Welcome Home

Over the last couple of days I've received a needed wake up call from my two sons.

My oldest son, Tyson, after soccer practice on Monday wanted to pass the ball with me for a bit and I was busy talking to one of the other parents. He launched a pass at me that knocked the wind out of me a little and after I berated him, he started to weep in the car saying,

"Dad, you don't play with me like you used to. You're always busy with something."

Yesterday, I arrived at home exhausted, not so much from the day of work, but I've started to ride my bike to and from work to get into shape and primarily to save on fuel costs as they continue to rise. It's 10 miles each way and coming home is all uphill. Yesterday, the wind was hitting me in the face at around 20mph. So, just getting home in under an hour was an accomplishment. As I'm standing in the bathroom washing my face off, my youngest son Derek opens the door and hands me my baseball glove and says,

"Dad, can we throw the ball out back?"

I started to say "no" but then remembered who I am to my kids--their dad and amazingly the one they want to spend time with and be like. As I'm getting dressed to go play catch, Derek says,

"Dad, I'm going to look like you when I grow up, right?"

I had that on my mind when I watched this video this morning.

glumbert.com - Welcome Home

It's a great responsibility, but at this season of life, my most important role.

Thanks guys.

A Beautiful Thing

In 1987, I heard Russ Taff interviewed and he made the statement,

"Music has a way of speaking to us like nothing else."

I definitely agree, and my wife and family know I agree by the amount of music that I continue to purchase (though it has declined a little post-kids).

Formerly, I bought music based on whatever was being released in that particular genre. Now, there usually has to be at least 1 or 2 good songs I've heard that I want to keep hearing over and over. And fortunately, music buying has changed over the years. When I was a kid, buying 45s of your favorite songs for a buck was the norm. With the rise of cassette tapes and then the glamor of CD's, buying a single became more costly. Nowadays, I can once again get my favorite song for $0.99 (Itunes, etc.) and then see if I want to plop down additional monies for the whole album (I still call it an album even though its nowhere near being an LP album).

One of the better new releases is the 1st offering from Group 1 Crew. I really enjoyed the first single that came out last winter, "Everybody's Gotta Song to Sing." It's Hip Hop/Rap. I'm usually more of a pop/rock guy with an occasional harder rock beat (no raspy incoherent screaming though). This is fun and lively music. And I thought it deserved a comment as it is one of the few albums both the wife and I have enjoyed (she's had it on autorepeat the past month or so).

Lyrically, its very simple: Love one another, sing a new song, clap and dance around in a circle before the Lord. Its quite infectious and the lyrics fit with the beat nicely. (I mean what would you expect? John Piper lyrics.) Rating each song from 1 to 5 stars, I came up with 3 Five-star, 4 Four-star, 5 Three-star, and 1 Two-Star. Though I can't imagine a second album being better than this, I'd be content if this was their only release.

Besides "Everybody," the other notables are "Forgive Me" and the current single, "Love is a Beautiful Thing" (see the video). And at $7.98 on Amazon.com, that's less than $1 per song (which is closer to buying a LP in the 70s with a price of $6.99). So much for inflation.

Word.

Tame the Volcano

Among the many books I'm currently attempting to read through (outside of my desire each day to be reading the Word) is "Steering through Chaos" by Os Guinness. Dr. Guinness is the co-founder of the Trinity Forum, a leadership academy that works to cultivate networks of leaders whose integrity and vision will help renew culture and promote human freedom and flourishing (I got that from the website). One of their quests is to go beyond intellectual titillation.

In the book, under the context of the question, "are there any ethical standards upon which we can build our lives" or stated differently, "is anything truly right or wrong" Dr. Guinness takes the reader through an expository journey of the seven deadly sins and then the contrasting seven virtues of Jesus' Beatitudes.

I'm currently reading chapter three which looks at Anger versus Meekness. Guinness states,

"Anger becomes a deadly sin when the will is directly responsible for the rise and expression of the emotion."

Let's break that sentence up into manageable bite size portions. First of all, emotions are natural and often occur involuntarily. Being disappointed or upset is not a sin. The dilemma is when our will or our actions manifest themselves in an inordinate manner; when our outrage exceeds love for God or for our neighbor.

1st Example: Several months ago, a good friend gave me understanding of a key event that occurs very early in our Bible--Cain kills his brother Abel (see Uncompromising Yet Gracious). As you might recall, two offerings were brought before the Lord. One accepted (Abel's) and one not accepted (Cain's). Cain is naturally upset and I think in some ways experiencing self-pity -- "this should not be happening to me." And then we see God asking Cain to think and then respond correctly. Cain however basically says, "I don't deserve this. I'm angry and I'm not going to take it." And he kills his brother.

2nd Example: Monday's killings at Virginia Tech signify unchecked or uncontrolled anger.

In both examples, we tend to get caught up in figuring out the "why." With Cain, the text is not clear as to why Cain's offering was not acceptable. However, I think it's clear that Cain knew why it wasn't acceptable by the wording of God's questions to him in verse 6 of Genesis 4. But, our lesson is not in the "why." The lesson is our response when anger occurs.

Now, both of the above examples led to killing. But each of us gets angry every day and while it doesn't lead to killing, it can sometimes lead to something destructive and maybe violent. Lately, I've been trying to teach Tyson, my oldest (he's 11) that throughout life things are going to happen to you and occur that you don't like. You will get upset. The most important thing is to respond correctly when you get angry. So, what does that response look like?

Matthew 5:5, says "Blessed are the meek" and Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacekeepers." (NIV)

Guinness writes,

"Both meekness and peacemaking are rooted in an appreciation of the infinite value of human life."

This sounds like "love." Paul summarizes Jesus' teaching in Romans 13:10, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law." (NAS)

Another good friend wrote me an email today and in response to the killings at Virginia Tech put forth,

"God is still love."

My response to anger is not simply to love, but first to submit that anger to the One who is Love.

Meek may rhyme with weak, but actually it stands closer to being strong. The lion that lies next to the lamb must have an emotion of dominance towards its neighbor and yet in submission yields love.

Anger will continue to occur. And just like a roaring lion, we need to continually tame it.

As I see it

Today in Sunday School we had some concluding thoughts on Revelation. This is a new class for us. Our second time there and they were wrapping up a study on Revelation. So, they went over a concluding quiz asking questions regarding heaven, like "Will we be married? Will we have memories of our present life? Are animals in heaven? What will we be doing?" In addition, there was also a concern raised that maybe we don't emphasize a longing for heaven in our daily lives.

Throughout these discussions, I kept thinking about "perspective." It seems many conjure up a lot of different ideas about heaven often from a human ideal of "wishful thinking" with an eye on inclusive of all we prefer in our current life. This is comfortable and pleasing to ourselves. The perspective is often one of securing possessions and current interpersonal relationships.

Currently, I've been thinking that the way I live my daily life can be much more content when I'm trusting in God for the unknown rather than working my hardest to ensure my own understanding of any given situation. On one hand, this seems to be my same outlook regarding heaven. While there are references in the Book regarding heaven, more often than not it seems I need to simply trust God that he has my best in mind.

So, do I long for heaven? I believe the correct question is, "Do I emphasize daily what I now have--both today and for all eternity?" Do I remember daily that grace has given me something that I don't deserve? Fellowship with God both today and in the future. A gift I don't understand and yet a gift that changes things for all eternity. So, do I remind myself of this gift in my daily life? Through reading His word, praying, and worship I can be reminded of this incredible relationship that is now mine. And in turn, this would yield a desire to not keep this to myself, but communicate it to others, to at least let them know.

And then, just like the attributes of heaven or the raising of children or my future positions at work, or in sharing my faith, I am deciding to trust God for the fulfillment of all those varied details. Trust in Him for the results. My perspective is not a natural one but a spirit-filled one.

Choo Choo Choo Choo...I think i can.

Sometimes I feel like I'm making life more difficult than it should be. Earlier this year, I wrote out some life goals and broke them down to short and long term. One of the immediate goals was to yearly read through the Bible. I've read through the Bible in a year before, or at least I like to remember that I have. The plan I use has me reading one New Testament portion in the morning and one Old Testament portion in the evening. I think I stayed with the plan about 2 weeks. And before long, I found myself needing to read 10 chapters of Old Testament and then several New Testament chapters to catch up. And then, the inevitable, I'm looking at the schedule and thinking, "wow, am I really a whole book behind?"

I think I know the answer. Keep reading. Don't get bogged down in the 'where I should be' and just keep reading.

However, it could be that maybe there are just too many things racing through my life right now and something I value as important is being squeezed out. That's probably a pretty good assessment. I wonder if I'll do anything with that...

There goes the neighborhood

Reading Numbers 7. Israelite leaders bringing their offerings for the dedication of the altar. Over 12 days, they brought:

Grain Offering
12 silver plates
12 silver sprinkling bowls
12 gold dishes
Burnt Offering
12 young bulls
12 rams
12 male rams
Sin Offering
12 male goats
Fellowship Offering
24 oxen
60 rams
60 male goats
60 male lambs a year old

12 days mind you. Whoa. I'm thinking they didn't have a zoo back then. Plus, you had all the female goats and lambs walking around going, "Now, what do we do?"

Interesting. That's a lot of work. Plus I'm thinking that place kind of smelled.

Unintentionally

In raising children, I find myself defining wrongdoing with my kids by showing them what happens when a standard is violated.

In my quest to read the bible through in a year, I pour through the details of the various offerings denoted at the beginning of Leviticus. The reasons and then the procedure of offerings (sin, peace, meal, burnt) are spelled out.

In talking about the sin offering I came across a phrase in Leviticus 4 that reminded me and surprised me.

In verse 2
Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them,
Verse 3
...then let him offer to the Lord a bull without a defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.

Wow. Unintentionally. I don't recall using these words with the kids. There seem to be enough wrongs committed intentionally or so it appears. But, do I ever enforce restitution for the unintentional sins? Often we hear the phrase, "I didn't mean to." That pretty much sums it up.

Snow

Not the best photo. Naturally, the camera battery starts going off on the heaviest snow day for Albuquerque in 30 years. But, it was deep. 18 inches or so. This is what it looked like in the backyard before the dogs got a hold of it.

More Debt (continuing 'Under Obligation')

I woke up today and wanted to now submit and surrender to Him.

I've been using the analogy of a mortgage payment. When I make the payment and thus, adhere to the obligation, the result is clearly that my family and I remain in our house.

So, what happens when we submit and surrender to Him? What happens when I honestly turn over ME to Him? And how do I do this?

Perhaps it's a simple prayer. "Lord, I submit to You my life. I surrender my will to You. I seek to be conformed, not to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2). Lord, I want to be shaped by You. May my life simply be clay and you shape me to live a life in accordance with Your Son, the Perfect One."

There I go.

And now, with confidence I can know that sanctification will result (Romans 6:19). With the same surety in the result of continuing to have a house to live in when I make that mortgage payment, I can know for sure that God will bear fruit in my life and I will be sancitfied or made holy or made seperate from being in the flesh. I remember the 80s tune from Simple Minds, "Sanctify yourself, set yourself free." For me, that means submitting.

Whoa.

Under Obligation

Romans 8:12 says, "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh..."

This is the second time Paul has used the word "obligation" in Romans. He used it in his opening statement to the church in 1:14 when he said "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish." 7 chapters later and we hear it again.

The context of chapter 8 is an exciting one. In the first 11 verses Paul seems to be responding to his statement in 7:23 which talks about the war that is in the life of the believer.

In the first 4 verses he reiterates what he spoke following 3:24--when the Roman citizen (who I see as the person Paul is speaking to throughout Romans) is saved--up to Chapter 8. He simply reminds that Jesus has fulfilled the Law. And this freedom now reigns in the citizen. And then in v.5-8 he challenges the citizen to surrender and submit to God. And then in v.9-11 it all comes together by citing that because of our saved position and our submission we are able then to combat that war of our body that is spoken of in 7:23.

Throughout these verses it is the Holy Spirit and our submission to Him which yields a completely changed person. And when we submit and surrender we change to such a degree that He "gives life to your mortal body." The body that has been at war within ourself, between the law of my mind and the members of my body (7:23) can now be given life. Wow. How amazing this is when we simply submit and surrender. Easier said than done.

So, we now move to verse 12 and realize that "we are under obligation, not to the flesh." The surrender and submission is not an option when we arise each day. The KJV uses the word "debt to the flesh."

Debt is a pretty easy word to understand these days. And now we must think of our submission and surrender to Him in the same way. It is imperative. Think of what happens to life if we skip the mortgage payment on the house, so therefore every effort is made not to let this happen. We must then submit to our Father in the same way, with the same level of urgency; with the same sort of obligation.

I admit I don't think of my time with God each day with that type of requirement. Often, I look at it more as an option. Or a choice. I guess it is a choice, but how many of us would choose to lose our house?

Thank You Jesus!

A foot. Yes, that's a foot. As of 11/2/06, i have now been married to that foot and the rest of the beautiful person that is included with this foot for 15 years. Wow. 15 years. God is so good. He knew exactly what I needed and then He gave me Pamela. Thank you Jesus.

Can't Figure

I've been working at this job now since August 20th or so. I remember that first day when this project was handed to me to begin working on. I had no idea at the time the extent of that little assignment, but here I am some 3 months later and I'm still struggling with it.

My brain just doesn't seem to be functioning or I'm just so trained to think another way. Or I'm living in a little fear wondering if the words or conclusions I put forth will get the eye of question from my boss.

What next? I want the answer. While I've worked hard on putting together quality reports, I still don't have any recommendations that will fly.

Hmm...

All together now!

We took a great trip during the summer of 2005. Over 24 days, we covered over 5000 miles. We saw great sites and great friends and family. The trek included Tulsa, Fayetteville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Frederick, Washington D.C., Germantown, Jamestown, Myrtle Beach, Stone Mountain (GA), Atlanta, Shreveport, Dallas, and Waurika (OK). The picture is one of the better family photos taken in Atlanta at North Point Community Church.