Devotionals

 

 SEAL Devotionals

"We Are Never Out Of It." 

 

     

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians 

(pt. 1)

     The philosophy for the US Navy SEALs includes the paragraph: “I will never quit...My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates...I am never out of the fight.” 

     Like the SEALs, Christians are in this together― one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Eph 4:4-6). By God’s grace, we are to live for Him and each other. We put to death the desires of our fallen nature. If we sin, we repent and get back up continuing to trust in Jesus. “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,” (Prov 24:16). “We proclaim Him, admonishing... and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ,” (Col 1:28). We are never out of it!

"We’re Invincible, Right?"

Noticing parallels between SEALs & Christians

(pt. 2)...

      Every Navy SEAL is supremely confident because they are indoctrinated with a belief in victory at all costs; a conviction that no earthly force can withstand their thunderous assault on the battlefield. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell said, “We’re invincible, right? Unstoppable. That’s what I believed to the depths of my spirit on the day they pinned that trident on my chest. I still believe it. And I always will.”

      When Christ’s followers understand their identity in Christ and the power of the Spirit mightily working in us, we live victoriously over temptation (1 Cor 10:13; Gal 5:16; Jude 24-25; 2 Pet 3:3-10; Ps 119:165, etc.). Our weapons are not worldly, but mighty through God (2 Cor 10:3-5). When we really grasp the victory that is promised to us (and already won by Jesus), we live more freely, obediently, and holy in front of the world bringing God glory and them good. If God is for us, who can be against us? In Christ, we're invincible, right?

 

"Serious Business"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt. 3)...

      Walking with God is not merely a pleasure cruise on the way to Heaven; it’s a battleship stationed at the gates of Hell. The battle we are a part of (both as participants and as victims) is one of cosmic proportions and eternal consequences. But, it is often fought in seemingly little things.

      SEAL team leader, Marcus Lutrell remembers an early admonition from his instructor in his training: “This is a school for warriors, understand? This is the most serious business there is. And, if you don’t want to do it, then get out―right now!”

      Our three enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil. And though people are involved in our fight, we fight not them, but the spirit behind them (Eph 6:12). And, we fight against everything that competes with God’s attention and keeps people from the true knowledge of God (2 Cor 10 3-5). We need to be ever-ready for the victory God has granted us in Christ (both for ourselves and others). This is most serious business there is.

"Honor, Leadership, & Service 1"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt. 4)

      The US Navy SEAL philosophy, or code, states in part: “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.” This sounds like motherhood (and the Christian life in general. Jesus said in Luke 17:10, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”

      Godly mothers do so much for so many, yet their value is sadly underestimated and undermined. Imagine if we would view that profession, that career, that calling as noteworthy as SEAL or CEO. I doubt many would say that Jesus’ mother, Mary wasted her life by pouring it into her children. I doubt it for Susanna Wesley too. After all, without her (the 25th child) raising 19 children, we would not have all God brought, and is still bringing, through the work of John and Charles.

Honor, Leadership, & Service Pt. 2

 

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.5)

     The US Navy SEAL philosophy, or “code” includes: “I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond. 

    “We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.”

     In Colossians 3, we are commanded to lead others, and be lead both in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We parent, lead, submit, obey, and work as unto Jesus Himself, whether anyone else sees or not.  Christians serve with honor and integrity expecting to be led and lead by example.  Hooyah!

"It’s Never Over"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.6)

     The U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. code contains: “We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me―my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.”

    Hebrews 12 says, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”  We are not alone. We have a team of seen and unseen saints.  And, our mission depends on you and all the gifts and creativity God has given you.

    Eph 2:8 in the Greek says that by grace we are being saved through faith as God’s gift.  It is NOT a one-time event as some translations can imply. Our training, our deliverance, our ever-growing relationship with Father is never complete.  Let’s help each other so no one is left behind. It's never over!

“Keep Going until You’re Secured.”

 

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.7)

        Navy SEAL Marcus Lutrell comments on why he thinks the majority of his class dropped out, “They weren’t completing each task as it came, living for the day.  The had allowed themselves to live in dread of the pain and anguish to come.  And, [Capt. Maquire] told us never to do that, just take it hour by hour...Keep going until you're secured.”

    In the same way Jesus commands us, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Mt 6:34 NLT).  Ps 37:3 also reminds us, “Trust in Yahweh and do good.” As we do, focusing on what He has for us hour to hour, day to day, we are much less likely to be overwhelmed by all that our fear, insecurity, and temptations can muster up.  Don’t let yourself live in coming dread; just keep going until you’re secured.

"That’s what we’re looking for.”

 

 

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.8)

      During a night run a SEAL candidate’s room was secretly trashed by an instructor before inspection.  He was reprimanded, cleaned his shambled room, and up at 0430 as expected.  Weeks later another instructor was asked about this. He said, “The body can take [about] anything. It’s the mind that needs training.  The question that guy was being asked involved mental strength.  ‘Can you handle such injustice? Can you cope with that kind of unfairness, that much of a setback, and still come back with your jaw set, still determined, [assuring] God you will never quit?’  That’s what we’re looking for.”

    Paul commands, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2) Peter says trials are only if need be , and they are to prove our faith, which is more precious than gold (1 Pet 1:6).  He tells of Jesus’ trusting the Father while enduring ultimate injustice from men for us (1 Pet 2:23); and that He is our example (1 Pet 4:1). Consider Him so you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:3).  Trusting, faithful endurance amidst injustice for doing well, this finds favor (grace) with God (1 Pet 2:19-20). That’s what He’s looking for.

Some Christian reflections on The Last Samurai

The word samurai means “to serve”.

In the movie The Last Samurai are many parallels to our current struggles as Christians. If we look at the Samurai’s condition, motives, attitudes and character we will see symbolic pictures of our Lord’s people.  However, their battle was physical, ours is spiritual.

Their primary weapons were the sword, bow and arrow, and fire/smoke-screens.  Ours are primarily the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12); our children (biological and spiritual) “like arrows in the hand of a warrior (Samurai)”; and fervent (“zelos” in the Greek, meaning ‘hot’) prayer (Ja 5:16), which ascends like smoke to heaven (Rev 5 and 8).

If one watches the movie keeping in mind the sword as the Word, Samurai as Christians, the imported influences as worldliness, their devotion to the Emperor as devotion to Christ, and Capt. Algren’s journey as that of one converting to Christ, one will begin to see and hear strong lessons for the Christians’ battle for Truth.

The Samurai: “A handful of warriors willing to die for what seems to have become a forgotten word: honor.”

The American said he was, “surprised to learn ‘Samurai’ means ‘to serve’”.

In the same way, “minister” means “to serve”.  All Christians are to be equipped for the work of the ministry or “service” (Eph 4).  All genuine Christians are God’s Samurai.

Stunned, the American comments on the strange new people he has encountered.  “They are an intriguing people.  From the moment they wake they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue ...I have never seen such discipline.”

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  “And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. --1 Cor 10:31, 9:23-27

After observing his new community, Capt. Algren ponders, “What does it mean to be ‘Samurai’...to devote yourself utterly to a set of moral principles; to seek a stillness of your mind, and master the way of the sword?”

For us the "principles" are the Word.  The stillness is an active not passive stillness.  “Shalom”, Hebrew for peace, carries the idea of a fullness of peace—not merely an absence of activity.  This fullness of peace is so complete that no matter how much it is shaken, there is no movement within the boundaries of that peace because it is so crammed full.  When Jesus stilled the sea, the Word says, “it became calm”, however a more literal, and meaningful translation would read, “And a great calm occurred.”  You see, peace, calmness is actively overtaking the storm.  The great shaking that occurred was overpowered by the calm Jesus pronounced.  As we utterly devote ourselves to Biblical principles mastering “ the way of the Sword”, we will know more this stillness of mind—even in the hottest battle.

The training started early...as children. During one scene we see two boys play-fighting with bokkens (wooden training swords shaped like a katana (samurai sword). They swing and block hard, trying to one-up each other. One boy repeatedly gets the advantage over the other stopping his bokken just at the others boy’s neck or disarming him of his weapon completely.  Capt. Algren picks up the felled bokken to return it to the child, but is offered to ‘take on’ the winning child. He is told, “They may be children, but they are strong.”

Are we training our children to be strong...really? Or have e passed that responsibility onto some teacher, pastor, youth leader, coach, etc.? The vast majority of children raised in the church do not follow on with Jesus as adults. As little as 1 in 5 do. For the children in the movie, practicing/training with their swords was fun! It was what they did during spare time as well as training times. They wanted to be great at it (and they knew their lives depended on it). So it should be with our children and the Sword of the Spirit. We should be training children that live and play in the context of God and His truth. We should be able to say of our children, “They may be children, but they are strong.” Can we?

At one point in the movie the Samurai leader said of the idea that the Emperor might want him killed, “If the Emperor wishes my death, He has only to ask.”  He also believed his ‘rebellion’ to be in the service of the Emperor.

This is the attitude of a Christian!  We are not our own; we were bought with a price (1Cor 6:20, 7:23).  He actually commands our death; but so we can become truly alive and walk with Him.  This attitude of “whatever best pleases our Master” being paramount to us is one we must get again—or maybe for the first time.  Our ‘rebellion’ as the world sees it is also in service to our Emperor; but Christians embrace, as the Samurai did, the idea that the rebellion may also lead to pain and ultimately, our death.

The Samurai did not fear death, he understood it is part of the way things are.  He did not long for death, but accepted it.  This brought tremendous freedom during combat; his mind was free from the fear of pain and death within which left his mind free for the actual battle before him.  In all this talk of death, however, the way of the warrior (bushido) is actually about life.  It was put like this by the Samurai leader; “To know life in every breath, every cup of tea, every life we take—the way of the warrior.”  In response, half whispering the concept to himself, the American repeats pondering, “Life in every breath.”  “That is bushido,” declared the Samurai.

Jesus is about life, abundant and eternal life.  However, one must die first: die to oneself to begin this new life in Christ, die physically to enter into eternity in His direct presence (unless He comes before that).  Even the excuses and arguments we destroy (2Cor 10:3-5), even the pride, self-righteousness and ego we kill, we kill out of a desire for life—true life...life in every breath.

The “last straw” for the Samurai was when they were forbidden to carry their swords in public—the same swords that once protected everyone.  They were told that now that they are a nation of laws; they did not need the Samurai (servants armed with the outdated swords).  They were mocked by their own people for clinging to the principles which made them as great a nation as they were.

Sound familiar?  More and more we are becoming a nation of man’s laws and are being forbidden to carry and/or use our weapons, the Sword of the Spirit, prayer, etc. in public; they view it as outdated and no longer appropriate.  We too are mocked as we cling to what is good and hate what is evil (Ro12:9).

Upon reentering the main settlement of the city after the Spring thaw, the local society was militantly different.  Not only were swords forbidden to be worn in public, but now those carrying them and dressed in the old way with robes and their long hair in topknots were out-rightly ridiculed.  The ridiculing of the outward appearance of the samurai village’s leader culminated in rudely cutting off his topknot of hair—a very precious thing to a Samurai.  During the violent stripping of this outward sign of honor, he screamed in horror and grief, tears running down his face.

Ro 12:2 says, “do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  J.B. Phillips translates it, “do not let the world squeeze you into its own mould.”  The Message says it like this, “Don’t be so well adjusted to your culture that you fit in without even thinking.”  3Jn11 says, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”  Are we as grieved and resistant when things in our culture want us to conform to its view of acceptable?  Are we as troubled when others tempt us to betray our Lord Jesus by choosing their ways over His?  We are to appear different to the world, “as lights in the world” (Phil 2:15).  This starts with our inner attitude character, and devotion, and is reflected in our outward appearance in areas such as modesty, compassion, and entertainment choices.  

The lifestyle of the Samurai was described by the American as they sat around a campfire as a life of service, discipline, and compassion. The Samurai leader was thinking his life was a failure, because in his eyes he had failed to uphold the good, protect the culture from itself, and honor the great ones who went before him.  Tears welling up in his eyes, his right hand subconsciously caressing the sword of his ancestors resting upon his shoulder, he grievously reflects, “For 900 years my ancestors have protected our people.  Now, I have failed them.”  The American in response to his shame dismally responds rhetorically stating, “Shame?  Shame for a life of service, discipline, compassion?”  The leader defeatedly explains,“The way of the Samurai is not necessary anymore.”  “Necessary?”  The American retorts, and refocusing his friend, rhetorically asks, “What could be more necessary?”

The Christian life is one of service, discipline, and compassion.  Pastor, leader, parent, Christian, do you feel ashamed thinking you are irrelevant or ineffective to the ones and world you wish to protect or save?  Do you feel the world has dubbed you “unnecessary” to their plans?  Take heart; the same is said of Jesus and all the prophets that were before you (Mt5:11-12).  The more dark and cold the times in which we live become, we, like that campfire, become more necessary.  Indeed, a life of service, discipline, and compassion—what could be more necessary?

Through his journey, the American comes to understand what it is that is truly important and valuable.  The American is asked if he will fight the other Americans if they attack them.  His answer is simply, “Yes.”  When asked why, his heartfelt explanation is, “Because they come to destroy what I have come to love.”  He has become more like those who look and live differently than those whom he came through biologically.

As Christians, Jesus works in us to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  We are closer to Him and His people, no matter where they are from, than our own family many times (Mt 10:34-39, 12:48-50).  We are closer by the blood of Jesus than the biological blood of man could ever make us (Gal 3:28).  And, when those we were once like attack those we love, we will respond to protect those loved ones—even from so-called “family”.

The sword the American was given before the last battle had a special inscription on it.  It said, “I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new.”

Jesus said, “...Every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Matt 13:52.  Everyone who has studied thoroughly the old ways and has come to the new Light of the Truth has great things from both.  Likewise, we as Christ’s, have wonderful things from the new and old of God’s Word.  However, they are not relegated to the past.  Jesus is with His people through His Holy Spirit now, and the Word of God is applicable even now.  Though the wisdom of God is “old” it is still fresh, because even though times may change, people, apart from Christ, will not.  The Bible needs to be in the hands, heart, and mouth of every warrior for Truth in whom the old ways have joined the new.

The Samurai “rebelled” to maintain the lifestyle they thought (knew) was best for everyone.  Their rebellion was more, in actuality, a lack of conformity.  They were not rebelling against society.  However, they were thought of as rebels, because they were not willing to follow the society in its plan of worldliness.  They were the religious conservatives, not wanting to lose what made their land the place of honor it used to be.  They did not want their country to be like the rest of the world.

This same “rebellion” is ours today; and we are seen as rebels Isa 59:15 says,

“‘Yes, truth is lacking

And he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.’

Now the LORD saw,

And it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice.”  

We too are a target, just as they were, when we stand for what is right.  

Toward the end of the film was a heart-wrenching scene in which the American—the last samurai—presented the sword of his fallen brother, the samurai leader, to the Emperor.  Painfully kneeling, and injured from the battle, he urged the Emperor beseeching him with the last words of his mentor, the Emperor’s own former teacher saying, “This is Katsumoto’s sword.  He would have wanted you to have it.  Let the strength of the Samurai be with you always.  He hoped with his last breath that you would remember the ancestors who held this sword...and what they died for.”  

Likewise, Jesus who has gone before us to death, urges us through those now battered and bruised in His service, “This is the precious Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit.  He wants you to have it.  Fight the good fight (1Tim 1:18, 6:12)! Let the strength of the Warrior-Servant Jesus be with you always.  Jesus commands that you remember Him (1Cor 11:24-25), those who suffer and die by this Sword (He 13:3), and remember all who lived by this Sword, “who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith,” (Heb 13:7).  The Word is precious.  May we be faithful in passing it to our leaders, those around us, and the next generation.

He then declares to the Emperor, “Your highness, if you believe me to be your enemy, command me, and I will gladly take my life.”

His outward confession declares his previous inward conversion; he has taken on the heart of the great warriors before him. It is the same heart-change that occurs when people repent to God from their sins, and place their continuous trust in Jesus to forgive them by God’s grace through their faith and trust. This results in a new life with new desires.

It works by Jesus’ sinless blood paying the price of our deserved punishment for our willful rebellion against Him (1 Thess 1:9; Acts 20:21).  “Sin” is breaking God’s laws, the 10 Commandments, also, doing what one knows to be wrong, which earns His wrath and condemnation (1Jn 3:4; Ja 4:1-4,17; Ro 3:23; Jn 3:18).  Through God’s law, we see ourselves in truth—if we have lied, looked with lust, hated, and taken anything without permission, we are a lying, adulterous, murdering thief (Mt 5:28; 1Jn 3:15),  none of which will have an inheritance, in the Kingdom of God, but do merit a place in the lake of fire (Rev 20:8).  When one becomes a Christian—not a church-goer—one dies to their former way of thinking and living.  God works this in us as we obey Him in trust.  As we become dead to the desires that make things such a mess, we become more and more of who we really are, untainted by outside pressures and influences.  

Galatians 2:19-20 says it this way, "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.  "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”  Rom 6:5-7

Says, “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”  Christians become Christians through confessing that the sins of their previous life were wrong, repenting (tuning from them) to God through Jesus, and surrendering to Jesus allowing His Holy Spirit to reshape them in the way He wants them to be. From there it is a daily walk with Him in prayer, reading His Word, meeting and “training” with other believers.  He will train you with His Sword, and you will become Samurai.

The Emperor’s response was that though he dreams of a unified, strong, and independent country; and even now they have many modern conveniences and Western clothing, “We cannot forget who we are, or where we come from.”

Neither can we as a people, as a nation forget that before Jesus came we were His enemies, lost, and without hope (Eph 2:11-13).  But, the media, government schools, and entertainment industries are calculatingly redefining history and censoring truth in order to erase the memory of God and the Faith in Jesus held dear by those who made us great—and indeed, the faith needed to continue in any greatness at all.  

Personally we must keep our desires on things above (Col 3:2), or we too will lose ourselves in the sea of “relevant” affluence, comfort, and convenience (Jn 15:5).

Sin, satan, and selfishness are on the march.  The warriors of God must sharpen their weapons, train, and engage, or all is lost.  The enemies are infiltrating that which we have come to love.  Fight Samurai!  Warrior of God and Truth, we all need you.  “...Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” –2 Tim 2:1-4

Do you long to be mighty?  The mighty are always those in service of something bigger than themselves; something that carries on through their lifetime into many lives to come.  There is no greater calling than the call to be part of the Lord’s army and family; nothing that will have greater impact.
___________________________

Pony Car Parables

Why Pony Car Parables?

Well, upon reflecting on our '66 Mustang, I realized that God is in the restoration business. And, as such, I could learn plenty about what He is doing and wants to do in, for, and through us. Also, I could learn about some of the process from His point of view, like...

These older cars need much more attention than newer ones. Similarly, God says He will guide us with His eye upon us (Ps 32). It is also a work that is ongoing...like God’s work in us. He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it in us (Phil 1:6). If the work stops, it’s because we have abandoned the process, not Him. In restoring a classic, one has to be intentional and deliberate. Things need to be checked often, not just when something is wrong. As with God, He is always checking in with us by the Holy Spirit. We need to maintain “short accounts” as far as sin is concerned. God is deliberate; He always has a plan and a sequence to continuously renew our ‘new man’ into the image of Christ (Col 3:10). And, He is waiting for our response to His grace to address any sin issues (1Jn 1:8-9) or needs (2 Cor 12:9).

Restoration is costly. It cost the Father dearly in sending His Son (Jn 3:16-18) to live perfectly and die sinlessly. But, He also reaped the joy in Him rising victoriously! Just as Vinny (our Mustang) can’t restore himself, neither can we (Jn15:5). We need God to do it. Furthermore, I can’t restore Vinny alone; I need an expert. And, we can’t live the Christian life alone either; we need God and the Church.

I also need the right tools, like God has the right tools in the Church (Eph 4, etc.). And, we need different tools at different times. Just as Vinny will need his engine and transmission rebuilt every so often, so we need ourselves searched and restored every so often (Ps 139:23-24). There is more, but again, God is the Master Restorer. “Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored; Renew our days as of old,” (Lam 5:21). 

What is God repairing, restoring, or upgrading in you? And, remember to celebrate what He has already done!

     I hope this little reflection has challenged you somewhat about what and Who it is you are fighting for.  Is it Christ or comfort; truth or tastefulness; reality or relevance?  Is your goal your divine call, or your dignified colleagues?  Do you fight more for you and your “rights”, or for your Ruler an what's right?  Everyone is fighting for something.  

     I long for people to have devotion for Christ like the Samurai leader, and “convert” had for their emperor.  If you want to be the Lord’s samurai, may God bless you and keep you, brother, sister!  Recognize and remember the battle. Train, and act; be ready for opposition, never, ever give up.  

Light in the Darkness:

In restoring ‘Vinny’ (the Mustang), I found I needed to replace the vintage headlights with a brighter set and realign them. Then I thought...

Headlights that are too dim or not aligned properly do not give a proper view of reality in the darkness. Likewise, our ‘lights’ may need adjusted. We will have misperceptions at times; it’s part of the road-trip. If we are teachable, the solution will likely be a simple matter of adjusting the screws of an understanding of Scripture and/or the nature of God that’s a little off.

Scripture is key: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,”―Ps 119:105. Like Vinny, we need new headlights, new light in our head. We need Jesus, the Light of the World; and we need to walk in the path He lights for us. Are you trusting and following His light, or are you still driving by your own dim understanding of reality? Eph 4:23 says, “...be renewed (restored) in the spirit of your mind.”

Later, in Eph 5:8 & 11 that we “were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light...Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” Are you? We’ve become pretty decent at avoiding a measure of immorality, greed, filthy talk, impurity, etc. (from verses 3-6). But, are we exposing them for what they really are. How can people repent if they don’t see the sinfulness of sin? And, how can they know that without someone caring enough to explain it to them? After all, we are the ones with the light, not them. And, we can drive in relative darkness with our lights off for a while, but a wreck is in the near future if we do. As Jesus might say, “No one turns on the headlights to shine them where no one will see it. No, they turn them on to better see the road and to be seen.”

In our restoration, as in any classic, new lights are crucial. In this present darkness, it’s the only way to see the ‘highway of holiness’ (Isa 35:8). And, they greatly increase the safety of ourselves, of others, and help protect the investment of our Master Restorer.

Got Your Wires Crossed?

Vinny’s temperature gauge worked for a while, but then was stuck on ‘hot’ all the time. No problem, just replace it right? Wrong. It took a lot of rewiring...

We need rewired too. God’s Word tells us that we are to continue to “be transformed in the renewing of our minds,” or “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think,” (NLT). This isn’t easy. But, wrong thinking leads to a wrong view of God and reality, which leads to wrong living, which leads to damage...for all involved. The temperature gauge wasn’t working. No problem; we’ll just replace it right? Wrong. First, part of the dash needed removed. Then, we had to work loose the very tightly-connected wires for EVERYTHING.

We tested the gauge; it was fine. So, what was wrong? Well, after checking the other gauges, the amp. gauge was fried. So, we got a new one. But, what of the temp. gauge? Well, we reassembled everything (which took HOURS) a wiring diagram, and much patience. See, THE DASH HAD BEEN WIRED WRONG! The temperature from the engine was being sent to the amp gauge, which fried it (and the others were mixed up too). After rewiring all the gauges, lights, and turn signals; and the dash was put back in (despite retaining clips repeatedly falling out before the screws made it through), all was well.

Imagine―all that time I was getting a false reading of reality and had no idea of the damage that could’ve been happening. Sin and ignorance do that. We really think we are wise at times when all the while it is against God and hurting others. God even warns us twice in the Proverbs about this: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Pv 14:12; 16:25) Though painful at times and though it may take a lot of work, we are to let God rewire our thinking. That way, evermore, we have the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16; Phil 2:5).

Dragons, Curses, and How God Conquers

Introducing 2 Dragons

    Bruce Lee was often called "The Dragon." In the Chinese zodiac and the martial arts community, the dragon is a symbol of creative unpredictability, wisdom, strength, and power. Bruce Lee was born in the year and hour of the dragon. All that the dragon represent in the east was found in Bruce. He was strong, quick, philosophical, had a genius desire to help people, and yearned to unlock beauty. Whatever it was found.

    Tragically, he died at age 32 while in the peak of health, and on the cusp of international superstardom. Why? They were rumors of a family curse. The cursed rumors resurfaced when Brandon, Bruce's son, died amid strange circumstances in 1993. While making a movie, Brandon was shot with an unchecked prop gun. Was it the "curse of the Dragon" as many believe? Is there a curse of the dragon at all?

    Well, there is a curse, and there is a dragon. The Bible mentions those. That dragon is much different from the one in the east and martial arts communities, although the evil dragon has made his way into those places…and into the whole world. Through the curse came things like suffering, sorrow, diseases, and death. The dragon in the Bible is Satan, the devil. He uses this courage to accomplish his goals, which are to deceive, steel, kill, and destroy those who persist in following his example will be thrown into the lake of fire with him for eternity (see Revelation, 12:9 & John 10:10). Has he a deceived you into bringing this curse upon yourself?

    The Bible says, "those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, 'Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law,'" (see Galatians 3:10). Have you obeyed God's commands? Let's glimpse at the 10 Commandments and see. Have you ever told a lie (white lies, fibs, etc.)? If so, that would make you a liar. Ever stolen anything, even once? If so, that would make you a thief. Ever looked with lust? Jesus said lust is committing adultery in your heart. He also considers those who hate to have committed murder in their heart. Have you made a "god" to suit yourself (making your own beliefs about God, apart from the Bible), have you dishonored your parents, kept the sabbath holy, been greedy? Have you use the holy name of the God who gave you life, breath, and every good thing flippantly or as a curse word? Do you love God more than everything else?

    Bruce Lee often spoke of "expressing yourself honestly." Be honest with yourself. I'm guessing you're    guilty (like the rest of us).  On judgement day God will be forced to give you justice. Don't count on the "goodness" or "love" of God to save you from hell on that day. If God is good, he will punish murderers, thieves, liars, and all sin wherever it is found– and give injustice to those who love him (see Revelation 21:8, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

How God Conquers Dragons

    The only way escape his wrath is to repent (grieve and turn away) from your sins as best you can, and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and make you into a new person. The Bible says, "God demonstrates his own love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," and, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us." When he suffered and died on the cross, he paid the penalty that we deserve. Then he rose from the dead, defeating death. Bruce Lee, arguably the greatest fighter in the world, couldn't defeat death. But, Jesus of Nazareth did. There's no guarantee of tomorrow for any of us. For peace with God, pray something like this: "God, please forgive my sins (name them). Cleanse my heart. I repent. I turn away from my sins, and I put my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, my savior." Now, read the Bible daily and obey what you read (John 14:21) – God will never let you down. The gospels of Mark and John are great places to start.

    By the way, you may find this parallel in the Chinese language itself interesting (and there are hundreds more that align with the Bible). The word for righteousness (at the right) appears to have been derived from this original act of worship, asking forgiveness for sin. A sheep is found in this figure, and beneath it, me, kneeling before the Lamb of God, who alone covers me and brings righteousness. Further dissection of the character for me reveals a composite of hand and a lance or spearhead. This seems to indicate that the slaying of the Lamb is by my own hand using a spearhead, suggesting that my sins would bring death to the innocent Lamb of God.