Approximately 45,000,000 turkeys are desperately hoping for a pardon this Thanks-giving season.

Turkey pardoning was first mentioned by President Harry Truman in 1947, but there is no evidence to support that he actually pardoned the turkey.  Uh oh.

President John F. Kennedy spared a turkey days before his assassination, but the bird never received a formal pardon.

President George H.W. Bush was the first to officially pardon a turkey, and this practice has since become a White House tradition.  President Bush sent the pardoned turkeys to Frying Pan Park in Fairfax County, VA.  The birds’ new home thus serves as a perpetual reminder of the grace they received.

In 2005 the pardoned turkeys became regulars in Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as the honorary grand marshals.

Tomorrow, President Obama will grant a presidential pardon to a Thanksgiving turkey named “Courage.”   Courage will then head to Disneyland in California to join the annual Thanksgiving Day parade.

Pardoned turkeys travel to their parade destinations in First Class, as  seen here.  (Your tax dollars at work!)

It’s an amusing tradition, but there’s a message, too!  Have you ever con-sidered the parallels and distinctions?

The most obvious parallel is… What a bunch of turkeys we are!  How doomed we are because of our sin, and how desperately we need a pardon!

Furthermore, turkey pardons remind me that the pardon is not earned.  It is a gracious gift bestowed on the undeserving.

But the most glorious fact of all is this:  There is not just one pardon available.  Not one in 45 million, but “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  *    And no matter the crime, “He will abundantly pardon!”  #

So this Thursday, let’s make our first order of business giving thanks… for our pardon.

Blessings,

*  Acts 2:21
#  Isaiah 55:7

Quite a fuss has been made over President Obama bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito.¹

Some contend he was just trying to be polite–bowing is a common social gesture in this part of the world.  Others are appalled or even angry, convinced he is communicating deference and subservience to Akihito as a superior.

I don’t intend to weigh in on that debate.  But the ruckus has been enlightening.  Of particular interest is how many people are opposed to any American bowing to anyone for any reason. Here’s a sampling of some of the nicer comments:

“Americans bow to no one!”
“This man represents the United States and he must remember that we bow to no one.”
“America should bow to no nation or people.”

After reflecting on these comments, I’ve begun to wonder.  Does this sentiment point to something deeper?  Is this an indicator of a root problem?

Nothing at all against national pride, but has that “We-bow-to-no-one!” mindset crept into our attitude toward the True Sovereign?  Most Americans are proud of the fact that we bow the knee to no one.  But has this made us such proud  individuals that we cannot bow our hearts and lives to God?

It’s something to think about, because God says “every knee will bow” to His Son.² To Christ-followers it’s especially important because we’re part of His Kingdom and under His rule.  If we will not bow the knee to Him we really do have problems! ³

Lord, I love my country and I’m proud to be a free American.  But don’t let my pride become an unwillingness to subject myself to You or Your authority.  Please check any independence, defiance, or arrogance toward You.  I affirm You again as My Sovereign.  To You I bow the knee.

Blessings,

¹* Los Angeles Times, “How low will he go?” November 14, 2009
² Isaiah 45:23; 66:23; Philippians 2:9-11
³ Luke 6:46

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919, an armistice was signed that ended the fighting of the Great War — World War 1.  They called it Armistice Day.

Every November 11 thereafter, businesses would close their doors at 11 a.m. to honor those who had served in that awful war.  With the passing of time it has come to be known as Veterans Day — a day to honor the fallen and veterans of every war.

On this November 11, thirteen fresh graves from Fort Hood, Texas press the question once again:  At what price freedom?

Please take this opportunity to pause for a moment… to reflect on the freedoms won for us by someone in uniform… to remember their devotion to country… and to honor their sacrifice.

And then let your thoughts travel to another war, another Hero, and another Sacrifice whereby we mark the price of our eternal freedom. *

Because freedom is never free.*

Blessings,

* Luke 4:18, 19; John 8:36; Romans 6:23; 8:2

Time didn’t allow it Sunday, but I wish we could’ve looked at one more “listening” story.  Here’s the Cliff Notes version.¹

King Zedekiah — alarmed by the invading Babylonian army — sent word to the prophet Jeremiah:   “Please pray to the Lord our God on our behalf.”

Apparently, Zedekiah is following the example of his great-great-grandfather King Hezekiah.  He, too, was being attacked by a huge army and sent a similar request for prayer to the prophet Isaiah.² God answered the prayer:  the angel of the Lord went out that night and struck down 185,000 enemy warriors.  The remaining army left in a hurry!  Zedekiah seems to be hoping for a similar answer to prayer.

In Zedekiah’s case, however, God refused to help.  In fact, He promised them certain defeat.  How come?

Despite appearances to the contrary, Zedekiah was not sincere.

• Zedekiah wanted God’s help, but “neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the Lord…”

• He called Him, “the Lord our God,” but his actions proved otherwise.

• Hezekiah appealed to the Lord in brokenness and humility, wearing sackcloth and torn clothes, praying in the house of the Lord.  There is no mention of Zedekiah humbling himself whatsoever, or of his entering the house of the Lord to pray.

God doesn’t play those games.

Once again, Zedekiah proved that he really didn’t have a “listening” heart.  (Click here if you’d like to hear the other 5 stories about a listening heart.)

O God, save us from saying all the right things… without really meaning them.

Blessings,

__________________________________________________________

¹ Jeremiah 37:1-10
² 1 Kings 19

Dear Woodland Hills Family,

In case you weren’t with us Sunday, our worship time grew out of this foundational truth from Psalm 139:7-12.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Where can I flee from Your presence?”

What a comfort is the nearness of our God!  Deepest depth or loftiest height–He is there; darkest night or brightest day–He never leaves us.  Fantastic!

After the worship I challenged us to think more deeply on that theme–the presence of God.  We surveyed a number of Scripture texts that speak of God’s presence.  I asked why the Bible speaks of God being present everywhere, yet it also speaks of Him being particularly present in specific places or with certain people.  On occasion God even casts some from His presence.

But the psalmist indicated there’s nowhere we can go from His presence.  What’s up with these seemingly contradictory statements?

My intention is to discuss this further in the service on September 27th.  In the meantime, I encourage you to wrestle with how the Scripture texts I’ve listed below square with the one from Psalm 139:7.

Blessings,
Paul

* Cain “went out from the presence of the Lord.” (Gen. 4:16)
* Isaac wanted to bless his son “in the presence of the Lord.” (Gen. 27:7)
* Sinai quaked at the presence of God, and the people were forbidden to go near or touch the holy mountain, made holy because of God’s presence. (Ps. 68:8; Ex. 19:12, ff.)
* The LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. (Ex. 19:2, 18-20)
* Moses was in the Lord’s presence long enough that his face began to shine. (Ex. 34:28-33)
* The children of Israel were to eat their offerings to the Lord “in the presence of the Lord.” (Deut. 14:23)
* The covenant was made “in the presence of the Lord.” (Deut. 29:15)
* David “sought the presence of the Lord.” (2 Sam. 21:1)
* Elijah was told to “go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” (2 Kings 19:11,12)
* The Lord cast Jerusalem & Judah out from His presence. (2 Kings 24:20; Jer. 23:39)
* We are to come before His presence with thanksgiving and singing. (Ps. 95:2; 100:2)
* Satan departed from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:12; 2:7)
* Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:3)
* The angel Gabriel stands “in the presence of God.”  (Luke 1:19)
* Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
* Paul charged Timothy “solemnly, in the presence of God.” (1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:14; 4:1)
* Those who do not know God will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, “away from the presence of the Lord.” (2 Thess. 1:9)
* We are to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord. (James 4:10)
* Heaven & earth will flee away from God’s presence. (Rev. 20:11)

We remember…
We remember the cold, calculated killings of September 11, 2001.   The vicious depravity.
We cannot forget the 247 crew and passengers held hostage, then murdered on flights 11 & 77 (American), and 175 and 93 (United).  We reel at the unconscionable malice.

The sight of the collapsing Towers is etched forever upon our minds.  Brutal cowards snuffed out 2016 unsuspecting, unarmed lives.  Hideous minds chose for them gruesome and terrifying final moments.

Never to be forgotten are the horrific fires at the Pentagon.  125 civil servants never came home again.

Indelibly stamped upon our minds are the scenes of courageous firefighters and paramedics.  343 answered that day’s tragedy with their lives.

We tremble at the ongoing suffering for 3051 children who lost a parent.  We cannot
fathom sufficient retribution for the perpetrators of their loss.

We remember.  Time has not diminished those atrocities.

And we cry out, How long will the wicked, O LORD, How long will the wicked be jubilant? ¹

How long till You wipe away every tear?  Till there is no longer any death or mourning or crying or pain?  When will the first things have passed away? ²

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! ³

Blessings,
~Paul

¹ Psalm 94:3
² Revelation 21:4
³ Revelation 22:7, 12, 20

Have I told you the story of how Taylor Hollingsworth proposed to my daughter Elisabeth?

The night before what turned out to be the Big Day, Taylor had suggested to Elisabeth that perhaps they might hang out and go shopping together the next day.  The way he presented it made it seem casual enough, so she was in no hurry to get going and ended up sleeping most of the morning away.

When she finally awoke, he came and picked her up.  Heading out in the car, there just happened to be one of their favorite songs playing on the car stereo.  And then, perchance, they suddenly came upon one of those places that had been special in their courtship.  And of all things, at that special place, there was a note in a bottle!  You guessed it–the note was to her!  And it gave a clue that led them to still another special place.  Back in the car yet another of their favorite songs was playing.  This pattern of songs and special places and clues continued over the next several hours and grew into a chronicle of sorts, of all the ways their relationship and love had grown.

Finally they were directed to a beautiful scenic overlook with the valley far below.  The sun was setting, and he got down on one knee…

What had he been doing?  All day long he had been directing her heart to his love–reminding her of the many facets and hues of their growing love. She didn’t stand a chance!  And the outcome was, of course, YES!

I think the prayer of 2 Thessalonians 3:5 expresses a similar intent:  “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God.”

About this prayer John Piper says, “This is a remarkable phrase! The heart has directions. It moves toward one thing or another. It moves toward what it regards as attractive and satisfying and valuable. So Paul is praying that God would give the heart a sight of the love of God as more attractive and satisfying and valuable than ordinary earthly things….” ¹

Why?  Because if our hearts pause for just a moment and catch even a glimpse of the love of God, we won’t stand a chance!  We will be completely swept off our feet and the only possible response we will have is, YES!

Why not reflect for a bit on the love of God in your life?   Take a few undistracted moments to direct your heart into the love of God.  Count your many love-blessings, name them one by one.

Blessings,
Paul

¹ desiringgod.org

²

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me
my petition that I made to Him.” ³

Just ten days after conception, this little boy stopped his mother’s menstrual cycle.  Fourteen days later his heart began to beat through a closed circulatory system.  At 4 weeks his arm buds appeared and his eyes began to form.  At 6 weeks he was less than ½ inch long, but brain waves could already be recorded.  He began to move and his spine was clearly visible.  A week later he had clearly defined fingers and began to move his hands.  At 8 weeks all his systems were developed — skeletal, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory, and he was so excited he began doing flips!  One week later he had his own unique fingerprints.  He started to suck his thumb and swallow.  At 12 weeks he started turning his head, frowning, making a fist, and curling his toes!

And now it’s been 39 weeks and he’s finding the place much too small-it’s cramping his style.  He’s ready to meet you and he hopes to make his grand entrance next week!

Marcus, Lucas, and Hannah LeTexier anticipate their new brother’s arrival next week.  Susana will be induced on Sept 3rd if baby hasn’t come on his own before then.  She and Joe certainly appreciate your continued prayers.

Isn’t this incredible?!

Blessings,
Paul

¹ Psalm 139:13-16
² Actual 37-week ultrasound of Baby LeTexier!
³ 1 Samuel 1:27

It’s time to head to work, and as you walk out to your car you see it-a flat!  Or worse, you’re driving along and suddenly you hear “BANG!  thump, thump, thump.”  Oh no!  A blowout!

Tire failure.  Does it ever happen at a good time?  Is it ever welcome?  I think it’s one of the things we dread most. At the very least it’s a frustrating disruption; and of course it can easily be much more serious.

I remember some while back a rash of blowouts on the NASCAR race circuit.  Goodyear Tire was getting lots of bad publicity about their tires.  To defend themselves, they held a press conference to address these “rapid decompressions” – nice euphemism for blowouts, don’t you think?  (Smart PR and legal teams!)

What is tire failure?  Simply put, it’s the inability of the tire to hold air.  And when it happens to you, it just feels so… deflating!  One minute you’re doing fine; the next you’re defeated… discouraged… drained.  That’s why the emotion I think of in the context of tire failure is dread.

Interestingly, dread is something God talks about.  More alarmingly, there are certain occasions where He guarantees us hearts full of dread.

Your life will hang in doubt and you will be filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life.  In the morning you will say, “If only it were evening!” and in the evening, “If only it were morning!” – because of the dread that will fill your hearts and the sights that your eyes will see… if you are not careful to observe all the words of the law which are written in this book, and to fear this honored and awesome name of the Lord. *

Now I don’t particularly enjoy reading harsh warnings and thinking about painful consequences.  But I made a commitment in 2009 to study all that God says about the heart.  And, in the course of that study, I came to these very sobering words.

Well, I’ll tell you this much.  My dread of tire failure is really helping me internalize that warning about a heart of dread.  It’s causing me to renew my commitment to walk with the Lord in careful obedience and reverence.  I hope you will, too.

Blessings,
Paul

* Deuteronomy 28:58, 66,67

Have you been watching the mercury soar?  Looks like the “dog days of summer” are here — hot, muggy, stagnant, and stifling. Who has energy for anything?

Coca Cola used to market their drink as “the pause that refreshes!”  But with heat like we’ve been having, what could be more refreshing than diving into one of these cool, mountain streams?

Interestingly, it’s not only our bodies that need refreshing.  Sometimes our hearts need it, too.  And God knows this about us, so part of His plan is to bring us into times of refreshing.¹ It’s actually part of His character to refresh and renew.  Listen to how He expresses His heart: “I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” ²

So how exactly does God refresh us?  Well, often it’s through another person.  Like Philemon.  Philemon was one of those cool, mountain stream types — he had a reputation for refreshing the hearts of God’s people.³ So much so that even Paul asked him for some of that refreshment:  Please, Philemon, “refresh my heart in Christ.”⁴

Another refreshing guy (also with an odd-sounding name) was Onesiphorus.  Paul said of him, “he often refreshed me.”⁵ And Paul rejoiced over three other friends because “they have refreshed my spirit.”⁶

Life being what it is, the probability is quite high that someone you know is going through some dog days of summer.  Consider it nothing less than a divine appointment.  You may well be the intended one to bring them into God’s “times of refreshing.”

Blessings on you as you refresh hearts!

~Paul

¹ Acts 3:19
² Jeremiah 31:25
³ Philemon 1:7
⁴ Philemon 1:20
⁵ 2 Timothy 1:16
⁶ 1 Corinthians 16:18