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.

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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.

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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!

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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.