Grandpa Keltie (Oct. 31, 1922 - Jan. 30, 1991)

Everyone should have a Grandpa like I did. The untold memories that are flowing through my mind at this moment are too many to put down in this post. However, there are a few memories that typically rise above the rest and I will mention those:

My Grandpa knew how to make lemonade out of lemons. He never had much money but that never kept my siblings and I from wanting to go to his and grandma’s house. We learned how to tie rocks to handkerchiefs with string, throw them high into the air and imagine that they were paratroopers. We saw how some odd and end boards and some wheels could quickly be cut and attached to make a motorless go-cart. We didn’t need the motor. The hill behind Grandpa’s house worked just fine. These are just a few of the ways that Grandpa showed us how to make the most of what you’ve got to work with: a lesson easily applicable to all of life.

My Grandpa knew how to exude a positive persona that comforted and cheered those who happened to be around him. As an adult, I can look back on some of the situations I saw my grandparents in and know that it must have been horribly stressful. Yet, my Grandpa was never without a song in his heart that often came out in the form of a peppy whistle tune. In fact, my Grandpa was the janitor for Bible Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee for all of my formative years. The building was fairly large, at least to a young child. But when we wanted to find him somewhere in the facilities, all we had to do was get quiet for a few moments … and listen for the whistling. (Being a janitor may seem like a menial job to some. However, as far as I was concerned, my Grandpa elevated the job.)

My Grandpa knew how to make Bible stories come alive! I remember spending many nights in my grandparent's home. After my brother and I slipped into our pajamas and brushed our teeth, Grandpa would tell us a story. If it was about Daniel in the den of lions, I knew Grandpa’s hair was going to get messed up to resemble a lion’s mane and there would at least be one "roar" in the story somewhere. If he told us about David and Goliath, I knew I would have to duck the imaginary stone that David flung at his nemesis. I loved Bible story time with Grandpa!

As I grew older and my love for the Scriptures developed, I also outgrew the bedtime stories. But another of Grandpa’s traits continued to influence me to value God’s Word more and more. Thirty or so years later, I can still see my Grandpa sitting in his recliner in the living room with his Bible open upon his lap as he read and studied it. He did this day after day after day. And now, years later, I enjoy doing the same thing. (The only difference is that he had a physical Bible. I use an electronic Bible with a computer on my lap.)

There are so many memories and lessons I could mention but I’ll close with my final memory of him. It was in January 1991 that I received a call in Lexington, Kentucky saying that Grandpa had just suffered a massive heart attack. I made the necessary arrangements with work and college and then drove the 7 hours to the ICU unit at the hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

I had been blessed to that point never to have suffered the loss of a family member as close as Grandpa. For that reason, it seemed surreal. I loved him dearly and knew that he was not doing well but just couldn’t fathom that it was his time to go.

As his family began to gather, loved ones made their way back to the ICU in twos to spend time with him. I went back with one of my uncles and noticed that he was sedated and seemed to be only mildly coherent. I stood beside his bed and my eyes were bringing me to grips with how serious my Grandpa's condition really was. I thought back on many of the memories I had enjoyed with this man and prayed that he would make it through this.

As I stood there beside his bed, he looked over at me and lifted his right hand toward me. I held it and he gripped my hand tightly as we gazed at each other. He began to move his mouth as if he were tring to tell me something but I couldn’t understand. He had tubes running everywhere and an oxygen mask on and so I couldn’t make out what he was trying to tell me. He let go of my hand and only moments later, held his hand up toward me again. My uncle noted that Grandpa wanted to hold my hand again and so I reached out the second time. We held hands and peered longingly into each other's eyes for the last time. It was only a few hours later, as many of his loved ones were gathered in the ICU waiting room, that he went home to be with his Lord.

I dearly loved my Grandpa and think of him often, celebrating the wonderful memories he left behind. I am comforted in the knowledge that we will be reunited one day in the presence of the Lord for eternity. And I just wonder if when I arrive in Heaven, God will say, “Matt, your Grandpa is here. See if you can find him.” All I will have to do is stop for a moment, get quiet ... and listen for the whistling.

Challenger tragedy - 25 years ago today

I remember the afternoon I heard of the Challenger tragedy as if it were yesterday.


That shuttle launch was advertised quite a bit more than usual because Christa McAuliffe was taking the ride. She was the first average citizen and the first school teacher to get the OK to go into space. This would be a very special and significant mission.


At the time, I lived in Galena Park, Texas, only a few miles from Johnson Space Center. As a student, I had made the trip to the Space Center quite a few times and always enjoyed the thrill and very clear sense of history, exploration, adventure and achievement of the American spirit as we took in all of the sights.


But on that fated day, January 28, 1986, I remember finishing my lunch in the high school cafeteria where some students were giving various reports of an explosion and the shuttle. But it wasn't until I finished lunch and entered the library that it really sunk in. The television was on and the 3 major news networks were playing the video of the launch, the 73 second flight and then the explosion over the Atlantic off the Florida coast.

An almost tangible cloud hung over the school for the rest of the day. Upon arriving home, we watched Tom Brokaw continue to break the news of the explosion. We learned more about those who were on that flight and how special they all were.

President Ronald Reagan would soon make his speech to the nation in our time of shock and mourning. I remember parts of his speech vividly, especially much of the last line. He said: "The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'"

Last year, I took my family to the Kennedy Space Center. On a memorial plaque, I saw the engraved faces of those seven men and women who lost their lives that day. Among them were the faces of others who also died while bravely and proudly serving their country and furthering our knowledge of space.

On this day, 25 years later, may we take time to reflect on these men and women on the Challenger that fated day: Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Christa McAuliffe and Gregory Jarvis.

One final note: there was a bit of irony on that trip to Florida's east coast last year. On the same trip that I was reminded of the Challenger tragedy, I was able to enjoy an early morning shuttle launch with my family from about 25 miles away from the launch site. (The picture doesn't do it justice. The roar of the engines overhead and the brilliant orange flame that lit up the sky isn't conveyed adequately in this picture.) It was a reminder that tragedy is not the end. We learn from it, grow strong from it ... and keep on going.

Jesus and the importance of Bible study

Jesus knew how to make people squirm … and He wasn’t afraid to do it on occasion. I suspect that this was one of the reasons why people enjoyed listening to him.

On one particular occasion (Mark 12:28-37), some haughty scribes realized that Jesus was in the temple complex (they believed to be their “home court advantage”). They suspected that they could corner Him in a theological conundrum. They decided to ask Him to provide an answer to a question that had probably been a source of contention among them for a long time. Their question? “What is the greatest commandment?” That would have been an impossible question to answer because there were hundreds and hundreds of laws on the books. The religious leaders knew of the endless laws because they were the ones who had added most of them. However, He verbally nailed them with a decisive, cogent answer and “the large crowd was listening to Him with delight” (Mark 12:37).

On a few other occasions, Jesus made some folks squirm by asking a very specific question. Read these next few verses:

Matthew 12:2-3 “But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, ‘Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!’ He said to them, ‘Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry…’”

Matthew 19:3-4 “Some Pharisees approached Him to test Him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds?’ ‘Haven’t you read,’ He replied, ‘that He who created them in the beginning made them male and female’…”

Matthew 21:42 (While at the temple with the religious leaders and a growing crowd): “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?’”

Matthew 22:23, 31-32 “The same day some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came up to Him and questioned Him: … (Jesus replied: ) ‘Now concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what was spoken to you by God: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’”

It was as if Jesus, who the religious leaders were trying to corner, would play their own game and corner them. If front of everyone, since the religious leaders had chosen a public setting to try to embarass Jesus, He asked them, "Haven't you even been reading your Bibles?! Does any of it ever sink in?!" And then He gave a relevant Scripture that settled the issue.

Jesus was obviously frustrated that folks who should have known the Scriptures were ignorant of its truths. They had read the Scriptures but they had never allowed it's truths to sink in so that they could easily and accurately apply it. Over and over, He looked these folks in the eye and said: “Haven’t you read your Bibles?”

Jesus had the integrity to ask this question because He knew God’s Word. At the age of 12, he was able to engage in coherent discussion with the knowledgeable religious leaders of his day (Luke 2:46-47). Now, some would say, “Well, I sure wish that I could have been like Jesus. He didn’t have to read the Scriptures to learn it. It just came natural to Him because He was God.” Not true (on the FIRST part of that statement). He had to read God’s Word and learn it, too. How else could He “grow in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). You don’t have to grow if you’re already mature. Jesus read and studied God’s Word and so should we.

Now, imagine that Jesus is looking you in the eyes as He asks, "Have you read God’s Word today?" Are you squirming or would you be able to talk about what you read in His Word this day?

Blogging for Books

I'm starting out on a new venture. Hopefully, it's all that it appears to be. If it is, It should be FUN!!!!!

www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks 

Abortion, Lies and God’s Blessings

Anyone who denies that there are conundrums in Scripture that cannot be easily explained has never read the Scriptures. But what else would we expect from a Book written by men moved by God? If it was simply the product of men, all of the “problems” would have been resolved. Since it was written by God, we should expect that there will be things that boggle our mind but are perfectly understandable to Him.

If we begin to talk about some of the "ethical dilemmas" in the Scripture, the problem becomes further compounded because we are blessed to live in a country where the laws on the books, by in large, don’t conflict with the laws of God. (One obvious exception is the abortion law. Tomorrow is “Right to Life Sunday.” It is on this day that we are reminded that we live in a country that celebrates death by staunchly defending the rights of the mother and denying the rights of the unborn.) However, since those laws that conflict with God’s laws tend to be performed and celebrated behind closed doors, we cannot conceive why we should disobey the government, much less how disobeying governmental laws and lying about it could bring God’s blessings upon us. 

Exodus 1 is a classic text when talking about ethical dilemmas. And a contemporary, American Christian may be thoroughly uncomfortable with how it works itself out.

The Israelites had prospered and grown into a large people group inside the national boundaries of Egypt. The Pharaoh decided that they had become a threat. Listen to what he said in verse 10: “Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” So the Israelites became the slaves of Egypt.

However, the Israelites were prolific and continued to grow into the great nation that God had promised Abraham (Genesis 12:2). So Pharaoh went to “plan B” and demanded that the Israelite boys must be aborted at birth. Two Hebrew midwives were assigned the responsibility of performing this gruesome task. 

Exodus 1:15-16 says: “Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, ‘When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it’s a daughter, she may live.’”

Very clearly, these two women heard the government, under which they lived and served, give them their orders. However, those orders went against their moral/religious convictions and they disobeyed. Exodus 1:17 says: “The Hebrew midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” This was a very bold and blatant act that could carry with it dire consequences.

This is nothing new for the believer. The Scripture states that we are called to obey the government under which we live (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). However, when God’s law and governmental law conflict, we must always obey God’s law and disobey the government’s (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).

But the apparent ethical dilemma is found in verses 19-21. The Hebrew midwives disobeyed the governmental law, lied about it to the authorities and were blessed by God anyway. Exodus 1:19-21 says: “The midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife can get to them.’ So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very numerous. Since the midwives feared God, He gave them families.”

Some would explain this away by saying that the midwives were telling the truth. They say that the Israelite women really did give birth before the midwives arrived. However, verse 17 seems to say that the midwives were not passive but played an active role in letting the Hebrew boys live.

Obviously, situational ethics is not advocated in Scripture (doing what is convenient, rewarding or "right" in the moment). The midwives didn't simply disregard the government's laws because they wanted to. The broke the laws because they were obeying a higher standard. But God didn’t just tolerate their lies to an evil government demanding evil behavior. He blessed these women. Reread Exodus 1:19-21. That's what it says. 

I’m going to leave you with a quote from a man who lived during the time of the Third Reich. His name was Deitrich Bonhoeffer and he was a German believer/theologian/pastor. His heart broke over the Jews that were being slaughtered under Hitler's evil regime. He believed that the SS soldiers and the tyrancial government were not worthy of the truth and so he did much that many Christians in “safe” situations would condemn. In leaving you with this quote, I’m not resolving the ethical question I’ve identified in Exodus 1. Instead, I’m leaving you with something to think about. What do you think about how Bonhoeffer resolved "ethical dilemmas?"

“Those who wish even to focus on the problem of a Christian ethic are faced with an outrageous demand – from the outset they must give up, as inappropriate to this topic, the very two questions that led them to deal with the ethic problem: “How can I be good?” and “How can I do something good?” Instead they must ask the wholly other, completely different question: “What is the will of God?”

On God and Dentist Visits

When your toddler goes limp in your arms as the general anesthesia does its job, you do a lot of thinking as a parent. Joseph needed enough work done on his teeth today that the dentist decided to put him under for the procedure. But as the anesthesiologist took his limp body out of my arms and toted him out of sight, I had some moments of serious reflections on how our Heavenly Father must feel toward us.

First, I was reminded that things get messed up from time to time.

• Kim and I make sure that Joseph brushes his teeth every morning and evening and we keep an eye on his sugar consumption. Notwithstanding, he ended up with cavities.
• As our Heavenly Father oversees us and gives us His Word for guidance, we can count on things getting "messed up" every now and then (sickness, deaths, layoffs, broken relationships, etc.). If for no other reason, life gets tough because we live in a broken, messed up world (John 16:33).

Second, I was reminded of how protective parents are.

• I took Joseph to the dentist that we have grown to trust. If I didn’t trust those guys and gals, I would not have handed over my precious 5-year-old. He’s too small and naïve to watch out for himself. But, he doesn’t have to worry about that. He’s got a Dad and Mom that will gladly do that job for him until he is able to do it for himself.
• Our Heavenly Father is also protective of us. Nothing happens in our life that doesn’t come from His hands. In order for us to experience anything, and I mean anything, it has to get God’s approval first because He takes loving responsibility in watching over His children (1 Corinthians 10:13, Job 1:12; 2:6).

Third, I was reminded that there are times when information doesn’t need to be shared.

• I intentionally didn’t tell Joseph what was going to happen at the dentist's office. As he gets older and can handle the information, I’ll entrust him with it. But as a young toddler, it would only cause him grief long before he ever entered the dentist’s office. (I told him everything he wanted to know after the trip and he said he was glad that I didn’t tell him beforehand.)
• Our Heavenly Father also does not share with us what is coming our way. He knows that we would have the tendency to worry about it. Therefore, Jesus gave us the word in Matthew 6:34 where He says, "Don't worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow." He wants us just to rest in the fact that He knows what’s coming and He’s in control of it.

Fourth, I was reminded that there are times when a parent has to allow short-term pain for long-term health.

• If I had asked Joseph if he wanted to spend 30 minutes in a dentist’s chair where he would get needles stuck in his gum line and holes drilled in his teeth, I can guarantee that he wouldn’t have asked how soon we could get there. It would be much too painful for his liking and he would have wanted no part of it. However, as his parent, I knew that the procedure was necessary for his long-term health. So, Kim and I made the appointment and didn’t ask for his opinion on the matter.
• Our Heavenly Father periodically allows painful circumstances into our lives. Often, we don’t get a clear explanation as to why it happened. But one thing is for certain, God is about the business of making us holy. Short-term pain is always intended for our long-term good (Romans 8:28) which essentially means that we become more like Jesus.

Finally, I was reminded of how comforting home is.

• While I was glad to know that taking Joseph to the dentist would provide him with needed care, I was overjoyed when the anesthesiologist came out to tell me that I could take him home. Joseph was looking forward to getting home, too, because we don’t have a dentist’s chair, needles or drills anywhere in the house. He knew that home was a safe place and he wanted to get there.
• Our Heavenly Father is about the business of making us more like Jesus but there is coming a time when He will take His children home to be with Him. In fact, He will enjoy taking us there when it's time (Psalm 116:15).

"Real" Christianity

If you're like me, you're often frustrated at the "glossed over" Christianity that many describe. You may read their books, listen to them on the radio or hear their conversations as they tell of how walking with the Lord has brought happiness, peace, joy and all sorts of other things into their experience. Any hint of discomfort is strangely absent from their description. It may leave you feeling guilty about your own walk with the Lord or confused as to why you don't experience the same thing they do. I don't doubt that they are painting this picture of Christianity with good intentions. Many of them want to help God look good in an ugly world. They want others to think that God's way is the solution to all of the inner turmoil and outer conflict in life.

The only problem is ... that's not what's taught in Scripture. In fact, I'm so glad that the writers of Scripture, as God's Holy Spirit wrote His Word through them, were completely honest with their questions about God and His ways.

This morning, I prayed through Psalm 44 and the content of this passage was insightful. Here's the breakdown:

• Verses 1-3: The writer speaks of how his ancestors spoke of God's incredible acts. You can't help but read this and know where the writer is going. He's frustrated that he's not seeing God move in this way in the present ... but I'm getting ahead of myself.
• Verses 4-8: The writer plainly states that his trust is in God. He knows that none of the victories he could obtain are by his own power. It is God that gives the victory. This is why the writer insists on praising God.
• Verses 9-16: The writer is brutally honest with his questions about God's ways. Why is God allowing all of the horrible stuff to happen in his life when he has been so faithful to the Lord? It's very clear that the writer isn't saying that God is an innocent bystander. In his recognition of God's sovereignty, he states plainly that God is playing a part in all of the bad things that are happening.
• Verses 17-22: The writer notes that he would understand why he was going through such tough times if he had forgotten God or worshipped other "gods." But he pleads innocent of such wrongdoings.
• Verse 23-25: This Psalm is virtually anti-climactic. The good guy doesn't beat the bad guy by the end of the movie. The issue is left unresolved as the writer ends the Psalm by calling out for God to rise up and help him.

Honestly, I find this Psalm comforting because it's more real to my life experience than the "glossed over" Christianity that others advocate. Sometimes, I'm just like those disciples in the boat on the Sea of Galilee as the waves are working to swamp the boat and I wonder why Jesus is asleep (Mark 4:35-41). Why doesn't He rise up to help?

And yet, as I read the rest of Scripture, I realize that while some difficulties will persist and some questions will never get answered in my lifetime, I can know without a doubt that my Lord loves me and is sovereignly working out His plan even if it doesn't make sense to me. I can know that if I don't think He's working on my behalf and is "asleep", it only appears that way. And finally, among many other notions, I can know that these difficulties are causing me to long for the day when He will call me to my eternal home to dwell with Him forever (John 14:1-3).