The Teacher

I don’t know who wrote this, but it’s definitely worth repeating (sure makes you want to home school, doesn’t it?!):

After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said:

“Let me see if I’ve got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I’m supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for the cultural diversity of others, and, oh yeah, always make sure that I give the girls in my class 50 percent of my attention.

My contract requires me to work on my own time after school and evenings grading papers. Also, I must spend my summer vacation at my own expense, working toward advance certification and a Master’s degree. And on my own time you want me to attend committee and faculty meetings, PTA meetings, and participate in staff development training. I am to be a paragon of virtue, larger than life, such that my very presence will awe my students into being obedient and respectful of authority. And I am to pledge allegiance to family values and this current administration.

You want me to incorporate technology into the learning experience, monitor web sites, and relate personally with each student. That includes deciding who might be potentially dangerous and/or liable to commit a crime in school. I am to make sure all students pass the state mandatory exams, even those who don’t come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments. Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!

You want me to do all of this and you expect me NOT TO PRAY?”

Psalm 119: Qoph—Are you persistent?

Nineteenth Strophe—Psalm 119:145-152

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O Lord, and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your laws. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151 Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

This guy sounds like he was in trouble. But he also sounds persistent.

“I call with all my heart,” he wrote (v.145). I call out to You (v.146)…I cry for help (v.147) …hear my voice (149)!” He was so intent on pleading for God’s help that he got out of bed early (v.147) and stayed up late (v.148) just so he could cry for help. He obviously felt threatened. His life was in danger because of “wicked schemes” (v.150). Even though he didn’t get an immediate answer, he persistently went to God for help.

On what basis? He cried out for God’s help on the basis of God’s love and God’s Word (v.149). In other words, the Psalmist prayed so much because he was confident that his prayers would be heard because he knew God loved him because he read it in God’s Word. He is reassured in this even when the wicked are “near” (v.150) because God promised and “established” or proved it “long ago” (v.152) before the trouble arrived. And, not only were his enemies near, but—even more importantly—God is “near” (v.151) also!

The whole strophe challenges us to be persistent, but four words stand out as particularly helpful: “Long ago I learned…” (v.152). Why is this guy persistent? Because “long ago (he) learned” that God loved him. God’s Word said it. God’s Word doesn’t change, so God’s love won’t change either. God had proven this to him a long time ago and repeatedly ever since.

In other words, the psalmist learned persistence.

You and I don’t just have persistence. We learn it over time. Each time we trust God’s Word and pray for God’s intervention, we gain a little more confidence. A little more trust. And we learn persistence. If we trust someone or something that is not reliable, we will not persist in that trust. But by putting our trust in God and His Word repeatedly, we learn that God and His Word are trustworthy—and therefore, we persist. Our persistence is based on confident faith.

There are days when God seems far away. When our problems squeeze us into a corner. We don’t know what to do or say. The example of the psalmist is clear: Open up your Bible and pray! Don’t run away from God. Run to God! Cry out to Him! Be persistent in prayer. Keep at it. Don’t give up. God loves you and says so in His Word. He won’t let you down.

Letter to Congressman Moore

Is hate-crimes legislation a good idea? Here is some correspondence I’ve had with Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS). It started when I emailed him a couple months ago and asked him not to support a hate-crimes bill (H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009). I’ll first give you his response to that request. My reply (second email) to Congressman Moore is below that.

Friday, June 19, 2009; Congressman Dennis Moore wrote:

Dear Shaun:

Thank you for sharing with me your opposition to H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

As you know, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) reintroduced H.R. 1913 in the 111th Congress on April 2, 2009. This legislation adds several other classifications as hate crimes, specifically: gender, sexual orientation and disability. This bill would also allow the federal government to assist the local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of all crimes motivated by hate, as well as provides money to states to develop hate crime prevention programs. On April 29, 2009, this legislation was approved by the House, with my support. Shortly thereafter, H.R. 1913 was referred to the U.S. Senate, where it is currently pending before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

It is important note that, contrary to some misconceptions, H.R. 1913 does NOT limit freedom of speech. This legislation has been crafted in a fashion that protects First Amendment rights. Section 7(d) establishes a “Rule of Evidence” that an expression or association of the defendant may not be introduced as substantive evidence at trial, unless the evidence specifically relates to that offense. The bill is designed only to punish violent acts, not beliefs or thoughts – even violent thoughts. The legislation does not punish, nor prohibit in any way, name-calling, verbal abuse or expressions of hatred toward any group, even if such statements amount to hate speech. It covers only violent actions that result in death or bodily injury.

Additionally, the bill will NOT limit religious expression. Some churches have stated that with passage of this bill, ministers may be arrested for speech and words said in the pulpits. This is false. This bill is about violent crime. It is not about and does not prohibit thought, speech or expression protected by the First Amendment.

As a former Johnson County District Attorney for twelve years, I have seen senseless acts of violence committed against individuals for no reasons other than their religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. While incidents of bias crime often appear to be isolated, our failure to address the irrational antagonism manifested in hate crimes may allow it to fester and grow, which could create widespread tension and hate that can destroy a community and make the targets of these crimes even more vulnerable. I believe that we must try to adequately protect all of the groups that are targets of crimes of hate.

While I know that you hold your views with sincerity on this matter, I hope you will respect my views as I do yours. I am confident there are many other matters of policy on which we may agree. Thank you again for contacting me. I hope you will continue to keep in touch and please feel free to let me know whenever I may be of assistance.

Very truly yours,

DENNIS MOORE

Member of Congress

Friday, June 19, 2009; Shaun LePage wrote:

Congressman Moore,

Thank you for replying to my email and for the explanation of why you supported the hate crimes legislation. I respectfully ask that you reconsider your position on this issue.

I’m obviously disappointed that you supported this legislation and I’m hoping it does not pass in the Senate. The fact is that this legislation sets up a SPECIAL CATEGORY OF PROTECTION for “sexual orientation” which is behavioral in nature—not innate such as race, gender or even most kinds of disability. No scientific study anywhere has ever proven that homosexuality is innate.

Laws are already in place to protect people from violence. This bill is NOT ABOUT VIOLENT CRIME. It is about setting up a special category of protection for people who behave a certain way sexually.

You are taking us down a very dangerous path by making a judgment about whether a crime was motivated by “hate” or some other motive. We should NOT HATE HOMOSEXUALS, but by adding “hate” to this legislation you absolutely are OPENING THE DOOR TO CRIMINALIZING SPEECH. You are making a value judgment about what is in a person’s heart.

What you’re doing is giving special protection to (i.e. endorsing) those who practice homosexual behavior, so anyone who speaks out against it is therefore labeled as the equivalent of a racist—a “homophobe” or bigot.

Once you’ve established a special category of protection, it is not a big stretch to accuse someone who speaks out against homosexuality as inciting violence or some such accusation. If your legislation passes, those who speak out against homosexuality are speaking out against the official position of the state.

Please answer these questions for me:

* How will you determine if someone committed violence because of hate as opposed to another motive? If someone commits a violent crime for greed, is that going to receive a lesser penalty? Isn’t it beyond the role of a law enforcement officer (or district attorney) to determine what is in the heart of a person (i.e., hate)? Why not just punish the crime—regardless of motive?

* Are our current laws against violence somehow inadequate to protect all citizens from violent crime? Is any violent crime rational—as opposed to the “irrational antagonism” of which you write?

Thank you for your time and consideration of these important issues.

Shaun LePage

Lawrence, Kansas

Uh, not here, Sir.

Psalm 119: Tsadhe—Are you zealous?

Eighteenth Strophe—Psalm 119:137-144

137 Righteous are you, O Lord , and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. 144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.

Zealousness is usually considered a bad thing. In our culture we have so many examples of those who are over-zealous, or their zealousness is devoted to the wrong cause. It is radical over-zealousness to blow up abortion clinics—though the cause of ending the slaughter of innocent babies is right and just. The right and Biblical zeal is guided by the righteousness of God.

The writer of Psalm 119 is “zealous” for “righteousness”. Five times, he uses this same root word (tsadik) for “righteousness”. Verse 142 literally reads, “Your righteousness is righteous forever!”

When we are zealous, but “forget” (v.141) God’s Word—which the Psalmist vows not to do—we stray from the true cause and lose sight of God’s righteousness. But, when we are zealous and “delight” (v.143) in God’s commands—as the Psalmist does—our zeal is good and beautiful and healthy and productive.

Being zealous for God’s righteousness can also create “enemies” (v.139). It can bring “trouble and distress” (v.143). Most people couldn’t care less about God’s righteousness and when we try to do things God’s way we can tick people off. They’ll call us zealots or radical or extremist. Usually because a zealous stand for righteousness challenges their unrighteous choices—choices that violate God’s standard of righteousness.

Too often, God’s people—real believers—will refuse to be zealous for God’s righteousness. They’re okay with God’s righteousness as long as its theory taught from a distance. But when they are admonished to conform their lives to that right standard, they get offended. They look for a church where they can be anonymous—where they won’t be challenged to change and grow in righteousness.

We need to take our cue from the Psalmist: We need to “love” God’s “promises” (v.140). We need to “not forget (God’s) precepts” (v.141). We need to “delight” in them (v.143). We need to pray that God will help us understand His righteousness and “live” it out (v.144).

Redneck Fire Alarm

Sorry—couldn’t resist passing this one along…(smile a little!)

For those of you that want to continue to be fire safety conscious…even in these economically challenged times here is the solution.

The REDNECK FIRE ALARM

Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are!!!!!

For those of you that want to continue to be fire safety conscious…even in these economically challenged times here is the solution.

The REDNECK FIRE ALARM

Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are!!!!!

For those of you that want to continue to be fire safety conscious…even in these economically challenged times here is the solution.

The REDNECK FIRE ALARM

Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are!!!!!

Psalm 119—Pe: Are you satisfied?

Seventeenth Strophe—Psalm 119:129-136

¹²⁹ Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. ¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. ¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. ¹³² Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. ¹³³ Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. ¹³⁴ Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. ¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. ¹³⁶ Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

Are you satisfied? Do you find great satisfaction in your relationship with God? Are you satisfied with God’s direction through His “statutes, words, commands, precepts, decrees and laws”?

The word “satisfied” could communicate the wrong idea. I don’t intend to say that we will ever be completely satisfied in this life—even through God’s “wonderful statutes”—any more than one long, cold drink of pure water on a hot day will satisfy our thirst for the rest of our lives.

But, the opening statement of this strophe communicates satisfaction: “Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them” (v.129). The “unfolding” of God’s words brings light and understanding and he is satisfied that they are true. “I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands” (v.131) uses the imagery of thirsting for water to communicate the idea that the more we taste God’s truth and experience the wisdom of His ways through obedience, the more we want to know and do His commands.

So, he asks God to “direct (his) footsteps” (v.133) according to the Word. To redeem him from oppression so he can diligently pursue God in peace (v.134). And he asks God to teach him more (v.135). Why? Because he knows that in God—and God alone—he will find the satisfaction his soul craves. The satisfaction every human soul craves.

The final verse (v.136) is an interesting side-effect. This satisfaction he is experiencing gives him a deep devotion to God and compassion for others. “Streams of tears flow from (his) eyes” because he sees others not obeying God’s law—not enjoying the satisfaction he himself knows. So, he is satisfied in a personal sense—in God’s direction through God’s laws. But he cannot be satisfied in isolating himself and letting the world go to hell. Knowing and experiencing the satisfaction God provides—through His Word—will lead to a compassionate and evangelistic heart.

Let me ask again: Are you satisfied? Try praying that prayer: “Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.” Try taking a long, daily drink from God’s Word.

Psalm 119—Ayin: Do you turn to God with problems?

Sixteenth Strophe—Psalm 119:121-128

¹²¹ I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. ¹²² Ensure your servant’s well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. ¹²³ My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. ¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. ¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. ¹²⁶ It is time for you to act, O Lord; your law is being broken. ¹²⁷ Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, ¹²⁸ and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

How bold! Can he really do that? Can you say to God, “It is time for You to act, O Lord!” (v.126). How gutsy is that?! It takes a lot of confidence to pray like that, doesn’t it?

But, these verses do not communicate self-confidence. They communicate God-confidence. Confidence in God’s sovereign ability to protect. When the Psalmist is faced with “oppressors” (v.121) and “the arrogant” (v.122) and law-breakers (v.126), he doesn’t take matters into his own hands or curl up in the fetal position and worry. He confidently turns to God and states: “It is time for you to act, O Lord!” God is the only one who can “ensure…well-being” (v.122) and provide “salvation” (v.123). So, it only makes sense to turn to God! The psalmist isn’t demanding anything. He’s acknowledging that God and God alone can help! Only God is powerful enough to rescue him! Expressing that kind of confidence in God is nothing less than praise.

Notice also that he asks God to “act” because God’s “law is being broken” (v.126). The basis is not the psalmist himself. The psalmist’s happiness and safety is not the primary focus. It is God’s law. It is a love for God’s righteousness. God’s law is being ignored and disobeyed. But he’s not just talk either. It is only after he has “done what is righteous and just” (v.121) and because he “loves God’s commands” (v.127) and “hates every wrong path” (v.128) that he prays with such confidence.

One more observation. The psalmist presented himself as God’s “servant” three times (v.122,124,125). He knows who he is in relation to God. He is not God. God does not serve him. God is not a genie that pops out of a lamp whenever the psalmist needs help. God is Master. We are His servants. The idea seems to be, “Take care of me so I can continue to serve You.” God doesn’t answer everyone’s prayers. Those who have no interest in serving Him have no promise of salvation (i.e., rescue). Atheists may cry out for help in fox holes, but they can have no confidence that God will hear.

So, how about you? Do you turn to God with your problems? Or do you just worry? Do you love God’s commands or do you love wrong paths? Do you pray as one of God’s servants or do you just pray self-serving prayers? Put your confidence in God, His laws and His lordship over your life.

Psalm 119—Samekh: Are you double-minded?

Fifteenth Strophe—Psalm 119:113-120

¹¹³ I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. ¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. ¹¹⁵ Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! ¹¹⁶ Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. ¹¹⁷ Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. ¹¹⁸ You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. ¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. ¹²⁰ My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Sin has consequences.

You may not get struck by lightning. You may not have trouble immediately. But sin always has consequences. It steals joy. It creates guilt. It messes up relationships. It can get you in trouble with the law. It can result in disease…black eyes…and divorce.

The writer of Psalm 119 understand this. This is why he hated “double-mindedness (v.113).” He knew that because of sin, “hopes are dashed” (v.116), and what seems like real living is actually “in vain” (v.119).

But here’s the worst part: God’s rejection. The reason a life of sin leads to hopelessness and vanity is because God will “discard like dross” those whose lives are characterized by wickedness (v.119). Those who choose “deceitfulness” are “rejected” (v.118) by God.

God gave us His “law…word…commands…promise…decrees…and statutes” so that we could have “hope” (v.114,116). So we can “live” (v.116)—really live! Real living is understanding the One who created us. It is understanding what He says gives hope in a hopeless world and life in a dying world.

The comedian Sinbad once said he chose that stage name because, “Sin is bad!” When will man ever learn? When will we ever learn?  Sin is bad. It makes life harder than it should be. It causes trouble. It always has consequences.

“Double-minded men” (people) are those who somehow think they can have both God and their sin. They think they can pick and choose which sin they will call “bad”. They think they can be spiritual when they’re around one kind of friend and be bad around another kind of friend.

We should “hate” that kind of mentality! Like the Psalmist, we should fear the idea of straying from the truth. We should fear the consequences of sin. More importantly, we should fear God (v.120)—He gave us His laws to protect us from our own foolishness. We should fearfully “stand in awe” of God and His laws because when we obey Him, He is our “refuge and shield” (v.114).

Sin has consequences. Obedience does too—good ones: Hope! Life! Close relationship to God! Obey God’s Word so you can really live.

Psalm 119—Nun: Can you spot danger?

Fourteenth Strophe-Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ¹⁰⁶ I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. ¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. ¹⁰⁸ Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. ¹⁰⁹ Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. ¹¹⁰ The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. ¹¹¹ Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. ¹¹² My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

When was the last time you went for a walk at night? Was the sidewalk lit? Did you have a flashlight? We tend to take light for granted. Our cars have headlights and our streets are well-lit. We rarely have to make our way through the dark without some type of light. But, if you can remember a time when you found yourself in complete darkness without a light, you can appreciate the metaphor the psalmist uses in this strophe: A “lamp”. A “light”.

Life is like a path in a dark world—very uncertain and a little frightening. Without light, we will trip and stumble and get off course. Without a guiding light, left to our own ideas and instincts, we are certain to become confused. We simply can’t avoid ending up in trouble. We often deceive ourselves. We often fall prey to deceivers.

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Most people don’t believe this. They believe everyone should just take his or her own “path” and we’ll all end up in a good place (whatever you want to call it). But the Bible is clear: There are two ways: Man’s way (the way that seems right, but ends in death) and God’s way (the way that is right and leads to life). Even true believers can and often do take man’s way—trying to live life independent from God. It won’t lead to hell, but that way will lead to confusion, problems, suffering, heart-break, ineffectiveness and all kinds of stumbling.

The Psalmist said, “I constantly take my life in my hands” (109). It’s not clear what he meant by this, but there are at least two possibilities: 1) He takes his life in his hands by obeying God’s Word. The enemies of God (and they’re very real) are gunning for God’s people. There is very real danger out there for those who try to live according to God’s standards. He also said, “The wicked have set a snare for me” (110), so he knows that there is danger out there from enemies. 2) The psalmist may have meant that left to his own way of thinking and living, he will endanger himself. In Job 13:14, taking your life in your hands is seen as foolish.

The bottom line is this: there is very real danger out there. If we put down the “lamp” and go it alone—danger! If we take up the “lamp” and try to walk on God’s path—danger!

How can we be safe? How can we avoid the “snares” and traps in a dark world? God’s Word! It’s the guide we all need. “Your Word is a lamp…a light…” (105). If you have a lamp or a light you’ll be able to see and you won’t stumble and fall on every rock and root—you won’t “stray” (110) due to confusion or deception.

None of us will understand every word on every page. None of us will understand everything God does. Everything He allows. But His Word will show us the way.