Month: April 2006

Who needs money when you have friends?

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Travel2 Comments

BonfireJust got back from an overnight camping trip with my family. What made this particular trip fun was that we camped in the front yard of some friends from church. What was particularly fun about camping in our friend’s front yard is the location of that yard. They live just up the hill from Mountain Ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills, what’s known as gold country to the tourists. The views from their property are stunning. About 10 families fom showed up for the evening bonfire and then to camp overnight.

Dinner consisted of potato salad and hot dogs. Hot dogs were cooked by holding your dog over the flames with a stick or coat hanger. Of course the obligatory smores were served after dinner. The kids ran around in the dark playing capture the flag while the adults crept closer to the fire to keep the evening chill off and talked well into the evening.

The next morning I took a walk down to the lower portion of the property. It’s a grassy meadow strewnGrassy meadow with rocks. I stumbled upon about 20 deer who slowly started ambling away after they noticed me. All those who had stayed were treated to a hearty breakfast cooked by our hosts. Pastries, muffins, home cooked biscuits with butter and honey, and a turkey and egg quiche. There was more than enough for everyone. Breakfast was eaten on our hosts deck overlooking the above meadow and looking up at the craggy bluffs above their home. The only sound was the chatter of the children and birds.

All this peace and quiet and all it cost was food for the potluck and gas to drive up to Mountain Ranch.  What this weekend did for my family was priceless.  An evening with some wonderful people, spending the night with my wife and children in a tent, listening to the birds in the morning.  Experiences that are absolutely priceless.  What a wonderful peaceful place. Thank you so much Dave and Jean for opening up your home to us this past weekend!

 

Up to visit the Indian Head.  This was also our camping spot:

Campsite

 

THE, that’s right, THE Indian Head:

Indian Head

Aloft upon the Breath of God

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, FaithLeave a comment

There is a certain peace I feel as I stride through the early morning air toward the hangar. There air is cool with just the faintest hint of sage and honeysuckle.  I can hear the sounds of early country morning all around me. A horse snorts through the grass just on the other side of the fence. Farther out in the pasture the cattle call to one another. The birds sing their joy in the sunrise of a new day. Maybe they, like I, look forward to a day when all will be new.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;”
Isaiah 65:17-18

The hangar doors yawn widely and allow the sun to reflect off the tiny aircraft waiting inside. I look at it and temper my pride with comparison to God’s handiwork.  Aircraft are only a cartoonish reflection of the creatures God created for flight. Their sleek lines and perfect symmetry have yet to be aptly duplicated by man. Nor do I suppose they ever will be. However, I am glad God has gifted man with flight and further blessed me with His generosity. I don’t even deserve to live much less enjoy such a wonderful gift as flight! Thank God for His mercy and generosity!

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God,” They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one.
Psalms 53:1-3

My plane is ready and roars to life. I make my way to the end of the runway to perform my pre-flight checks. I radio my intention to leave the earth if only breifly. I hesitate for only a moment as I pull out onto the runway. I stare into an azure blue sky. The white clouds strewn about give this blue canvas texture and majesty. I gaze at the clouds hoping to see a sight I long for.
 
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
Mark 13:26

I advance my throttle and my plane races forward to my skyward goal. As I am lifted into the air I enjoy a small taste of that joy that is to come. A small joy that only a chosen few enjoy in this day. A joy that all who are chosen will one day enjoy.

Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17

And then I find myself suspended upon the breath of God. All around my pathetic little craft I hear the roaring wind…

And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:2

Is it only the relative wind careening past me or is the Spirit of God surrounding me, holding me aloft by His very breath? The invisible holding up the visible.  Around me the clouds testify to the glory and majesty of God. Painted in hues of fire by the rising sun.

Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning. So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
Numbers 9:15-16

The light laden clouds are only shadowy portals to my glorious future, chosen by God to gorify and enjoy Him forever. One day to pass through the clouds never again to set foot on earth until all things have been made new by our creator.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to {obtain} an inheritance {which is} imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5

Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

Agnostic Calvinism

On By The Flying DutchmanIn FaithLeave a comment

A few months ago I authored a post on this site about the Flying Dutchman’s father whom I lovingly refer to as the man of sorrow. When I refer to him as the man of sorrow it is not meant to relate to Jesus being called a Man of Sorrows. I call him the man of sorrow because I can’t think of what else he could be called. What would you call a man who has studied and knows scripture yet doesn’t believe in God? What would you call a man who believes firmly in there being no life beyond this one nor indeed in any supreme deity at all?

I spoke to the man of sorrow today on the phone. He indicated that his wife’s great-grandchildren would be coming to live with them so that they would have a more moral environment to live in. They would be taking them to church and encouraging Bible study. There was a brief pause while the incredulous Dutchman pondered the gravity of this statement. I then asked him in as straight a voice as I could muster, “Uh… you’re not going to be leading that Bible study are you?”

For the first time in a while I heard genuine laughter from the man of sorrow. He then informed me with mock indignation in his voice that he remembered many subjects and facts from the Bible. “Name me one thing you remember from the Bible” the Dutchman countered.

The man of sorrow parried, “The sins of the father shall be visited upon the children…” Well, he got that one right. We had only one believing parent in our family, my beloved mother. In my family half believe, the other half just want to feel spiritual, whatever that means. The sins of the father have been visited on half the family, and at times on the other half in some fashion.

I took this opportunity to assure him that I would not attempt to convert him as my brother and sister-in-law had tried on their recent visit. He was very relieved. At this point the Dutchman decided to go for broke. I explained to him that he had helped me come to a realization about God’s plan for salvation of mankind. I proceeded to explain that God had elected certain people for belief in His Word and others for unbelief, that it was the only reasonable explanation that completely agreed with scripture that two intelligent men would have such opposite views on the belief in a supreme deity.

I would like to say I was shocked when he agreed with me. Unfortunately, I was not. He can’t fully comprehend the doctrine of election. Anyone who truly came to understand the doctrine of election and realize he was not in the elect would be the most sorrowful person on the planet. God in His mercy does not allow that to happen, at least I’ve never met the person. I explained to the man whom I will now call the agnostic Calivinist that this view was discussed at length by John Calvin and…

“Oh yeah, Calvin, he’s Methodist.” interrupted the agnostic Calvinist.

“Huh??” My thoughtful rejoinder.

“You know… John Calvin, he started the Methodist church.”

He may or may not know scripture but we’re definately going to have to work on church history.

BFR time again

On By The Flying DutchmanIn AviationLeave a comment

Seems like I just took my BFR (Biennial Flight Review) but it’s already that time again.  Pilots are certificated to fly for as long as they are physically capable.  A pilot’s license isn’t a license at all but a certificate of “demonstrated ability.”  As such, we are required to demonstrate our ability to safely pilot an aircraft on an on-going basis.  For a pleasure flyer like myself it’s every two years.

Since I’m a cheap pleasure flyer I’m heading down to Fresno Chandler Airport (KFCH) for a free Wings seminar and free flight instruction both of which will satisfy my BFR requirement.  The Wings program is a series of free safety seminars sponsored by the FAA.  It promises to be a fun day that will help make me a safer pilot all around.

Here’s some information on Wings Weekend 2006.

*** UPDATE ***

The flight was a no-go because of weather.  Guess I’ll have to pay for my BFR like everyone else.

An opportunity

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Faith, OpinionLeave a comment

I may be witnessing the prayer being answered.  My manager has accepted a position in another city.  I am considered by many to be a good candidate for his soon to be open position.  I am by no means a shoe in but I do have previous management experience which is a plus. My manager leaves in two weeks.  It is most likely that the opening will be posted at that time.

I’ve been praying to God for ways to help me increase my giving ability.  I’ve been researching jobs,  looking into moving into smaller more affordable housing, even considering starting a new life in another state.  Doing any of that would be exciting but would it bring me the kind of joy I now have?  For the first time in my life, I actually work in the town in which I live.  I recognize people on the street that I’ve known for years.  I have a circle of friends.  Most important of all I’ve found a good church full of like-minded Christians who strive to be holy and encourage one another.  My gypsy life has never allowed me such joy.

I certainly could achieve my financial goals by moving or changing jobs.  However, God is wise beyond understanding.  He has placed the answer to my problems right in front of me.  As scripture states:

“The Lord is fighting for you! So be still!” Ex 14:14 God’s Word

So I think I’ll just stand still and see what God’s will for me is.

Dancing through the scriptures

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Faith1 Comment

Snoopy Happy DanceMy wife, the Dutchwoman, asked me a question last night: What is the real harm in having an Arminian view of scripture? As a recent convert to reformed theology that was an interesting question to have to answer. What is the real harm in having an Arminian Biblical view? Is there in fact any harm in having an Arminian view of scripture?

The Dutchwoman’s point was that from an Arminian perspective you have to dance around too many scriptures. For example, Romans 9:9-24

9 For example, this is what the promise said, “I will come back at the right time, and Sarah will have a son.” 10 The same thing happened to Rebekah. Rebekah became pregnant by our ancestor Isaac. 11 Before the children had been born or had done anything good or bad, Rebekah was told that the older child would serve the younger one. This was said to Rebekah so that God’s plan would remain a matter of his choice, 12 a choice based on God’s call and not on anything people do. 13The Scriptures say, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.”

14 What can we say—that God is unfair? That’s unthinkable! 15 For example, God said to Moses, “I will be kind to anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to.” 16 Therefore, God’s choice does not depend on a person’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

17 For example, Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I put you here for this reason: to demonstrate my power through you and to spread my name throughout the earth.” 18 Therefore, if God wants to be kind to anyone, he will be. If he wants to make someone stubborn, he will.

19 You may ask me, “Why does God still find fault with anyone? Who can resist whatever God wants to do?”

20 Who do you think you are to talk back to God like that? Can an object that was made say to its maker, “Why did you make me like this?” 21 A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay.

22 If God wants to demonstrate his anger and reveal his power, he can do it. But can’t he be extremely patient with people who are objects of his anger because they are headed for destruction? 23 Can’t God also reveal the riches of his glory to people who are objects of his mercy and who he had already prepared for glory? 24 This is what God did for us whom he called—whether we are Jews or not.

What is the Arminian view of this scripture? That God picks some people but everyone else has to choose God? And who are those that God called? Only the aplostles? Messianic Jews? All Christians? Who are the people of whom this scripture speaks?

How about Matthew 24:31

31He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and from every direction under the sky, they will gather those whom God has chosen.

This scripture speaks of how we will know that the Son of Man is returning in His Glory. Jesus speaks of angels gathering up God’s chosen as a sign of His impending return. Who are the chosen? Did God choose those who chose Him first?

A few more for effect.

Col 3:12 – As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
1Th 1:4 – Brothers and sisters, we never forget this because we know that God loves you and has chosen you.
1 Ti 5:21 – I solemnly call on you in the sight of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to be impartial when you follow what I’ve told you. Never play favorites.
2 Ti 2:10 – For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive salvation from Christ Jesus with glory that lasts forever.
Tit 1:1 – From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God’s chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life.

What do these verses mean when they say chosen?

When I read scripture using the Arminian paradigm I litterally had to tap dance through these scriptures. Especially Romans. My take on these scriptures back then was that God has chosen everyone to receive salvation, we just have to accept the gift. But that’s not really what these scriptures are saying. I don’t think that people were so different back then that we today are simply not capable of understanding what they wrote. We can understand what Greek philosophers wrote long before the New Testament was written. It is clear as crystal. Since the scriptures are inspired by God would He not ensure that the scriptures were written precisely as He intended? I have to believe that what is written in the scriptures are to be taken at face value. That God chose us before we chose Him.

Look at it this way, say we have two equally educated men. Both are of reasonable intelligence, both successful, bothe good moral men. There is only one singular difference between the two: one has wholeheartedly accepted what is written in scripture and has declared his faith in Jesus Christ, the other refuses to believe what is written in scripture and declares that he has no room for such superstitions. Why would one man accept the Gospel, and the other reject it? Why did you accept the Gospel and yet you have family and friends that reject it? What enabled your belief and cut off theirs?

To me the answer is simple: God enabled my belief through His sovereign selection before all time.

Disposable Income?

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Faith, Opinion2 Comments

Here’s a short simple question I struggle with: As a Christian, do we have disposable income?  After I’ve paid my taxes, after I’ve paid my bills, after I’ve tithed to the church, after I’ve saved up for retirement and college; if after all that I still have some money left over, is this money disposable?  Am I being a good steward of what God has given me if I take that money and invest it in stocks, bonds, or CDs?  How about buying a sports car?  How about buying that killer must-have piece of avionics for the plane?  How about building a plane?

 What is the Biblical answer?  I’m sure any of these things are legal from a scriptural sense.  However, I have to ask myself if I’m truly being a good steward of the money God has entrusted to me?  I don’t really know the answer but am interested in your comments.  I’m going to be researching this myself and praying about it in my quiet time.

Live like a god, die like a man

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Faith, OpinionLeave a comment

Our pastor is doing a study of the book of John at church in his sermons. We are in John chapter 10 where Jesus has finally told the Jews directly that He is the Son of God. He is promptly accused of blasphemy. Jesus’ answer to them is in John 10:34 “Is it not written in your law, I SAID, “YOU ARE GODS.”
A couple of the questions we have been asked about this passage are:

1) Jesus quotes from Psalm 82:6 the phrase “I said, ‘You are gods.’” What does this phrase mean?

2) The reference is to those “to whom the word of God came.” Who were these men? And how did being inspired make them different from any other person?

To answer both questions at once I believe the “gods” refer to the rulers and judges of the time who of course had received their authority directly from God. As such some of His honor had been bestowed upon them. So much so they had been elevated as gods above the people in their own minds even if not in reality. However, the Psalms go on to say that these gods would die like ordinary men be they wicked or good. Their god-like status buys them nothing.

The crowd Jesus is addressing most likely contained a number of Pharisees and Sadducees. These church leaders would most likely have understood he was referring to them with the above verse from Psalms.  They would further understand that Jesus was referring to their overly high opinion of themselves and ultimately their end. As such they probably had a lot to do with the reaction that ensued from the crowd. The crowd tried to seize Jesus but He quickly slipped away.