Escaping Reincarnation

This He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Hebrews 7:27 Every 12 years in the northern India town of Allahabad, the Hindu faithful participate in what claims to be the largest religious gathering in the world. Nearly 70 million pilgrims converge on the spot where the Ganges, Yamuna and Sarasvati Rivers come together. It's timed to coincide with the alignment of Jupiter and the sun in the astrological houses of Aquarius and Aries. The two-month event draws Hindus and tourists from all over the world. The vast grounds are transformed into a tent city, with thousands of police on hand to maintain public safety and order. The origins of this pilgrimage - known as the Kumbha Mela ("Grand Pitcher Festival") - come from a bit of Hindu mythology. According to myth, gods and demons fought a celestial war over the nectar of immortality, spilling some of it at this sacred site. But the festival's purpose is much more distinct, if no less mystical: plunging into the chilly winter waters of the revered Ganges to be purified from sin and escape the relentless cycle of reincarnation. Try to imagine feeling the need to journey hundreds or thousands of miles in search of a peace and forgiveness that never seem complete. Try to imagine what it's like to hope that a dip in some murky waters will result in eternal life. If we're ever tempted to take Christ's once-for-all sacrifice for granted, may we picture ourselves in the frantic throng at the Ganges, wondering if this water is really enough. I am grateful for Jesus' claim, promise and authoritative words in John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." There is nothing murky about those words. Crystal clear. And if you believe, crystal clean! Please comment below or send me an email at curtis.songer@gmail.com

A Light in the Dark

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 On a rainy December day in December 1925, U.S. Army pilot Carl Crane was flying a congressman's son back to Washington, DC, when he became disoriented in a thick expanse of clouds. He was 8,000 feet over Detroit. With no gyroscope on his instrument panel to tell him his rate of turn, he didn't know if he was flying level with the earth or was banking into a free fall. Soon, he had swooped into a spiral dive and had lost complete control of the aircraft. But attempting any rescue move was a gamble. If he tried to level the wings, he was just as likely to roll upside down as right side up. If he tried to raise the nose, he might simply drive the plane more sharply into the ground. Finally, with his altitude shrinking to under 1,000 feet, he caught sight of the sign for the Statler Hotel. He now had only seconds to pull up. But with the lights of the buildings giving him guidance and perspective, he righted his plane and found his way to the Detroit River, which he followed back home, "shaking all the way." For us, the words of the Scriptures are like the lights of Detroit were to Crane on that misty night. They are divine points of perspective that give us our true bearings in every situation. They explain why we behave the way we do - and which way to turn when we've lost our way. If we will follow the Scriptures like the pilot followed the river, we will be led to a safe landing. God's Word will guide us home. Please comment below or send me an email at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Temperature Control

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17 When you enter a room - whether it's a church class, a company meeting or maybe a lunch event - it's usually not very hard to gauge the mood of the place. It's warm, it's cold, it's engaging, it's distant, it's comfortable, it's stuffy. Anybody can be a thermometer. But as Donna Otto, founder of Homemakers by Choice, once stated, we are not called to be thermometers in our homes but thermostats. That's because thermostats don't just read the temperature. They guide it. They determine how warm or cool the home environment will be. In the same way, parents determine whether a home environment will be fun, peaceful, authentic, full of grace. Will it be a quiet sanctuary from the hard press of life? Will it be a place of joy and celebration and fellowship? Many parents today feel helpless in adjusting the climate of their home. They feel as if they can't control the predominant tempo and rhythm of the day. They've grown weary of fighting the TV-watching, video game-playing, tuned-out isolation of individual family members. In the process, far too many homes have lost a sense of purpose and direction. They've become little more than random activity centers, with no grown-ups willing to set the tone. I encourage you to counter the frantic, frenetic pace of modern life by creating an environment that limits the endless noise of bustle and commotion. Train your children to be still and read a book, to interact, to ponder and to create. Don't be a thermometer. Set the temperature. Please comment below or email me directly at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Why do People Seeking Spiritual Fulfillment Deny the Supernatural?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12

Fact: People in America are seeking spiritual fulfillment in ever increasing numbers. Fact: These same people get very nervous and tend to avoid discussions concerning supernatural events and forces. Why is that?

Most people will admit that they are seeking something greater in life than what they have today. There is an inner yearning for significance that drives them to seek something more than what life currently offers them. Some turn to money and/or materials things, others to obtaining power by climbing the corporate ladder, still others to finding a sense of self worth via accomplishments, and the list goes on and on: advance learning, extreme physical fitness, adventurous sex, and even deepening family relationships. Now not all of these are, in and of themselves, a bad thing. But most everyone will agree, after substantial effort is spent in pursuit of these things, they do not have lasting fulfillment. More and more people are coming to admit that the key to true, long-lasting fulfillment lies in the spiritual realm. Yet, we as Americans are too enlightened to put much credence in the existence of an all powerful, eternal, spiritual force – whether good or evil.

And yet billions of people in the world are not so encumbered by intellectual (or other forms of) hang-ups that they ignore the existence of the spiritual forces in this world and the fact that they are very real indeed. I myself have witnessed this power. But my testimony is not nearly as impactful as that of countless people I have met from Africa, South America, India, China, and more close to home, the Caribbean. They all give similar accounts of spiritual powers that are evidenced on a large scale, and on a daily basis, in these places. Spiritual powers representing both “good” and “evil” are a regular part of their daily lives. Why there and not here? I can’t say for sure, other than perhaps the forces here manifest themselves much more subtly and are typically reserved only for the first hand witness of those who are open to believing what they are seeing. Indeed, in these other locations I have mentioned, belief has existed for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. Let me give you a real-time example…

This evening, as part of my normal business travels, I hailed a cab to take me back to my hotel. Along the way, I struck up a conversation with the driver who had been operating a cab for 14 years. But this was no ordinary cab driver. He was a Haitian minister who had relocated to the U.S. to try to build a better life for his wife and children. He was a particularly well educated and a very conversant man. Had the conversation been about business and the stock market, he would have passed as an upper middle class, educated man at any dinner party.

But there was a difference. This man had been witness to many supernatural powers in Haiti – both “good” and “bad”. He had seen miraculous healings and blessings that were unexplainable other than through supernatural power. Some of you will find that as acceptable and perhaps even physically explainable. However, the more impressive (to me) supernatural powers this man had experienced were of an “evil” nature. He shared with me of stories of people who sacrificed pigs to “Satan” during worship ceremonies and subsequently drank the blood, only to receive great powers that seemingly protected them from personal disasters that the rest of the normal populace would go through. He told of stories of people who sold their souls to “Satan” and subsequently became extremely rich, lacking nothing - but then mysteriously died within 2 years while they were still young and healthy. Voodoo and witchcraft are widespread there and their powers well respected as a normal part of life by all.

As “ugly” Americans we dismiss such stories as hearsay and nonsense, convinced that we know better. And yet, our population is a mere 4.5% of the world population – the majority of which the life described above is accepted as normal. So who is right? Could it be possible that we have buried our heads in the sand, as the stereotypical ostrich and sit cozy on our artificial world of self delusion – completely ignoring the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms? I, for one, think so.

Please comment below or email me directly at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Margin for Error

Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

C. S. Lewis once said, "We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life." It's essential to build some margin into your schedule - the wiggle room necessary to accommodate immediate needs while allowing for unexpected demands and disruptions.

It means framing your obligations in larger time blocks than they really require, just in case traffic is exceptionally bad or you're delayed leaving the house. It means agreeing on the number of evenings or weekends you will tie up each month with outside activities. It means talking together about possible commitments before you say yes, to keep yourselves from living too close to the edge.

You can't prepare for some things, no matter how well you plan. But most schedule shocks can be absorbed by building in a margin, leaving space for surprises. I’m not very good at this myself, but I’m trying. You can be praying for me in this area.

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com

This Is the Church

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42

I hope you're already part of a church family -- not as a spectator but as a committed, involved participant in a community of followers of Jesus Christ. But if you're not, here are five things you should look for as you consider establishing yourself in a church. If you're already an active member and any of these things are lacking in your congregation, consider what you can do and how you can be praying for these characteristics to blossom there:

1. Is it anchored in the Scriptures? Is the Bible clearly taught as the authoritative Word of God? Is the gospel of Jesus Christ the anchor, motivating you to live and proclaim the transforming grace of God in every area of your life?

2. Does it have a sense of community? Is there a connectedness between people when the service is over on Sunday morning? Does there seem to be authenticity and honesty in the relationships?

3. Is it characterized by worship? Today's culture is incredibly self-centered. You need an interruption in your week to jerk you out of that stream and say, "There's something much bigger than me going on here. Life is not about me; it's about who God is and what He's doing."

4. Is there opportunity for involvement? Is this a church where you're encouraged to minister to others? One of the greatest joys of life is to be used by the Lord God Almighty in another human being's life.

5. Does it build men? I'm not minimizing ministry to women and children, but a lot of the struggles in our families and culture could become points of victory if men were equipped with a vision for manhood and were living it out.

If this does not describe your church, perhaps there is something God is calling you to do to help change it.

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Idolizing Ice Cream

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

I think the human race has a problem with addictions. The well-known addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex and pornography have destroyed lives and families for generations. But there are other addictions, even within the Christian community, that are not as evil but are still addictions - like food.

Let me illustrate personally. Martha and I approach food very differently. She eats to live. I love to eat. Food to her is necessary fuel for life. But for me there have been times in my life when I've simply idolized food - specifically ice cream. For years, I felt a day was not complete unless I had enjoyed a mountainous bowl of vanilla bean ice cream swimming in chocolate sauce. Honestly, I think I was addicted. And my waistline showed it. The natural consequence of my addiction forced me to face reality. I became convicted that I was placing way too much importance on ice cream.

I recently decided that I would fast from ice cream. It was fascinating to see how God has used this time in my life to create a healthier perspective on food. So much so that for the past three years, I've used this annual season to fast from dessert.

Let me ask you a question: Is there anything that has a grip on your life? Something that has become an addiction and even an idol that has supplanted God in your allegiance? Perhaps it's time to talk about it as a couple and come clean. You and your spouse may need to create some accountability and a lifestyle that will bring about a real life change that honors God.

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Anger is Inevitable – How Do You Deal With It? (Part 4)

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
Ephesians 4:26

What's behind your wrong anger? When you get angry, aren't you taking God's place and judging others - and perhaps even judging God? Whether you are angry about something trivial or something serious, your wrong reaction reveals that you are living as if you are in charge of the world and believe you have the right to judge the people around you and the way God is running the world.

When James 4 talks about anger, it goes on to discuss why it's wrong to judge and criticize others: "There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12). God alone has the right to pass final judgment. Think about when you get angry. Aren't you insisting, "My will be done; my kingdom come"? And when things don't go your way, don't you judge those (including God) who are not doing what you want, as if you were God? You aren't, but when you are angry, you often act as if you were. Because your wrong anger has to do with your relationship with God, you can't deal with it by learning a few strategies or techniques. Wrong anger creates a big problem between you and God. He doesn't like upstarts who try to take over His universe.

Your anger is not just about you and all the frustrating things that happen to you. It's not just about you and your cranky, oppositional personality. And it's not just about you and all the unreasonable people in your life. It's about you, those frustrating circumstances, all those unreasonable people ... and the living God. It's about you acting like you are in charge of God's world and other people. But God is in charge. Anger is merciless. Anger sees, punishes, and gets rid of all offenders. But God has chosen to be merciful to wrongdoers, including someone like you, who struggles with taking God's place in the world (Ephesians 2:1-5).

God's mercy brings life to you. If you struggle with bitterness, if you grumble, if you yell and argue, then you need God's mercy. You will receive mercy and help when you confess to God your struggle with trying to control everything, with wanting to be God, and with judging those around you. God's just anger toward sinners like you was poured out on his Son on the cross. Because Jesus died, you can be forgiven and have a whole new life.

When you honestly confess your sins to God and ask Him to forgive you for Jesus' sake, you will receive forgiveness and the gift of God's Spirit. The Spirit will give you the power to express your anger, not your way, but God's way. More to come on dealing constructively with your anger in upcoming blogs…

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Humor Me

We do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:5

It's always dangerous to make assumptions. I am reminded of the businesswoman who found herself with an extra hour of airport down time. She bought a magazine, a coffee and a small package of cookies, preparing to pass the time as best she could in the crowded waiting area.

Absorbed in her reading, she reached over and picked up a cookie to nibble on. To her great surprise, a stranger two seats over reached into the same packet and began eating the second cookie. Stunned, she tried to ignore it. Only after 20 more quiet minutes did she reach in to take the third cookie. The stranger took the fourth. Then he picked up the near-empty package and sarcastically asked, "Would you like the last one?" Infuriated, she marched off in a huff to the airline gate, reached into her bag for her boarding pass . . . and found her unopened package of cookies! Her anger had been based on a wrong assumption.

Some assumptions are much more dangerous than that. It occurs to me, for example, that one of you may never have actually taken the step of faith to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. You may have the wrong assumption that your good works will get you into heaven.

You can change that at this moment. Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, died on a cross to pay the divine penalty for your sins and was raised to life to defeat death forever, is as near as your next breath. He offers eternal life to you in His open hands.

If you are not sure you are a follower of Christ, if you've never received His gift of salvation, would you confess your sins to Him right now and, through faith in Him, receive His forgiveness and ask Him to become your Lord and Master?

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com

Fun & Games

A joyful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

Don't feel like the only way you can cause your children to think and engage with you is through serious teaching. Bring up a wacky topic at the dinner table one night and see where the conversation goes. Get them thinking about making good choices over a game of Twister. Examine the creativity of God by asking them how many different faces they can make.

A great, satisfying part of parenting is learning how to make good use of fun. Laughter is God's lubricant for the soul. Fun reduces friction when a parent wants to get an important truth in his or her child's heart. Learn to laugh - a lot.

One of the best ways to get your kids to seriously consider the serious things you want to teach them is to make sure your not so serious with them all the time – establish and enjoy their relationship!

Please comment below or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com