Nick's Walk

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:58:00 +0000

At first blush it seems strange to be asking God not to lead us into temptation. Is God the Tempter? Certainly not, but it is important to remember that God is in control, even of the tempter. Like Satan's harassment of Job, God would only allow him to go so far. God is in control.

One look around at our world might lead one to ask, "What control?" It may seem God has lost control. Several years ago Twila Paris had a Christian music hit. I loved the music and the lyrics:

God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

God is in control. He controls even the temptations we may face. And He is still the loving Father, watching over you and me.

Be blessed.

Nick

As We Forgive

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

We humans are strange creatures. We hang on to things that harm us. We grasp tenaciously to bad habits and sin. Harmful relationships seem to stick to us. But probably nothing is tougher to let go of than guilt and unforgiveness. We are sickly fond of these. Like most harmful things they have their root in pride.

With guilt we are so proud as to believe that our sins are too great to be forgiven. We think, but don't articulate, that Jesus didn't do enough to cover those awful acts that only we are wonderful enough to perpetrate.

Pride's at the root of unforgiveness, too. How dare anyone trespass on the rights of one as important as us. Saying they are sorry just doesn't cut it. We are so proud that we don't even forgive ourselves. We sometimes even think we hold God in unforgiveness. How could He have allowed what He has allowed in our lives?

I have long struggled with the connection Jesus sets up in the Lord's Prayer between being forgiven and forgiving others. I have finally come to this conclusion. Accepting forgiveness for our own shortcomings (call them sin even though it's out of style) does us no good if we don't also forgive others. We can't move on relieved of guilt if the bitterness of unforgiveness still has a grip on us.

Holding onto guilt is silly especially in the usual case when the effect of our sin has long passed. But unforgiveness is even more ridiculous. The one we hold in unforgiveness usually is ignorant of our bitterness. His life is unaffected as we lay paralyzed in our pride soaked pain.

God is not just our creator. He's our Father. We are brothers. We need to take Him seriously and take our relationship with each other seriously as well. We need to do what He says. But we need to recognize none of us does it perfectly. When we drift from the path we need to say, "Sorry" and get back on track. Then we need to get over ourselves and forgive others who in their trips from the path have trespassed on us.

Getting over ourselves. So easier said than done. Do it and be blessed.

Nick

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:20:00 +0000

The most common use of "trespass" is the unlawful entry upon the land of another. Although "trespass" can also mean sin or offense. I think it's useful to consider the common definition. Most landowners post "No Trespassing" signs not just because they don't want visitors; but because there is danger when we wander from the "assigned paths."

Isn't "sin" really getting off the path, the act of moving from where we should be to some other place? In teaching us to pray, Jesus follows up the concept of seeking the Father's will on earth as in Heaven with forgiveness when we stray from that path. To the Jewish disciples, accounting for trespasses required sacrifices. Jesus is introducing a radically new concept. After His death, the perfect sacrifice has already been made. The temple sacrifice is no longer needed. He who strays from the path need not make sacrifice, but must appropriate the benefits of Christ's perfect sacrifice by seeking forgiveness. In another place, these trespasses are referred to as debts. When we stray, a debt is owed. Again, the debt has been paid; but that payment needs to be appropriated.

One of the real signs of our spiritual maturity is when we realize that sin isn't doing something that's just too much fun to be allowed by God. Sin is failing to do what is best for us. What's best is doing the will of Him who made us. Off that path isn't fun and adventure, but pain and danger.

Our God didn't just make us but made it possible for us to be His children. We need to accept that gift and take the giver seriously. We need to do as He commands and, when we wander, recognize that we have trespassed, ask forgiveness and get back on track.

No trespassing - Much blessing.

Nick

Give Us This Day

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:37:00 +0000

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

One of the toughest things in life is getting the proper perspective on today, yesterday and tomorrow. It's easy to say that we need to move forward from yesterday, leave tomorrow for tomorrow and live for today. It's not easy to do in practice.

The past keeps its hold on our ankles as we try to walk forward. Sometimes it's guilt from our past. Sometimes it's past glory that we miss. We need to learn from the past, but let go of it.

Others are fixed on the future. They worry about tomorrow or spend so much time looking forward to something ahead, that they miss the wonders of today.

Although it's not an issue for most Americans, in most of the world, a person wakes up hopeful for adequate nourishment for today. It is no accident that our loving Father divided our lives into twenty-four hour periods. Our bodies need refreshment in that period.

It seems our emotions and spirits need a recycle in the same time period. Focus is the key to success in almost every endeavor. When we are distracted by things that happened yesterday or what's going on tomorrow we don't accomplish what must be done today.

Hasn't the Father met your needs (not wants) for today? Didn't He do so yesterday. In my life I have to admit He has always met my needs. There were certainly times I didn't have everything I wanted. So what? Why do I worry for tomorrow?

Give us THIS DAY our DAILY bread. Like You have for so long.

Be blessed.

Nick

Death to the Gras

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Today men will pay a small fortune to be King for a day. They will get a queen years younger than themselves. They will get to parade through town in gaudy costumes and throw fake coins and faker jewelry to the screaming masses who will fight each other for the opportunity to grab the worthless treasures. The common folk will wear masks and costumes and drink and do things they hope they will forget the next day.

I know it's all in "good fun" and "tradition." I've heard it's a "religious" holiday and tomorrow the revelers will don ashes and spend 40 days preparing for the death and resurrection of the savior.

All I know there will be more drunk today, catching beads, and wearing masks than will wear ashes tomorrow and far more than will keep 40 days of "lent." Just saying.

Thy Kingdom Come

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:11:00 +0000

"Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Christ's disciples were looking for a political kingdom. They were oppressed by the Romans and they wanted it to end. This is an easy trap to fall into. We envision how life would be with Jesus on the throne. That's a vision that will be realized when Jesus returns.

But the kingdom exists now. Jesus told his disciples they would see the kingdom in their lifetimes. They did. With His death and resurrection, it became possible for Jesus to be Lord (King) of any who chose to follow Him. The utopia that some seek will be universal one day; it's possible on an individual basis now.

The perfect world is the world in which God's will is followed perfectly. Now that's true only in heaven. Heaven on earth comes one believer at a time; one day at a time. Even the greatest lovers of Christ don't do His will perfectly now. But they do learn that the more they can do His will, the more joy they can experience.

It's the great lie of Satan than our choice is between happiness and following God; when the truth is the only real happiness IS in following God.

Let's pray: God is our Father not just our creator. He rules from Heaven above. We take Him seriously. We strive to do His will."

Be blessed.

Nick

Hallowed Be Thy Name

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:53:00 +0000

There are an infinite number of ways to classify people: by race, color, national origin, education, and wealth, for example. I have come to believe the most important classification is the separation between those who take God seriously and those who don't. In the "don't" category are many who don't believe in God at all. But there are also many who "believe" there is a God, or maybe that there is probably a God. But the simple belief in God or in the possibility of God is not of life changing significance.

The real life changing difference is between those who take God seriously and those who don't. Those who take God seriously conclude not only that there is a superior being who created all things, but also conclude that God created for a reason and that reason forms the basis for our existence.

Those who take God seriously "hallow" his name. They don't merely acknowledge his existence or even his superiority; but his right as creator to make the rules and determine the roles of his creatures.

Regretfully, even in Christian churches there are "believers" who don't take God seriously. Some attend because they get comfort from attendance. Others believe that God can, if He chooses, make a difference in their lives. They know He can bestow blessings or solve problems or cure ailments. Others figure that there is no good reason to be on the bad side of the creator of all. So they "play it safe" and attend church.

Those who take God seriously seek to determine His will for their lives. They seek to act in accordance with His purposes. When they discovery He desires relationship with Him, they seek his presence.

If we redrafted the first words of the Lord's prayer, we might say. "God is our Father not just our creator. He rules from Heaven above. Take Him seriously.

Do so and be blessed.

Nick

Our Father Who Art In Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Last night Rose and I watched Air Force One in which Harrison Ford plays the President of the United States who single handedly takes Air Force One back from a hijacking gang of terrorists. We couldn't help but wish we had a President like that. We don't. We won't. We actually have a better deal. We have a Father who is the King of the Universe.

Yet we live like life is such a problem. Since Our Father is the King of Heaven, we need to fully recognize His Position and ours. Since Our Father is in Heaven we need to live as if we realize that this is not our home; Heaven is. All the glorious beauty of earth is just a reflection of it's maker, like the moon is but a reflection of the sun. We are here, instead of at home in Heaven, because we have a job to do.

Paying next month's bills, a sick child, a sliding economy, the threat of terrorism . . . these should be no big deal to children of the King. Why do they occupy so much of our attention? Because the enemy has us distracted from our mission. Because we don't have our heads in the right place. Every move we make needs to be made in consideration of its eternal, rather than temporal, significance. In a age of instant gratification, it's tough to have that kind of really long term perspective.

That's why Our Lord gives us little deposits of joy. We may not feel the full effects when we make a move with positive eternal significance; but God will give us a positive morsel, a glimpse of joy, a taste of heaven. We know when we've done right; we know when we haven't. These are tiny connection lines to the eternal. The more we act in His will; the more we recognize it.

We may not be the President on a hijacked Air Force One. We are Children of the King living in a world that has been hijacked by the enemy. We need to recognize our enemy and realize our power. He will take back the endangered world. He will do it through His children who recognize who they are and who He is.

Let's roll and be blessed.

Nick

Teach Us How To Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:24:00 +0000

Luke 11:1-13

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord's Prayer

11 Now Jesus^[a] was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

When a question is asked, there is often more to the inquiry than just what is spoken. The disciples had been observing Jesus. It was obvious there was much different about this man. He said and did marvelous things. But maybe most significantly He had a new and different relationship with His Father. They noticed it in the way He spoke to and of the Father. Isn't that how we judge relationships? Observe how a couple talks to each other. You can quickly ascertain the depth or the shallowness of the relationship.

The disciples detected something new and different and wanted it. The disciple who asked was saying, "Teach us to talk to the Father like you do. We want to know Him like you do."

Jesus understood the desire behind the question. He must have smiled as he began, "Our Father. . ." He was telling them, as He is telling us, you can have what I have. The one I talk to and walk with isn't just my Father, He's Our Father. This was a radical new thought. They thought of God as Creator, Holy and Awesome. He wasn't someone you just chat with. If you had a serious matter to discuss with God, you went to the temple and you spoke through the priests.

Jesus was saying, "no more." A new relationship is possible. God hasn't changed. But He's made a way for man to know Him like never before. No longer will an intermediary be necessary. Now we can climb up on His lap, lay our head on His shoulder, and speak to Him and be with Him.

Don't confuse this with any crippled relationship you might have had with your earthly father or have with your natural child. This is Fatherhood as it was meant to be. Father as someone who loves and listens and cares and speaks. There are no newspapers blocking His face or programs on TV distracting his attention. He never comes home too tired to listen or to play catch. He never walks out and never comes back.

This is Our Father as a Father was meant to be.

Aren't we blessed?

Nick

New Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:48:00 +0000

I greatly enjoy spending time at Angola. The fellowship, prayer and praise and worship are always great. But at a real personal level I am lifted up because I come away with a sense of thanksgiving. I get a new perspective on just how blessed I am. I'm not spending the rest of my life in prison. Pretty much any little wrinkles in my life seem pretty smooth when compared to that life story.

But there is more to it than that. Most of these guys are not satisfied with their life story. Some are middle aged guys who have been in prison since they were teens and will die there. That would seem to be a life story written and completed. Yet these men recognize that with Jesus we are new men with new beginnings and a new story.

Some of us don't get the full benefit of salvation because we view it as simply assurance of heaven one day and don't learn that with Jesus comes a new life story now. Before we get too far along in life we settle into a story of our lives. We have parents we've come from, education we've had or haven't had. We have chosen life partners, maybe more than once. Before we know it we have children and our lives are poured into them. We fall into patterns and become resigned to a life, often less than we had once dreamed.

With Jesus comes new dreams and new possibilities, not just for eternity but for now. We don't have to limit the meaning of our lives or the potential of our existence on earth. The new story we have in Jesus may not be the same as the childhood dreams we had of life; it's probably better. As kids we image based on what we know and see. With Jesus we get new sight and our lives have new possibility.

You're not sitting in a prison with limited options. But even if you were, Jesus gives you new opportunities and new possibilities. Why not spend some time considering the life story you've settle on? Then allow Jesus to begin to unveil the new story He intends for you.

Your life is a new story with new possibilities, potentials and blessings.

Live it.

Nick

The Joy of Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:47:00 +0000

A big day today. I will spend four hours in a crowded vehicle travelling on what will apparently be storm soaked roads. I will be locked up for hours with convicted murderers, sex offenders and drug dealers. I will have a lunch of take out pizza. It will be dark when I leave home and probably dark when I get back.

Those who know me can attest I am no super Christian or martyr. Those who know the guys who I will be with all day know they aren't particularly special or cool or even great to be around. I enjoy preaching and teaching. I won't get to do that today. My assignment is to read a long passage word for word without an original thought of my own.

Yet, I have looked forward to this day for weeks and I am sure it will be the highlight of a four day weekend. I can't completely explain it. I am particularly at a loss to explain it to anyone who has never done ministry. By ministry I mean working with other Christians of different denominations, colors and backgrounds on a job for Jesus.

That's the source of the joy that will come from today. If you don't have a ministry outlet in your life get one. Your spiritual life depends on it. Trust me when I tell you that being saved from the pits of hell, being in a great church, listening to super teachings, being caught up in heavenly worship - all that is not enough. Because it's not the reason you were made His child.

I don't know your plan for today. You may spend it getting well deserved rest. Spending time with family. Getting ready for Sunday service. Going to a parade or taking in a movie. I feel sorry for you, because I'm gong to have a better day.

Find a reason for your salvation and be really blessed.

Nick

What is a Christian?

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

In a 2001 Census in Britian over 70% of those completing the form marked the box "Christian." In the United States I would bet the percentage would be even higher. But when you looked further, you have to wonder what "Christian" meant to those completing the form.

65% of ‘census Christians’ said they were not religious
Only 6% of ‘census Christians’ had attended a church in the last week
Only 48% of ‘census Christians’ believed Jesus was a real person who was the son of god, died and came back to life.

Only 30% of ‘census Christians’ say they have strong religious beliefs
60% of ‘census Christians’ have not read the Bible from choice in the last year
Only 10% of ‘census Christians’ say they seek most guidance on questions of right and wrong from religious teachings or beliefs, with over 50% preferring to draw upon their own inner moral sense
Only 28% of ‘census Christians’ say that it is a belief in the teachings of Christianity which makes them tick the Christian box, with over 72% saying it is because they were christened and 38% because it was their parents’ religion.

I hope I'm not a judgmental person. But in my humble opinion most of that 70% who checked the "Christian" box are not what I would call "Christian." Maybe we need a new word. When we are concerned about the spiritual state of friends or relatives, it isn't much consolation to hear them proclaim that they are "Christians." When we hear that we live in a "Christian" nation, that's nice but it really doesn't mean that most of us are followers of Jesus.

I hate to give up the label "Christian." But since it no longer has the meaning I would like, I need to use something else. A few days ago I suggested "Follower of Christ." I think I'm going to change that to "Follower of Jesus." Jesus is more personal than Christ. I realize that calling myself that holds me to a much higher standard. It means that every step that I take needs to be in the footsteps of Jesus. I need to only walk where He would walk. It means my eyes need to be ever on Him. "Nick's Walk" takes on a much deeper significance if I claim to be a Follower of Jesus.

What are you following? Jesus. A charasmatic leader. A church. A denomination. A belief system. Something else entirely.

This is Mardi Gras weekend. Where will your feet be walking? It may tell you who you're following.

Be blessed.

Nick

Equipment Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:30:00 +0000

For several days my daughter-in-law, Martha, was struggling with her phone. It just wasn't working right. I took it in and found out it had water damage. (Bet there's a good story there.) The good news: she was eligible for an upgrade. She now has a newer model of her old phone and is communicating with better efficiency than ever.

Sometimes I feel like I need a spiritual upgrade. The old "equipment" I have been using just is providing the same level of communication with my Lord that I would like. I may have suffered some "water" damage. Maybe I need to sharpen my word study skills or just spend more time in the word. Maybe I can't remember the last time I prayed "in the spirit." Maybe a need some time alone. Maybe it's a little time in ministry I could use.

Maybe a more dramatic upgrade is needed. Am I in the right communion of saints. That sounds more impressive than it is. I just mean maybe I'm not fellow shipping with the right folks. I just need a change. Maybe I need a new mentor or someone new to mentor.

We should never assume that we are completely equipped for the spiritual life God wants us to have now. What was good enough when our walk was new, can be painfully insufficient now. Perhaps our environment has changed or the people around us have changed and we haven't adapted.

If everything isn't what I would like in my spirit life, I need to check my equipment. An upgrade may be nothing than a change in attitude. It may require some study, some work and maybe a change in environment.

What about you? Is it time to consider an upgrade?

Pray and be blessed.

Nick

All Out of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

It seemed every area of Albertson's was given over to flowers yesterday morning. There was a Valentine's Day panic on. I picked up my ten year old grandson and he was embarrassed that he had forgotten it was Valentine's Day. He had put together a little box of trinkets to give to me. It was precious. My three year old great grandchild came home with an armful of Valentine's Day stuff. Rose and I waited for an hour for a table at one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate the event.

Maybe it's just me but there was a sense of obligation or duty in the whole thing. There seemed to be a concern that no one be left out from three year's old and up. I had a feeling that if I failed to give a valentine to someone, it meant I didn't love them. It brought back memories of elementary school when your parents bought a box of little valentines and instructed you to make sure everyone got one.

I have the sense that we live in a world that is desperate to love and be loved and yet doesn't understand true love anymore. In case you forgot, it's not about once a year flowers and candy and special nights out.

Love is a grind it out give everything you've got every day kind of thing. If you haven't been doing that a shiny gift or expensive flowers aren't going to cut it.

It was good to see the great desire to love and be loved expressed yesterday. Now on the day after maybe we need to look at Jesus and see what it really means to love. Put self behind. Put others ahead. Put Jesus first. Be the lover you were intended to be.

Oh, and in case I missed you. "Happy Valentines Day."

Love.

Nick

Follower of Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:02:00 +0000

So if our Christianity is not determined by our "religion" what, then is a Christian?

My favorite definition is that a Christian is a Follower of Christ.

I like the term "Follower" for several reasons.

First, we are all following something. We can call it the world or sin or fashion or some one or some thing. When we become a Christian we change direction. We stop following what we have been following and follow Christ. That's where the term "repentance" comes from. We turn away from what we have had our faith in and put our faith in Jesus. Following is an act of faith. We determine that the one we are following knows where we need to go and can take us there.

Following is a full time job. Consider life as a deep forest. If we take our eyes off of Jesus for just a second, before we know it we have lost our way. A Follower of Christ has his eyes on Jesus full time, all the time.

Following is a step by step process. We follow one step at a time. We don't worry about where we are headed or where we have been. We don't worry about where others are. We focus on the step we need to take now, today. Following is a very personal "today" focused thing.

The Great Commission is to tell others to follow Jesus and not to follow us. This is where so many get messed up. They see the benefits of following Christ so they start following someone who is following Him. That can work for a while. But there are problems with this approach. We are all still sinners. Someone following us is going to fall when we fall. He will go astray when we go astray. That's why we focus on telling others to follow Christ.

Further, not everyone starts the journey from the same place. Not every has the same path. Only by following Jesus can each one make sure he is on the right path. The origin of the word "standard" comes from ancient battle. Each portion of the army had a flag which was held high on a pole. Battle can be very confusing. Each soldier followed the standard of his unit. Jesus is our standard. Follow Him, not other followers of him, just Him.

How can we tell who else is following. This is the great thing about being a follower. Since it's a full time job, we don't have time to be wondering who else is following. That's not our job. Now you will hear some say we are not to judge, but we are to be fruit inspectors. To me that's just an excuse for judging in a different form. Sure, if we are following Jesus there will be fruit in our lives. That's how we know WE are on the right track. It's not so important that we know that someone else is.

Be blessed my fellow follower.

Nick

Hating Religion, but Loving Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:36:00 +0000

This video has gone viral. As of yesterday it has 18,765,830 hits. Not everyone loves it. It has 309,971 likes and 47,389 dislikes. I decided it was time to check it out.

I don’t disagree with a word of it. In fact, you can find the lyrics here. I’m not a fan of rap and I think this “white rap” is just silly. But it’s hard to argue with the words. Jesus didn’t come to establish a religion. Religion has started wars. Religion doesn’t equal Christianity. I’m reminded of Keith Green a Christian radical from years ago who once said, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to MacDonald’s makes you a hamburger.”

So why has this video become so popular and why so controversial? I think it shows the dissatisfaction of much of this generation with religion and with what passes for the church. So for those who have turned away from “church” it provides a justification. For those of us who live in “church” it provides some discomfort.

Now clearly many in the church are really Christian and churches do great works. But too many identify their salvation with their church. They love their church above their Lord. Church folks may have an undeserved reputation as “haters” but the reputation still exists. Too many in church say they hate the sin but love the sinner; yet they still have their favorite sins to hate and ignore the sinfulness of their own “failings.” Jesus hates all sin and calls all sinners to repentance. Those of us with secret sins may feel more comfortable railing against those with public sins; but sin is sin.

Another controversy in the video is that early on it points out that Republican doesn’t equal Christian. That’s a hard message for many. Get over it. Lots of Christians voted for Obama and will vote for him again. You can’t identify a Christian by his politics.

Lots of folks have a vested interest in “Church.” Many make their livings from religion and the whole of their “Christianity” is tied up in a church. This video call us all to be personal about our salvation and recognize that church should be a place where Christians join together to do God’s work and not to be sealed from the world. It should be a sanctuary and hospital for the hurt, but a boot camp for the redeemed. This video didn't make me want to leave the church; but it did call me to re-examine my church.

So watch the video. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, ask yourself why. If you don't like the musical style, I'm with you on that. But if something in the message challenges something more basic in your walk, maybe you need to pray about it. Of even better, maybe you need to do something about it. Or maybe just watch the video again.

Be blessed.

Nick

Happy not to be an Atheist

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:42:00 +0000

In the early morning hours I often sift through the news apps on my IPad looking for inspiration for this blog. This morning it seems I was staring in the face of atheism and it wasn't pretty. There seem to be article after article about atheists or written from an atheist's point of view. It was depressing.

Perhaps I am prejudiced by my first introduction to atheists. While a clerk for Judge Tom Clark on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, we had a case in which Madelyn Murray O'Hare was a party. She showed up with a party of her atheist buddies. They were not an impressive lot. The one word that best described the group was "unhappy." Ms. O'Hare had an engaging enough personality, but she seemed so angry. As did all of her buddies.

Maybe it was that history that worked my mind this morning as I perused the atheist articles. There was one which was topped with a photo of an attractive woman smiling and holding a sign which read "Be happy. There is no hell." To me the smile seemed pretty shallow. Maybe because I realized that if the woman was right and that there were no hell, there would also be no heaven. With the "truth" of no condemnation comes the 'TRUTH" of no hope. No wonder they seem so angry and unhappy. I shouldn't be surprised since some who claim to be Christians also carry around signs proclaiming the nonexistence of hell.

There was another article written by a seventeen year old who related her "coming out" as an atheist after a missionary trip. Her "religious" parents had sent her on a mission trip to a third world country where she was confronted with poverty. She could not believe in a God who would allow his children to live in such conditions. Apparently, her mission trip was not accompanied by sound teaching. I couldn't help but wonder if her religious parents were living the kind of life that would make a teenager desirous of following their life trail.

Yet another article was a list of quotes from scripture that "proved" how "bad" God must be. I resisted the temptation to go through each quote and write a response. I know from experience my response would fall on deaf ears.

Yet another article pointed out how the presidential candidates all claim christianity and how, in the writer's view, their lives were very "unchristian." There is no doubt that like Lucy in I Love Lucy, we Christians have a "lot of explaining to do."

My morning made me happy to be a Christian; but unhappy at the poor job we Christians do in illustrating what it means to be one.

Ours is the way of truth, joy and fulfillmernt. We need to do so much better in proving it.

Go out and find an atheist, listen to him and love him and maybe change his life.

Be blessed.

Nick

First They Came for the Catholics

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:22:00 +0000

I have considered myself to be an involved person. After all I do a blog almost every day. Until I read today that writing stuff and sending out emails isn't enough. You know what? It isn't.

Do you know what the Manhattan Declaration is? Are you prepared to disobey the laws of the United States if a law violates your conscience? These are no longer hypothetical questions. In our country today some of our fellow Christians are being told they have to violate their conscience or violate the law. This kind of thing happened in Nazi Germany. It's now happening in America. Let's not make the mistake of thinking it doesn't concern us yet. My good friend, Ron Anson, has been sounding the call for years. I haven't taken him seriously enough. Sorry my brother.

Please watch this video and then go to this web site. Read the Declaration. It isn't short. But it is powerful. Then, if you agree with it, sign it.

This blog is a personal blog produced solely by me. I am solely responsible for it's content. If you're with the government you know where I live.

It's time to get serious.

Be blessed.

Nick

Nothing to Say

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:20:00 +0000

I didn't submit a blog entry today because I had nothing to say. I so wish others would also not say anything when they have nothing to say, like politicians for example, or TV preachers, or guests of The View, or the hosts of the The View for that matter.

My wife thinks I'm fan of The View because sometimes she walks in the living room and I have it on. It's just because I watch Good Morning Acadiana and forget to turn the channel or turn off the television when it's over.

She would probably think I'm a fan of Good Morning America, because that comes on immediately after Good Morning Acadiana and the television stays on. Lucky for me she doesn't get up early enough to see the television on that show. It would break her Fox News watching heart. In fact, I wonder why she hasn't commented about The View being on. I have noticed her shaking her head sometimes.

Well, like I said. I really don't have anything to say today so I've decided to say nothing.

I just wish others would be so wise. Pray I have a good thought to share tomorrow. I really hate keeping my mouth shut like this.

Be blessed.

Nick

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Yesterday I heard a sermon which suggested that men are responsible for the spiritual life of their family and church. This morning I read an article with some practical ways to do that. 11 Practical Ways for Men to Lead a Family.

When the Spirit nudges me twice in 24 hours on the same subject, I try to pay attention. Look around guys. The sad truth is that women are running our families and our churches. Sure most of our churches have male pastors, but women are still in charge. They are in charge, not because they have a title, but because they do most of the work. Look around on Sunday morning and see who is doing what. The women are probably doing most everything other than ushering. Guess what. I can find my own seat. I sit in the same place every week.

Most of our homes are the same way. I would like to believe this is a vast feminine conspiracy, but I suspect this has happened because women have stepped up to fill roles that we men have failed to fill. It's time we do something about this. But let me warn you. It won't be easy. I think the women like being in charge. Watch any TV sitcom. The women are running things and the men are looking foolish. That's going to be a tough status quo to change.

How can we do it.

1. Preach by example. It will do no good to announce, "I am now the spiritual leader." You will sound like an alien. Start with your mouth shut. Just start acting like a leader, model humility, honesty, repentance, service, study, and worship.

2. Count the bibles in your home. Dust them off and start reading one in the presence of your family. Make sure everyone has his or her own copy so he or she can do the same.

3. Make sure there are good bible study aids available. If you live on your smart phone make sure you have some of the great bible study apps that are available. Make sure you use them in the presence of your family.

4. Make appropriate choices for television and movies. Don't just suggest such choices for others. Watch with your family.

5. Eat meals together. Don't just say grace but use the time to pray for real needs and keep track of how God responds for those needs.

6. Pray with and for each member of your family each day. Touch them when you do this. If this is very out of character for you, try a simple touch of the hand and say, "I'm praying for you." Perhaps ask what they need prayer for.

You see being the spiritual leader means leading by example. It's not about control or a title. It's about being and doing.

Try it and be blessed.

Nick

Why on This Morning?

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:26:00 +0000

In the Jewish tradition, Passover night is very special. A special meal is held and ceremoniously executed. As part of the ceremony, the youngest child asks a series of questions designed to point out that on this special night, things are different.

I think we should have a similar tradition in Christianity for Sunday Mornings. Isn't it true in your house that Sunday mornings are different. During the week, the family has a routine which requires everyone to be up and at it by a certain time, breakfast is done, kids are dressed and everyone has to be out the door, on a bus or headed to work. It all works like an army on maneuvers. But on Sunday morning it's chaos. Even though church starts much later. It seems impossible to get everyone up, dressed and out the door on time. Why on this morning are there more arguments, excuses to stay in bed and just generally dragged out feelings than on other mornings? Why do we run into more red lights, long freight trains and every other kind of barrier on Sunday mornings that don't pop up during the week.

I guess we could argue that the routine is a bit different. Maybe we do a bit too much on Saturday night. Maybe we stay up a bit too late. But deep down we all know the reason. The enemy doesn't care if we get to work or school on time. He really doesn't want us in church.

In church we are refreshed and renewed. We worship our God. We should recognize there are others who struggle but who try each day to put Jesus first. What we do on Sunday mornings is important. That's why this morning is unlike any other morning.

Now get up and get at it.

Be blessed.

Nick

New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Tomorrow Pastor Kerry will present his first sermon as Interim Pastor. It will be a significant day in the life of Amana. I don't have a draft of the sermon like the news agencies seem to get in advance of the State of the Union Address. I don't know what Pastor Kerry plans to say; but I do have some advice on listening.

The toughest job in any arena is a job as the "interim" anything. An "interim" has the burden of moving an organization forward, but not forever. An "interim" faces the problem that if he proposes something unpopular, folks will just wait for the "permanent" pastor to show up. An "interim" often has all the responsibility but none of the authority. It's tough to be an "interim."

I always felt bad for the guy who coached the Alabama football team after "Bear" Bryant. I don't even remember his name. I once served in a church that never was quite the same when the founding pastor moved on. Every pastor after the first got compared to the "original." Following a superstar is tough.

Amana has more ex-pastors than any church I've ever been involved in. That's a tremendous resource and potentially a tremendous problem. Each of us who has ever been a pastor has some pretty strong ideas about what it means to be a Pastor. It's tough to pastor a bunch of old pastors.

I always feel a bit sorry for rookies. The first time you do anything is tough. Pastor Kerry has never been a pastor before. It's tough to be a rookie.

Pastor T is still around. I am really happy about that. Pastor T is my friend. But he's not the pastor anymore. He's Pastor Emeritus. He's no longer Pastor T. He's Pastor E T. It's tough to have a job when the guy who used to have the job is still around.

So as you can see. Pastor Kerry has a tough job tomorrow and for the next six months. So here's my advice. Listen carefully to what Pastor Kerry has to say. Pray before. Pray during and Pray after. Whatever he has to say, give it a chance. If you don't like something he says or does, tell him. If you like something he says or does, tell him.

Pastor Kerry is the pastor, not Pastor T, not any of us old pastors, and not you.

Listen for hints about what you should do. That's much more important than what Pastor K will do.

Do everything good you have been doing. Stop doing those things that aren't helpful. Listen for opportunities to do something new. When tempted to talk. . . do.

Let's just pray and see what God will do.

Be blessed Pastor K. Be blessed Amana.

Nick

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:26:00 +0000

My church is going through a leadership transition so focus is on the church . But every church is in need of some help. Yesterday I saw this article: Five Ways You Can Help Your Church My thoughts follow:

If you believe your church could be better, the mirror is a good place to look for improvement. It's easy to criticize leadership, but you're not likely to directly affect that, even if it is the problem. That doesn't matter because the real health of a church is best measured by the condition of those in the pews.

Another potential area of improvement is in "theology." Most of us believe that the church we belong to could sharpen it's "theology." Usually that means my brothers and sisters could and, in fact, should, believe a bit more like me. That's not happening any time soon either, so let's put that aside.

Of course it would be great if we served as a one person admissions committee that could decide who got to attend our church. That's not happening either.

So what are we left with? Basically, what can I do better. These are factors we can change, so the potential for improvement is great.

1) Be Committed.

Some folks like to be "one foot out and one foot in" when it comes to their church. It's like the pseudo-sports fan who says, "We won" in times of victory and, "They lost" when things don't go so well. Get completely on board. Have a little ownership. Call it "my church." Attend. Participate. Pray. If worse comes to worse at least you will have earned the right to complain.

2) Be On Time

People who show up late cause distraction and are subtly putting down the church. It's like showing up late for an appointment or a date. If you don't want to be there for the announcements, re-read number 1 above.

3) Be Honest

In the original article this one reads "Be Positive." I prefer people that are honest. One of the real problems in church is that people aren't real. Everyone believes that a Christian should always be smiling and if there is a struggle in life, it's a sign of failure. That attitude prevents us from really knowing, connecting with and helping each other. Be real. If you're suffering through a crisis, the church should be the first place to cry. Don't come with a mask. But also don't come with a super-critical eye. Come intending to give back to the body with your gifts and talents. Come intending to be fed the Word, but also disciple and encourage others. Come ready to love and forgive and hug and forbear. Come to church ready to forgive small and big slights. Also, be pro-church. Greet guests warmly, advance the church goals and ministries with a smile.

4) Be Prayed Up

If Sunday is the only time you think about or talk to God don't expect much to happen. Sunday's not your once-a-week time with God. It's your time with the people of God sharing what God is doing in each of our lives. If we're prayed up during the week we show up overflowing instead of dry and needy. The difference will change our experience of church forever.

5) Be Solution-Oriented

Come to fix not to be fixed. I heard a great piece of advice this week. If you're discouraged, go find someone to encourage. If we will stop looking inward at our problems but instead look outward at other's needs, we will finally learn what church is all about.

Does your church need some help? Isn't it time you did something about that?

Be blessed.

Nick

Earthly Sight - Eternal Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:35:00 +0000

When we consider our life mission statement we are inclined to two mistakes: looking too far and looking too close. It's not just a case of being like Goldilocks and looking "just right."

We look too far because we tend to dream long distance. When we think of life mission, we have thoughts of overseas missionary service in Africa or the Far East. God may give us such a call. But we need to look at what is in front of us.

I had a grandson who was miserable in school. I had never considered myself an elementary school teacher. I much prefer the thought of teaching pretty college girls while donned in a jacket with patches on the elbows in a college with lots of ancient oaks and a decent football team. Sometimes I forget my wife reads this. . . sometimes. Nevertheless I find myself a fourth grade school teacher with a class of one. I am being thoroughly blessed with the experience.

I always enjoyed teaching and preaching to a packed house. In this environment you get instant feedback and can adjust accordingly. Instead, I find myself preparing a daily blog which disappears into the blackness of internet void. I know not where it goes and what effect, if any, it might have.

The point is the mission is often in front of us. We can't make the mistake of looking too far away and miss the work that needs doing that is staring us in the face. But we also need to keep eternal perspective. How does God see where we're at and what we're doing. David Jeremiah this morning referred to Nehemiah's wall building. Each builder could only see the struggle with the few stones and the small area over which he had charge. Only God can see the bigger perspective.

A couple of days ago I searched for "christian" on twitter and was amazed by the number of people who are toiling in that social network to make a difference for God. My blog goes out there and may make only a tiny difference, if any at all. But there are many more being sent forth. Coordinated by our heavenly general, together (not even knowing of each other's existence) we are making a difference.

Don't make the mistake of looking too far or dwelling with a short distance perspective. Deal with the challenges God sets before you and let Him coordinate the big picture.

Be blessed my fellow worker toiling in the fields ready for harvest.

Nick

Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Sigur) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Yesterday I was discouraged. The specific reasons are not important. I'm not sure I could identify the reasons for my discouragement. Today, I'm encouraged. That's the important point. The issue? What transferred me from the state of discouragement to the right realm of the encouraged children of God? What changed me from thinking I can't do it anymore to being sure I can?

Two things made the difference: Time with my Lord and time with my friends. I spent some time with God. David Jeremiah's teaching this morning which I listen to each Wednesday morning was about the Giant of Discouragement. Isn't it wonderful how the Lord will provide just the word you need at the times you need them. But Satan tried to keep me from that help. I overslept this morning and was late heading to my Wednesday morning men's meeting. So I missed the teaching. But my friends pointed it out and I listened to it later.

I also spent time with my friends. I can't emphasize enough the important of spending quality time with fellow believers. Not just sitting in a crowd, but sitting around a table, praying and listening and talking. I found out I wasn't the only one dealing with discouragement. That's encouraging. One of the biggest problems with the giants in our lives, is that Satan has us believing that we are the only ones struggling with a particular giant. Just knowing we are now alone or different, is a great encouragement.

I hope these simple facts will be an encouragement to you: I was also discouraged. I found encouragement in the words of my Lord and the words of my brothers.

Be encouraged and be blessed.

Nick