said, "That's okay", they prayed, and hung up. A couple of minutes later, he called back and said, "I forgot one line in the story." Of course, with that one line, our pastor got the joke. Here is something people saved and unsaved just don't get: "But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 The people of the Old Testament might have had a reason to be perplexed, but post-cross, the missing line has been revealed. How much better children would we have been if every time we got out of line, we had to watch our parents take the punishment? If our mothers and fathers had to stand public humiliation for our transgressions, would we finally say, "I get it!"? Allen From wyatt at clanwebb.com Wed Aug 29 23:03:23 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:03:23 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Out of Place Message-ID: <52712A98-7854-4A50-9F84-7657F8C32BD1@clanwebb.com> During various times in my life, I've had an opportunity to really feel out of place. Sometimes it's accidental, sometimes I know it's going to happen, and sometimes it can be downright scary. More than once, I've walked down the wrong street in a major city and realized that I stood out like a sore thumb. Not having a sense of belonging can be very disorienting I met a fellow at a high school academic competition that had a great story about being out of place. He told me that he had travelled to a town on the Oregon coast by bus with the intention of meeting someone traveling through so they could continue on together. Unfortunately, the ride was severely delayed and this guy was stuck without much money and no place to stay until his ride arrived the next morning. His brilliant idea was to open the phone book and pick out the first person who had the same last name as he did. He called and explained his predicament and the couple happily let him stay on their couch for the evening. In that moment of panic and utter aloneness, he reached out for something familiar hoping that person would feel the same way. It worked for him, but that's not something I would want to depend on for the rest of my life. Good thing I don't have to. "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." Ephesians 2:19-20 I am no longer a foreigner to Christ. Christ is always with me, so I am never alone. I belong to Him and I have citizenship in Heaven. There is such joy and relief in knowing that when the end comes, I won't be left standing in the dark trying to think of someone to call. I have a home being prepared for me in Heaven and my ride won't be late. Wyatt From wyatt at clanwebb.com Thu Aug 30 23:17:58 2007 From: wyatt at clanwebb.com (Wyatt Webb) Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:17:58 -0700 Subject: [Daily Push Up] Plans Message-ID: I have had conversations with people that are in turmoil about what the future holds. I have been in turmoil about what the future holds. The basic fear is that we might be one of God's chosen people to show the rest of the world what not to do. We understand the concept that God holds us in the palm of His hand and that He has a plan for our lives. We just get very apprehensive about what the plan is and what challenges we might face. We must come to the realization that being a child of God means He will act as a parent until the day He calls us home. The uncertainty of childhood never leaves us and we are also given the uncertainty of parenthood. The difference between our parenting skills and those of God is simple: He always gets it right. We must not let our apprehensions about the decisions we make as a parent transfer to how we view God as our parent. "O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness." Isaiah 25:1 I would like to see the future and the child in me wants all the answers. Perhaps God cloaks the future so we can focus on the present. Allen