What WOULD Jesus Do???

Posted by tedhtunes on May 17, 2012

Everybody seems to have their opinions on this one. Some base them on scripture. some don’t. some use that scripture-based (or non-scripture-based) opinion, and distort it into something that suits their fancy, or makes them right. some don’t. Some use it to prove that Jesus was a democrat, or a socialist, or ultra-liberal. Some to prove he was a republican, or a capitalist, or ultra-conservative. Some don’t bother either way, politically, but have another agenda or opinion they want to try and prove. Most often it’s extra-biblical (partially based on scripture, with our own little twist on it), or anti-biblical (“I didn’t read any of it myself, but my buddy’s uncle’s barber said so”).

Whatever it may be, we all seem to have our opinions on this one, and we’re often super excited to share them with each other.

What DID Jesus do? that is more of importance, I think. He already did it all – it’s already DONE. I’m super excited about that one!

You Drew Me….

Posted by tedhtunes on April 12, 2012

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44)

You drew me….

Otherwise I would still reject you…

Still mock you….

Still hate you….

Still deny you….

If you drew me, you will never let me go….

If you will not let me go, you will not let me stay…

In my sin….

In my flesh….

In my worldly ways….

You’ve already made me clean, by your Word….

I am already healed, by your wounds….

I have no reason to entertain doubt….

I have no reason to entertain hatred….

I have reason to entertain fear….

Other than to bring it to you….

To lay it at you feet….

To cry out to you….

To believe in you….

To believe you….

To love you….

As you love me….

To rejoice in you….

As you rejoice in me….

To delight in you….

As you delight in me….

To remain in you….

And I will remain in you….

Because you drew me….

“Look at it and Live…..”

Posted by tedhtunes on April 3, 2012

From Numbers 21….

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

I read the above passage this morning, and it gave me many things to ponder……

In the week leading up to the holiday Easter, I’ve been pretty much living as per usual. No special fasting, no reverence, nothing out of the norm. I don’t say this to boast – I’m confessing my utter lack of respect for the Lord lately, and how much I can get wrapped up in myself. Much like the Israelites in this passage (and others).

It’s important to remember God WAS feeding them. They were not starving here. God had supplied them manna, from the moment he led them out of Egypt. He was providing their every need. The Word says their sandles never wore out, for the forty years they wandered the desert. They were given fire to lead them at night, and a cloud during the day. They had everything they needed.

So do I……

Yet, like the Israelites, I can get caught up in what I WANT, forgetting I have EVERYTHING I need. And – it seems I can forget how much I DIDN’T have before Jesus. I was a slave, much like they. A slave to debt. To lust. To my selfish, sinful desires. I, like them, was freed. Yet I forget that, and complain. I piss and moan, if I’m being honest…….

Thankfully God has not decided to send poisonous serpents to punish me. Oh man…. I’m like Indiana Jones – I hate snakes. That would be a horrible, horrible thing…. but I do think God has often let me poison myself. Eventually, I’m convicted of my sin, and I repent. Sometimes it’s a gentle reminder. Sometimes maybe not so gentle. But I am blessed in that I’ve never had to be smacked in the head quite as hard as they were.

But look! God provided a way for them to be delivered yet again! And I’d argue – an odd way at that! God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and raise it up. Anyone who was bitten could simply look upon this serpent, and they would live.

Just like Jesus….. Jesus became our sin, was raised up, took ALL of our sin upon himself – one time for all. Anyone who was “bitten” (all of us) could look upon him and live…..

And all we have to do is look upon him………

In these days before we celebrate Easter, what are we looking at? Are we looking at our present conditions, or are we looking forward to the promise we have in Jesus Christ?

Jesus, thank you that we don’t have to save ourselves. Thank you that we don’t have to remain in our sin. That through you we have eternal life! That eternal life means ALWAYS – including now. All we need to do is turn to you….

Forgive me Lord for my childish attitude – thank you that you do forgive me. You have forgiven me. And more than that – you’ve taken me out of my old sinful life. Now. All I need to do is turn to you…..

Thank you Lord that in an instant I’m restored to you. Your grace truly is sufficient. All I need to do is turn to you…..

Religion and Politics……

Posted by tedhtunes on March 13, 2012

“Two things you should never talk about, religion and politics” - Unknown

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” – Jesus

Election year. It’s coming. Ahh, the season of dirt and mud-slinging, nothing like it! I love the smell of passive-agressive hate-speak in the morning…..

Seriously, I get sick every election season. Sick of childish name calling, from both sides of the fence. Sick of the ads, becoming more and more personal attack ads, paranoid attacks on character, than discussions on what one has done or will do. Maybe you’re ok with it? Maybe I’m overreacting? Peruse your friends’ Facebook pages – the ones most heavily involved in the political talks – for a few days. Start to keep track of the emails that you receive from these same people. Pay attention, hopefully with a heavy heart and compassion for them. Hearts are hardening….. And hate is brewing…..

And all too often from believers. Sad…. While it seems odd that so much time is spent, or wasted, on political campaigns – to me it’s even more odd to me that as much time is wasted on behalf us followers of Christ, worrying about the political season and how they can influence others for their candidate’s sake. So much wasted energy as well. So much hardening of our hearts….

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17)

While this verse applied to whether or not it was right to pay the Roman tax, I think it can also apply to our hearts. “Give to the government only what is theirs – respect for authority. Give to God what is rightfully his – all of your heart….”

Let me be clear, I am not discouraging Christians from being involved in the political process – just the opposite, I would encourage us to become educated, and truly vote on our values and principals. And many may disagree with me on this statement – but that does not mean vote for one party, brothers and sisters. It’s YOUR vote, use your heart and mind, get informed, and vote how you see fit.

But we must not allow this season to consume us, when we have a much bigger agenda.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus’ great commission for us does not say anything about voting Republican, or Democrat. It doesn’t say anything about voting at all. Or winning the political debate at Easter brunch. Or outwhitting co-workers with your vast knowledge of Obama’s shortcomings (replace Obama with any candidate of your choice, if you like).

Neither is there anything about politics in Jesus’ answer to the question, “what is the greatest commandment”….

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Jesus was honestly a disappointment to those who thought he was going to be a political messiah. Many truly thought he came to wage war and restore Israel to its former state. But Jesus had bigger plans – to restore his children to him……

What is our agenda this political season? Are we so caught up in our political messiah, whomever that is, that we are missing the opportunity to be used by the Lord to restore his children to him? We have less than eight months until election night – will we waste these eight months? Or will we use this time as an opportunity to share with someone the love of Christ? To share our stories, and what Jesus has done for us and through us? To share the Gospel?

Honestly, it’s easier to debate politics. I can put my guard up. I can tell you you are a sinner, and you are wrong, and I will vote into law that you can’t get married, or vote someone into office who will take away your rights as a woman. I’m not vulnerable at all in doing that.

But it takes vulnerability, and I think a lot more courage, to put myself out there, to tell you some things about the Lord Jesus Christ that might label me a lunatic in your eyes. To tell you how much he loves you, NOW, as you are, and wants for you greater things that what you strive so hard to make ok in your life. That the pain in your life is NOT what he has in store for you – and he can save you from it. I actually have to care about you to do any of that……

Friends, what will this political season be like for us? Will we spend our time wisely, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ when the Lord gives us opportunity? Or will we waste yet another year, consumed with disdain, judgment, condemnation, hardening our hearts towards those who need you most? My prayer – my cry out – is that we take advantage of the tremendous opportunity the Lord has given us.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2)

What Have I Learned In a Year?

Posted by tedhtunes on February 23, 2012

One year ago today, I posted this…..

I remember this day being a day of much anticipation. Much excitement. Much humility. Much emotion. Much, so, so much……

So what have I learned in a year? Let’s see…..

1. I learned that it doesn’t matter how you put the toilet paper roll on the roller. Either way works. Mom, did you know this???? It’s true! Give it a try!

2. I learned that it’s ok if your day or week rarely goes as you planned. My lovely is very by the seat of her pants. And I’m….. not…. But I haven’t died, and it doesn’t look like I’m going to. Hmmm – who’d-a thunk?

3. I learned that daily I need to remember point number 2.

4. I learned that my wife is for me an example of the grace of Jesus in flesh and blood. Evidence of that is how she handles the plethora of times when I forget points 2 and 3……

5. I learned that my wife is as beautiful to me when she wakes up with morning breath as she is when she dolls up. And that is no lie. Guys, if you haven’t yet learned this about your wives, stop reading this RIGHT NOW and go to school

6. I learned that I often must make decisions, even if it makes me the enemy.

7. Wait – I’m still learning number 6…..

8. I learned that I will never follow point number 6 without first going to my knees and bringing our relationship DAILY to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ……

9. I learned that number 8 applies to everything. Which is why he’s center not only of this list of lessons, but also of our very lives

10. I learned that leaving lights on when you leave the house, taking long showers, and any other wasteful thing, though seemingly innocent at the time of neglegence, is something you should never, ever do…. Ever…..

11. Ever…..

12. I learned that no matter what society tells you, a woman wants a man who will lead her in love. And to take out the trash.

13. Point number 12 does not make me the “king of this house”. I learned that I must lead as Jesus did his bride, the church. A saying many of my bros in church say is “go home and die some more”. I ”die some more” by laying down those things that I’m “entitled to”, taking care of her needs first.

— I’m still learning this one daily. See point 8 for my source of help….

14. I learned there is nothing that can’t be used, or repuposed. Nothing….. This picture is from a “pillow redesign” project last summer, where we ripped virtually every pillow apart in the house, re-fluffed the fluffing, and made new pillows.

— I am reminded here of Proverbs 31:13 – She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. The fact that nothing is wasted, while I make fun of her here, and might be sleeping on the couch in the picture tonight for post this, is one of the many, many things I adore about my wife…..

15. I learned that God blesses us many times when we don’t deserve it. Our marriage has been but a very small glimpse of the grace Jesus poured on us by his blood – and a very small glimpse of the love God lavishes on us, even when we turn away. I do not deserve this or any other amazing blessing in my life – but I would not trade them for anything.

Thank you Lord, that you love us so much. Thank you for the wonderful, perfect gift you give us in marriage, and for the most amazing, beautiful, kind, funny, silly, caring, compassionate mate.

I love you Sweet P! Happy anniversary – and one more for old times sake….

Blessed Are You….

Posted by tedhtunes on February 13, 2012

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil aginst you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is the reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Lord, let it be false, the things the world says and will say….

Let me not live a life that brings shame….

Let me make every effort to make peace….

Let me cling to YOUR righteousness….

Let me be a light in the darkness…..