Guest Post: Piano Keys by Summer Koehler

Summer is a student at Bolingbrook High School near Chicago, IL.  As you can see, she has a talent for writing and for getting at the heart of the issue.  I am posting this on my blog with her permission.  Enjoy!

As I sit here in piano keyboarding class, I realize that people are like piano keys. We each are different and unique in our own ways. Then when you play that note, each time you press down that key, it is like a stressor or conflict hitting that person in their life.

For example, Yiruma's "River Flows in You" (-love that song :)), all those notes, keys you need to press down in order to play the song correctly. Walking in the hallways in high school, all of those keys, the different variations of students each being pressed down like a key on a piano: She just found out she is pregnant; his brother just got sent to the slammer; baseball tryouts are tomorrow; my mom has cancer; my best friend is moving; I got to ace this test or I fail; do I breakup with her or not.. but then everyone always turns to drugs and alcohol which leads to attempts of suicide and so on.. but very rarely do they find the real true way out.

The exit sign hanging above that door (thanks Taylor!!). Exit: God is your way out. God is the way out. He is always with you, through everything no matter what the situation. For a lot of people in this world He is your best friend for life, but gets pushed out of the picture by you. If you were to die today, where would you go? Up, or down? Be honest to yourself. When was the last time you truly turned to him to turn your life around? He is the way out of everything.

He is the tuner to the piano. When a key goes flat, He tunes it. He makes all the problems go away. Tune your key. Exit: God IS the way out. He is the tuner to the piano, and you are the key.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

More War, Less Cry - Part 2 - Goliath's Stand

Photo credit: kconnors from morguefile.com

Going through the motions.  That gets tiring doesn't it?  Do you ever ask, "When are we ever going to stop practicing and to start doing?"

Don't get me wrong.  I believe in preparation and practice.  I am a musician and have taught musicians.  I know the value of rehearsal and practice. 

But there is a time to stop going through the motions and to start doing.

Unfortunately, King Saul's army was stuck in a rut.  Now bear with me as I jump around 1 Samuel 17.  It's a famous story.  Every child who has gone to Sunday School know the end.  But I want to dwell on some of the preliminary details, and especially as they relate to the difference between being prepared for battle and actually going into battle.

The whole idea was an economy of lives.  If a battle could be decided by pitting the best soldier from each of the two armies, a lot of lives and blood could be spared.  Sounds like a good idea, but the Philistines had a secret weapon.  His name was Goliath, which literally means "the giant from Gath."  With Goliath taking his stand, no one from the Israelite army dared meet him on the field of battle alone.

And yet hope and determination (and preparation) reigned supreme.  Verse 20 says that the Israelite army responded to Goliath's challenge by "going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry."  But verse 16 tells us that "For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand." 

If my math is right, that means that the Israelites ran their drills eighty times without actually engaging the enemy.  In fact, verse 24 says, "When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear." 

I don't mean to be critical, but I'm wondering what kind of value was gained in taking battle positions and shouting the War Cry only to give up each time.  I want to reach through history and like Dr. Phil, ask, "Well, how is that working for you?"

Another question - do you think the Israelites had more or less courage on their 80th drill than their first time shouting the War Cry? 

Many people who claim to follow Jesus are leading defeated lives.  We go through the motions, put on our uniforms, take our battle positions and even shout the War Cry.  But who is going to step forward and face the enemy?  Who is going to go into battle - not merely to march around, but to fight and defeat the challenging giant?

Please realize that I am asking myself the same questions - I have my fair share of "shaking in the boots" moments, and even "running in fear" moments.

All I am saying is that it's time to do more than just shouting the War Cry.  Maybe it's even time to dispense with the cry altogether.  After all, as I examine 1 Samuel 17, I don't hear David shouting at Goliath, only talking to him (vv 45-47), describing in detail what he was planning on doing to the one who defied God.

Something or someone is defying the God of your life today.  Will you just shout the War Cry, or run up to face your adversary in battle?

Then you can declare, just like David did in verse 47:

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

More War, Less Cry - Part 1

[Photographer: Ian Kahn]

Several years ago, my daughters took karate classes.  So cute - about 20 elementary school kids taking their defensive stance on the mat.  I learned a lot by watching the Sensei in action.  Many of the things I use while teaching young bands I learned by watching my kids in karate class. 

One of the things I heard the Sensei (now Shihan Gary Hellman) teach about using a "Kiai," which can be loosely translated from Japanese to be a battle cry.  Here's what wikipedia.org says about "Kiai":  

The term commonly refers to a short yell before or during a strike or technique.

The kiai can be used to:

• prime oneself for combat, by "amping up."
• protect the upper body from a strike by providing an escape route for exhaled air.
• protect the lower body by rapidly contracting the transverse abdominals and other core muscles, shielding the internal organs.
• provide solid abdominal support for striking techniques.
• startle and demoralize actual or potential adversaries -- especially at close quarters, or if previously unobserved.

A quick search for "War Cry" or "Battle Cry" in the Bible (NIV) brings up a total of twelve results. It seems like the ancient Israelites used it in a similar way.  As a militant people, they used many techniques to give them an advantage in battle, some inspired from the Lord himself.

The question that I ask you (and me) today, and I will explore through the scripture this week, is about your use of the war cry.  Are you using the battle cry without the follow-through?  Are you engaging in more crying or more war?

From my perspective, there is a battle to be fought; a war to be won in our spiritual walks.  Is it possible that we could be going through the motions without having any effect on our personal victory or the world around us?  Do we put on our uniforms and go to church; even serve others without power in our lives?  Is it all about the show, the drill and not about the real victory?  Do we talk about the death blow to sin without actually dealing it?

Stick with me this week, and I will do my best to explore this topic from the Old Testament.  See you tomorrow!

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Guest Post: Lay a Foundation (Life Lessons from Chess) by Paul Fleeman

 

This is a guest post by Major Paul Fleeman, Principal of The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Chicago.  It is part of a series that he has agreed to have posted on my blog.

LAY A FOUNDATION
Major Paul Fleeman

Key Bible Verses: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (Luke 6: 48-49)

The opening of a chess game can often make or break the final outcome. Your goal is to take control of the center of the board. The opening establishes your foundation. There are several general principles to follow. Try not to move a chess piece more than once in the opening. It helps to move your two center pawns out so your bishops, rooks and queen have a way to get into the game. Do not bring your queen out too soon.   
                                           
In our scripture we learn the importance of laying a good foundation (Luke 6: 47-49). As Christians we need to rely on the “rock of our salvation” and not on the world. How do we learn about that “rock”?  From the word of God!

My response: Lord, show me a scripture verse I can share to help provide a strong foundation to someone today.

Thought to Apply: We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by the inspiration of God and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice. (Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine)

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Guest Post: Take the Land (Life Lessons from Chess) by Paul Fleeman

 

This is a guest post by Major Paul Fleeman, Principal of The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Chicago.  It is part of a series that he has agreed to have posted on my blog.

TAKE THE LAND
Major Paul Fleeman

Key Bible Verses: 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: 19-20)

A chess board is made up of 64 squares. One of the goals of the game is to spread as much influence as you can over the board with your chess pieces. It goes without saying, if you control more than half of the squares, you have an advantage. If that advantage is enduring, you have greater potential for winning. You have to look into the future a bit.

As Christians, we have received a mandate to spread Christ’s sphere of influence everywhere possible, encouraging others to become disciples. That sphere of influence becomes enduring as we practice what we have been taught with the full understanding that Christ will be with us to the very end.

My response: Lord, today show me someone I can help take one step closer in becoming a disciple.

Thought to Apply: “Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin.”  (William Booth)

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Seeing God's Plan in #Earthquakes

There have been a lot of earthquakes in the news lately.  Much confusion, devastation and death.  And a lot of speculation and questions about what God is up to in the midst of this calamity.

So I did a little research about earthquakes in the Bible.  Here's what I found:

• Earthquakes are nothing new.  Earthquakes have been recorded since sin entered the world.  Be careful about coming to a conclusion - while suffering is all a result (directly or indirectly) of sin, don't conclude that a certain sin or one person's disobedience cause these things.  We live in a broken world, and suffering is a natural part of it.  Therefore, we can't blame a disaster on God's judgment on a specific sin.  God is holding His judgment and wrath until the last day.
• Earthquakes can be an indication of God's presence, power and wrath (see Isaiah 29:6).  But not always. In fact, when God was getting ready to speak to Elijah, the wind, earthquake and fire came, but God was not in them.  He spoke in a still, small voice. (I Kings 19:11-13).
• Earthquakes were evident during the death and resurrection event of Jesus (Matthew 27:51-54).  It was clear that something more dramatic and powerful was happening than the death and resurrection of one man.  In fact, Jesus was conquering sin and death for you and me!
• Earthquakes will be a feature of God's judgment at the end of the world.  (see Revelation 11:13, Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 16:18)

 Here are some of my thoughts about earthquakes that hopefully will bring you some encouragement:

• God isn't causing the earthquakes.  In fact, I believe that His prevenient grace (a fancy term for God's protection over us) is protecting us, not only from the severity of earthquakes that occur, but also from other calamities that would come without God's protection.
• Earthquakes provide an opportunity for us to serve each other and share God's love.  In many disasters I have heard about, there are stories of selfless service and heroism on behalf of complete strangers.  Let us hear an announcement of a disaster as a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.
• Disasters remind us of our mortality and our need for God.  In an uneventful day-to-day life, it's easy to lose sight of the eternal.  It's in times of loss and uncertainty that cause people to wonder about the eternal and to turn their hearts to God.
• There will be a time when pain and suffering will be over.  Disasters help us remember that this world is not the end - we have heaven to look forward to.  The Apostle John wrote this:  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  (Revelation 21:3-4)

OK, OK.  I don't have all the answers.  But God does.  And when I hear about an earthquake, I trust Him all the more to use me to care for those around me and to provide a safe place for me in heaven.  I am thankful for every day that I have on earth to spend time with family and friends, but I know that this isn't the end.  It is just the beginning, and I have chances now to share God's love with those around me.

Earthquakes just move me to be more faithful.

Maybe the news of an earthquake can help open the door for God's message.

Are you ready to hear His voice?

Are you ready to tell someone else?

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Guest Post: Know Your Audience (Life Lessons from Chess) by Paul Fleeman

 

This is a guest post by Major Paul Fleeman, Principal of The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Chicago.  It is part of a series that he has agreed to have posted on my blog.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Major Paul Fleeman

Key Bible Verse: Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6 NIV)

During a lesson at the St. Paul Citadel Chess Club, I explained to the students the importance of making the right moves in the game. My objective was to illustrate the importance of making right decisions in life.  I began by sharing that if you count both the “white” and the “black” side’s first move, there are actually 40 possibilities. Add this to the second move and you will discover 71,852 possibilities. The third move includes 9 million possibilities. The fourth move, 315 billion. At that point, Donavan raised his hand and said, “Major Fleeman, I’m only in kindergarten!” I could not help from giggling inside when I realized the information I was sharing was much more interesting to me than my audience.

Scripture warns against throwing pearls to swine. Now I don’t believe He was comparing people to pigs as much as explaining the importance of discerning what and how much to share with your listeners as you tell them of the love of Christ. The fact is, if they don’t understand what we are saying it will only lead to confusion, not discipleship.

My response: Lord, what words can I use to make understanding of the love of Christ clear today?

Thought to Apply: “Sing it o’er and o’er again, Christ receiveth sinful men; Make the message clear and plain, Christ receiveth sinful men.” (Erdmann Neumeister)

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Follow Your Heart - Good Advice from the #Bachelor?

 

I keep thinking about "The Bachelor".  I guess it really shook me up - all that honesty and everything.

Something stuck with me that Jake kept saying in the show - "I just have to follow my heart."  Sounds so romantic.  

Maybe you have said something like it before.  "I did it because I felt like it."  "My heart wasn't in it anymore."  

I am guilty of saying these things too.  Very treacherous words.

Actually, it's a convenient excuse.  A cover-up for selfishness.

It also ended up a way for Jake to explain his choice of fiance without hurting feelings or taking responsibility (or so he thought).

In reality, while following one's heart sounds like a good decision making strategy, it ends up being poor theology.

After all, the heart is fickle.  If we followed our heart at every turn, we'd end up with a new romance every month, regardless of marriage commitment.  I heard recently that those who contact an "old flame" after getting married are 18 times more likely to have it end in an extra-marital affair.

Please don't follow your heart.

The Bible says,

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

In other words, don't trust your heart - trust God.  The heart changes.  Our feelings will lead us in a different direction each day.

Again, it says,

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:1-2

God invites us to set our hearts on Him and His ways.  How generous, when we understand what a poor track record we have following our heart.

The heart is a good follower; not a good leader.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

The Mystery of the #Bachelor

 

Yes, I watched the final episode of The Bachelor last night.

Even though all of America knew who he was going to pick.  Even though no one agreed with his choice of fiance.

There was part of me that bristled at Jake's choice of Vienna, but also there was part of me that celebrated it.  After all, it is his choice, and who better than Jake to choose his own wife.  If they ever get married.

Still, there were a couple of times during the "After the Final Rose" show right after the St. Lucia drama that puzzled me.  Jake completely sidestepped a couple of questions, especially those asked by Tinley, the first "runner up" on the show.  

One concern she had was how Vienna must feel about his proposal, knowing that just minutes ago, Jake dumped another girl who he admitted he was falling in love with.  In fact, he stated that because of his contract, he held back things he wanted to say prior to the sponsor-ridden presentation of the ring.

And my confusion continues.  It's not what I would want to happen to my daughters.  I hope neither of them consider an appearance on this kind of show.  It's totally artificial, but there's another problem with it.

There is a theme in the Bible called "mystery."  It is not like a CSI crime drama where there is a fact that is hidden only because you don't have all the clues.  This type of mystery is kind of like a fence.  You understand what happens and why it happens that way on your side of the fence, but even though you can see the other side, it doesn't make sense.  For Christ-followers, that fence represents our transition from death to life.  From sin to righteousness.  From a world separated from God to fellowship with Him.  

And once we cross to the other side of the fence, looking back and understanding the old way of life is a mystery to us.  It doesn't make sense.

Paul talks about this kind of mystery a couple of times, and my favorite couple of verses about mystery are Colossians 1:26-27:

"the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Here are a few tips for those wrestling with mystery from the side of faith:

1. Understand that things are different.  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)  The kingdom of God doesn't look like what you see in the world, and that's OK.  God has a different idea of what is important and valuable.
2. Celebrate the change God has made in you.  God in His grace brought you over from death to life.  The change meant that the old life doesn't make sense to you any more.  You have a new life to live - a better life, and that's OK.  Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
3. Reach back, but don't look back.  Yes, you left some friends on the other side of the fence.  One role that I play with my "old" friends is to try to show them the love of God.  So I reach back (and I need to do a better job of this).  But I also left my old life there, with its habits, hurts and hangups.  If I look back with nostalgia at the old days and the old life, I am at risk of slipping back into that old life. 
4. Realize that others don't understand either.  Have compassion and patience on your friends who don't share your faith.  For them, what you do and what is important to you looks as strange to them as what they do looks strange to you.

And for those who don't know Christ?  Ask someone who believes.  Yes, things look funny.  So ask.  Discover why they do what they do.  Find out what drives them, what is important to them, what principles guide their lives.  Maybe you will believe in Jesus, accept His lordship and salvation and finally understand the other side of the mystery.

So maybe you were confused while watching Jake and Vienna last night.  But remember, there is a deeper mystery to life than why Vienna and not Ali (yet another mystery) or Tinley. 

Christ creates the mystery, and He also forged a way to understand the other side - the side of life.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Build Your Faith Muscle

Faith moves.

Reading the great faith chapter, Hebrews 11, I notice that everyone who had faith did something as a result.  Almost all of Jesus' miracles involved human action or decision.

I remember John Maxwell talking about faith.  He used this acrostic to create a helpful, brief definition:

• F - Forward
• A - Action
• I - Inspired
• T - Through
• H - Him

Years ago, when I was a student in Evangelism Explosion  at my local Salvation Army, I heard Anne talking about exercising your faith muscle.  At that time, she was talking about sharing her testimony.  She was talking about sharing the Gospel.

I am living out my faith right now by honoring commitments I made to myself at the beginning of the year.  These "New Year's Resolutions" include exercise, writing and reading.  Because I believe (faith) that these activities (action) will make me a better, healthier, spiritually stronger person, I continue doing them.

I wonder what else God wants me to do - what my faith will call me to put into practice.

Here are some steps that have been helpful to me:

1. What do I believe?  Determine where your faith is.  Maybe you need to spend some time here developing a foundation of life-transforming faith.  The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)  Settling this issue in your life will make the biggest difference to you.  It will be the foundation for all your actions and decision-making.
2. What activities will support my belief?  Some activities, while fun, are really not representing your faith.  Don't get me wrong - part of my faith builds rest and fun into life, but there are some activities that are really distractions or downright destructive to my life.  Carefully choose how you spend your time in order to gain ground - not lose it.
3. What is reasonable to do now?  I have been the victim of my own unreasonable goals.  Set some targets that will change your life gradually to your belief system, not discourage you. 
4. Start doing something.  Just do something different in your life.  When you see how your faith works in small ways, you will be encouraged to take bigger steps.
5. Don't let previous failures hold you back.  There are few things more deflating than missing a goal you set for yourself.  We all have missed the mark in the past.  Just pick yourself up, set a new goal, and start moving.
   
6. Talk about your faith.  This doesn't mean making a nuisance of yourself, but it does mean being ready to tell others why you are doing what you are doing.  Let people around you know what your new motivation is.
7. Find others who share your faith.  This "support system" approach means that you need to find other people who believe the same things and are moving in the same direction.  It's like having a running partner who moves at the same pace.  You enjoy the time even more, and you are less likely to give up along the way.  Caution:  You may find it difficult to find people who take action on their faith even in your local congregation.  But keep looking - there are like-minded people out there, and they are worth the time to hunt them down.

I don't know how you are doing on  your New Year's Resolutions, but frankly, I don't care.  And neither should you.  The only thing that matters is what you are doing starting today.

So get out there and start flexing your faith muscle.  It will get stronger and stronger.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.