It's a violent world we live in. Eventually, and more often than we'd like to, we cross paths with violent people who desire for whatever reason to inflict injury on us. Usually it's just words. The kind that indict the speaker of insecurity more so than cause any real damage, because we know who we are and whose we are (and only His opinion really matters). When they do this, it's great, because they've identified themselves as a threat and we can distance ourselves from them - probably 99% of the time if we're smart, keep our cool and don't wait around for escalation. But sometimes they cross the line and either force physical altercation on us or on someone we love and we simply must respond.
At times like these, it is permissible to fight. It is okay to exert just enough force to subdue the attacker and stifle the threat. We're under no mandate to stand and take a beating. And certainly, if we're protecting someone else, the greater good (or lesser of two evils) is being sought. Hopefully, both parties can walk away having learned a lesson from the encounter.
Sometimes the situation is life-threatening (ex- home invasion). If they are armed with a deadly weapon, it is advisable to use deadly force rather than attempt to subdue them. Don't wait for them to initiate (they already have if they're in your home) or simply try to injure them because you're afraid of ending a life. Protect your family. This is why I would recommend keeping a gun (or guns) in the home. If you don't have a family, use your best judgement. You may risk your life for a potentially better outcome if you choose.
I've been studying martial arts lately. Not training - yet, just trying to understand the world of violence and how best to defend against it. The best martial art would be a mix of many, because they all have strengths and weaknesses. Probably the most peaceable and useful are wrestling/jiu jitsu because you attempt to take the attacker to the ground and neutralize them there with submission holds. Trying to stand toe-to-toe swinging punches and kicks, you're just as likely to get KO'd as the other person (not a smart way of fighting).
I'll try to train you both in these disciplines, because they are useful for body conditioning and confidence building in addition to the self/others protection already mentioned. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Beyond this let me comment on a couple things. Under NO circumstance is it okay to avenge yourselves or even others if the encounter has passed (Romans 12:19). The government exists for that, and you know God will ultimately bring justice. I see many young hot-heads who think they're good at fighting who then begin instigating fights to prove how tough/"manly" they are. If you seek fights, you will die an early death. Also, don't involve yourselves with fighting sports where it's essentially no different than human cock-fighting and women walk around half-nude to help promote it (ex- UFC). Those events cater to the lustful/bloodthirsty. That's not for us. God holds us all to HIS standard.
Respect life, love your enemies, and try to keep His interests for us in mind, and you can't go too far wrong.
I love you guys!
Dad
Friday, August 7, 2015
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Fun
I'm sitting in the study this morning, trying to type quietly as Rhett lays in his baby cot below snoring softly. Figuring out which topics to discuss on this is rather difficult. Too many things I could weigh in on. Going to have to leave the majority of them for you to learn through experience, I guess. Going to have to put my trust in God to lead you by his spirit along with the godly men and women he places in your lives.
One thing that does come to mind is the idea of balancing work/fun. In a world like this where it seems there is always someone in need, we may think we should be working all the time to alleviate those needs. Well, that is why the Lord designated 6 days for work out of 7. Most of the time we should be working. The idea of "retirement", where one does nothing but play golf and watch tv all day is ungodly.
We don't have to be pharisaichal about this. There are times when it is appropriate to work through the sabbath (when it is unavoidable due to the need at hand), and times when it is ok to relax for more than one day at a time. But these are exceptions to the general rule of life - work hard! ...but save some time for rest/rejuvenation/worship. It is also okay to work and rest/play in the same day. We must not forget the intent behind God's weekly plan:
"The sabbath was made for man" - Jesus, Mark 2:27
God ordained a time to put up the work and rest joyfully in his presence. Some may turn this into a labor in itself - you must do this and/or that to observe the sabbath correctly. Don't fall into that error, or its opposite - being lazy and selfish, ignoring the call to worship with God's people.
Play is an acceptable form of rest/rejuvenation. God delights in us delighting in his creation and our freedom. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". A loving father wants his kids to have fun amongst all the work to be done. Find whatever lifts your spirit and go enjoy it!
Be prudent about your choices - "all things are lawful for me", but not all things are helpful - 1 Cor 6:12, 10:23. For example, choosing to spend all your time playing video games by yourself - fun, sure, but you'll get fat, vitamin-D deficient, and friendless : P and many video games have you practicing ungodly behavior within them anyway. Make sure to balance fun with work responsibly and don't allow your spirit to lose its sense of wonder and passion!
I love you boys,
Dad
One thing that does come to mind is the idea of balancing work/fun. In a world like this where it seems there is always someone in need, we may think we should be working all the time to alleviate those needs. Well, that is why the Lord designated 6 days for work out of 7. Most of the time we should be working. The idea of "retirement", where one does nothing but play golf and watch tv all day is ungodly.
We don't have to be pharisaichal about this. There are times when it is appropriate to work through the sabbath (when it is unavoidable due to the need at hand), and times when it is ok to relax for more than one day at a time. But these are exceptions to the general rule of life - work hard! ...but save some time for rest/rejuvenation/worship. It is also okay to work and rest/play in the same day. We must not forget the intent behind God's weekly plan:
"The sabbath was made for man" - Jesus, Mark 2:27
God ordained a time to put up the work and rest joyfully in his presence. Some may turn this into a labor in itself - you must do this and/or that to observe the sabbath correctly. Don't fall into that error, or its opposite - being lazy and selfish, ignoring the call to worship with God's people.
Play is an acceptable form of rest/rejuvenation. God delights in us delighting in his creation and our freedom. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". A loving father wants his kids to have fun amongst all the work to be done. Find whatever lifts your spirit and go enjoy it!
Be prudent about your choices - "all things are lawful for me", but not all things are helpful - 1 Cor 6:12, 10:23. For example, choosing to spend all your time playing video games by yourself - fun, sure, but you'll get fat, vitamin-D deficient, and friendless : P and many video games have you practicing ungodly behavior within them anyway. Make sure to balance fun with work responsibly and don't allow your spirit to lose its sense of wonder and passion!
I love you boys,
Dad
Saturday, July 11, 2015
God's Law
Recent events in this country's history directed my attention to the importance of God's sovereign, unchanging law - the absolute standards by which we judge good and evil. The Supreme Court has ruled homosexual marriage to be legitimate and has ordered all states to comply with granting them licenses. Obviously the U.S. has gone astray here. We must always remember, as God's people, we belong to His kingdom and not to any geo-political entity here. We can bless a nation by our presence/deeds, much like Daniel in Babylon, but we can never forget that worldly nations will always hate Christians and will continue to ostracize and persecute us, even those founded by Christian men.
Many Christians believe wrongly that the law is of no more importance to us since we are forgiven once and for all from any sin debt. While the latter is true, the law still has tremendous importance, as discussed in this excerpt from a devotional I subscribe to:
______________
Many Christians believe wrongly that the law is of no more importance to us since we are forgiven once and for all from any sin debt. While the latter is true, the law still has tremendous importance, as discussed in this excerpt from a devotional I subscribe to:
______________
Romans 7:12: “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.”
Romans 7:22: “For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.”
Does this sound like a man who believed the law of God has no place in the Christian life? Read Paul’s writings carefully and you will find a man whose heart longed for the law of God as much as David’s.
The law drives us to the gospel. The gospel saves us from the curse of the law, but in turn directs us back to the law to search its spirit. The law of God is still a lamp to our feet. Without it we stumble and trip and grope in darkness.
For the Christian, the greatest benefit of the law of God is its revelatory character. The law reveals to us the Lawgiver. It teaches us what is pleasing in His sight.
______________
______________
Yes, we must study the law to better know the character of God. We can come to delight in his goodness, justice, mercy, and holiness. While we are forgiven of wrongdoing, the law shows us how to avoid offending God in the first place. We will not obtain perfection this side of glory, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for obedience. He does, afterall, promise blessings in the here and now for those that honor him with their lives (not talking "health/wealth gospel" here, though). Take time to study the law and how it applies to us today.
I love you guys!
Dad
Friday, July 10, 2015
Tough Job
"Hey buddy!"
That's my preferred address for each of you it seems. I love how you, Keegan, are always running up to me to put books or toys in my lap in a not-so-subtle way of saying you want attention. Sometimes you bring me my flip-flops, meaning you want me to take you outside. It appears you don't care what we do so long as you get to do it with me. Funny, that's how I feel about you boys too. Keegan, I'll reread your truck book for the millionth time if I get to hold you in my lap again. Rhett, I know it will be no different when you're a bit older. In the meantime, I get to study your face as I feed you a bottle. Truth is, I'm really looking forward to being your buddy as you two grow up. So many things I daydream of enjoying with you.
I'm fatigued and finding it difficult to motivate myself to write these days. Back to zombie mode since bringing Rhett home and rediscovering what life is like on 6 or less hours of sleep a night. Trying to take care of the priorities with the energy and time I do have - helping your mom with babysitting and household chores, keeping Keegan entertained, taking the family places to break up the periods of being homebound, Bible studying, keeping up with friends/family, etc.
But then I hear about some local tragedy, like a fatal wreck on Hwy 17a (my commute road to work) yesterday, and it reminds me I better get back to this in case I get taken home earlier than expected. My new life insurance policy doesn't take effect for another 9 days and it scares me somewhat. I know I need to place more faith in my God in this regard ("do not be anxious about anything..."), but you may understand what I mean if/when you have kids someday. You want so bad to make sure they are provided for if something were to happen to you.
Only lesson here is, if I'm gone, it's up to you two to look after your mother. Yes, you will have plenty of help from our respective families, but don't forget you will be her primary caretakers. She's a tough woman, though, and probably won't need much help until she's older. I trust you will use your good judgement in determining how best to do that. Companionship would mean the most to her, I can tell you that much.
As men, looking after the welfare of others is our biggest responsibility. Family first, but also those in your community - even strangers. Think Golden Rule and you'll be fine. Don't get caught up trying to help everyone ("savior complex" they call it). Sometimes you'll just have to leave people in God's gracious hands (he cares even for the sparrows, afterall). But we are tasked to accomplish good works wherever we find ourselves. That may mean sacrificing things we would like - a LOT. Be it play time, "chill" time, workout time (I haven't run for almost 2 years), sleep time, money, that last piece of dessert, etc. It's not easy, but it is rewarding. JOY = Jesus, Others, Yourself. Reevaluate your use of time often and prioritize as needed.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
That's my preferred address for each of you it seems. I love how you, Keegan, are always running up to me to put books or toys in my lap in a not-so-subtle way of saying you want attention. Sometimes you bring me my flip-flops, meaning you want me to take you outside. It appears you don't care what we do so long as you get to do it with me. Funny, that's how I feel about you boys too. Keegan, I'll reread your truck book for the millionth time if I get to hold you in my lap again. Rhett, I know it will be no different when you're a bit older. In the meantime, I get to study your face as I feed you a bottle. Truth is, I'm really looking forward to being your buddy as you two grow up. So many things I daydream of enjoying with you.
I'm fatigued and finding it difficult to motivate myself to write these days. Back to zombie mode since bringing Rhett home and rediscovering what life is like on 6 or less hours of sleep a night. Trying to take care of the priorities with the energy and time I do have - helping your mom with babysitting and household chores, keeping Keegan entertained, taking the family places to break up the periods of being homebound, Bible studying, keeping up with friends/family, etc.
But then I hear about some local tragedy, like a fatal wreck on Hwy 17a (my commute road to work) yesterday, and it reminds me I better get back to this in case I get taken home earlier than expected. My new life insurance policy doesn't take effect for another 9 days and it scares me somewhat. I know I need to place more faith in my God in this regard ("do not be anxious about anything..."), but you may understand what I mean if/when you have kids someday. You want so bad to make sure they are provided for if something were to happen to you.
Only lesson here is, if I'm gone, it's up to you two to look after your mother. Yes, you will have plenty of help from our respective families, but don't forget you will be her primary caretakers. She's a tough woman, though, and probably won't need much help until she's older. I trust you will use your good judgement in determining how best to do that. Companionship would mean the most to her, I can tell you that much.
As men, looking after the welfare of others is our biggest responsibility. Family first, but also those in your community - even strangers. Think Golden Rule and you'll be fine. Don't get caught up trying to help everyone ("savior complex" they call it). Sometimes you'll just have to leave people in God's gracious hands (he cares even for the sparrows, afterall). But we are tasked to accomplish good works wherever we find ourselves. That may mean sacrificing things we would like - a LOT. Be it play time, "chill" time, workout time (I haven't run for almost 2 years), sleep time, money, that last piece of dessert, etc. It's not easy, but it is rewarding. JOY = Jesus, Others, Yourself. Reevaluate your use of time often and prioritize as needed.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Aspirations
I've joked around with your mom about what you guys might become when you grow up. Keegan, you can't go anywhere without music. You'll mash the music button on your toys incessantly. As mentioned before, you love anything with wheels. You also can't stand to come in from outside. Would probably hang out in our backyard all day if I let you. Can't tell if you're going to be a musician, a mechanic, or a farmer/outdoorsman.
Rhett, it's a bit early to pick out your inclinations, but you certainly speak your mind at times. Great projection, I must say. Mom thought Keegan was going to be the next Billy Graham. My thought was you'd be a pastor and he'd be the music minister.
That's just us having fun, though. I only hope to help provide you both with opportunities to discover what ways you'd like to spend your time. I'd be just as proud of you if you were a janitor vs an evangelist, politician, sports star, or whatever. As long as you devote whatever you do to honor your God, it matters.
As they say, remember, David wasn't a mighty man by human standards. All he could really do was sling rocks. But he did so to honor the Lord. God gave him great courage and sense of purpose. The rest is history. Do everything to honor the Lord and not yourself before men and you will be used greatly for his kingdom.
Above all, remember the Lord's commandments and his great commission, along with your purpose (previous post), and your life will be well spent.
I love you two and I'm already proud to call myself your father. I thank God he decided to give me both of you.
- Dad
Rhett, it's a bit early to pick out your inclinations, but you certainly speak your mind at times. Great projection, I must say. Mom thought Keegan was going to be the next Billy Graham. My thought was you'd be a pastor and he'd be the music minister.
That's just us having fun, though. I only hope to help provide you both with opportunities to discover what ways you'd like to spend your time. I'd be just as proud of you if you were a janitor vs an evangelist, politician, sports star, or whatever. As long as you devote whatever you do to honor your God, it matters.
As they say, remember, David wasn't a mighty man by human standards. All he could really do was sling rocks. But he did so to honor the Lord. God gave him great courage and sense of purpose. The rest is history. Do everything to honor the Lord and not yourself before men and you will be used greatly for his kingdom.
Above all, remember the Lord's commandments and his great commission, along with your purpose (previous post), and your life will be well spent.
I love you two and I'm already proud to call myself your father. I thank God he decided to give me both of you.
- Dad
A Hiser Comes Home
We brought Rhett home from the hospital this week. Mom and I are trying to figure out the new routine for caring for you two. Not a lot of sleep, but you guys are worth it. Keegan, I took you to the local Target to get more baby supplies. Usually you hate that place, but I got you a cherry Icee and you were a saint for the whole trip. Paid for it later this evening, though. I think the sugar rush had you at high gear way past your bedtime. I didn't mind so much - I like having you around. We ended up watching the NBA Finals on the couch together and then wrestled on the floor. Your laughs are contagious.
Rhett, your eyes locked on to me today. Seemed you were looking right into my soul. You were in such peace at that moment - like you were reassuring me everything was going to be just fine. I think your eyes may turn out blue. Of course, I thought the same about Keegan's. Hey, pops doesn't know everything!
This family is great. I love it! May we have many good years together.
Love,
Dad
Rhett, your eyes locked on to me today. Seemed you were looking right into my soul. You were in such peace at that moment - like you were reassuring me everything was going to be just fine. I think your eyes may turn out blue. Of course, I thought the same about Keegan's. Hey, pops doesn't know everything!
This family is great. I love it! May we have many good years together.
Love,
Dad
Purpose
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]
[a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
[b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
[b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
Psalm 86:9
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
Isaiah 60:21
Your people shall all be righteous;
they shall possess the land forever,
the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,
that I might be glorified.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:20
for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Revelation 4:11
Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.
Psalm 16:5-11
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 144:15
Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)