Our Story

Can I get an Ed?

The phrase “Can I get a Witness” has been a round a good number of years before I was born, much to my surprise.  Interestingly enough the phrase got coined due in part to a song by Marvin Gaye (1963).  Evidently, the song was his attempt to move into the church, despite the overall message was about “love gone bad.”  Although, when you stop and think about it, that theme actually fits the church scene well.  God’s love is demonstrated ultimately through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, due in part because our love for Him in the words of Marvin Gaye had “gone bad”.  It went bad in the beginning but that’s another story. 

I don’t remember when I heard it or what the circumstances were, but I vaguely recall the first time I heard “can I get a witness”. I thought, this person wants me to share Jesus with them.  Man, the Holy Spirit made this one evident.  Thanks Holy Spirit.  Yes, I was that naïve and innocent at one time.  As funny as this story is, it shouldn’t surprise any that the tribes of Gad and Reuben had a different idea when they basically said, “can we get a witness!”

In Joshua 22, we find the people of the LORD finally settling into the Promised Land.  Joshua has just encouraged the tribes by telling them they have done all that the LORD commanded you through his servant Moses and now its time to be at home.  After strongly reminding everyone to be careful to continue to obey all the commands of the LORD, he blesses them and sends them all on their merry way.  On the way home, the tribes of Gad and Reuben decided to erect an altar, a HUGE altar no less.  Well, you know how quickly word gets around in “small” communities, well may it be suffice to say the other tribes heard about this HUGE altar and an uproar erupts. 

The other tribes get the impression that the altar has been built in opposition to the LORD.  Yes friends, the Israelites played the kids game “telephone” too.  You know the game where you start with a simple sentence and pass it down the line through whispering to see if at the end the right story comes out.  Well, thanks to man’s sinful nature the game rarely ends with the same story as it began with.  Who knows what really happened in this story other than the word go the other tribes and they were not happy about the recent activity of Gad and Reuben.  So the other tribe leaders get together with Phinehas and go let Gad and Reuben have it (well at least they practiced good church discipline in the beginning).  But as it turns out Gad and Reuben had erected the rather large altar as a reminder that future generations have a right to worship the LORD.  They did because the Jordan River separated Gad and Reuben from the rest of Israel, in particularly the Tabernacle. The people of Gad and Reuben wanted a constant reminder that they too had a right to worship the LORD despite being somewhat disconnected.  They felt the need for an Ed.  An Ed, what?!  I know that’s the Hebrew word, or if you are reading this story in the KJV you get “Ed”. 

Joshua 22:34 reveals to us what they want to give witness to: Ed serves as a witness between us that the LORD is indeed God.  That’s right they wanted a visual reminder that the LORD is GOD.  Shoo, I know I need more Eds!  So, LORD I pray, can I get an Ed!  I acknowledge you have given me opportunity for so many and I want to publicly thank you for my Eds.  Empower me to faithfully erect Eds as needed and prompted, because YOU truly are GOD and you never cease to be anything less.  Thank you for making that even more real through YOUR Son, Jesus Christ.  All praise, glory and honor be to YOU in His Great and Powerful Name.  Amen.” 

Now, I say again, Can I get an Ed!

BIG Vision

One of the developing arms of E.A. Sports carries the name BIG.  The whole purpose of BIG revolves around taking normal sports and making them well, you guessed it BIG.  These games provide outside the box (not the game box) gameplay and experience.  The games you are most familiar with are the Street versions of Football and Basketball.  If you have played any of these games you know firsthand that these games provide a gaming experience that is BIGGER than life and often a bit unrealistic.  However, that's the point of the games.  Remember, they are supposed to be BIG.  They take a normal sport and take it to another level.  That's their vision... BIG.    Well, as you might of guessed, the Old Testament provides a similar group of leaders, you know them as Joshua and Caleb.

Joshua and Caleb are young men at the point of the story where we find they are selected along with 10 other guys to go spy out the Promised Land.  Now, the Promised Land is BIG, so the Hebrew spies discover.  I mean way BIG, outside the box BIG.  In fact, they picked a cluster of grapes and had to carry them back on the a pole.  That's BIG!  Unfortunately, the people who occupied the land were BIG as well.  So, BIG in fact, 10 of the Hebrew spies felt it would be impossible to conquer the Land, so much for BIG moving plans.  Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand,  saw something different.  But whereas the other 10 saw BIG disappointment and BIG dreams shattered, Joshua and Caleb saw an opportunity for a BIG God to demonstrate His BIG Glory.  Now, I remind you that Joshua and Caleb saw the same things the other 10 spies saw.  Joshua and Caleb had a BIG fear of the LORD, much BIGGER than that of the BIG people and BIG problem of conquering them.  They saw a BIG chance to rely on the LORD God who had delivered them out of Egypt and brought them safely thus far.  They believed in the LORD's BIG promise.  Well, I don't have to go all Paul Harvey here, you know the rest of the story.  Needless to say, the other 10 spies and the rest of the BIG doubters of Israel got exactly what they hoped for, a BIG disappointment.  Even though it took 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb got to experience firsthand just how BIG the LORD truly is.

This got me thinking this morning (yes you will find that I spend a great deal of my life thinking): how BIG is my vision of the LORD?  Right now, I am praying that the LORD will empower me to keep a strong vision of a BIG God, because I certainly have giants in my life right now, don't we all.  But, if I say I trust in a BIG God, it doesn't downplay the BIG problems, just magnifies the BIG glory of the LORD.  So, let's get BIG!  May the grace of the LORD be with you in a BIG way today.        

Ever wonder what God smells like?  I sure have.  I mean I just imagine the day, I we finally embrace in eternal glory, my head in his chest and that first deep breath... ahhh.  Talk about fresh.  So, this got me pondering.  Does the LORD where cologne?  If so, what are his scents?

Well, I have thought this through and would like to offer you a few of my thoughts about the LORD's cologne collection. 

1. Pure Lamb (by "Guilty" Pleasures)
2. Black Smoke (by Wrath Colognes)
3. Crisp Cake (with a hint of oil) (by Gift Offerings)
4. Roasting Ram (by "Guilty" Pleasures)
5. Cloud by Day (by Wilderness Wanderings)
6. Fire by Night (by Wilderness Wanderings)
7. Innocent Incense (by Eternal Fragrances)

That is one fine collection if you ask me.  Sweet and strong.  Take a deep breath, perhaps you will get a wiff of LORD yourself today.  You never know where His scent might strike your senses.  I know one place you can certainly start your search, His Word. 

I do look forward to get a refreshing dose of the LORD and His Word.  Grace to you as you give your nose a spiritual sniff!  Blessings to you all.

This morning during my time of study, I made a most interesting and delightful discovery.  I realize each of you will read what I am about to reveal and doubt my truthfulness.  However, before you judge please be aware this was gleaned from our Holy Scriptures.  Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have found the answer to the age old question for knowing the will of the LORD.  Are you prepared for the earth shattering truth that will ultimately change the way you live, especially in the area of decision making?  Drum roll please (allow time for a drum roll)...  The key to knowing the LORD's will is (pause for dramatic effect)... Wow, I kind of feel like Ryan Seacrest or Kat Deeley as they announce the winners of the respective shows they host... I know I know get on with it already... okay, it's gambling.  There I said it.  Yes, I know it is hard to believe, but the truth can be found in Numbers 27:21: And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole congregation."
 Yeah so, turns out the judgment of Urim, just happens to be a sacred lot that is cast before LORD to determine His will.  So, what does this mean?  Great question, I am glad you asked.  Basically, this reveals that you can now ease those inquiring minds that are looking to justify their gambling habit by telling them that it is more than okay to roll the dice, if you will, assuming they have a sacred Urim lying around.  Something tells me those are not massed produced and shipped to casinos around the world. 

I know one thing for sure I am jumping on ebay as soon as I press send here to find my very own Urim.  It's comforting to know that I will know the LORD's will from now on.  It's unfortunate for you all that by the time you get this I will already have purchased the lone Urim.  Oh well you can always call me.  Have a fantastic day!  May the grace of the LORD be with you. 

The Addendum:
Well, the inspiration continued and I had to share.  So, if you are going to join this movement you must realize that you cannot call this process "gambling." I confess I did and that was a terrible mistake.  I have already done my time of penance this morning, 20 lashes with a wet noodle I felt was most sufficient.  I would have sacrificed a ram, but PETA began their protest right as I was preparing to light the fire on my altar.  I digress.

You must use correct language to refer to this procedure of determining the LORD's will.  It must be called by it's biblical name, casting lots.  I am getting a t-shirt with this plastered on the back: I'm a lot caster, I'm a lot caster (like the old song I'm a wheel watcher).  And the front will have ancient dice on it.  I send this email out only because I care about each of you and do not wish for you to have share in my mistake.  Now, you have knowledge... go forth and be great lot casters.  Do as Speedo says: "Roll them bones with confidenc!" Blessings to each of you. 

As I was studying this morning, I had a most peculiar thought:

Where was P.E.T.A. (the animal rights group) in the Bible?  

So, this got me thinking more...
Imagine if Abraham was a member of PETA, how hard it would have been for him to decide between Isaac or the provided ram?
What if Balaam was a member, what would he have done with his talking donkey?  Would the donkey's ability to talk changed his mind or convinced him further of his animal rights conviction?
Would PETA members have been willing to tramp off into the wilderness with the Israelites to protest the animal sacrifices at the Tabernacle?  I can see them clearly at Solomon's Temple reeking havoc, but what would they have done about the wilderness years?  They would have been busy people during those days. 
And what would they have done on the day of the Fall, when the LORD slaugthered the animal to make coverings for Adam and Eve?  Can't you see them pull up to the LORD with their little signs: Animals have rights too!  Can't you see the LORD laugh and say yes, and I have the right to utterly destroy you but... you entertain me.  Proceed. 

Ah, I know there is little spiritual value here.  It was just a peculiar thought I felt might brighten your day.  I am weird, I know.  May the grace of the LORD be with you. 

Check out another version of the Names of Jesus. I may like this one more because
it is a bit more refined and the pieces fit together very well I feel.  Enjoy.

Yesterday, Sara and I celebrated our 4th year of wedding bliss.  Now, I will underwhelm you when I tell you how we celebrated but, it was good to be together enjoying one another.  First, Sara got up before I left for work and prepared heart shaped pancakes and ate breakfast with me.  Something about starting your day with your wife in such a special way makes the day fly by.  Even though, we both realized we can only do that much sugar in the morning every once in a while.  Talk about sugar jitters! 

Upon returning from work, we headed out to Bottega Cafe for our celebration supper.  It was a quaint, but excellent little establishment.  The servers were all in white button downs and black pants with crisp white aprons.  Friendly and prompt to boot.  Sara enjoyed the night's special, grilled shrimp over what tasted much like grits (but they were given a more elegant name of course) with asparagus and lemon.  While I dined on what the restaurant dubs the Piadine. The basic gist is it is a pizza with salad on top, then it folded over and cut in half.  Mine contained crawfish, sausage, cheese, greens, and a warm Louisiana butter sauce.  There was a surprise in every bit. We topped our dinner off with a light, smooth piece of Tarima Su.  Talk about some kind of good.  A perfect ending to our wonderful meal. 

During dinner we talked, laughed, and dreamed of life in our new home in Cincy.  We also made the realization that what we own now will not go very far in our new house furniture wise.  But hey we will grow into it right?  It was a wonderful night that just wouldn't be complete without watching Grey's Anatomy and The Office while sipping on our favorite drink of choice, Sparkling White Grape juice.  What a night! 

The part that gets me about this all is how we love each other more than we ever thought possible.  Four years have flown by and yet stood still all at the same time.  You hear people say such ridiculous things but you can't believe them until you experience them your self.  We are there.  The things they say are true.  We look forward to 400 more years together.  Thank you Lord, for two perfect examples in our parents and thank you for bringing Sara and I together.  You have given much empower us to serve you obediently.  Amen.