I ate less than I thought I would but it was the sweets where I had trouble slowing down.
What's up with Tiger Woods? His hiding will raise questions and take a little shine off his image.
I saw The Blind Side this weekend. Great story that I think anyone would enjoy. It's not a football movie - the guy just happens to play football.
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Our youth group was singing a song a few weeks ago that was new to me but one they know and it has been floating in my head and I found it on iTunes last week and have loved playing it over and over. It addresses where God is in my life, when I'm doing stupid things I shouldn't do, when I'm walking close to him - all the time - God never lets go. I can pull away but he is always faithful, always there for me.
Never Let Go by Matt Redman
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Chorus: (2x’s)
He never lets go.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bono
I don't know as much about Bono and his religious beliefs as I might should before posting a video of him speaking at the NAACP awards but, for me, his words speak loudly and directly to my heart.
I used to dabble with the idea that God might bring a disease on someone for their sin. Today, I shudder at the idea that I would think that. I read about what Jesus did with lepers, the crippled, the blind...he LOVED those people, he TOUCHED those people. I feel more sure today than ever that were Jesus walking the streets today, he would be in the midst of people afflicted by AIDS and he would LOVE those people and he would TOUCH those people.
Again, I repeat, I am writing this for my benefit and the only finger I am pointing is aimed at the guy in the mirror.
I love the Lord and I pray that my words, my thoughts and my actions will reflect that more and more in the days to come.
Grace and peace to you.
I used to dabble with the idea that God might bring a disease on someone for their sin. Today, I shudder at the idea that I would think that. I read about what Jesus did with lepers, the crippled, the blind...he LOVED those people, he TOUCHED those people. I feel more sure today than ever that were Jesus walking the streets today, he would be in the midst of people afflicted by AIDS and he would LOVE those people and he would TOUCH those people.
Again, I repeat, I am writing this for my benefit and the only finger I am pointing is aimed at the guy in the mirror.
I love the Lord and I pray that my words, my thoughts and my actions will reflect that more and more in the days to come.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Wally World
I've never been a big fan of Wal-Mart but today was a good Wal-Mart day. On the way to the office, I hit something in the road that sliced the inside of one of my tires open. Wal-Mart being just up the road, I limped in before it was completely flat and let them work on it. They don't carry my tire so they put the spare on and I can head to the big city to get the other one replaced.
Today is declared Wal-Mart Day on the Way Out Wise blog!
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I traveled to Burkburnett last night to watch my son and his team play basketball. It's neat watching a bunch of kids I coached at one time growing up and still playing ball. I think I've coached at least half the boys on my sons team at one time or another. Great memories and more to be made.
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Thanksgiving is Thursday and I have so much to be thankful for - nothing more than a Savior who loves me, who has given his life for me and who has prepared an eternity for me that I can barely begin to imagine.
There's a song we sing at church with a line that says "count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done." I've never stopped to count them one by one because it would take a long, long time but it is a good exercise to embark on often.
I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with thanks for the good times and the difficult times. God is with us every step of the way.
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I'm planning to be on a blogging vacation until after the holiday weekend.
Grace and peace to you.
Today is declared Wal-Mart Day on the Way Out Wise blog!
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I traveled to Burkburnett last night to watch my son and his team play basketball. It's neat watching a bunch of kids I coached at one time growing up and still playing ball. I think I've coached at least half the boys on my sons team at one time or another. Great memories and more to be made.
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Thanksgiving is Thursday and I have so much to be thankful for - nothing more than a Savior who loves me, who has given his life for me and who has prepared an eternity for me that I can barely begin to imagine.
There's a song we sing at church with a line that says "count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done." I've never stopped to count them one by one because it would take a long, long time but it is a good exercise to embark on often.
I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with thanks for the good times and the difficult times. God is with us every step of the way.
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I'm planning to be on a blogging vacation until after the holiday weekend.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sent Out
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
I had an interesting conversation yesterday with someone who always says something that leaves me thinking. We were talking about Jesus and fellowship and where we see and don't see Jesus fellowshipping and what that might tell us today. We talked about discipleship and what that might mean for our world today. I went away still convinced of two things. First, I still want to better understand God's desire for me and how I need to live out the scriptures above. Second, I still think a return to the Christianity exhibited by a close reading of Christ's life is coming from a younger generation who will live in a different world than I have grown up in.
I am called to be a disciple; not a church-goer, not a good person, not a finger pointer - nothing but a disciple of Jesus. What should that look like in my life? in my words? my actions? my thoughts? It is a question and a path I am working on seeing more clearly and understanding better.
I do know this, the process of taking this journey has pulled me closer to God and given me peace I didn't know existed at one time. While I can wish I had made different decisions in the past, I cannot change history but only blaze new trails going forward and I am praying that the road I take leads me directly to the throne-room of God.
Grace and peace to you.
I had an interesting conversation yesterday with someone who always says something that leaves me thinking. We were talking about Jesus and fellowship and where we see and don't see Jesus fellowshipping and what that might tell us today. We talked about discipleship and what that might mean for our world today. I went away still convinced of two things. First, I still want to better understand God's desire for me and how I need to live out the scriptures above. Second, I still think a return to the Christianity exhibited by a close reading of Christ's life is coming from a younger generation who will live in a different world than I have grown up in.
I am called to be a disciple; not a church-goer, not a good person, not a finger pointer - nothing but a disciple of Jesus. What should that look like in my life? in my words? my actions? my thoughts? It is a question and a path I am working on seeing more clearly and understanding better.
I do know this, the process of taking this journey has pulled me closer to God and given me peace I didn't know existed at one time. While I can wish I had made different decisions in the past, I cannot change history but only blaze new trails going forward and I am praying that the road I take leads me directly to the throne-room of God.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday!
Today's excerpt from Crazy Love may be the one that struck me the hardest and sent chills down my back.
Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one." Crazy Love p. 75
Several events have intersected in my life that have opened my eyes to who God is and brought clarity to so many things I have wrestled with in my life. Some months back, Rick Ross did a series on heaven that reached my ears at just the time I was most open to hearing it and has helped me put much more focus on eternity and not this present world. It's not that I don't get caught up in today's to-do list at times but I see my shifting focus on eternity as one of the most prominent drivers in my new relationship with my Lord. (You can get the podcasts of those lessons on iTunes.)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2)
Grace and peace to you.
Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one." Crazy Love p. 75
Several events have intersected in my life that have opened my eyes to who God is and brought clarity to so many things I have wrestled with in my life. Some months back, Rick Ross did a series on heaven that reached my ears at just the time I was most open to hearing it and has helped me put much more focus on eternity and not this present world. It's not that I don't get caught up in today's to-do list at times but I see my shifting focus on eternity as one of the most prominent drivers in my new relationship with my Lord. (You can get the podcasts of those lessons on iTunes.)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2)
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday
I love easy blog titles.
I got to watch the Longhorns playing basketball last night on ESPNU. It was a good night.
Elvis Andrus came in 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting for the American League. Proof that the voting is biased and/or rigged.
Reports yesterday suggested Roger Staubach and Nolan Ryan were going to join Tom Hicks ownership group. I'd prefer Staubach and Ryan buying out Tom Hicks but you can't win 'em all.
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Two posts from Crazy Love by Francis Chan today:
Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the 'love' of money is." Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel "called" to minister to the rich, very few feel "called" to minister to the poor. Crazy Love p. 75
Ouch.
Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be 'good enough' without it requiring too much of them.
They ask "How far can I go before it's considered a sin?" instead of "How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit."
They ask, "How do I have to give?" instead of "How much can I give?"
They ask, "How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?" instead of "I wish I didn't have to go to work so I could sit here and read longer." Crazy Love p. 76
These thoughts speak to me. They make me look inside and examine my heart. Sometimes I find answers that I believe God is pleased with. Sometimes I find answers that encourage me to change my heart and mind. All in all, I believe I have spent many years as a lukewarm Christian but I don't feel I will be satisfied with that level any longer. I pray that my heart will continue to open wider to God's purpose for me. I pray that for you too.
Grace and peace to you.
I got to watch the Longhorns playing basketball last night on ESPNU. It was a good night.
Elvis Andrus came in 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting for the American League. Proof that the voting is biased and/or rigged.
Reports yesterday suggested Roger Staubach and Nolan Ryan were going to join Tom Hicks ownership group. I'd prefer Staubach and Ryan buying out Tom Hicks but you can't win 'em all.
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Two posts from Crazy Love by Francis Chan today:
Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the 'love' of money is." Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel "called" to minister to the rich, very few feel "called" to minister to the poor. Crazy Love p. 75
Ouch.
Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be 'good enough' without it requiring too much of them.
They ask "How far can I go before it's considered a sin?" instead of "How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit."
They ask, "How do I have to give?" instead of "How much can I give?"
They ask, "How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?" instead of "I wish I didn't have to go to work so I could sit here and read longer." Crazy Love p. 76
These thoughts speak to me. They make me look inside and examine my heart. Sometimes I find answers that I believe God is pleased with. Sometimes I find answers that encourage me to change my heart and mind. All in all, I believe I have spent many years as a lukewarm Christian but I don't feel I will be satisfied with that level any longer. I pray that my heart will continue to open wider to God's purpose for me. I pray that for you too.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday
I've always thought Wednesday was spelled funny.
I missed a Tuesday post. Wow, what a busy day.
I both enjoy and can't stand athletic practices that start early in the morning.
Did anyone see the pictures of Bud Adams, the Titans owner, shooting the middle finger at the Buffalo crowd over the weekend? I wonder what was going through his mind.
It's basketball season. I went to a middle school game Monday and high school game on Tuesday. Fun stuff.
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I'm still in Crazy Love but have the chapter on Lukewarm Christians floating around in my head. It's good stuff to think about and makes for a great self-exam. I'm sharing parts of it here that speak to me because of the road I have traveled through life. I'm talking to myself in what I write here but I hope it might help someone else who is or was captured with a misguided focus on what's important for today.
Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican or live in America. Just as the prophets of the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label "Christian" or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation." Crazy Love p. 78
Amen, brother. I'm inundated by emails supporting the notion that our founding fathers were Christians. Well, great, but what are the people of this country doing today to be Christ-like? A history lesson is great but it doesn't reach the lost, it doesn't clothe the naked or feed the hungry or take care of the sick. I think the danger of calling our land a Christian nation is that we become just like the Jews who thought Jesus was there for a physical revolution. Does my effort to be Christ-like depend on what country I live in?
The new thing I'm starting to see are the protests of Obama or whoever the target of the day is taking Christ out of Christmas. Right or wrong, I'm more concerned about taking Christ out of Christian. I don't remember the Jesus that complained about the government or the school district or other entities. I do read about the Jesus that spent his time and efforts on building the kingdom of God one lost soul at a time.
I pray my life begins to look more like his.
Grace and peace to you.
I missed a Tuesday post. Wow, what a busy day.
I both enjoy and can't stand athletic practices that start early in the morning.
Did anyone see the pictures of Bud Adams, the Titans owner, shooting the middle finger at the Buffalo crowd over the weekend? I wonder what was going through his mind.
It's basketball season. I went to a middle school game Monday and high school game on Tuesday. Fun stuff.
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I'm still in Crazy Love but have the chapter on Lukewarm Christians floating around in my head. It's good stuff to think about and makes for a great self-exam. I'm sharing parts of it here that speak to me because of the road I have traveled through life. I'm talking to myself in what I write here but I hope it might help someone else who is or was captured with a misguided focus on what's important for today.
Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican or live in America. Just as the prophets of the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label "Christian" or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation." Crazy Love p. 78
Amen, brother. I'm inundated by emails supporting the notion that our founding fathers were Christians. Well, great, but what are the people of this country doing today to be Christ-like? A history lesson is great but it doesn't reach the lost, it doesn't clothe the naked or feed the hungry or take care of the sick. I think the danger of calling our land a Christian nation is that we become just like the Jews who thought Jesus was there for a physical revolution. Does my effort to be Christ-like depend on what country I live in?
The new thing I'm starting to see are the protests of Obama or whoever the target of the day is taking Christ out of Christmas. Right or wrong, I'm more concerned about taking Christ out of Christian. I don't remember the Jesus that complained about the government or the school district or other entities. I do read about the Jesus that spent his time and efforts on building the kingdom of God one lost soul at a time.
I pray my life begins to look more like his.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday
I was glad to see the Colts beat the Patriots. I was kind of glad to see the Packers shut down the Cowboys. I'm ready for college basketball.
I think the cold front is here.
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I've been reading a book titled "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and it is painfully convicting in places, very illuminating in others. This week, I'm going to be posting some excerpts from the book that speak to me.
I've been on a journey that has caused me to explore who I am and who I should be as a Christian. There have been parts of the journey that I have enjoyed and found things I believe are pleasing to God and there have been parts where I see some holes that need to be plugged. By and large, I feel what I have grown up believing to be Christ-like living and what I believe today that I am called to be leaves a wide chasm that I need to cross. I have come to view much of my Christian life lived in safety and comfort - doing the "right things" but, looking back, not really doing what Christ did. I'll dive deeper in later posts on what I think I am called to and the distance I need to travel to get there but for now an excerpt from the book about lukewarm Christians.
Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account. The don't need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - the have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Crazy Love, p. 78
The last sentence makes a great question for me to answer.
Grace and peace to you.
I think the cold front is here.
_______________________________________________________
I've been reading a book titled "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and it is painfully convicting in places, very illuminating in others. This week, I'm going to be posting some excerpts from the book that speak to me.
I've been on a journey that has caused me to explore who I am and who I should be as a Christian. There have been parts of the journey that I have enjoyed and found things I believe are pleasing to God and there have been parts where I see some holes that need to be plugged. By and large, I feel what I have grown up believing to be Christ-like living and what I believe today that I am called to be leaves a wide chasm that I need to cross. I have come to view much of my Christian life lived in safety and comfort - doing the "right things" but, looking back, not really doing what Christ did. I'll dive deeper in later posts on what I think I am called to and the distance I need to travel to get there but for now an excerpt from the book about lukewarm Christians.
Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens - they have their savings account. The don't need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - the have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Crazy Love, p. 78
The last sentence makes a great question for me to answer.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Out and About
I've been on a bit of a blogging break while out of town this week. I was in Atlanta to welcome remnants of Hurricane Ida as rain fell and fell and fell for two days. I'm getting a little tired of rain.
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Three people on the first night I was here said "don't walk around downtown after dark." I didn't.
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I'm not going to say much about the Ft. Hood incident since it is well reported but I can't quit wondering when people will turn the "hate button" off and turn the "love-each-other button" on. I find it very confusing to hear people talk about what a compassionate country we have while wanting to go to war and put to death people who do things we don't agree with.
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The end of the world isn't the worst thing I can imagine. Muslims taking over the world and eradicating everyone who doesn't agree with them isn't even the worst thing I can imagine.
Not going to heaven...the worst thing I can imagine.
Grace and peace to you.
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Three people on the first night I was here said "don't walk around downtown after dark." I didn't.
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I'm not going to say much about the Ft. Hood incident since it is well reported but I can't quit wondering when people will turn the "hate button" off and turn the "love-each-other button" on. I find it very confusing to hear people talk about what a compassionate country we have while wanting to go to war and put to death people who do things we don't agree with.
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The end of the world isn't the worst thing I can imagine. Muslims taking over the world and eradicating everyone who doesn't agree with them isn't even the worst thing I can imagine.
Not going to heaven...the worst thing I can imagine.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
How Rich Are You?
The Yankees bought another World Series. I think it comes as no surprise that I don't care for the Yankees organization but I do enjoy Mariano Rivera when he comes to the mound to pitch. His demeanor and his results always impress me.
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I heard a very thought provoking (and toe stepping-on) message from Rob Bell last night. How rich are you? Did you know that only 8% of the world's population owns a car? Did you know that around 1 billion people don't have clean drinking water? Did you know that nearly 800 million people go hungry each day? How about the fact that 300 million of those going hungry are kids?
I'm guilty of looking at the guy up the street and around the corner with the newer car, the bigger house with the pool, a bigger flat panel TV and thinking - now that's rich. I'm guilty of thinking it would be OK if I had 2 or 3 cars to drive depending on my mood, guilty of thinking a second vacation home is normal. Don't mishear me because I am not condemning anyone who has those things but questioning my desire to have so much more when others are starving.
1 Timothy 6:17-20 (NIV) - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Is God pleased when I write my check to the cause-of-the-month and continue my pursuit of a bigger TV? Does he want more from me? Does he want my heart to be in helping the millions and billions of people - some who live very near me - or is he happy when I send my check and go on my way? How much is enough for me? for you?I added the boldness to a couple of phrases that I need to remember. It's more than writing a check or praying - I need to DO good and I need to remember that this life isn't the important one - there is one coming that will provide me with more than I could ever earn or deserve.
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I heard a very thought provoking (and toe stepping-on) message from Rob Bell last night. How rich are you? Did you know that only 8% of the world's population owns a car? Did you know that around 1 billion people don't have clean drinking water? Did you know that nearly 800 million people go hungry each day? How about the fact that 300 million of those going hungry are kids?
I'm guilty of looking at the guy up the street and around the corner with the newer car, the bigger house with the pool, a bigger flat panel TV and thinking - now that's rich. I'm guilty of thinking it would be OK if I had 2 or 3 cars to drive depending on my mood, guilty of thinking a second vacation home is normal. Don't mishear me because I am not condemning anyone who has those things but questioning my desire to have so much more when others are starving.
1 Timothy 6:17-20 (NIV) - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Is God pleased when I write my check to the cause-of-the-month and continue my pursuit of a bigger TV? Does he want more from me? Does he want my heart to be in helping the millions and billions of people - some who live very near me - or is he happy when I send my check and go on my way? How much is enough for me? for you?I added the boldness to a couple of phrases that I need to remember. It's more than writing a check or praying - I need to DO good and I need to remember that this life isn't the important one - there is one coming that will provide me with more than I could ever earn or deserve.
Bell also commented on the phrase "God Bless America." God has blessed America. What will America do with those blessings?
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Why Is It?
Why is it that some things, some events, some conversations make no sense? I'm amazed at times by the way things can be seen and interpreted so differently. It seemingly happens all the time, at home, at work, at church, on the athletic field, in the band hall, reading a book...two or more people looking at the same thing with very different views of what they are seeing; what they are processing; what they are thinking.
It's pretty neat when you can experience two divergent views come to a middle ground of understanding. One of Covey's 7 Habits is "seek first to understand and then be understood." It's one of my favorites and one I continually try to put into practice. On the other hand, when one or both parties sees things differently and refuses to seek understanding, it can be maddening.
I get frustrated/mad/disappointed/upset/emotional when I can't reach understanding with someone. I can spend days thinking and worrying about it.
I wonder how God feels. He had one book written and it has been interpreted hundreds of different ways with people fighting over what it says. I wonder how frustrated/mad/disappointed/upset/emotional God gets as we sit here and argue over various points and wordings while people are suffering, hurting, killing and dying. (Make no mistake, I am talking to myself here.)
I can't help but wonder how God would have used me if my focus had been simply on the scriptures below.
I wonder how God will use me in the future as I try to keep my focus on loving God and feeding his sheep.
Grace and peace to you.
It's pretty neat when you can experience two divergent views come to a middle ground of understanding. One of Covey's 7 Habits is "seek first to understand and then be understood." It's one of my favorites and one I continually try to put into practice. On the other hand, when one or both parties sees things differently and refuses to seek understanding, it can be maddening.
I get frustrated/mad/disappointed/upset/emotional when I can't reach understanding with someone. I can spend days thinking and worrying about it.
I wonder how God feels. He had one book written and it has been interpreted hundreds of different ways with people fighting over what it says. I wonder how frustrated/mad/disappointed/upset/emotional God gets as we sit here and argue over various points and wordings while people are suffering, hurting, killing and dying. (Make no mistake, I am talking to myself here.)
I can't help but wonder how God would have used me if my focus had been simply on the scriptures below.
Luke 10:26-28 (New International Version) 26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
John 21:17 (New International Version) 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.I wonder how God will use me in the future as I try to keep my focus on loving God and feeding his sheep.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
How It Works
The Phillies got back in it last night. The Yankees are up 3-2 so the Phillies have to win 2 to hang on but the Yankees either made a great move or killed themselves with pitching. They are throwing their starters on 3 days rest when they usually need 4-5 days of rest between starts. CC Sabathia can handle it but AJ Burnett couldn't last night and the Yanks throw Andy Pettite next. He's a great pitcher but getting older and how he responds can shift the whole thing to the Phillies favor.
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The theme for the youth retreat was built around discipleship. Are you a disciple of Christ every day in every situation? I'm not but continually hoping and working on my heart so that I can change my answer one day.
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I've said this before but feel compelled to say it again...our Youth Minister and his wife are simply awesome. They challenge our kids to be Christ-like in such loving and caring ways. They are good examples of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Thank you Jacob and Heather.
I would accidentally leave some others out if I start naming names but there are some other adults at our church that have an immense love for our youth and are such a blessing to our kids. I am thankful for them.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
The theme for the youth retreat was built around discipleship. Are you a disciple of Christ every day in every situation? I'm not but continually hoping and working on my heart so that I can change my answer one day.
__________________________________________________________
I've said this before but feel compelled to say it again...our Youth Minister and his wife are simply awesome. They challenge our kids to be Christ-like in such loving and caring ways. They are good examples of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Thank you Jacob and Heather.
I would accidentally leave some others out if I start naming names but there are some other adults at our church that have an immense love for our youth and are such a blessing to our kids. I am thankful for them.
__________________________________________________________
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, November 02, 2009
On the Mountain Top
I spent the weekend in the woods of East Texas with 50-60 youth from our church. I slept on a piece of plywood with a piece of covered foam on it. I shared a bathhouse with 20-30 7th-12th graders, ate camp meals and didn't have a diet Dr. Pepper or diet Coke for the better part of 2 days and it was one of the best weekends I've ever experienced. It was my 3rd retreat with our youth group and everyone of them has been similar to a mountain top experience for me - a spiritual high where I feel the presence of God ever so close.
Along with some great kids, we have some very loving and caring adults who have a burning desire to bring these kids closer to God. I know some of them are getting it now and others will take longer but all of them are being filled with the knowledge of who God is and what kind of relationship he wants with everyone of us.
One of the kids made the comment that they wish they could just stay there because of how it helps them respond to God. I know the feeling and wonder if some of those monks haven't figured it out. Good or bad, we are back to the real world and the regular obstacles of life that work to pull us away from God. I am praying that we have a new level of strength to defend ourselves from the evil that is lurking - waiting on us to fall.
Grace and peace to you.
Along with some great kids, we have some very loving and caring adults who have a burning desire to bring these kids closer to God. I know some of them are getting it now and others will take longer but all of them are being filled with the knowledge of who God is and what kind of relationship he wants with everyone of us.
One of the kids made the comment that they wish they could just stay there because of how it helps them respond to God. I know the feeling and wonder if some of those monks haven't figured it out. Good or bad, we are back to the real world and the regular obstacles of life that work to pull us away from God. I am praying that we have a new level of strength to defend ourselves from the evil that is lurking - waiting on us to fall.
Grace and peace to you.
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