Liar, Liar

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of our nation wrote a letter to his nephew Peter Carr in 1785.  Within the letter, President Jefferson weaves his message with words such as:  Truth, honesty, and integrity.  What stands out the most is the Presidents straightforward message to his nephew about lying when he wrote, “He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good dispositions.”

For me, I would like to say that I have never lied, however, that would be a lie.  I guess I could justify the times that I have lied, but in God’s eyes, there is no justification.  After the lie storm has passed, there is an enormous guilt feeling and the desire to make it right to those whom I have lied to.  I don’t wake up in the morning and say, I wonder how many times I can lie today.”  However, it is true that there have been circumstances that caught me off guard and instead of being straight up truthful, I concocted an answer that got me off the hook…so I thought! 

I have always told my kids, “it is better to tell the truth than it is to lie and I find out, for the consequences will be much more severe.”  Does that advice only apply to children?  Are parents and adult exempt from practicing what we teach?  Is there a standard for some and not for others? 

The Scriptures are clear about how God feels about lying.  Proverbs 12:22 says, The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” (NLT)  The Apostle Paul told the Colossian believers, “Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life.” Colossians 3:9 (MSG) And, Johns vision resulted in the destination of liars in Revelation 21:8, “…all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (NIV)

There is a chant some say when someone is caught in a lie, “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”  As a kid, I remember saying that very same chant to someone I knew was lying.  Pinocchio is a Disney character that every time he lies, his nose grows longer.  Some experts have said that there are ways to tell if someone is lying if they have excessive blinking, pupils enlarged, look up to the left, or a funny look on their face. 

CBS and Vanity Fair did a poll about lying in 2014:  One question was:  Should you always tell the truth?  56% said yes, while 42% said no.  If you were asked, does this dress make me look fat, how would you answer the question if indeed it did make her look fat?  Or, How do you like my new hairstyle?  You see there are so many questions that demand a truthful answer, but could possibly hurt the person asking.  According to the same survey by CBS and Vanity Fair, 42% preferred to be lied to. 

According to Scripture, it is never justifiable to lie.  Even though our desire is to protect our relationships, or ourselves honesty is always the best policy.  No matter if it is a bill collector, a spouse, a parent or a judge, truth is always best. 

If I could turn back time, I would re-do things I have done and lies I have told.  It is never a good feeling to regret something that has been done in deceit.  I suspect most would like a re-do and tell the truth no matter the circumstances.

The wonderful thing about God is that he is grace and mercy and forgiving.  He takes ours lies and forgives them and forgets them according to Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

While it may take a bit to rebuild trust in those to whom we have lied to, the time it takes to rebuild will be worth it in the end.  Be honest.  Be truth.  Be integrity. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Overcoming Temptation

C.S. Lewis in his book, Mere Christianity makes the case that resisting temptation is not an easy task. “A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is... A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in.”

Being tempted does not mean that you have sinned, nor does it mean that you will.  Jesus’ temptations are proof that one is not sinning when he/she is being tempted.  It is important, however, to have strategies for dealing with all the temptations we will face in our lives.  There are practical ways to deal with temptations that will leave each of us feeling better about ourselves without having to deal with the aftermath of guilt.  

Stay away from vulnerable situations. We must stay away from people and situations that will cause us to compromise our convictions.  Will Roger is right when he said, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.” Keeping ourselves out of parking spaces that will affect our vulnerability is crucial for our success in saying no to whatever is tempting us. 

Pray throughout the temptation. The closing remarks in the Lord’s Prayer Jesus said, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” (NLT)   (Matthew 6:13).  A prayerful lifestyle will divert our desires to do wrong in order to keep our spiritual convictions in tack.  If we have the philosophy of Oscar Wilde when he said, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation” we will never experience the triumph to overcome and resist those things in our lives that can ultimately destroy relationships, jobs, friendships, or integrity.  Prayer is one the best method to keep from yielding to temptation.  

Take being tempted seriously.  Temptation is serious and must never be taken lightly.  It is important to resist any desire that would rob our relationship with God, Jesus, and Spirit.  

James 4:7-8 says, Submit yourselves, then to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you….”  The moment we let our guard down, is the very moment we become vulnerable and more likely we give in to the temptation.  

While it is extremely important to be bible reading and praying to God kind of people, it is also important to have accountability with someone who will be straight up and honest with us.  And, who only has our best interest at heart.  We must stay focused and stay away from those things that will harm us!  Never keep God out of it!  Keep Jesus center stage.  Allow the Spirit to do the convincing that God's way is the right way.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Gift of Generous People

The phone rings and I see whom it is calling me.  I answer will a “Hello.”  The caller responds and says, “Brian, I have something for you, are you at home?”  I answered with a “yes, come over.”  In about thirty minutes there is a knock on the door.  I open the door and there stands the one who called me.  I invited her in and asked her to have a seat.  She pulls out an envelope and hands it to me.  She said, “There are several people who wanted to help you financially so that you do not need to borrow any money.” 

I was speechless.  I held the envelope that contains not just money, but love and generosity.  She also handed me a card.  I opened the card and in it was a check and some of the most beautifully written words of kindness that I have ever received from someone whom I never met.  

There has been an outpouring of love and generosity from people all over who lives out the Acts 2:43-45 model  “Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (The Message)

Giving is a gift.  The Apostle Paul shared the Spirit gifts to the believers in Rome.  He said in his letter, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…if it is giving, then give generously….” Romans 12:6,8 (NIV) There are countless people all over the world who give generously every day to others whom they have never met.  These givers do not give out of the need for recognition, rather out of a desire to simply help others who are in need.  Givers are selfless and desire for their fellow believer or neighbor to have what they need to make life a bit better to live. 

Generous people also know the essence of living out the Jesus life.   They are wrapped in the garments of “do to others, as you would have them do to you “and giving generously to those in need.”  Givers realize that when they give a cup of water, a shirt or their time to others, it is just like giving their generosity to Jesus, too. 

Generous people open up the floodgates of better days for those who are struggling financially.  They give hope when all seems lost and they provide a portrait of Jesus in the gift and actions to those who are on the receiving end. 

As one who has been blessed by people I know and by those whom I have never met, I am grateful for the gift of your generosity.  Your love was felt deeply and it will never be forgotten. 

May each one of us clearly see the generosity of God each day as he wakes us up to experience his gift of just today.  No matter the hardships, adversity, trials or tribulations, God is always on the scene and will provide us with his generosity somehow.  Always trust that he knows what is best and his timing is the right timing in every situation. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Last One...

As I sit in my chair writing this article, tears are flowing and my heart breaks.  For nearly three years, I have been given the opportunity to write my thoughts each week to thousands of readers across White County and neighboring counties as well.  It has been an honor to live among you and to see first-hand the beauty of the Upper Cumberland region.  I have been inspired by the pride you have for your communities, schools, churches and State.  It has been a privilege to serve along side some of the most incredible people in all-the world.  And, the blessings I have received from the Central Church of Christ will forever be etched in my mind and heart. 

I remember well the first day I ever crossed the Calf Killer River or walked the streets of Sparta to introduce myself as the new preaching minister at Central Church of Christ or attended a Warrior football, basketball, baseball game or a band concert.  I will never forget praying around the courthouse with my fellow White County believers in Jesus to pray for our nation as the words, God We Trust are boldly proclaimed on all four outside walls.

White County is unique in that our schools have student-led prayers, baccalaureate, teachers, principals staff, and administrators of faith.  There are morals of honesty and integrity.  Communities are filled with the values of love your neighbor and do to others, as you would have them do to you.  Law enforcement’s desire is for each one of us to live in a safe place.  And, a city and county government who wants the best for all the communities and who works tirelessly to make White County a great place to live. 

White County, you have a lot to be proud of.  Never lose site of the warrior spirit.  Never waiver on godly morals, ethics and values.  Keep trusting in God.  In disagreements, work together in unity to find the right path forward.  Support each other.  Love unconditionally.  Remember, it is in our differences that can make or break us; chose wisely.  Don’t let disagreements divide us; rather allow them to open up opportunities to explore solutions for the greater good of the people.  Be transparent.  Be kind.  Be strong.  Be Americans.  Be warrior strong.

I have heard countless times the joy one gets from reading Brian’s Biblical Minutes.  It is truly humbling that you would take the time to read what God placed on my heart to write.  Thank you for accepting me into your community and loving me.  Thank you for being generous with your kindness and patience towards me.  You will forever be in my heart.

For many of you, I walked a journey of sadness with you, as you had to say goodbye to a son, daughter, husband, wife, sister, son, grandmother or grandfather.  In those difficult times, God was leading the way and residing in your heart to heal you and to show you unquenchable love he has for you.  It was my honor to be there for each of you.  My prayers will continue to be for you as you are healing. 

To the Central Church of Christ, thank you for taking me in as your preaching minister.  You taught me.  Loved me.  And, showed me great mercy when I was at my worst.  My prayers are with you and I will never forget you.  It was God’s leading that brought us together and I will continue to trust him as I anticipate his next journey.  I love you. 

Finally, my love and appreciation for Kim Wood, the editor of the Expositor cannot be measured.  She is a light for White County and a true friend.  She loves White County with passion and never shows bias towards anyone.  I will truly miss her.

I would love to hear from you.  My email is thegreatestcommandislove@gmail or you can text or call me at 931-545-7543.

May you always see the good in others and strive to be God-controlled!. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian McCutchen

Praying at the 50-Yard Line

Joe Kennedy, an assistant football coach for the Bremerton High School in Washington State has been sacked for his refusal to stop praying at the 50-yard line after each game.  Apparently, there was a complaint that coach Kennedy was praying, thus he was “ordered to avoid kneeling, bowing his head or doing anything that could remotely be seen as religious.”  However, the coach could find a private place to pray where students cannot see him. 

As a result of coach Kennedy’s refusal to stop praying at the 50-yard line, the schools Superintendent placed him on administrative paid leave while he is under investigation.   

What is going on in America?  When will the silent majority stand up as people of faith and boldly resist the “push us around,” “shut us up,” “privatize prayers and bibles,” movements in our society?  When will we say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH?”

In the earliest days of the Christian movement, the apostles were put into jail because of the jealousy the Sadducees had in their hearts (Acts 5:17) and because they felt the apostles were making the Sanhedrin (a modern day Supreme Court in Israel) look badly in the eyes of the community.  The high priest of the Sanhedrin told the apostles, “we gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” (Acts 5:28).   The response of Peter and the other apostles was epic and courageous as they stood toe to toe with the courts edict:  “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29)  Their courage got them whipped and again ordered not to speak about Jesus. (Acts 5:40)  However, the apostles were not going to allow a Supreme Court to deter or distract them from preaching and teaching about “the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”  (Acts 5:42)

I hear believers complaining about our liberties of religion being taken away in the public squares across America.  We fuss over the fact that bibles can’t be read in schools and Ten Commandments cannot be displayed on courthouse grounds and the mentioning of God cannot be tolerated.  I hear the complaints, but I do not see a lot of action. 

Where are our modern day apostles who will say, “We must obey God rather than men!”  We need more coach Kennedy’s all across America who will still go to the 50-yard line and pray even when his job is in jeopardy.  We need more towns like Sparta TN who isn’t afraid to write on all four outside walls of the courthouse building, “In God We Trust.”    

Silent majority, where are you?  Complainers of loss of freedom, what are you going to do about it?  Now is the time to stand with the coach Kennedy’s of our communities.  Now is the time as believers in Jesus to be bold, courageous, and fearless.  Now is the time to rally the majority and defend our values, the Word of God and are rights as citizens of the United States of America.   

Now is the time!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Indoctrination?

Indoctrination is a strong word to use against anyone who is in the position of teaching. According to the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, to indoctrinate is “to teach (someone) to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a particular group and to not consider other ideas, opinions, and beliefs.”

To be accused of indoctrinating our children in White County Middle School is a serious accusation that cannot go unnoticed.  The accusation of indoctrination puts our educators and board members in the same category as some of the world’s most renowned leaders in history who set out to brainwash a culture of the young and the innocent.  

Indoctrination doesn’t change definitions based on events in the past, present or future.  The meaning was the same in 1933 as it is in 2015.  It is imperative that we fact check to ensure that someone is not unjustly classified into a category that can ruin their reputation and/or career.  Indoctrination also has the same connotation as: Programming, propaganda, brainwashing, and proselyting. 

After reading the Pearson’s “My World History and Geography” book that the seventh grade students use as part of their overall education, there was not one shred of evidence that caused me to accuse the publisher, school board, teachers or administrators of indoctrination.  It is true that anyone can take anything out of context if they oppose an idea or thought that is written in a book.  For example:  There is one bible, yet there are hundreds of different views of what the Scriptures says just in White County alone. 

What I love about a group of people in the “history” section of the bible, the book of Acts, a people called the Bereans who listen to what the Apostle Paul and Silas were teaching didn’t take what was being taught as indoctrination, rather, they compared their message with what the Scriptures says to ensure it was true.  (Acts 17:10-12)

The same must be said of all of us.  The solution in our community is not to take sides. Accuse.  Chastise.  Criticize.    Rather to compare what each group is saying is true. 

I have lived in White County over two years now.  I have come to love the values, standards, and the simple way of life.  I have learned that the citizens of White County are a people who can work out differences in house, shake hands and move on being the loving neighbors they have always been.

White County can lead the State in problem solving and working together in unity to accomplish the greater good for the greater cause, which is the future of our communities in our County.

Now is the time to drop the petitions.  Stop the arguing and unite as Warriors who at heart are kind, gentle, loving, compassionate, forgiving, merciful, God led people. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Jesus Follower

A spiritual disciple is a follower of someone who desires to be delivered from a destructive sinful life.  Being delivered from spiritual bondage will give relief to anyone willing to surrender and become his disciple.       

Jesus said to Thomas in John 14:6 that he is the way, truth and life.  In order to get to God, you must go through me, first.  Philip then asked:  “Jesus, would you show us how to get to God?”  Jesus replied, “Look Phillip, the father and I are one.  We are in this together.  When you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the father.  Trust.  Believe. When you believe, you will do what I’ve have done the entire time we’ve been together.  Work hard.  Stay steady.”

The acceptance of Jesus as they way, truth and life begins with a desire to be delivered from spiritual bondage in order to be set free from sin and death.  There are no fancy formulas to becoming a disciple.  No steps that need to be taken other than what James 4:8-10 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn, and wail.  Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will life you up.” (NIV)  Drawing to God is the step that demonstrates the willingness of living the Jesus life.    

A disciple desires a relationship with Jesus so much that she is enthusiastic about the gift of God’s only son (John 3:16) who ultimately sacrificed his life for all of us (Romans 5:8) so that we do not have to experience God’s anger (Romans 5:9) because Jesus’ sacrifice united all of God kids together with him (Romans 5:10).  The Jesus follower is now motivated by the uniting of God’s kids, he can’t help but declare the praises of God and share the grace gift to others all around his community. (Romans 5:11).

Because one has chosen to be a Jesus follower, their behavior will reflect an allegiance to God and become the ambassador to sharing the grace message to everyone around them. Those who chose to be all in it for God will completely surrender to the instructions of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The Jesus follower will also duplicate what they have done by taking Matthew 28:19a to heart: “Go and make disciples of all nations….” The key to the survival of Jesus’ church is to “make disciples” or as I have been calling it, making more Jesus followers.  The reason we need more Jesus followers is to strengthen fellow believers in order to change communities to be an attractive place to live morally, ethically, and spiritually.  When a person truly follows Jesus with pure motives, they will live for him.  Speak for him.  Serve the way he served.  Love the way he loved.  Teach truth.  Live truth.  And, honor truth.

Now is the time to be a Jesus follower.  You ready? 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian