Category Archives: Life Lessons

by | December 5, 2011 · 12:52 am

Monday Monkey Decorates the Tree (Episode 6)

We just got our Christmas (not holiday) tree, but haven’t decorated it. That will happen sometime today or tomorrow. It’s not something I look forward to, except for the eggnog.

However, while we were out to church, Mr. Monkey decided to decorate the tree all by himself. Bad idea.

You see, just because he is a monkey, he thinks that climbing a tree is no big deal. What he doesn’t take into consideration is the fact that climbing a tree and decorating it with electric lights is complicated. He should have just waited until he could have help.

Sadly, it’s pretty common for people to think they can handle things alone. Their pride makes them think that they are strong enough, smart enough, independent enough, and perfectly capable of anything, even when they’re weak, hurting, and needy. Pride will lead to a fall.

Mr. Monkey’s Bad Idea

And for the record, it takes help to make these little videos. I can’t do them alone. So, a big thanks goes out to Kevin Miller, my old friend, for giving me a hand this time around.

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by | December 1, 2011 · 5:03 am

Keeping Watch at Night

2Samuel 7:4 “And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan…”

2:30 a.m.

Believe me, I am not one who enjoys getting out of bed before the sun even hits the snooze button on its alarm clock. If it were up to me, I would prefer stumbling to the coffee pot in daylight. But that’s not my life – I’m a school bus driver. 5 o’clock mornings are my norm.

But I am also a pastor. A shepherd. And because I am a shepherd of souls, I sometimes have to do like the shepherds of old, keep watch over my flock by night. That requires being on call all the time, including the dark times. And when I say “dark times,” I mean that literally and figuratively.

The Night

Just like the time mentioned above, sometimes shepherding involves looking out for your sheep while they sleep. In the Christmas story we read of shepherds “keeping watch over their flocks by night.” Why? Because evidently wolves and thieves work third shift, too. It’s in the dark times that pastors and intercessors are needed most.

It was in the night that “the word of the LORD came unto Nathan.” What would have happened if Nathan had refused to wake up? What would have happened had he refused to listen, but instead said, “I have GOT to get some sleep?”

This morning, at 2:30 a.m., the Lord placed a prayer on my heart. He gave me a “vision in the night.” I could have griped, rolled over, looked at the clock, and asked, “Why now?” Instead, I sat up on my elbows and began to intercede for the one God placed on my heart, and for a ministry for which he has given me a burden. What would have happened had Nathan refused the word meant for King David, all because it was after working hours? Would the Temple have been built by God’s design?

Your Call

Have you ever woken up at night with another person on your heart? When that happens, what do you do? You see, dark times come at all times, especially when it’s most inconvenient. As a matter of fact, the “darkness” may even be a difficult time in your own life. It may be in the wee hours of your own “night” that God chooses to speak.

Don’t ignore Him. He wouldn’t call in the middle of the night if it wasn’t important.

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by | October 24, 2011 · 12:17 am

Monday Monkey – “Monkey Questions” (Episode 1)

Thanks for stopping by to see the first “Monday Monkey” episode! WOO HOO!

And just look what can be done with no budget!

Hope it brightens your day and makes your week go smoother!

Subscribe to The Recovering Legalist and receive email updates every time I post something new!

 Let’s make this a hit! Tell somebody about “Monday Monkey!”

No monkeys were harmed during the making of this video, but my arm went into a cramp.

 

 

 

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by | October 23, 2011 · 12:01 am

Time Passing Too Quickly?

Only 6 Months

It’s June. He’s only six years old. He’s just seen a commercial for the coolest, most awesome toy ever created by man. The problem is that Christmas is still 6 months away.

Little Billy (it’s always Billy, isn’t it?)  asked, no pleaded with his mom and dad to immediately go to the toy store. He HAD to have it. But mom and dad, with words that bring tears to any kid’s eyes, calmly, cruelly said, “You’ll have to wait till Christmas.”

“What? NOOOO!” cried Billy. And so, in response to his anguish, what words did his dad choose to comfort poor Billy? “Now son, Christmas is only 6 months away.” Again, Billy cries out “NOOOO!”

What is Billy’s problem? To a child looking forward to the best day of the year, the day when his dreams will come true, six months seems like an eternity! Every day will pass by like snails on Valium.

Only 6 Months?

He’s only 60 years old. There are so many things he’d like to have done, but time just slipped away. Now it seems like ever moment is picking up the pace. Time is flying by and he is scared.

Not long ago Bill went in for some tests, only to get a call from the doctor the next day. There were some results which needed to be talked about in person, so William was asked to come back into the office. With a sullen look, the oncologist said, “William, you’ve only got about 6 months to live.” Only 6 months?

Want to Slow Down Time?

For Billy, 6 months is an eternity. Nothing he can do will make time go by any quicker. It will seem like forever until Christmas.

For William, 6 months will seem like a blink of an eye. There will be nothing he can do to slow down the clock. Eternity will come knocking at his door.

How could William, then, become more like Billy? What would make William’s time seem like an eternity here on earth? The answer could be found in the truth of Colossians 3:2…”Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Oh, that our hearts could long for heaven the way we long for earthly pleasures! As a child longs for Christmas, why can’t we long for that celestial homecoming? The day that we set our affections on things above will be the day time down here slows down.

Need More Time?

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Watch the sands in your hour-glass multiply as you “look forward to a city whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Wouldn’t it be great if we could look toward the end of our lives with the same expectation of a child longing for Christmas?

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by | October 12, 2011 · 12:30 pm

Courageous: A Review

Could I recommend anything more highly than going to see Courageous?

Sure…here are a few examples:

  • Breath and exhale on a regular basis.
  • Take a potty break at least once a day.
  • Eat nutritious foods and drink hydrating, non-addictive fluids, if possible. But if none of these are available, feel free to eat McDonald’s chicken nuggets and swig down a tall Coca Cola product…you don’t want to starve.
  • Call your mother on Mother’s Day.

Other than that, I can’t think of too many things I would rather you do, especially if you are a man, than go see this movie. It is THAT good.

It’s a Wake-Up Call

From the people that made Facing the Giants and Fireproof comes a movie that should challenge every man to become the courageous leader he was meant to be. Much like a wake up call that resembles ice water in the face and banging trash cans at 0400 (that’s 4 am), Courageous will make any father worth his salt re-evaluate some things.

I will tell you, I was in tears for part of the movie, laughing in another part, tense in three parts, and under conviction the rest. And guys, when you take your wife, make sure you sit a seat away if she startles easily. And if you haven’t been the best husband, you’d better be prepared to make a change. You’ll know if you see her using napkins covered in popcorn “butter” and salt to wipe the tears away from her eyes.

It’s Worth the Ticket Price

Was the acting as good as can be found in an Oscar-winning motion picture? Probably not. But everything else was on par with anything Hollywood and it’s hedonistic values can pump out. Now that Sony has been putting some money into the production, the Kendrick brothers have been able to create a much higher quality product. So, don’t be fooled by critics into thinking its going to be a lame, evangelical, low-budget Church flick. It’s worth the price of a ticket in an HD theater.

Plot?

When it comes to the plot, I don’t want to give anything away you don’t already know. It’s about policemen, Mexican workers, drug dealers, death, life, and how a real father, not just a one-night-stand-er, can make a difference. It’s about modern day dads making a resolution to be “courageous.”

Favorite scene? Well, let’s just say it has to do with a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, a milkshake, and the Snake Kings.

A final thought. Even though many will still think of this movie as “preachy,” all because it promotes a solid message without resorting to sex, profanity, or any other Hollywood mainstay, one thing remains the same: the Kendrick brothers have not lost their focus. Just look at this quote from the end of a critical review in the Seattle Times:

[The] bigger message might be that the Kendricks haven’t sold out, “gone Hollywood” or watered down their beliefs to reach an audience beyond the faithful.

And God bless them!

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by | October 10, 2011 · 10:31 am

Even Though It’s Monday

No Time Off 

Many preachers/pastors take Monday off. I don’t. I can’t. So, Monday mornings around 5 a.m. I am getting ready to greet the dark with a smile.

This morning, like many Mondays, the last thing I wanted to do was get out of bed. I just wanted to stay covered up and deaf to any alarm that dared wake me.

Then, after getting up and on the bus, a thought crossed my sleep-deprived mind – even though it is Monday…

At Least I’m Not a Toy Monkey

No, I am not a monkey. Specifically, I am not a 25-year-old puppet monkey named Buddy. I am human…a man…a divinely created person. I am not a synthetic, stitched toy with a hand up my…well, you get it.

Even though it is Monday, and I have 2 weeks worth of work to do in 5 days, I am loved by God. Buddy the monkey is only loved by 3 people, maybe 4 or 5, depending on the mood of the day.

Even though it is Monday, and burdens weigh heavy on my heart, I do not carry them alone. Buddy, even though he has no burdens, has been secluded in a box more years than he has seen the daylight. Buddy doesn’t understand pain or heartache, but neither does he understand joy, love, worship, or fellowship.

Even though it is Monday, I was created by God. Buddy was made on a Chinese sewing machine.

Even though it is Monday, I can praise God for another day. Buddy, a toy monkey, knows nothing about praise. He’s just cute.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

“LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!” Psalm 144:3

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24


			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 14, 2011 · 6:07 am	


	
Hiding in Sight
	

		
Last year I did a series of posts called “Life Lessons from the School Bus.” If you haven’t already, take the time to read some of them – most are pretty good.


But one lesson that I did not include last year was one that nearly cost me dearly. It had to do with missing what was hiding in plain sight.


The Story


As you can see in the picture, a typical school bus has two mirrors immediately to the left of the driver window (besides the convex mirror below). With mirrors everywhere, driving is made much safer and easier, even in heavy traffic. What you don’t see is what is on the other side of the mirrors.


This picture at the very spot an accident could have taken place.


I was beginning to exit a gas station directly across the street from another station, and a Hardee’s. I looked in every direction and checked my mirrors. Then, as I started to pull out, an 18-wheeler appeared out of nowhere…directly in front of me! It had been hiding behind the mirrors. 


Take a look at the picture. Right behind the top mirror sat a Peterbilt. I never saw it. What saved me was taking my time and being cautious. Had I rushed on forward I may have pulled right into the path of that big truck. Only going slow and expecting the unexpected made the difference.


The Lesson


“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5 KJV).


So many tragedies in life could be avoided if only we would take the time to “consider our ways.”


Do we stop to think about where we are going? Do we take the time to make sure there is nothing hidden behind the obvious? Sometimes our judgment can be clouded by the determination to move forward with our plans. Wisdom understands that the Enemy loves to capitalize on things hidden.


How important it is for us to let the Holy Spirit lead us. His unseen hand can guide us around the unseen dangers.

			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 6, 2011 · 1:44 pm	


	
Work, Work, Work
	

		





Work


“Just whistle while you work…” was a song that the Seven Dwarfs sang. Watching them slave away in the mines while they whistled made it all look sorta fun. But in reality, working in mines is hard, dirty work. And whistling? It may help you pass the time, but it won’t make working in a dish room or sewer any easier. Work is hard, but it is necessary.


However, for many people in our society, “work” is one of the dirtiest four-letter words. Those that refuse to include this word in their vocabulary think that it is their right to receive their living from others. To those folks I would like to share one portion of Scripture…


“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 KJV


Even back in the days of Paul were there people who wanted to live off of the work of others. Is it any wonder that people do it today?


Incentives to be Lazy


Why should the average person work when so many government programs are there to feed him. The idea of having to work to eat is completely foreign to many. As a matter of fact, each year federal agencies place adds and run commercials calling more people to enroll in the food stamp program.


With food taken care of, what is there to worry about? Well, a person could worry about shelter, medical care, clothing, childcare, transportation, internet, cell phones, etc. Oh! News Flash! The government’s got that covered, also. For every need or want, no matter how minor, there is a government program available to anyone who refuses to use the that dirty word, work.


Work is Biblical


According to J. L. Meredith’s Second Book of Bible Lists, there are 198 different occupations listed in the Bible. That’s amazing, isn’t it? I find it hard to think of that many different jobs in a modern context. Among the jobs listed, one could have been an Apothecary (Neh. 3:8), Candlestick Maker (Ex. 25:31), Forrest Keeper (Neh. 2:8), Innkeeper (Luke 10:34), Midwife (Gen. 35:17), Scientist (Dan. 1:4), or a Tentmaker (Acts 18:3). The list goes on and on.


As a matter of fact, both God the Father and Jesus worked (John 5:17). Why is it that we hate it so much?


Work was ruined by the Fall.


Adam was put in the Garden to work, not sit around all day and enjoy nature. God put Adam “into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Up until that time work was part of the original, sinless creation. It was something that was enjoyable and meant for a purpose. It was something that was meant to bring joy and fulfillment. It was only when Adam sinned that work became the burden it is today.


“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” – Genesis 3:17-19 KJV


King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, realized that because of the Fall, work (from an earthly perspective) was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23). He saw that it was depressing to see that no matter what you do, you “can’t take it with you,” but have to leave it behind for someone else to flitter away. Nevertheless, he saw “[There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God” (2:24).


In the Meantime


For now, even though work is not always fun, it is expected for a Christian to do all he can do to provide for his family. Paul told Timothy, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).  If a man (or woman) is able to work, but relies on government assistance by choice, he is not being a good example.


Even though the job you may have may not be the best, at least it is work. God will honor it and bring glory to Himself. We must keep in mind that if we work with our whole heart, as unto God, not unto men (Col. 3:23), He will be pleased and we will be blessed.


The Future


Someday God will restore work to what it was intended to be – a pleasurable experience. Speaking of the children of Israel, He said…


 “In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the LORD, and their children, too, will be blessed.” – Isaiah 65:21-23 NLT


Just remember, let us not grow weary in our work (Gal. 6:9; 2 Th. 3:13). One day all of the sorrows and pains associated with the toil of this life will be replaced (Rev. 21:4). The thing that was supposed to be a blessing will be made perfect again, and maybe, just maybe, there will be whistling in heaven.


 


 

			

	
	

		
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		by  | August 18, 2011 · 10:07 am	


	
False Words of Praise
	

		
Unless you publish a blog, you may not appreciate what I am about to say…


I hate spam comments!


As you sit or stand there reading this awesomely inspiring piece of literary art, my hope is that you will take just a moment to comment….about how awesomely inspiring this post is. Your comment would be an encouragement, an edification, a pat on the back with an extra dose of “attaboy!” Just do it because you love me – not because you want to sell something.


What you don’t see in the comment section below are the many words of false praise that come to me every day. They come from people who have never once read anything I have written, much less agree.


Spam comments are those meant to trick the writer into thinking he/she is great or awesome. Then, when the feeling of euphoria has completely blinded the mind, he/she approves the comment, thereby achieving the goal of the spammer – the spreading of the spammer’s name or website.


A real, honest-to-goodness comment is easy to recognize. It usually has something to do with whatever was posted. For instance, if I posted an article about my hatred of bridges shaped like monkeys, I might get a comment that reads, “Hey, umm, Anthony, have you ever thought of seeing a shrink?”


Spam comments are ones that usually gets attached to the “About” page and read something like the following:


    

  • “Great post. Like it lot. Never thought me find you and brain like me. Will keep checking back.”
    • 

  • “Like your house! Great info! I could use more thinking like that! Get free sample of Vigalax today!”
    • 

  • “My 499## for wbsite in Thailand…Subcribe and get free toothpaste…hurry! Bob is not in Zurich. Keep doing what you do.”
    • 

  • “I can’t believe I finally found a blog like this. I have been searching all over the internet for such a site, but never found one with as much wisdom and information. You really nailed it. How did you do it? Could you help me do it, too?”
    • 



As you can see, something is not quite right about the above accolades. They seem to be trying to butter me up. Sorta reminds me of real-life people who constantly pour out praise, but never offer any criticism. Praise can be very deceitful if taken too seriously. I am always looking for comments, but I’d rather have the honesty of a friend.


“When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.“ – Proverbs 26:25


“Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.“ – Proverbs 27:6


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		by  | July 13, 2011 · 10:58 am	


	
Things I Don’t Know
	

		
As a husband, father, preacher and aspiring writer, I am constantly reminded of how much I really don’t know. 


If I were to attempt to list all the things of which I have no knowledge, then that would take forever, especially since there are things that I don’t know I don’t know.


However…..


Here are some things that I wish I knew more about, or at least could understand. If it were possible to master these subjects, my self-esteem might go through the roof. Some may even call me a “know-it-all” in a non-derogatory way!


    

  • How only three knobs (valves) and two lips can play an infinite number of musical notes.
    • 

  • How people get clean in dirty bath water
    • 

  • Hot flashes and why women hate them in the winter
    • 

  • Why are things like Pi, things that have no answer, so dadgum important?
    • 

  • If animals in cartoons and movies can talk to each other in English, not to mention read, then why can’t they just write a note to humans when someone is in danger?
    • 

  • Women (in general) and why they wear “natural” makeup to look not natural
    • 

  • Greek grammar
    • 

  • Who killed Kennedy
    • 

  • Why Democrats keep getting elected
    • 

  • Why do I have to balance my budget? Why can’t I just decide to increase my debt limit?
    • 

  • Why dogs and cats hate each other
    • 

  • Why I could never pick up a snake by the tail, but Steve Irwin could
    • 

  • RSS feed
    • 

  • Why mega-church pastors with a full staff only have to preach once a week, while bi-vocational pastors without staff preach at least twice
    • 

  • How the first person decided that drinking something fermented, breathing something on fire, eating something coagulated, or using the anal glands of a beaver for flavoring (castorium) was an appetizing idea
    • 



Life is full of persistent, nagging questions. Some questions may never be answered. I may never truly be a know-it-all. However, when it all comes down to what’s most important, I am reminded of the words of a man who was blind from birth: “I was blind…but now I see.”


I may not know everything, but I know that I will be OK when I die. I know that this world is not all there is. I know that heaven awaits me when I die. How? It’s all written in the Word of God, the Bible.


 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. – 1 John 5:13


Did you know that?

			

	
	

		
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