Mark Spruill – Page 18 – Various stuff from the life of J. Mark Spruill

The Bible Tells Me So

Oct 252012

Our grow group at church has been going through “The Truth Project” material from Focus on the Family. It is very good material that teaches a Christian worldview on a variety of topics such as science, politics, work, social order, etc. At the foundation of the class is the assumption that the Bible is the authoritative source of truth. I accept that premise, however I have lately been thinking about why I do so.

I know there are many reasons people give for believing the Bible is true. Frankly, most of the ones I have heard are not very good, involving circular reasoning or some other “proof” that is not acceptable to Christians when used by “the other side” to prove their point of view. So, why do I believe the Bible is true? There are in fact some very good proofs out there, but for me, the greatest one can be summed up in a little song. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . .”

Some may believe life is about collecting stuff. Others may believe life is about doing stuff. Or becoming famous. Or powerful. When I consider what gives life purpose and meaning, I come up with a different answer.

I believe we were created to commune with God. He created us in His image to love and be loved by Him. To share in a bond that transcends anything we can comprehend. I believe God has revealed Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. I guess that’s the part that has to be taken on faith. You know faith has to figure in the picture somewhere. Many years ago, I decided to take that step of faith and accept Jesus as Lord. Once a person takes that step of faith, the rest can fall in place.

To know Him and live for Him is my goal. I may not always stay true to that goal, but sooner or later, everything in life comes back to that. It’s all about Jesus, the only thing that gives life meaning. Life is about knowing God the Father through Him who is God’s earthly expression of Himself. Therefore the Bible is important, the Bible is relevant, the Bible is true, because it is the book that tells His story. Everybody bases their actions, decisions, goals on something. Everybody has to have something at the foundation of their life. What better foundation can there be but that of Jesus Christ, and the book that tells His story?

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
-1Corinthians 3:11

More Love for My Loupe

Misc. 1 Response »

Oct 132012

Two Tools That Help Me See

I used to think that little things didn’t bother people as they got older because they had matured. They had learned to ignore the small stuff and focus on bigger issues. Now that I am older, I know better. Older people aren’t ignoring the small stuff. They just can’t SEE the small stuff. Such was the case with me and a splinter I got in my finger the other day. I couldn’t see it, but every time I touched something with that finger, the splinter would painfully make itself known. Fortunately, I had invested in something years ago that would now help my older eyes deal with splinters.

Years ago, when I was a young guy, I bought a jeweler’s loupe at a surplus tool store. It looked like something that might be useful some day. It looked like something that every person ought to have. So I bought it. Now, 30 years later, I use it all the time. It’s one of the best investments I ever made. It helps me see things I just can’t see on my own. The older I get, the more I rely on it. And by the way, the same is true for my Bible.

Midlife Musing

Consider This, Poetry 1 Response »

Sep 292012

Below is a poem I wrote more than ten years ago and sent to poetry.com. I have hesitated to post it on my blog because, quite frankly, it’s a little embarrassing. Despite that, I have decided to swallow my pride and post it for several reasons. First, I have felt like I should for a while now. Second, I need another post for this month. (I try to at LEAST do three a month.) And finally, since I am not feeling this way at the moment – hopefully learning a few things since then – you don’t have to feel sorry for me or be amazed at my pity party. I am VERY blessed, as are many of us. However, my guess is that some others have felt this way at times, so maybe you can relate. If I am the only one that has ever felt this way, don’t tell me. It will just make me feel bad. 😉

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Midlife Musing

Life is hollow.
Striving, Reaching, Struggling.
Close, but never there. Grasping.
Not quite good enough,
Not quite quick enough,
Not quite old or young enough.
A life full of not quite enough money,
Not quite enough time,
Not quite enough talent.
A life of almost good enough,
Almost correct and almost right.
Hoards of I-wish-I’d-done-thats.
Regrets scattered everywhere.
Success seems scarce, Yet blessings abound.
Self pity is sickening.
The end of life. A talk with God.
The unimaginable happens.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Nothing else will matter at all.

– JMS

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
— Matthew 25:23 NKJV

There is no such thing as leftover bacon

Consider This, Misc. 3 Responses »

Sep 192012

There is no such thing as leftover bacon. I have never seen it and I am convinced it does not exist. In researching the topic, I have discussed the issue with several people. They have all agreed. Leftover bacon is a myth.

At first, this theory may appear to defy logic. Every other food is capable of producing leftovers. At our house, for example, spaghetti is particularly adept at this. English peas and rice are also very leftover prone. We once had three or four dates that sat in a small container in the back of the fridge for almost a year before I finally consumed them and put them out of their misery. But never bacon. Bacon is just too good to be left unconsumed. The demand always meets the supply.

When I die, I don’t want to be like spaghetti or English peas. I want to be like bacon. One hundred percent shared out. Every crumb given away. Every bit consumed. Nothing held back. No leftovers.

He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.
-Math 10:39

How to Get What You Want

Misc. 2 Responses »

Sep 062012

“Buy her a diamond, get a free hunting rifle.” It’s what the sign said as it advertised a new sales campaign for a prominent local jeweler. It sounded crazy at first. Then I realized the true message on the sign. The real message was “Use someone else as a means to get something for yourself.” People do that all the time. How could that be crazy? That jeweler will probably sell a boat load of diamonds this hunting season.

The Bride Who Disappeared

Stories 3 Responses »

Aug 252012

The building stood empty and dark. Here and there, a window was broken, a jagged hole left as evidence of a rock, hurled by a strong arm, powered by passion and malice. All around the building, rocks, shattered glass, broken boards, nails and debris lay as evidence of dastardly deeds. The doors were all locked, some with chains and bars. It was evident that no one had used the building for some time. Continue reading »

An Encounter With a Worm

Misc. 3 Responses »

Aug 182012

A few days ago, I saved a worm’s life. He was wriggling like mad on the sidewalk, hopelessly removed from the comfort, safety, and security of the nearest dirt. He must have crawled out there during a rain storm, got lost, and since he had no fingers with which to work his GPS, was doomed to wriggle around the concrete until exhausted and dried up.

Lucky for him, I came along and noticed his plight. As I plucked him from the sidewalk, he screamed “Don’t eat me!” I tried to assure him I was not an Early Bird, nor did I have similar culinary taste. He was not convinced and therefore continued to wriggle frantically, trying to escape the discomfort of my pinching fingers. It did not matter. I tossed him to the dirt and continued on my way. I saved a worms life.

I am sure if you were to discuss the incident with the worm, you would get an entirely different account of the events that occurred. But then, he is a worm. And I am a human being. Our difference in perspective and capacity for understanding is vast. Incomparable really. Kinda like God and me. Only God cares for me enough to die for me. I would NOT go that far for a worm.

Exploring Mars and Finding God

Consider This, Misc. 2 Responses »

Aug 092012

I admit it. I am a science geek. So, it is no wonder that I have been watching the progress of NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover mission with great interest. I’ve been checking web sites, watching videos, reading news and comments, and studying the earliest little grainy pictures.

A picture from Mars

Just a couple of days ago, I read a comment that was posted under a video of the Mars rover landing. Most comments were very positive, praising NASA for a successful landing and an exciting mission. However, one particular comment, negative in tone, caught my eye. It was complaining about all the money that was being spent on exploring Mars when ” . . . all we need to know can already be found in the Bible.” I think the comment was both sad, and wrong.

How could one book possibly contain all we need to know about an infinite God and His unfathomable expansive creation? Sure, the Bible contains what we need to know about God, salvation, and foundational truth. But it can’t contain everything we can know, because there is always more to know. I am grateful for a medical doctor who reads the Bible, but I hope his knowledge also includes some details about the human body that have been discovered since the Bible was written. On this hot summer day, I am thankful the chemists and physicists felt the need to understand atoms, molecules, and the principals of heat, cold, expansion and contraction. Without that knowledge, no one would have invented my air conditioner. The Bible is more than a book. It is the foundation of knowledge and truth about our Creator. However, the Bible itself says “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork .”

There is so much more to know. So much more to be discovered. I say, let us explore. I am not afraid of what we may find. Those with a godless world view may use the discoveries to invent theories, trying to erase their subjection to an all powerful God. Where they are determined to find no god but themselves, they will see with clouded eyes, exactly what the are looking for, finding emptiness and meaninglessness in the process.

Those of us who eagerly accept there is something greater than ourselves, will find evidence of His existence throughout the universe. Just as an artist endows a painting with a small bit of himself in every brush stroke, so our omnipotent creator has left His “DNA” throughout his creation. The wonders of creation reveal the mysteries of the creator. It’s out there. He’s out there. Let’s go exploring.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
– Psalm 19:1

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead . . .
– Romans 1:20

Just in Case I’m Ever Asked . . .

Misc. 1 Response »

Jul 282012

Recently, Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A caused a major stir simply because he made it known that he supports the traditional view of marriage. Some people are outraged, some cities are saying he is not welcome to put a store in their community. Hate speech as well as encouraging support is spewed all over the Internet. All because a successful, well known enterprise took a stand on something. Something anyone who knew anything about Chick-fil-A and it’s founder could have already guessed. But because they are so well known and popular, people act like it’s a big deal. I thank God for the courage of Dan Cathy. It’s made me consider what I should do.

On the very off chance that I should ever be wildly successful or incredibly popular, I have decided to make my views known now. Perhaps that will keep them from becoming a big deal later. If I ever write a best seller, no one will be able to say it ( or I ) was popular only because people didn’t know what I was REALLY like and what I REALLY believe. So, let it be known here and now:

I believe Jesus is the only Way to God. He is the Truth, and the Life!

I believe the Bible is God’s word to us.

I believe I am called to love and forgive everyone, even when it is not easy. I also believe sin is sin. Wrong is wrong. Doesn’t matter if it’s not politically correct or if it’s inconvenient for me or my chosen lifestyle . . . or yours. To be more specific, I believe abortion is the taking of a human life. I believe the homosexual lifestyle is wrong. Sex before marriage is wrong. Lying, cheating, stealing are wrong. Lust is wrong. Gossip is wrong. Cowardice is wrong. Selfishness is wrong. And a whole lot of other things are wrong. . . some of which I do on occasion, because I also believe, I am not perfect. And neither is anyone else.

That’s why we all need Jesus.

Mark

What Can Cause A Fire?

Misc. 1 Response »

Jul 202012

Fire trucks rumbled into our parking lot with lights flashing. Half a dozen men, all dressed in bulky fire suits, jumped out of the trucks and rushed inside. There was smoke in the office, evidence of fire, and the firemen were there to help.

They examined the ceiling near an emergency light and found the source of the problem. There were some hot wires and a burned out battery in the emergency light fixture. The fixture was there to provide light in case of an emergency power outage. Ironically, it had shorted out and nearly caused a fire . . . and an emergency power outage. The thing meant to help and protect, had hurt.

Sometimes, life is just that way. Thank God for firemen, willing to come to the rescue.

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