Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Light

This week, a poem I wrote a few years ago. I hope you enjoy:
There arose a tempest on the sea.
He calmly said, “Peace! Be still.”
When there are storms inside of me,
Lord, help me understand your will.

Darkness ruled within the world.
He came as Light--revealing sin.
Through drowning waves by satan hurled,
He said, “Be my light among all men.”

So be a lighthouse ‘gainst the gale,
Sending forth a beam so bright
To those whose lives are tossed and frail,
And guide them safely to the Light.

When tempests rage throughout the night,
Lord, guide me safely by your Light.

tony lalli - 3/6/96


See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Tony

Sunday, October 19, 2008

What About Gambling?

What is the guiding force in your life? As a Christian, it should be God’s Word. Christians respond to God’s word in a positive way. A child of God is guided by a daily response to God’s word.

God’s Word is not just a book of dos and don’ts. Nor is there a direct specific command for every possible action. The Bible does, however, contain principles given by Jesus to help Christians make decisions about his or her conduct. Second Peter 1:3 tells us God has given us “all things that pertain to life and Godliness.” Second Timothy 3:16, 17 says God’s word is profitable “for instruction in righteousness” that we may be “mature” and “thoroughly equipped for all good works.

God’s Word gives us principles to guide us. Matthew 5:16 says “let your lights shine” so that “others can see your good works and glorify your Father.” Colossians 3:1-3 reminds us to “set your affections on things above, not on the things on earth.” Romans 12:1, 2 urges us to not be “conformed to this world.” And 1 John 2:15-17 tells us not to “love the things of this world” for that leads us into temptation.

Let’s apply these principles to something we continually confront right here in our area: that is gambling. It has become very common in the form of lottery, casinos, etc.

Gambling is defined “to play games for money or some other stake (or property); to take a risk in order to gain some advantage; to bet or wager.

The Biblical view of work does not allow a “something for nothing” philosophy. Second Thessalonians 3:10-12 and Ephesians 4:28 say we should be engaged in honorable work. We are not to try to get what the other person has. That involves covetousness.

Biblical stewardship teaches against gambling. Psalm 24:1 and 50:10-12 says God owns all. We are stewards of what God has allowed us to have. We are accountable to God for what has been entrusted to us. Think of the parable of the talents Jesus taught.

The second greatest commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves restricts us from gambling. Remember - winnings come from other people - not from the state or the gambling institution! Consider the “Golden Rule” in Matthew 7:12.

Gambling destroys one’s influence as a Christian. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22 Paul warns that we are to “abstain from every form of evil.” And Romans 12:9 says to “abhor (hate) what is evil” and both these passages say to “cling to what is good.” Christians must set the standard.

Does money come to the state coffers from gambling? Yes. Are roads built, schools helped, etc.? - yes. But, what about God’s principles? What about the fact that gambling is addictive and gains control of one’s life and possessions? What about the crime element involved? What about broken families, lost jobs, ruined friendships, people who are now in prison? Gambling has no place in a Christian’s life and is not a boon to our society.

Christians should not fall into the trap of supporting such an industry.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Gift of Active Listening

The following is something I share with those involved in personal evangelism. It is also very important in Christian relationships. I don’t know who wrote it but it’s worth sharing.

“Active listening is something we can give each other as a spiritual gift. In active listening we try to find out such things as how the world feels inside the skin of the other person, how life tastes in his mouth, what smells attract or repulse him or her; we want to know why what he is saying is so important to him.

“In listening actively we suspend our self-centered thoughts - our joys, our problems, our brilliant insights; for a brief time we love another person enough to let him or her be the sole object of our attention.

“We listen to the person for the moment; we don’t judge, criticize, correct or make over, advise, object, or interrupt, whoever it is - parent, brother, sister, child, teacher, policeman, friend, enemy - we accept him or her as is and listen carefully to find out who the person is.

“We listen for his meaning behind the words which may be confusing. This person’s fears may seem silly, but they don’t seem silly to him or her. We listen to find out why he or she fears. Sometimes his talk seems like nonsense, but it makes sense to him. Until we can see how and why it makes sense to him, we fail to hear and understand what the person is saying. LISTEN!”
Isn’t this exactly how we want others listening to us? And isn’t this exactly what we want God to do when we go to Him in prayer? We ask Him to listen to us. Let’s practice doing the same for those we love and want to influence for Christ. I’ve learned a few phrases in Polish. I’ve learned how to say “Good day.” Then I learned the phrase for “How are you?” and tried using it a few times. However, it was explained to me that if you use the phrase for “How are you?” you should be willing to really listen to the person tell you how they are. How often in our language do we say, “How are you?” without really wanting to listen to someone? Let’s listen to each other.

Jesus frequently said, “He that has ears to hear, let Him hear.” I know he was referring to listening to what He was saying, but it is also important for us to listen to each other to be able to know one another better.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do

Solomon was a wise man to whom God granted a measure of wisdom far beyond that of any other. Most of the great “pearls of wisdom” given by other men through the ages can be found originally stated in the words God inspired Solomon to write. Thus, it is worthwhile for us to seek counsel from what he wrote.

It’s always profitable to evaluate ourselves - young and old alike. What are we doing? What can we do? What do we want to do? Where do we want to be? What are my strengths or weaknesses? How can I use my strengths and improve my weaknesses? Each of us, as citizens of God’s kingdom should consider all of these questions.

Back to Solomon. He wrote, by God’s inspiration, some words that we all should note very seriously. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)


Consider three things from Solomon’s words.

This is personal. Your hand. You need to determine what your hand can do. Look for what you can do with your abilities. Evaluate yourself. We will each give account to God personally for how we have used what we have.

Do the work! “Do it”, Solomon says. Start! Nothing worthwhile gets done without someone starting it. Solomon says in verse 11, “The race is not to the swift…” First Corinthians 9:24 complements this. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” Get in the race. Do the work - “with all your might.” Those who work for God win!

Now is the time! We’re all terminal. We’re going to die. Then there is nothing you can do. Those who have used their abilities serving God will rest from their labors. (Revelation 14:13) and death will be a blessing. Consider the alternative. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day for the night comes when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

Solomon is telling us to evaluate ourselves to find out what we can do and then do it before we die and wish we had. Another wise saying (author unknown) - “Progress begins with the belief that what is necessary is possible.” Think about that and what you can do for the kingdom of God where you are.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Who Is Tony Lalli - Brief Bio By His Sons