Ridgell's Originals

 The Shoeless Joe Jackson Black Sox are not remembered for their incredible baseball skills, but for their cheating.  The Houston Astros will be remembered more for trash cans than World Series victories.  And now Michigan will forever be tainted by the cheating during their National Championship season.

And I think there are some lessons to be learned for those of us who want to follow Jesus.  Not lessons about sports but about cutting corners to get what we want.  Not even about what constitutes cheating for a Christian, though that is a good thing to work thru.  Lying, omitting the facts, white lies, spin.  Contract loopholes.  Legal versus moral.  

So here are the things I think Christians should evaluate about cheating.

It is a choice.  It always starts with the choice.  Even if a someone (parent, boss, etc) tells you to do it.  It is still a choice.  It is a choice to do it or not.  It is a choice to repent of it or not.

And choices have consequences.  Your reputation.  Your witness for Jesus.  Your relationship with God.  But let's be honest.  There are consequences for not cheating.  You may lose -- whatever definition is used for losing.  It may cost you.  I can only imagine what would have happen to an assistant coach who refuses to "play to system."

It is also a decision whether to speak up.  Report.  Or tell.  Whistle blower.  Snitch.  Consequences here also.  To you if you do.  To you and to others if you do not.

Because in our culture, winning is everything.  Most casual fans I know would absolutely be fine with their team cheating to win if they would not get caught.  True in sports.  True on the job.  True in life.

And that is worth thinking about as a Jesus follower.  What would you do if you knew you wouldn't get caught?  Of course, the problem is that you would know.  And God would know.

The temptation to cheat is powerful. And I doubt the ones caught are the only ones doing it.  Some of these teams may not have even needed to cheat to win.  

But that is the culture we live in.

Christians are called to be different.  It is hard.  It is right.  

Do the hard things.  Jesus did.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

I have been thinking a lot -- and having a lot of conversations -- about people, culture, and how to live as a Christ follower.  So I went back and found this post from several months ago.  I needed to be reminded.

We all have core convictions about people.  Things we believe to be true about everyone.  Things we do not believe are true about everyone.  Convictions about how we should, or should not, treat people.  It takes constant effort to live to our convictions because it is easier to write a blog or teach a Bible class about how to relate to people than it is to actually do life with people.  Because we live in a fallen world and life is hard.

But here are a few things I believe about people.

God made everyone of them in His image.  

People are not my enemy.  Satan is.

Jesus died for every person I have, or will, meet.

Every person is lost without Jesus.

I have to try and treat everyone the way Jesus would.

Sometimes they will not like it.

There is never an excuse to be mean or hateful to people.

Loving people does not mean I endorse or accept all their behaviors.

I don't have to like every person.

I need to help everyone I can.

I especially need to help those in my community of faith.

I wonder if some people I encounter are angels and I am not aware of it.

People I meet may have been put in my life so I can tell them about Jesus.

People are not perfect.  Including me.

Everyone I meet gives me a chance to move them closer to God.

    Or to push them away from God.

I have a clear priority on time, energy, and resources.

    My family, the family of God, the family of mankind.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 It happens to everyone.  Sometimes deep and dark.  Sometimes long ,,, or short.

Depression.  The blues.  Off your game.  Sad.  Lonely.

You are not the first, nor will you be the last.  Even believers sometimes battle these feelings.

So here are a few verses I use to speak truth into those finding themselves in a hard place.  These words are true, even when we do not feel them.  So hang on to truth.  

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.    Joshua 1:9

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-6

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.  Revelation 21:4

May the words of God give your peace and comfort.

And these are meant to be shared, so use these with those in your life who are fighting the temptation of surrendering to depression.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Foy Owens is absolutely one of the best elders I have ever known.

I had the privilege of  serving with him for several years so I know first hand how much he loves Jesus and loves people.  We both ended up at different churches but have stayed friends and I still consider him to be one of my elders.  He and his wife are moving to another state to be near family and I have been thinking about how much influence he had on me.

So here are a few of the reasons Foy was such a great elder.

He really loves God.  Lives his faith.  He is honorable, upright, and above reproach.  Being led in prayer by Foy was always so meaningful. And he was, and is, a man of prayer. 

He knew Scripture.  And taught it.  Foy has always studied his Bible.  He taught classes.  He used Scripture in elder discussions.  His small group regularly studied Scripture.  I was so impressed that at a time where there were some controversial things being studied he did not just take someone's word for what the Bible meant, but actually studied it for himself.  And helped his life group study the subject for themselves.  That changes people.  Foy never said "trust me on this."  He was much more of a "here is what God said, what do you think?" kind of elder.

He really loves people.  When someone is in crisis, Foy cares.  Models grace and forgiveness along with accountability.  That makes a difference.  It restores people.  

I have seen members confess struggles and seen Foy set up ongoing meetings where the struggler is encouraged, prayed over, had truth spoken, and been loved.

I have been with Foy when as elders we had to go into horrible situations in an effort to save one of our flock.  Never scared Foy.  He never backed down.

So in many ways, I modeled my shepherding after things I learned from Foy.

He was, and always will be, a man I look to so I can see Jesus more clearly.

To follow Foy is to know that you will end up with Jesus.

Because Jesus is where Foy's eyes -- and life -- are.

So enjoy those grandkids.  The church where you end up will be blessed.

I'll probably still be calling for advice.

And you will be happy to help.  Just like always.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 4 comments

 Polyamory is the next thing on the cultural horizon.  It is yet another example of cultural standards that are different than what the Bible teaches.  So what is the church's response to a culture that is so different that what we believe.

Remember that culture has never been Christian.  Not ever in our country's past was the culture aligned with Scripture.  

Also, I am convinced that changing laws does not change hearts.  

Many churches respond by adapting to culture.  Finding new ways to interpret Scripture so that the church is more aligned with what culture accepts.  

Other churches double down on pointing out how wrong culture is.  Becoming known for what they are against more than what they are for.

I think churches are better served to do two things.

One is to be sure that we teach and instruct our people in what the Bible says.  We have to be a people of the book.  The issue is never one specific thing.  The issue is Scripture.  The church must be clear that we are committed to following what God said above all.  It is not personal.  It is not against any behaviors.  It is very much for what God says.  

But to take this position means we have to teach the Bible.  It will be awkward and uncomfortable to try and stand on Scripture unless that is part of the fabric of our communities of faith. So let's be people that come out of Scripture.  

And I believe it is better to proclaim what we are for.  Yes, there is a time to speak against sin.  But I want to be known as a church committed to Jesus.  A church that teaches God's will in marriage.  A church known for Jesus.  A church that encourages it's members to live Christ-like lives.  In every area of our lives.  

When we are known more for what we are against, it is easy to point fingers at the things we do not preach against.  So let's start with what we are for.  

Our culture is anti-Jesus.  Just like Jesus taught us it would be.  

So teach our people so they know truth.

Emphasize what we are for more than what we are against.  

Be strong.  Be courageous.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 1 comments

 I noticed another city has extended legal recognition to polyamorous relationships.  So being in a multiple partner relationship is on the way to legal recognition and protection.  This is how culture works.  People want something that is seen as wrong or immoral.  Seek legal recognition.  Label anyone who opposes the position as judgmental, hateful, and unloving.  Once legally established, seek laws that prohibit or even prosecute any view that does not support the desired behavior.

Of course, as a Christian I believe God is very clear about our relationships.  One man and one woman.  For life.  There are any number of ways to violate that teaching, and even we Christians wrestle with God's plan.  But culture by nature is not committed to God's standard.  Culture reflects what the majority of people want to do.  

So what is the Christian response to yet another sin being accepted and endorsed by our culture?

Many will lament and weep over the direction of the United States culture.  They will seek to address this spiritual issue by legislation or political power.  And it will not work.  Because culture is not Christian and legislation does not change hearts.

I would remind Christians of a couple of things.

We are not primarily citizens of the country in which we have legal status.  We are citizens of the Kingdom of God.  Crossing every geographic and political boundary.  Our Kingdom will outlast all the kingdoms of this world.  The Kingdom of God will triumph in the end.

I do think it important to point out something here.

The people living this way and seeking to enforce their behavior are not our enemy.  Evil is.  Satan is.  The powers of this world are.  But not people.  These are people made in the image of God.  They are people that Jesus loved enough to die for.  They are people that God wants to live with forever.  

Just like you and me.

These are people that need Jesus.  Just like we do. 

Don't get confused about the enemy.

Sin is forgiven in Jesus.  That has worked really well in my life and in yours.

Stop trying to change the kingdoms of this world.  Not gonna happen.

Share Jesus.  That changes lives.  Forever.  And it is happening.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 My grandson, Jake Gilbreth, turns 18 today.  Here are a few reasons I love him and am so proud of him.

Jake is a nice guy.  That term gets used a lot but it really describes Jake.  He is helpful and polite.  He holds doors open.  He says please.  He says thank-you.  Often several times.  He will make the effort to thank people when they do things.  He doesn't mind setting up and taking down tables and chairs at church fellowships.  Don't have to ask him.

Jake treats everyone the same.  Rich or poor.  Ex-offender or elder.  Young or old.  

Jake is a hard worker.  Went out at 15 and got a job.  Still working there.  Helps out at our Ranch.  Helps out at his house.  And ours.  

He is an overcomer.  Life is hard.  Jake has been disappointed and hurt by people that should have taken care of him.  He works hard to get past all of that.  Does not let that ruin him.  

He thinks about the things that matter.  Finding his own path spiritually.  Looking for Jesus.  Encouraging others to seek him.  Taking his time to be sure.  He has found his spiritual community in our Jesus Journey class at Hillcrest.  Lots of people in different places on the spiritual journey.  Lots of life/sin wounds and scars.

I am amazed at what Jake has done in his life.  Athletic accomplishments.  Good grades.  Built a couple of side businesses. And seeking Jesus.

I don't what Jake's future looks like, but I do know this.  He is on the right path.  Figuring life out for himself. Teaching me a lot.   

And I am so proud of him.

I love him.          

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Julie and Tim are about to celebrate their second anniversary.  Here are a few reasons I love them and am really proud of them.

They do not live in the past.  It is pretty remarkable really.  They were both badly wounded in previous relationships.  But I don't hear much about the past. If they talk about it at all, it is more of how their past bad experiences are not going to define their relationship.  They do even talk much about wishing they had found each other earlier.

Which leads to this.

They live in the present.  Making memories now.  Being thankful they did find each other.  Celebrating what they have.  Raising teenagers and loving grands.  Spending time with their parents.  They plan for the future but they do not stress over what it will look like.  

But...

They are excited about the future.  Smart enough to know that only God holds the future.  But they make plans.  They have dreams.  

I love them for keeping their eyes on the day they are living.  Glance at the future.  Don't stare into the past.

I am proud of Tim and Julie.

I pray God gives them many years and I am thankful He put them together.  Two broken people that make a whole and healthy couple.

Only God does that. 

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM 0 comments

The New Year is here.  Holidays are over.  Many of you went back to work today.

Here are four quick suggestions about how to view your job.

Your job is a way to take care of your family.  It is a means to an end.  Do not let it define you because it is not your identity.  It is a way to provide food and shelter.  Maybe even a way to have enough to share with others.  So thank God often for your job.

Your job is your ministry.  Some professions are obviously ministry.  Ministry for example.  Or the medical profession.  Teachers and counselors.  But so is ranching and farming.  Feeding people.  So are building trades.  Providing shelter.  In fact, any job can have value if you view it that way.

Your job is a chance to show the light of Jesus.  Work hard.  Be honest.  Be dependable.  Be a good employee.  Word as a disciple of Jesus.

Your job is your mission field.  You may have customers or clients or co-workers that need to hear about Jesus.  Maybe God put you in your job because there is a seeker there who needs what you can give them.  Pray for the opportunity.

So welcome 2024.

And back to work we go.

For Jesus.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments