Hope for Sarah Walker

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

Hi. My name is Jack. [Group response: Hello Jack.] I have a confession. I am an obsessive person. Anyone who knows me for more than ten minutes understands it’s the truth—I admit it. It can be good or bad depending on the focus of my obsession at the time. For the past month I’ve obsessed over the TV Show, “CHUCK.” Most likely I drive my poor family crazy and they’ve demonstrated much patience at my obsession—as they always do.

CHUCK is about a computer nerd who receives a computer in his brain enabling him to do all sorts of exploits. While on a simple level the show unravels those exploits in a humorous fashion the underlying storyline, and the greater valuable lesson I might add, is the salvation of Chuck’s CIA handler and eventual wife, Sarah Walker. She’s a government-trained assassin sent to discover and recover the missing computer information, referred to as the Intersect. It doesn’t take long before she realizes the Intersect is stored in a nerd’s head and she goes from retriever specialist to the protector of said nerd, Chuck Bartowski.

For five years—91 episodes—we watch Sarah Walker go from a heartless government-trained, cold-blooded killing operative to a caring and loving woman. It’s the pure redemption of Sarah Walker through her relationship to the kind and gentle Chuck Bartowski. Over the course of 89 episodes the writers break her down, transforming her thinking and redeeming her lost uncaring soul into this unpretentious compassionate endearing woman. The transformation that actor Yvonne Strahovski gives Sarah Walker, to me, is truly astounding. Every emotional up and down of this CIA operative is felt with empathy and understanding.

And then, in the final two episodes of the show the creators play a horribly cruel trick on the audience. [Yes, spoiler alert] After spending 5 years watching the salvation and redemption of Sarah Walker take place, they yank it all away from her. An adversary blanks Sarah’s mind and she has no memory of her last 5 years with Chuck thus returning her to the state of the cold-hearted assassin. Why does this play such deep havoc on our emotions as an audience? Because that’s the way we view and discover life to be. When it comes to redemption we want it to be successful and complete. We desire to know there’s hope for the helpless. We want to discover that the energies of transformation are real and successful. However, the best that scriptwriters can give us are tragedies.

There’s good news; God is not that way! He doesn’t promise one thing and yank it away in cruelty. He’s not a scriptwriter working on your story transforming you only to watch you fail at the very end. No, God’s redemption is everlasting and enduring—what He does He does for eternity. So, while we hope for salvation and redemption, God’s Word promises, “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. There are no CHUCK dilemmas with God. There is only hope for the Sarah Walkers of life.

J. Robert Hanson

Times They Are A-Changin’

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20

When Paul wrote these words I seriously doubt he had all our modern day dilemmas in mind—in truth his troubles were much worse. In our contemporary culture, day-by-day biblical principles are unceremoniously being replaced with humanistic doctrines pointing towards the exaltation of man’s “elevated” thinking. To many the Bible, especially the Old Testament, has become nothing more than quaint fairy tales with symbolic allegories to be used or discredited depending on their context to modern society.

From a Christian perspective, this “devolution” of values is worrisome as it strikes at the core of true faith. When Paul writes that the way of generating faith comes by simply hearing the Word of God,¹ we soon discover that the Holy Scriptures become the focal point of satanic energy. By minimizing, discrediting and ignoring the Bible, the truths of God’s message to man is hidden. Paul notes that thought succinctly when he writes in 2 Corinthians 4, verse 4:

“…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

And so we discover that our society is not the first to experience this blinding of minds away from biblical principles. Paul, while living in the difficult pagan society of a Roman government dealt with far more harsh circumstances than presented to us. From his historical context we discover these prevailing words, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” The phrase is very necessary for refreshment and support. Confidence that we’ve obtained a home in a different commonwealth is the elevating “X-factor” when discovering our present physical world’s belief system no longer syncs with what the Bible teaches.

In fact, the alternative meaning of the Greek’s word for citizenship² is community. The idea is more than that of a group of people living geographically in a connected way. The word implies behavior and lifestyles—a status of believers! It’s simultaneously the belief system the community chooses to live by. While the earthly, geographic world in which we live changes to something foreign of scriptures, God’s citizenry is in heaven and it chooses to live by different principles—the principles of the Bible! To this heavenly citizenry, the Holy Scriptures are not fairy tales and allegorical truths to pick and choose from. The Bible means what it says and cannot be excused away by silly talking points trivialized by those with conflicting agendas.

Allow me to sum up and lend practicality to everything I’ve written thus far: while the present direction of western civilization is somewhat disconcerting to those who believe what the Bible teaches, I’ve found an interesting ray of hope. Whereas movements and agendas seek in concerted effort to redefine laws away from the truths fundamentally presented in the Bible, it’s of note that one of the most popular series on cable TV is this season’s show on the History Channel titled, “The Bible.” It convinces me there is still more to our society than what the media, Hollywood or politicians—liberal or conservative—with an agenda in Washington DC proclaim there to be.

The need is for those who believe the Bible as truth not to be cowered by cleverly worded talking points, but hold and lovingly speak what they believe—teaching others the truth of the Bible. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God, than by all means speak the Word of God so other’s can hear it. It’s impossible to believe something if you can’t hear it—so let’s give peace a chance by speaking up for what we believe in. The Christian’s citizenship is in heaven. And holding fast to that truth and telling others about it are the same things Paul emphasized in his era. I have a citizenship in heaven and letting others know what it’s like to live in that realm is what will change today’s modern society!

J. Robert Hanson

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¹ Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

² W.E. Vine’s M.A., Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words published in 1940; Citizenship, politeuma; 4175

 

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Here’s a link for my little book on marriage:
“Rescuing Modern Marriage”

Available at Amazon.com and other places.

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Talk, Talk, Talk!

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NAS)

Talk, talk, talk! When the mouth engages while the brain is still constructing sentences, troubling words will eventually find their way into speaking. Everyone at sometime errs by talking without thinking. Reactionary moments thrust upon us sentence structures that could’ve used a little more time to develop. Anger, nervousness, fear—there are many emotions that can cause the mouth to engage before the mind has had opportunity to think things through. And while there are many reasons this phenomena takes place, whatever the cause, the use of “many words” will generally come back to trouble the talker.

There are professions in which this danger is inherent. Any one working in Radio is in peril of indiscretion. The other day I heard a broadcaster apologize for a flippant remark said while on-air to a co-worker. These trained specialists make a living from talking and using words—sometimes way too many words. Television has its “Talking Heads.” These too must understand that their profession will eventually teach humility—it’s inevitable. Professors and teachers who constantly lecture eventually will trip up and say something unfortunate. Even the most skillful of politicians will one day discover his/her own words coming back to vex them. The finest of speeches can be spoiled by a moment of spontaneous interjection. People wonder why the teleprompter is the politician’s friend. Fact is, when there are many words, transgression is unavoidable. And the incoherent rambling words of the wisest sage can be the most destructive of talk.

Using many words is one area in which the preacher must be careful and cautious. Any one taking seriously the call of God, speaking before a congregation, must be aware that when using many words, transgression is unavoidable. While I understand the importance of extemporaneous preaching, a clear understanding of topic, using an outline, is always helpful for not speaking too many words and over preaching a point or topic. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks—I get that; I understand what that idea is teaching! So give the mouth a track to run on with a clearly thought out plan. When we read in Proverbs 17, verse 27, “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding,” I think the author understood the necessity of not “winging it” when talking.

But, let’s not leave the “many words” issue alone with the preacher and walk off saying it’s their problem. Using fewer words to communicate is a good principle for the average Joe, or Josephine to follow. For the person who senses that maybe they talk a little too much at times, the Proverb reminds us that the restraining of lips is something to remember while conversing with others. Wisdom is not determined by the amount of words one uses. In fact, our author of Proverbs indicates just the opposite when writing, “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. (Proverbs 17:27-28; NAS)” Apparently, one can rarely talk too little. And, if more knowledge is required of your experiences, the listener always has the option of asking for more on a given subject. The point of Proverbs 10:19 is that, in the end, an over abundance of words will cause great grief, but a wise man learns to control his talk.

J. Robert Hanson

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Here’s a link for my little Historical Fiction Book:
“In Search of the Garden”

Available at Amazon.com and other places.

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The Fiscal Cliff; A Spiritual Cliff

“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” Psalm 61:1-2

It’s becoming more and more likely that within a few days every worker within the United States of America will feel the increased weight of contributing more of their finances to ease the fiscal burden resulting from our elected federal government’s overspending and creation of national debt. When the evening of December 31, 2012 passes into the history books, so also will the significant tax cuts of the Bush years expire, cuts that have held back rate increases established during the Clinton era. Plus, as the New Year of 2013 dawns, within the next minute, so also begins the new taxes resulting from the passage of “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” popularly known as Obamacare.

In short, this is considered by many experts as the perfect storm of four tax increases and two spending cuts—an economic typhoon that has been famously titled the “Fiscal Cliff.” As of this writing, you cannot pickup a newspaper, turn on a radio, or watch a TV that does not warn of the upcoming economic conundrum should elected officials fail to address the problem and the United States go over the cliff. What will actually happen can only be speculated upon. Some have downgraded the whole condition by attempting to rename the debacle as the “Fiscal Slope” implying there is no great crisis, only minimal and absorbable impact. However, as every American looses at least 2% of their paychecks to Uncle Sam, that slope may quickly become a cliff to those living without a safety net payday-to-payday.

While we may yet see a remedy and resolve the Fiscal Cliff between the next few days and months, there is yet another cliff that ought to be just as important, if not more so—the Spiritual Cliff. This is the precipice that lies behind the Fiscal Cliff. Its the sheer drop that divides men from men never allowing resolution or reconciliation. Pride and arrogance dwell in these crags, clinging to opinion and intolerance. In fact, I would dare say that we’ve all gone over the Spiritual Cliff and are presently falling into the abyss of despair. All the while blindly deciding that the freefall is only a gradual spiritual slope that will end in a soft landing.

To those brave enough to acknowledge the Spiritual Cliff there is good news! The nation Israel, when held under Egyptian physical bondage and financial burden found a remedy. In Deuteronomy 5:15 we read these words:

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

As they were oppressed, not only falling down a Fiscal Cliff but a spiritual one, they found a hand reaching for them—the Lord God Almighty’s. The Deliverer is only a cry of our hearts away from helping. And when He hears us cry to Him; boy does He come running to save. Read what David learned in Psalm 61, verses 1-2:

“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,”

The answer for fearing the Fiscal Cliff is to remedy the freefall of the Spiritual Cliff! God is an ever-present help desiring to save us from destruction, wherever the cliff may be.

J. Robert Hanson

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Here’s a link for my little Historical Fiction Book:
“In Search of the Garden”

 

Available at Amazon.com and other places.

Click the graphic to check it out!

 

 

 

 

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Heading for High Ground

“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

To me, these two verses are the heart and soul of Psalm 61. Spurgeon wrote of this Psalm: “Experience is the nurse of faith.” In short, he means we gather from past arguments present confidence. We learn from our troubles, we discover God’s grace for our problems and we find growth out of our lessons.

The Psalm begins in the present tense: “Hear my cry…listen to my prayer.” And from this we get the impression of current dilemma. However, verse 1’s cry in the Hebrew is actually a cry of joy, not anguish. It’s the release after the ordeal, not while in it. The Psalmist had the trying experience, came through it, and is now showing evidence of joy after a lesson gathering process. How do I view my difficulties? Do I get bitter over painful experiences, or do I show a change of heart and education. Here are some things I picked up as tutelage for help.

First of all, I noticed that it was “from the end of the earth” he called to God. It wasn’t a moment of feeling close to Heaven; it was a time of enormous distance. And yet, the writer is expressing confidence he is never too far from where God cannot hear his plea. In the Hebrew, the word for cry in verse 2 is different than the cry of verse 1. This cry is a proclamation that comes from a problem. It’s the loud scream for help. It’s like the Psalmist realizes how far from God he is—at the end of the earth—knows he’s in trouble and screams as loud as he can for rescue. My grandson has been known to do this on occasion, when he feels in trouble and all alone. And, the minute that loud cry comes from another room, people come running to save!

Second, the Psalmist shows us the state of his heart. We’re told the cry came when the “heart is faint.” The KJV uses overwhelmed to translate the emotion, but that really doesn’t do the word faint justice in the Hebrew language. The idea of this word is utter weakness. The Message Bible describes the emotion as, “down to my last gasp.” The idea is that of a beating heart about to stop pumping blood. It’s ready to fail and give out.

How many folks, in the midst of trouble, toss in the towel and give up? Not only are they at the end of the earth—they’ve suffered an acute heart attack. This cry for help is the last gasp of effort. Don’t give up but use that last gasp as a plea to God to help save—He will hear you!

Lastly, note the direction of the cry for help—“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” The cry is not I’ll come to the rock that’s higher than I, it’s “lead me to the rock.” It’s when the individual has no strength or ability to figure out the next move. It’s the cry for a spiritual GPS: turn right and continue 500 feet to the Rock. You’ve now reached your destination! It saying, when I’m out of options and plans, when I’m confused and can’t find the path for help; come rescue me Lord and lead me to the rock. It’s there I find a defibrillator of truth, the Rock that’s higher that I—the High Ground!

J. Robert Hanson

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My Spiritual Fashion Statement—lengthy edition

Ephesians 6

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Paul writes of this conflict that’s taking place right now as we speak. The emphasis of this little section gives instruction on how to deal with the conflict. And so the first words he begins with is a truth that He wants us to grasp—“be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” In even a simpler way to say it, the Message Bible reads:

“God is strong and wants you to be strong.”

The whole little section is written as a motivation for strength. We’re destined to be weak and waffling in faith. There is to be a strength and stability to Christianity that walks and stands in the purity of life that Christ has given us—apart from feelings of failures. What is your motivation to be strong in Christ?

I watched a small part of the USC/Hawaii football game. Before the game began, they had a woman on the field interviewing the coach. She ask him how he planned to keep his team focused after playing games that had not counted for two years. In short, his answer was that they’re focus because they know what they do will count this year.

When we realize that what we’re doing counts, then the conflict takes on real meaning for being motivated. We begin to realize that all the different difficulties we face, because of the choices we make to be a Christian, have a far-reaching meaning and focus to it. And the greatest thing to be aware of in this motivation is that God has given us ability to triumph from this section.

1. The Present Darkness

The first thing Paul wants us to come to grips with is that our difficulties are a result of “the present darkness” that we live in. There are powers of present darkness waging war against humanity. Verse 12 points this out with extreme accuracy:

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We think that our problems are the taxman, government, employers, teachers, co-workers, children, parents, husband or wife; but it’s not. To be clear, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood. Behind the scene are cosmic powers of darkness that go unseen behind the curtain, motivating trials and problems to come after you. Your boss is not the devil, your kids are not minions of darkness, your wife or husband is not Satan incarnate. The issues we face are things that have longer reaching affect than fights or disagreements that come and go. Listen to how the Message reads in verse 12:

“This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.”

The whole thing about issues with flesh and blood is to get you to respond in anything but a Christ honoring way. The reasoning behind the issues is to get you mad enough to blowup, to strike at someone, to lose your self-control and react. Because the devil, if he can get you mad enough at some other human, he’s set you on a path to take away your perspective and get you involved in the present darkness.

2. The Whole Armor of God

Second is Paul’s call to arms; the call to put on the whole armor of God. Verse 11 reads, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” This is really the only way to help keep your cool in times of aggravation, perspective in moments of confusion, belief in hours of doubt. Again, the Message Bible paraphrases the verse:

“So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.”

He’s provided, well-made weapons of the best material. God has the armor all figured out. Let’s look at it real quickly.

a. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,

We have the truth—it’s set us free! Feelings are not the belt of truth—they’re not even suspenders. It’s the truth that needs to be hitched on everyday. Fasten on the belt of truth. Remember every morning the promises God gives you.

b. 14 Stand therefore…having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

That’s a righteousness that guards the heart—one of the most vital organs you have. Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. Righteousness will keep the heart from chasing after things of flesh and blood seeking to distract.

c. 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Everyday we put on our shoes to protect our feet from harm. The foot is a very weak and vulnerable spot. There are all kinds of nerves that end in the feet. You step on a nail and it hurts because of the sensitive nerve ending. The gospel of peace on your feet keeps us from being overly sensitive about things.

d. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

Projectiles will come your way. Satan will seek to insult your intelligence and do anything he can to keep you from following Jesus. The shield of faith comes in handy to quench those flaming darts of accusations at you. It’s what you believe about things that make a difference—not what you feel!

e. 17 and take the helmet of salvation,

The helmet protects the way we think about things. View everything within the context of your salvation! The devil will use flesh and blood to mess with your thinking. He wants you to drink his Kool-aid so to speak. You put on that helmet of salvation and it will keep your thinking right!

f. 17 and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit,

This is the only offensive items of the armor—the sword of the Spirit. This is the Word of God and prayer. If you need to take up arms, this is the way to do it. Again, let me read in from the Message:

17 …God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long.

Without the bible and prayer you will never be able to fight back and advance. There will only be the ground you have, you can’t move forward without offensive weapons. Growth comes by these two things that are the sword of the Spirit—the word of God and prayer.

3. Put it on!

The final thing to think about is put it on! To be strong, put it on! Not just some of the items,

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

That word whole in the Greek is the word full—the whole enchilada. The words “put on” means to “sink into it.” The idea is to make it your fashion! Make the whole armor of God your fashionable choice to wear everyday!

J. Robert Hanson

What’s Behind the Curtain?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12

Paul writes of a conflict happening right now. The emphasis of these few verses lets us know we’re in the middle of it! He opens with a significant truth to grasp—“be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” In even a simpler way to say it, the Message Bible reads:

“God is strong and wants you to be strong.”

The section is written as a motivational tool for strength. Understanding the ability of human fortitude, Paul knows we are naturally weak, however, there’s to be a strength and stability to Christianity that walks and stands in a purity of life. Jesus sums up our predicament by noting, “the spirit is strong, but the flesh is weak.” What then can be our motivation to be strong in Christ?

I watched a small part of the USC/Hawaii football game. Before the game began, a woman was on the field interviewing the coach. She ask him how he planned to keep his team focused after two years of playing games that hadn’t counted. In short, his answer was they’re focused because they know the future games count. When we realize that what we’re doing is “for keeps,” then the conflict takes on real meaning motivating focus on the battle. And what’s the greatest thing to be aware of in this conflict? God has given us ability to triumph! Paul wants us to see what’s behind our problems—he wants to raise the proverbial curtain to see what’s going on behind the scenes. Verse 12:

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We think that our tribulations are the taxman, government, employers, teachers, co-workers, children, parents, husband or wife; but it’s not. To be clear, we don’t wrestle with flesh and blood! Behind the scenes are cosmic powers of darkness hidden but very observable spiritually with eyes of faith. They’re behind the curtain of trials and difficulties coming after us. Your boss is not the devil. Your bothers and sisters are not demons.Your kids are not minions of darkness; your wife or husband is not Satan incarnate. The issues we face are things having greater reaching consequences than fights or disagreements with flesh and blood. Look at how the Message Bible reads in verse 12:

“This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.”

Issues with flesh and blood are to get you to respond to things in ways not honoring to Jesus. The focus is to get you mad enough to blowup, to strike at someone, to lose your respectability and react. Because the devil—if he can get you mad enough at some other human—can set you on a path to take away your motivation for serving Christ. Take a good look at what’s going on behind the curtain and know the conflict you’re in is not a wrestling match again flesh and blood but the cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places!

J. Robert Hanson