A company at the Sweet and Snack Expo in Chicago is marketing a new “Christianized” approach to this tradition.  Scripture Candy is a company that produces candy with wrappers or other avenues of writing that include Bible verses or Christian statements.

Picture lollipop wrappers with a Bible verse or the word Jesus spelled out by candy canes.

One of the best sellers is the Jelly Bean Prayer.  Each color of jelly bean communicates a different message that is gospel oriented.

• Black – Sin: represents my sinful heart keeping me from you above.
• Red – Jesus’ Blood: represents the blood you shed to provide salvation free.
• White – Clean: shows the cleansing of my sin as I put my faith in Thee.
• Yellow – Heaven: for heaven above, my new home I’ll have someday.
• Green – Growth: for the growth I will see as I read your Word and pray.
• Purple – Royalty: shows you are King of all, the one I choose to obey.
• Pink – Thank You: thank you, Lord, for these jelly beans. They mean more than words can say.
• Orange – Lord: thank you, Lord, for these jelly beans. They remind me of your love.

What is your take on this approach?  Keep in mind that this company is combining business with faith.  That is not necessarily wrong.  But we might evaluate this keeping those two aspects in mind.  It seems to make good business sense as the founder, Brian Adkins, indicates they fly off of the shelves.

Adkins spells out the faith angle this way, Our mission is to reach the world one piece at a time with the word of God and it just happens to be on a piece of candy.

Adkins also indicated that the company is aware of people who have come to Christ as a result of the wrappers.

I know me.  I would be tempted to eat extra pieces of candy with the justification that I get to read more Bible verses.  As a diabetic perhaps I should just stick to opening my Bible and grabbing a carrot stick.

What do you think?

HT: Finding God — or maybe just comfort — in candy – Yahoo! News.

I am not writing about the kind of meditation that is popular in some segments of the population.  That is the kind that is practiced in order to produce a calming effect on the person meditating. This often involves clearing the mind, controlled breathing and visualization techniques.

That is something altogether different than what the Bible describes.  Consider these two passages:

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
(Psalm 1:2 ESV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
(Joshua 1:8 ESV)

Notice that biblical meditation has a definite object – the law of the Lord or the Book of the Law.  You do not need beads, incense or contorted body positions.  You only need God’s word and that is to be the focal point.

It is interesting to note that both of these references speak of meditating day and night.  At the very least this indicates that some time is involved in the meditation activity.  This is not the practice of reading a verse to begin your day and then leaving it behind.  It is much more involved than that.

The Hebrew word for meditate is used in other places in the Bible.  Looking at a few of the uses that employ vivid imagery can shed some insight into our meditating on God’s word.

The word is used to describe utterly stricken mourning (Is 16:7).

This is not the uncontrollable wailing that describes some who mourn.  It is the kind of mourning that churns in the soul welling up into tearful expressions of sorrow.

When it comes to meditating on the word, it should be that the word is inside of us.  We are churning it about so that it wells up within us.

The word is also used to describe the growling of a lion (Is 31:4).

Again, this is not the roar of the king of the jungle.  This is the sound that you can almost hear before it is made.  That is because it is a guttural sound from the belly of the lion.

Our final look at the usage of the word is that of the cooing of doves (Is 38:14).  This is the sound that warbles from deep in the throat of the dove.

If we put these three images together, we can understand meditation as that which is much more than an emptied mind.  It is having the word of God deep in us.  We turn it over and over until it percolates up through our throats into vocal groans.

Keil and Delitzch say of this word that it speaks “of a deep, dull sound, as if vibrating between within and without” and “here signifies the quiet soliloquy of one who is searching and thinking.” We can only attempt to appreciate the depth of this word as it depicts the blessed man who day and night is considering and pondering God’s word and whose voice sometimes breaks into sighs of longing or coos of delight as he interacts both silently and audibly with God in His word - Olive Tree (emphasis mine).

This kind of meditation does much more than lower blood pressure or calm the nerves.  It facilitates encounter with the living God.  Blessed, indeed, is the man who does so.

Thank you for my own mother:

• In her womb she nurtured me and labored to give birth to me.
• In our home she taught me your ways with words and by example.
• Out of the nest she has provided encouragement and wise counsel.
• From infancy through adulthood, she has prayed for me.

Grant that I will honor my mother with all that I say and do.

Grant that I will bring her joy by walking in the truth.

Remember the women who are grieving on this day:

• Those who have been unable to have children.
• Those who have stood by the graves of their children.
• Those who are wounded with sorrow by the folly of their children.

Turn the hearts of the women who need grace for sinning against their children:

• Those who have turned the protection of the womb into a killing field.
• Those who have abandoned children in need of a mother’s love.
• Those who have neglected to nurture their children so that they might grow in wisdom and stature.
• Those who have abused the ones who have been entrusted to their care.
• Those who have drained the joy out of their adult children.

Restore the respect for mothers in our culture.

And again, thank you for my mother.

Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox must be driving BoSox fans mad.  The pitcher endured an off-season of questions about his commitment to the team.  In the midst of the season he has raised the volume of those questions.  This past week he missed a start due to a lat muscle.  The muscle kept him from punching his time clock at work, but didn’t prevent him from hitting the links for some golf.  Beckett dismissed the fans’ criticisms with the appeal that he only gets 18 off days during a season.  He makes almost half a million dollars per start and starts about every 5 days.  He also gets more than a quarter of the year with nothing more to do than stay in shape.

Competitive juices or in need of anger management?  Bryce Harper and Amare Stoudemire both injured themselves and hurt their teams by trying to KO inanimate objects.

The Texas Rangers are celebrating 40 years of existence this year by letting fans vote for the 40th Anniversary Team.  Here are my selections:

• Starting Pitcher - Nolan Ryan
• Relief Pitcher - John Wetteland
• Catcher – Ivan Rodriguez
• First Base - Mike Hargrove
• Second Base - Michael Young
• Third Base - Buddy Bell
• Short Stop - Toby Harrah
• Outfield - Jeff Burroughs, Ruben Sierra, Josh Hamilton
• Designated Hitter - Juan Gonzalez

In the days of my youth, my home state of Oklahoma was without any professional major league teams (I’m not counting the short durations of the USFL and NASL).  Naturally most of my family connected with the teams in the Dallas area.  So it was the Cowboys, Rangers and Mavericks.  A few years ago the NBA took residence in Oklahoma City.  I have stuck with the Mavericks primarily because of Dirk Nowitzski.  Dirk is from Wurzburg, Germany, and I served in the Kitzingen-Wurzburg Baptist Church.  I find my allegiance shifting to the OKC Thunder as Dirk nears the end of his career.  I’m straddling the fence for now, but will become a full Thunder fan once Dirk is gone.

Since I live near Miami, I have made the Marlins and Dolphins my number 2 teams in their leagues.  I still can’t find it within me to pull for the Heat.

How about some soccer?  I love watching the World Cup and the European matches.  In fact, I’ll watch soccer any day over the NBA.  My favorite team in this sport is Bayern Munchen.

As a guy who played quarterback in football, I follow the play of the guys under center.  The top 3 QB’s in the NFL draft this year were Andrew Luck, RG3 and Ryan Tannehill.  However, I predict that Brandon Weeden for the Cleveland Browns will have the best rookie year of any quarterback.

Justin Tucker has signed as a kicker/punter with the Baltimore Ravens.  Tucker is the son of a former classmate, so I hope he does well.

I love me some me.  Terrell Owens uttered these words as it was becoming painfully obvious that he was lacking in the teammate department.  He could have said these words for his recent appearance on the Dr. Phil show when he was confronted for his less than stellar performance as a father.  Not sure many people had their popcorn ready for that episode.

Albert Pujols is dead last in batting average compared to anybody who has batted for the Los Angeles Angels this year.  Did anybody see this coming?

On one occasion Jeremiah spoke about the folly of following after idols instead of the living God.  It would be easy for us to dismiss this teaching because , after all, we are much too sophisticated to fashion idols out of wood, stone or other materials.  That would be a mistake.  We all have bowed down to the inventions of our minds even if we have avoided the inventions of our hands.

Jeremiah paints a vivid picture of the foolishness of inventing and following idols.  Read his words:

Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,
and they cannot speak;
they have to be carried,
for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them,
for they cannot do evil,
neither is it in them to do good.”
(Jeremiah 10:5 ESV)

Like scarecrows in a cucumber field.  That is what our idols are like.  They cannot speak.  That is, they cannot teach us, comfort us nor guide us.

They cannot move.  Instead of the Lord who leads us by his own movements, idol worshippers have to move their ideals in the direction they already want to move.  It is like the Ouija board game.  Ask a question and then move the game piece towards the answer that you want to receive.

That’s the problem with idols.  They take you where you already want to go on your own.  Or you take them where you already want to go.  They just add a “spiritual” element or justification to your sinful desires.

In the midst of a cucumber field, a lifeless scarecrow cannot really protect the crops from the hungry birds.  If the birds ignore the scarecrow, they face no consequence of feasting on your vegetable plants.  Only the living God of heaven can protect you.

Are you building scarecrows (idols) in your fields?  If so, you are on your own.

Jared Totten has a new article titled, The Church: are you a lover or a leaver?  A few years ago, I almost became a leaver. In fact, for too long I hovered in between the realms of loving and leaving. Not so any longer.

Count me as being squarely in the camp of those who love the church. Sure the church has some issues, but the joy of being part of Christ’s bride far outweighs the blemishes that some (including myself) have brought upon the church. I have also read some pretty horrendous blog posts, but still love to participate in the blogging world.

I could go on with generalities, but let me tell you why I love the church of which I am a member. That church is First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach (Florida). I am one of the newer members of our church having moved to Boynton Beach in the latter part of 2011.

1.  I love the heartbeat of the church.

This is a church that deeply desires to live out what is articulated in the vision statement.

We seek to be a Word-saturated, joyfully-Reformed, transformational community to the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We are motivated to shine the spotlight on God. We are not about personalities and ingenious strategies. We do have personalities and strategies, but these are merely instruments to honoring the name of God.

We pursue ongoing gospel transformation. This shows up in the love and encouragement amongst the family of faith. In my short time at the church, I have been strengthened and challenged to grow in my personal and corporate walk with the Lord.

We have a rich theological foundation built on those truths known as reformed doctrine. This is not an angry, harsh reformational theology. It is one that is demonstrated by the joy of serving an amazing God. The Scriptures provide the basis for all that we strive to be and do.

All of us have probably seen churches or organizations who have a disconnect between their actions and their vision statements. Such is not the case here. I see this statement lived out in our leaders and in the congregation.

2.  I love the demographics of the church.

South Florida in general is a true melting pot of ethnicities, cultures and languages. Boynton Beach has significant population segments comprised of the elderly, Latin, Islanders (Haitians, Jamaicans, etc.), Jews and just about every other ethnic group. On any given Sunday, I join in worship with many who are unlike me culturally. But we love the same Jesus.

This past Sunday I met the people in our class for prospective members. This group included former Muslims from Kenya and a Jewish Christian. My day was greatly enriched by interacting with these folks.

3.  I love the leadership of the church.

Our elders led by Dr. Buz McNutt have consistently demonstrated themselves to be faithful in their role as shepherds. Personally, each of them have ministered to my wife and me in a manner that benefits us greatly. My wife and I come from vastly different religious backgrounds. I was raised in the church and served for years in pastoral ministry. My wife is a relatively new convert with her early religious life influenced by a cult. These men and the church in general have been a blessing to both of us.

4.  I love our growth group.

We gather each week with a few other couples to fellowship, pray and encourage one another. I love these people with all of my heart. They have invested their lives into ours and we into theirs. We share their joys and their sorrows.

I could go on, but you get the idea. I love my church. I have been blessed to have been part of some wonderful churches both as a pastor and as a parishioner. Grateful am I that the church did not give up on me and that I did not leave.

These articles were the most read on this blog during the month of April 2012.  Catch up on what you missed.

1.  Christ-Follower Bubba Watson Wins 2012 Masters

2.  10 Most Read Books In The World in Last 50 Years

3.  My Kids Are Spartans

4.  The Scariest Verse in the Bible to One Agnostic (August 2010)

5.  God Remembered Hannah (July 2010)

6.  The Hillbilly 10 Commandments (January 2012)

7.  Pastor Fashion Recommends Spanx (February 2012)

8.  Resonate News Includes My Story of Church Discipline

9.  5 Criticisms of Martin Luther by John Calvin (July 2009)

10.  Lessons from a Hotel #2: Schedule Your Cleaning (December 2010)

18 men joined the mutinous group and set sail. Eventually most of the mutineers would settle in Tahiti. A handful of the men continued on to the ship’s final destination of Pitcairn Island.

What is not commonly known is that the last surviving mutineer on Pitcairn Island became a Christian. John Adams (aka Alexander Smith) discovered a Bible on the Bounty. While reading the Bible, Adams was driven to repentance. He began leading Sunday services and teaching the others.

By the time this island was reached by the American ship Topaz in 1808, Adams was the only remaining male along with nine Tahitian women and some children. This small band of people were thoroughly Christian and Adams was granted amnesty for his crimes.

The capital of the island is known as Adamstown after John Adams.

Leah Dowdy getting a boost from her brother Carlton Gantz over the finish line

I cannot tell you how this picture makes me feel. This past Saturday somewhere in Indiana, two of my kids completed the Spartan obstacle course. After about 5 miles of mud pits, water, fire, barbed wire, rope, etc. Leah Dowdy and Carlton Gantz finished the grueling event with a few friends.

Externally their reward was the medal pictured on the right. Internally they experienced the thrill and joy of teaming up to push themselves and each other to overcome obstacles placed in their path to the finish line.

As their father this race is a picture of the relationship between brother and sister that has been forged through times of adversity and times of joy.

A little over 1 year ago, Leah learned that she had breast cancer. Like this obstacle course, she fought, clawed and battled her cancer and all that surrounds it with a grit and determination unlike any I have ever witnessed. In a Facebook post, her cousin Jamie Johnson expressed the sentiment of our entire family (when I first tried to read this out loud to Suzie, I choked up so much that Suzie had to take over the reading):

For Carlton (he’s the one in the muddy red shirt behind Leah) this picture portrays much about his character. He has had to run his own race. He works hard at being a good husband, father and general manager of a Chick-Fil-A. Yet he has been willing to come along beside his sister and fight with her by encouraging and pushing her. He has been there in the trenches even if his face is blocked from view by Leah. (Anyone who knows Leah knows that if she is around, the center of attention is going to be in her vicinity).

Oh, how I love my kids. Cameron and Bethany missed out on this event, but warm their father’s heart just like Leah and Carlton. I have laughed with these four. I have cried with them. I pray that the face of God will shine on them and bless them. They are my joy.

I hope you will be encouraged by this gang of Gantz kids, of which the oldest turned 35 years of age today. And don’t even get me started on the three grandkids that they’ve given to me.

For a better understanding of the race they endured on Saturday, check out this video.

• The mind is filled with the knowledge of God and fixed on what is good.
• The eyes turn away from sensuality and shudder at the sight of evil.
• The mouth tells the truth and refuses to gossip, slander, or speak what is coarse or obscene.
• The spirit is earnest, steadfast, and gentle.
• The soul rests and rejoices in Jesus.
• The muscles toil and strive after Christlike virtue.
• The heart is full of joy instead of hopelessness, patience instead of irritability, kindness instead of anger, and humility instead of pride, thankfulness instead of envy.
• The sexual organs are pure, being reserved for the privacy of marriage between one man and one woman.
• The feet move toward the lowly and away from senseless conflict, divisions, and wild parties.
• The hands are quick to help those in need and ready to fold in prayer.

2.  5 Facebook Friends You Don’t Want - Daniel Darling

1. Former girlfriends
2. Friends who like to excessively chat
3. Friends with immodest pictures
4. Friends who use profanity
5. Friends who are flirty

3.  What Should I Do When Feeling Completely Overwhelmed? – R.C. Sproul Jr.

Wise words from a man who recently lost his wife to cancer.

4.  Divine Motivation for Husbands – Paul Tautges

A husband’s disobedience to God’s command to love and honor his wife results in an interruption of God’s prayer-answering power. This is a sober reminder.

5.  How My Husband Leads – Nicole Cottrell

And to those women who question the thought of a man leading their home, I submit to you my very own husband. My husband leads and he leads well. His leading blesses me and our marriage as a whole. Here’s how he does it…

6.  The Deep Limitations of Digital Church – Al Mohler

A digital preacher will not preach your funeral. The deep limitations of digital technologies become evident where the church is most needed. Don’t allow the Internet to become your congregation. YouTube is a horrible place to go to church.

7.  Of Sounds and Silence – Jeremy Walker

Like many, you may be appalled at how often the Lord Jesus issues a command to those whom he has healed to keep silent about what has taken place and the command is immediately not just ignored but thoroughly trampled upon.

8.  Chuck Colson Remembered