A new year is upon us and I approach this one differently than any in the past - with more desire than ever to seek God's will in my life and to be willing to fulfill his desires for me.
My hope for you is that you will find God's blessings in the sunshine and the storms, in the ups and downs of life. He is always there. He never turns away. He is faithful to his promise to you and to me.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Let It Snow
Happy Birthday LeBron. Happy Birthday Tiger.
One of my darling children was texting me last night to find out when I was coming home from work. When I talked to the darling child, he asked if I wanted to play his new video game when I got home. Sure! Great! As I pulled up in the driveway, 2 darling children were hiding in the trees with snowballs at the ready. Sneaky kids.
The snow was beautiful yesterday. I didn't like driving in the ice too much last Thursday but loved seeing the snow on the ground this week. Being that we are in Texas, it's already melting away from yesterday very quickly.
2010 is a couple of days away. I am wondering what the next year will bring more than I ever have and I am praying that my resolution will be lived out each day. LORD, reign in me.
Grace and peace to you.
One of my darling children was texting me last night to find out when I was coming home from work. When I talked to the darling child, he asked if I wanted to play his new video game when I got home. Sure! Great! As I pulled up in the driveway, 2 darling children were hiding in the trees with snowballs at the ready. Sneaky kids.
The snow was beautiful yesterday. I didn't like driving in the ice too much last Thursday but loved seeing the snow on the ground this week. Being that we are in Texas, it's already melting away from yesterday very quickly.
2010 is a couple of days away. I am wondering what the next year will bring more than I ever have and I am praying that my resolution will be lived out each day. LORD, reign in me.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
More on the Battle
As I talk to people about the spiritual battle I have come to see, I often get bobbing head syndrome where I think they are agreeing with me so I won't say anymore or they just don't want to say they think the elevator has quit hitting the top floor. I'm OK with that because I was in the same boat for a number of years and it took a blow to my heart for my eyes to be opened. Today, I found the following from John Eldredge:
Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2–3)
Doesn’t the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now—God is going to level mountains for us? We’d be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What’s all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who’s really in need of that? This isn’t ancient Samaria. We’d settle for a parking place at the mall.
If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
We are in a battle. Our lives are not the result of what anyone has done to us but a result of our heart relationship with our Creator. It's not the absent father's fault or the drug addicted mother. It's not spoiled child's fault or the lack of education. (How can we celebrate "success stories" from these conditions and turn around and blame them for the person who doesn't rise above it?) It's a battle for the heart and soul and mind from forces that are far stronger and far more shrewd than the people we are around daily.
I pray God will continue to open my eyes to who the fight is with and prepare me for battle to his glory.
Grace and peace to you.
Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2–3)
Doesn’t the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now—God is going to level mountains for us? We’d be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What’s all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who’s really in need of that? This isn’t ancient Samaria. We’d settle for a parking place at the mall.
If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
We are in a battle. Our lives are not the result of what anyone has done to us but a result of our heart relationship with our Creator. It's not the absent father's fault or the drug addicted mother. It's not spoiled child's fault or the lack of education. (How can we celebrate "success stories" from these conditions and turn around and blame them for the person who doesn't rise above it?) It's a battle for the heart and soul and mind from forces that are far stronger and far more shrewd than the people we are around daily.
I pray God will continue to open my eyes to who the fight is with and prepare me for battle to his glory.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, December 28, 2009
362 More Days Til Christmas
The Cowboys are 2-0 since Jerry took a picture with my son. Coincidence?
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This is always a crazy week for me. It's the end of the year so I'm trying to remember all the things we need to wrap up for year end and it's time for some great high school hoops action that I always want to go see. It looks like I'll be working more and seeing less basketball than I would like but that's the way the ball bounces sometimes.
____________________________________________________
As I end 2009, I look back at some rough seas and plenty of storms but I can only leave the year hope-filled because of the miles I have traveled getting closer to my Lord. He is patient, he is faithful, he is loving and merciful. He has held his arms open waiting for me to come to him. I am humbled that he never turned away, that he never gave up on me. Through my lifetime, there have been plenty of opportunities for God to see me as a lost cause but his love and concern for me is so overwhelming that he waited patiently for me to give him my heart. I pray that 2010 will continue to find me emptying myself of my desire and control by dark forces and living in submission to the Lord's will for my life. I pray that he will use me to his glory. It's a scary prayer because I know I might have to go places that aren't in my regular rounds but I also believe that being a disciple means I will find comfort in the uncomfortable because he is with me.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...
Grace and peace to you.
____________________________________________________
This is always a crazy week for me. It's the end of the year so I'm trying to remember all the things we need to wrap up for year end and it's time for some great high school hoops action that I always want to go see. It looks like I'll be working more and seeing less basketball than I would like but that's the way the ball bounces sometimes.
____________________________________________________
As I end 2009, I look back at some rough seas and plenty of storms but I can only leave the year hope-filled because of the miles I have traveled getting closer to my Lord. He is patient, he is faithful, he is loving and merciful. He has held his arms open waiting for me to come to him. I am humbled that he never turned away, that he never gave up on me. Through my lifetime, there have been plenty of opportunities for God to see me as a lost cause but his love and concern for me is so overwhelming that he waited patiently for me to give him my heart. I pray that 2010 will continue to find me emptying myself of my desire and control by dark forces and living in submission to the Lord's will for my life. I pray that he will use me to his glory. It's a scary prayer because I know I might have to go places that aren't in my regular rounds but I also believe that being a disciple means I will find comfort in the uncomfortable because he is with me.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Present
My dad got his first hole-in-one yesterday. He sounded like a kid on Christmas morning when he called to tell me about it...and he should. That's a cool pre-Christmas present. Way to go, Dad!
The Whataburger basketball tournament cranks up next week. One of my favorite things to do every year is spend some time watching some great teams and college bound players hoop it up.
Christmas Day is around the corner. For me, it can easily become a time of constant tension because of the pace at work and all the activity that surrounds this time of year. I'm wanting to take some time this Christmas Day to talk to God and thank him for the birth of a savior, a gift to me and to the world who has changed the course of history (or maybe I should say eternity), who took on evil, who lived and loved and showed me what I can be and who I should be, who forgave all sin - even putting him to death on a cross.
Merry Christmas!
Grace and peace to you.
The Whataburger basketball tournament cranks up next week. One of my favorite things to do every year is spend some time watching some great teams and college bound players hoop it up.
Christmas Day is around the corner. For me, it can easily become a time of constant tension because of the pace at work and all the activity that surrounds this time of year. I'm wanting to take some time this Christmas Day to talk to God and thank him for the birth of a savior, a gift to me and to the world who has changed the course of history (or maybe I should say eternity), who took on evil, who lived and loved and showed me what I can be and who I should be, who forgave all sin - even putting him to death on a cross.
Merry Christmas!
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Travel Problems?
Did you know there could be some travel problems over the next few days? The news is reporting on it diligently and I'm just wondering who is so new to this country that they don't remember this happens every year. I can't help but be bored and laugh at all the news reports at this time every year, during an ice storm, the malls the day after Thanksgiving and a few others I am likely forgetting. Anyway, if you plan to fly over the next few days, it's going to be tough. Good luck.
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The Cowboys cut their kicker yesterday. What a brutal job. Little recognition when you are accurate, dumped when you're not. At least you don't get hit by very large people on a regular basis.
__________________________________________________
The Shack may become one of my favorite all-time books simply because of a connection I finally made while reading it - God always sees me as his child and places a high value on me regardless of what I am doing to ruin the relationship; he never turns away. Through tough times, this understanding of my relationship with God has been something I have held tightly and it has done as much or more than anything to give me strength for the spiritual battle for my heart and soul. I shared this concept with someone yesterday who was not feeling good about their life and I hope it helps them take a step closer to God today.
I do not have the words to describe my love for God. I pray I will continue to draw closer to him every moment of every day. Through my new relationship with him, I have found the peace that transcends understanding.
Grace and peace to you.
__________________________________________________
The Cowboys cut their kicker yesterday. What a brutal job. Little recognition when you are accurate, dumped when you're not. At least you don't get hit by very large people on a regular basis.
__________________________________________________
The Shack may become one of my favorite all-time books simply because of a connection I finally made while reading it - God always sees me as his child and places a high value on me regardless of what I am doing to ruin the relationship; he never turns away. Through tough times, this understanding of my relationship with God has been something I have held tightly and it has done as much or more than anything to give me strength for the spiritual battle for my heart and soul. I shared this concept with someone yesterday who was not feeling good about their life and I hope it helps them take a step closer to God today.
I do not have the words to describe my love for God. I pray I will continue to draw closer to him every moment of every day. Through my new relationship with him, I have found the peace that transcends understanding.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
God is Great
I have experienced the work of God over and over in my life and continue to be amazed at his faithfulness and goodness to me. I have found it hard to believe how much he loves me and how much he forgives me because I have not always been completely loving and forgiving. I hope, day by day, to become more like God in how I see people and how I treat them. While a long way off from perfection, I can feel a pull to him in my heart that allows me to know that I'm getting a little closer all the time. I still fall down at times but knowing God the way I know him now, I am getting back up and remaining focused on the rest of the journey.
Grace and peace to you.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Things Aren't Always As They Seem
We all hear stories only to find out later that there is more to the story. It's something I seem to continually run across in my life. Here's such a story.
A young girl was told she would have a very special child even while she remained a virgin. While traveling, she gave birth to a baby in the poorest physical conditions. Fast forward and we celebrate another Christmas in 2009, a time when much of the world hears the story of the Christ again.
But there's more to the story. It can be reframed to see it just a bit differently.
A virgin gave birth to a warrior in a barn. That's the story of an incredible God who can do anything. He chose a young girl, an unlikely choice to raise a warrior, to bring the Redeemer into the world. He chose a virgin, a girl who was pure and holy and, in all reality, unable to bear a child as she was, to show the impossible is possible with God. And - maybe the part I like the most in this version - he delivered a sweet baby, who would become the greatest warrior known to man, to the world. A baby who would grow into a warrior that would fight the greatest fight we can imagine, the battle that saves us from hell, a battle that gives us eternal life, a battle that will lead us to the presence of God.
I appreciate the celebration of Jesus' birth. I am overwhelmed by the way God brought him into the world to battle the powers of evil on my behalf. I am thankful today, more than ever, that a warrior was born who would and continues to fight for me.
Things aren't always what they seem, are they?
Grace and peace to you.
A young girl was told she would have a very special child even while she remained a virgin. While traveling, she gave birth to a baby in the poorest physical conditions. Fast forward and we celebrate another Christmas in 2009, a time when much of the world hears the story of the Christ again.
But there's more to the story. It can be reframed to see it just a bit differently.
A virgin gave birth to a warrior in a barn. That's the story of an incredible God who can do anything. He chose a young girl, an unlikely choice to raise a warrior, to bring the Redeemer into the world. He chose a virgin, a girl who was pure and holy and, in all reality, unable to bear a child as she was, to show the impossible is possible with God. And - maybe the part I like the most in this version - he delivered a sweet baby, who would become the greatest warrior known to man, to the world. A baby who would grow into a warrior that would fight the greatest fight we can imagine, the battle that saves us from hell, a battle that gives us eternal life, a battle that will lead us to the presence of God.
I appreciate the celebration of Jesus' birth. I am overwhelmed by the way God brought him into the world to battle the powers of evil on my behalf. I am thankful today, more than ever, that a warrior was born who would and continues to fight for me.
Things aren't always what they seem, are they?
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Engaged
Psalm 23A psalm of David.
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's Beginning to Feel...
...cold outside. 27 degrees when I got in my truck this morning.
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Can you imagine what it was like to be Job? To endure losing everything, endure friends telling you all sorts of things about how God feels about you, endure pain and suffering most people can never imagine? Job stood firm and never took his eyes off God. What a wonderful story for us. It's a story of faith and a challenge to remain completely faithful and trusting that God is in control and that this life is only a journey to better things. If we are honest, how much can we suffer that is worse than what Job went through? How much can we suffer that is worse than what Christ went through for each one of us?
I throw myself into what I believe is a large group that deserves suffering but God gives mercy and has a plan for me, if I remain faithful to him, that will eclipse any suffering I can imagine with joy beyond comprehension on this earth. I want to remain true to him. I want to fight the battle, to suffer the wounds, to endure the pain if it means I get to spend an eternity with him. I continue to stumble and fall off the path but I want to keep finding my way back to God because I know he is patiently waiting for me with arms wide open.
I heard the question asked, "what do you think will be heavenly about heaven?" My response would have to be 'just being there.'
Grace and peace to you.
_________________________________________________________
Can you imagine what it was like to be Job? To endure losing everything, endure friends telling you all sorts of things about how God feels about you, endure pain and suffering most people can never imagine? Job stood firm and never took his eyes off God. What a wonderful story for us. It's a story of faith and a challenge to remain completely faithful and trusting that God is in control and that this life is only a journey to better things. If we are honest, how much can we suffer that is worse than what Job went through? How much can we suffer that is worse than what Christ went through for each one of us?
I throw myself into what I believe is a large group that deserves suffering but God gives mercy and has a plan for me, if I remain faithful to him, that will eclipse any suffering I can imagine with joy beyond comprehension on this earth. I want to remain true to him. I want to fight the battle, to suffer the wounds, to endure the pain if it means I get to spend an eternity with him. I continue to stumble and fall off the path but I want to keep finding my way back to God because I know he is patiently waiting for me with arms wide open.
I heard the question asked, "what do you think will be heavenly about heaven?" My response would have to be 'just being there.'
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sports and Such
Colt McCoy didn't win the Heisman and I wasn't totally surprised but I also lost a little more respect for the sports voting process at the same time. In the end, Colt has won plenty of awards and received plenty of accolades and will go on to be very successful without the Heisman but what a great opportunity to recognize a young man who appears to be very special in many ways.
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The Cowboys lost yesterday. I can't help but laugh. I still don't think the problem lies with the talent on the field. Even so, I do get a twisted enjoyment out of watching Jerry in these situations.
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Saturday - Texas Longhorns vs. North Carolina Tar Heels hooping it up at JerryWorld. Yes, I will be there and as much as I respect, enjoy and cheer for the Tar Heels, I will be wearing burnt orange and yelling "Hook 'em Horns!"
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Our small groups discussed the passage in Luke 20 where Jesus tells the smart-alecks to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's and it reminded me how much my thinking on government has changed in the past few years. Where I once stood proclaiming government should put prayer back in schools and reflect our Christian heritage, I now simply see government as a tool to support infrastructure of the country and do it's best to protect it's citizens. Government has no business regulating prayer or matters of faith because that is my responsibility and the responsibility of all who call themselves Christians. I am thankful for leaders of this country who place God at the very top of their priorities but I expect them to live out that commitment, not regulate the country with it.
I was able to spend part of Saturday with a group of teenagers who hung lights on homes of people who couldn't do it for themselves. That speaks louder than any prayer in school or printing God's name on a coin. It's a little thing to hang Christmas lights but a major shift of the heart to take their time to do something for someone else who can't.
They reminded me once again that I need to be sure I am highlighting the CHRIST in CHRISTian.
Grace and peace to you.
______________________________________________________
The Cowboys lost yesterday. I can't help but laugh. I still don't think the problem lies with the talent on the field. Even so, I do get a twisted enjoyment out of watching Jerry in these situations.
______________________________________________________
Saturday - Texas Longhorns vs. North Carolina Tar Heels hooping it up at JerryWorld. Yes, I will be there and as much as I respect, enjoy and cheer for the Tar Heels, I will be wearing burnt orange and yelling "Hook 'em Horns!"
______________________________________________________
Our small groups discussed the passage in Luke 20 where Jesus tells the smart-alecks to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's and it reminded me how much my thinking on government has changed in the past few years. Where I once stood proclaiming government should put prayer back in schools and reflect our Christian heritage, I now simply see government as a tool to support infrastructure of the country and do it's best to protect it's citizens. Government has no business regulating prayer or matters of faith because that is my responsibility and the responsibility of all who call themselves Christians. I am thankful for leaders of this country who place God at the very top of their priorities but I expect them to live out that commitment, not regulate the country with it.
I was able to spend part of Saturday with a group of teenagers who hung lights on homes of people who couldn't do it for themselves. That speaks louder than any prayer in school or printing God's name on a coin. It's a little thing to hang Christmas lights but a major shift of the heart to take their time to do something for someone else who can't.
They reminded me once again that I need to be sure I am highlighting the CHRIST in CHRISTian.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sports Break
The Heisman is awarded this Saturday. I would love to see Colt win it but his play this year hasn't earned it for him. However, I don't know that the other candidates have significantly better years. One person I talked to said they hoped Colt would get it based on what he has done for 4 years. While that's not the purpose of the Heisman, it would be a fitting way to send Colt out.
That said, I'm not sure that Suh from Nebraska shouldn't get it. He's a beast.
I hear the Cowboys play on Sunday. Go Chargers!
The Rangers are wheeling and dealing at the winter meetings. They traded Kevin Millwood and his $12 million salary to Baltimore for a reliever and some cash. With the money they are saving, they are signing Rich Harden who has been a stud but struggled with the Cubs last year. If he gets back on track...watch out. I hear they are also trading Max Ramirez (catching prospect) for Mike Lowell and Boston will pick up most of Lowell's salary. He's a solid batter and will make a good backup at 3rd or possibly 1st. It's a bad deal for him I suppose but good for Texas. I hear they are trying to pick up Vlad Guerrero too. The guy can barely move it seems but he hits the ball so stinking hard that he still gets lots of doubles and home runs.
______________________________________________
Peter, the fisherman from the Bible, was in our class last night. I never pictured him wearing a fishing vest with leaders and a snippet on the front but there he was looking like he was ready to go fly-fishing. I like Peter even better now!
______________________________________________
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Grace and peace to you.
That said, I'm not sure that Suh from Nebraska shouldn't get it. He's a beast.
I hear the Cowboys play on Sunday. Go Chargers!
The Rangers are wheeling and dealing at the winter meetings. They traded Kevin Millwood and his $12 million salary to Baltimore for a reliever and some cash. With the money they are saving, they are signing Rich Harden who has been a stud but struggled with the Cubs last year. If he gets back on track...watch out. I hear they are also trading Max Ramirez (catching prospect) for Mike Lowell and Boston will pick up most of Lowell's salary. He's a solid batter and will make a good backup at 3rd or possibly 1st. It's a bad deal for him I suppose but good for Texas. I hear they are trying to pick up Vlad Guerrero too. The guy can barely move it seems but he hits the ball so stinking hard that he still gets lots of doubles and home runs.
______________________________________________
Peter, the fisherman from the Bible, was in our class last night. I never pictured him wearing a fishing vest with leaders and a snippet on the front but there he was looking like he was ready to go fly-fishing. I like Peter even better now!
______________________________________________
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
I Am Not John Doe
I took my son to meet a guy named Deon Hunter last night. Deon is a basketball coach/trainer working with kids to improve their skills and he played for the Dallas Mavericks at one point in his career. He's a neat guy, very positive and incorporates his faith in what he does. He spends almost as much time talking about the mental aspects of the game as he does the physical, always in a a way to build the child up and give them confidence.
One of his comments about confidence last night got me thinking about my relationship with God. Deon approached it from basketball skills telling my son "if you know you have the ability to do something and someone walks by and calls you "John Doe", you can stand firm and say no, I'm _________ (state your name). Confidence allows you to be who you are, not who someone else says you are." His words apply as much to my Christian walk as it does to basketball.
People can call me all sorts of things, say all sorts of things about me, but I'm confident in my relationship with my Lord and I can say "no, I'm Jeff, a child of God's. I am his and he is mine. Through Christ my future is secure and nothing you say or do to me can take that away. I am confident in my standing in his kingdom."
Confidence gives us security, whether it be on the basketball court, in the battles of daily life or in our standing for eternity. I am confident my God loves me and has a place prepared for me. I can stand firm in his overwhelming love for me (Romans 5:8) and I can use that confidently to withstand any attack, any battle, any challenge.
Grace and peace to you.
One of his comments about confidence last night got me thinking about my relationship with God. Deon approached it from basketball skills telling my son "if you know you have the ability to do something and someone walks by and calls you "John Doe", you can stand firm and say no, I'm _________ (state your name). Confidence allows you to be who you are, not who someone else says you are." His words apply as much to my Christian walk as it does to basketball.
People can call me all sorts of things, say all sorts of things about me, but I'm confident in my relationship with my Lord and I can say "no, I'm Jeff, a child of God's. I am his and he is mine. Through Christ my future is secure and nothing you say or do to me can take that away. I am confident in my standing in his kingdom."
Confidence gives us security, whether it be on the basketball court, in the battles of daily life or in our standing for eternity. I am confident my God loves me and has a place prepared for me. I can stand firm in his overwhelming love for me (Romans 5:8) and I can use that confidently to withstand any attack, any battle, any challenge.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Videos
Another day, another link to a video.
Over the past several months, I have found myself listening to several sermon podcasts. I listened while mowing through the summer, able to catch a couple of them in one session. It's more difficult now but I still listen while driving and when I have a little downtime. I have found a few preachers that consistently bring strong messages from the word of God. Rick Ross, I listen to the sermons I miss and several I have already heard before to catch everything I missed the first time. Rob Bell, always great things to say straight from the word mixed with some great humor about the human condition. Matt Chandler, a local guy who delivers the message with power (he refers to it as shouting sometimes but it's pure urgent passion). There are others, some sharing the church of Christ heritage with me, others not but they share a passion for Christ that I have come to cling to with much more fervor than ever before. I can live with our doctrinal differences because I know from these men's words that they are for the cause of Christ. (I'm a strong believer in Mark 9:40-41.)
Matt Chandler preaches at the Highland Village Church in Flower Mound. His words have been an encouragement to me at times, a challenge at times and a comfort from the Lord often. He found out right around Thanksgiving that he has a brain tumor and recently had surgery. Here is his video message before the surgery.
http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/
My prayers go to Matt and his family and also that I will have the strength to serve God no matter what the trials are, no matter what fears they might cause because I know that God is with me always, loves me always and has prepared a place for me beyond imagination.
Grace and peace to you.
Over the past several months, I have found myself listening to several sermon podcasts. I listened while mowing through the summer, able to catch a couple of them in one session. It's more difficult now but I still listen while driving and when I have a little downtime. I have found a few preachers that consistently bring strong messages from the word of God. Rick Ross, I listen to the sermons I miss and several I have already heard before to catch everything I missed the first time. Rob Bell, always great things to say straight from the word mixed with some great humor about the human condition. Matt Chandler, a local guy who delivers the message with power (he refers to it as shouting sometimes but it's pure urgent passion). There are others, some sharing the church of Christ heritage with me, others not but they share a passion for Christ that I have come to cling to with much more fervor than ever before. I can live with our doctrinal differences because I know from these men's words that they are for the cause of Christ. (I'm a strong believer in Mark 9:40-41.)
Matt Chandler preaches at the Highland Village Church in Flower Mound. His words have been an encouragement to me at times, a challenge at times and a comfort from the Lord often. He found out right around Thanksgiving that he has a brain tumor and recently had surgery. Here is his video message before the surgery.
http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/
My prayers go to Matt and his family and also that I will have the strength to serve God no matter what the trials are, no matter what fears they might cause because I know that God is with me always, loves me always and has prepared a place for me beyond imagination.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, December 07, 2009
In Need of Levity
I need a little levity this morning so I bring you this video. It's 5 minutes + but it takes that time to first introduce this father-son duo and get a feel for the judges skepticism to really enjoy the ending. I hope it entertains you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg
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We have been studying spiritual warfare in our Sunday morning Bible class. I have begun to understand spiritual warfare over the past few years and while I have miles to go in learning, appreciate what God has opened my eyes to. It's so much easier to deal with things in life when you understand who satan is and what he is doing to tear us away from God. It's also become much easier to understand full submission to God and the peace that is available there. In the darkest and most trying times, I can now find peace where I once only saw destruction and I can now engage in the battle knowing I have the spirit of God with me to help me and to lead me.
I was struck by the idea of how important submission to God is in seeing the battle and surviving the battle. God gives me the gift of his spirit to take care of me if I submit to God. I can make choices that are in opposition to God and the spirit won't stop me but when I seek God, the spirit will lead me in the right direction.
One of the beautiful traits of God is that you can seek him and submit to him and he will love you (as he always as) regardless of what your past has been like and regardless of how much more you need to "clean up". By living in submission to him, God takes care of the cleaning through his spirit, his love and his mercy.
Grace and peace to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg
_______________________________________________
We have been studying spiritual warfare in our Sunday morning Bible class. I have begun to understand spiritual warfare over the past few years and while I have miles to go in learning, appreciate what God has opened my eyes to. It's so much easier to deal with things in life when you understand who satan is and what he is doing to tear us away from God. It's also become much easier to understand full submission to God and the peace that is available there. In the darkest and most trying times, I can now find peace where I once only saw destruction and I can now engage in the battle knowing I have the spirit of God with me to help me and to lead me.
I was struck by the idea of how important submission to God is in seeing the battle and surviving the battle. God gives me the gift of his spirit to take care of me if I submit to God. I can make choices that are in opposition to God and the spirit won't stop me but when I seek God, the spirit will lead me in the right direction.
One of the beautiful traits of God is that you can seek him and submit to him and he will love you (as he always as) regardless of what your past has been like and regardless of how much more you need to "clean up". By living in submission to him, God takes care of the cleaning through his spirit, his love and his mercy.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Focus
Where's your focus? Too often, mine is only on today, on what I want now, on how I feel now, on what I want to say now. Saying that, I understand I need to live in the moment but I believe to live in the moment, I must see the bigger picture. For me to have clarity in the moment, I believe I must have a solid focus on what lies ahead of me for eternity. I wish I had better words to explain what I'm thinking or maybe I just haven't thought through it enough to verbalize it well but in my life, I see that my focus has often been on how I feel or what I want today. I want to be happy today. I want to feel good about myself today. I get caught up in today and forget the bigger picture and forget what God has planned for me. When I can stay focused on eternity with God, I can see today much more clearly, I can fight the battles much easier, I can rejoice in the victory with excitement and joy.
Christ didn't come to earth and die so that we might have happiness, health, prosperity, a good family, close friends. Christ came to die so we could spend an eternity with God and all the rewards that come with it. Christ didn't come to make today better for us, he came to give us the keys to eternity. I want to live every moment knowing that my eternity is secure, that all that really matters has already been taken care of for me. Knowing that, I can live in today with confidence and peace.
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I'm ending Friday with a little social commentary/humor. I wonder how Rick will deal with this one?
Grace and peace to you.
Christ didn't come to earth and die so that we might have happiness, health, prosperity, a good family, close friends. Christ came to die so we could spend an eternity with God and all the rewards that come with it. Christ didn't come to make today better for us, he came to give us the keys to eternity. I want to live every moment knowing that my eternity is secure, that all that really matters has already been taken care of for me. Knowing that, I can live in today with confidence and peace.
_______________________________________________________
I'm ending Friday with a little social commentary/humor. I wonder how Rick will deal with this one?
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Tiger vs. Satan
NEWSFLASH - Tiger is human. What a shock, huh? Tiger is a great golfer and his competition finds him hard to defeat but there is a bigger competition Tiger is participating in and he has gotten knocked down a few times in that one. So how do we respond? Run out to buy the latest issue of US or National Enquirer or share photoshopped pictures and email jokes about the man? Enjoy the fact that the big and rich and famous can fall so publicly?
Tiger is no different than me...or you. He is a human being created in the image of God but fighting a spiritual battle for his soul. I can't speak to Tiger's relationship with God but his battle is just like my battle and your battle whether we recognize it or not. People fail. Tiger failed. I have failed too but God continues to love us so why would we want to spread gossip and be entertained by the pain of someone else? Whether it is arrogance or denial, none of us should be happy or concerned with Tiger's sins but instead offering a prayer that we all win the battle against satan, that we all represent kingdom living, that we all spend our time lifting each other up.
May God give me the strength to always remember we are all his children, that we are all made in his image, that we are all engaged in a battle against evil forces that want to rip us away from God and destroy us - whether that person is someone I don't know or someone I know well, whether I am not involved in the situation or if the situation affects me directly.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:10-13
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Grace and peace to you.
Tiger is no different than me...or you. He is a human being created in the image of God but fighting a spiritual battle for his soul. I can't speak to Tiger's relationship with God but his battle is just like my battle and your battle whether we recognize it or not. People fail. Tiger failed. I have failed too but God continues to love us so why would we want to spread gossip and be entertained by the pain of someone else? Whether it is arrogance or denial, none of us should be happy or concerned with Tiger's sins but instead offering a prayer that we all win the battle against satan, that we all represent kingdom living, that we all spend our time lifting each other up.
May God give me the strength to always remember we are all his children, that we are all made in his image, that we are all engaged in a battle against evil forces that want to rip us away from God and destroy us - whether that person is someone I don't know or someone I know well, whether I am not involved in the situation or if the situation affects me directly.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:10-13
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Starbucks
It's Tuesday night and I'm sitting in a Starbucks bumming wireless Internet. It's an interesting mix of people and sounds. I'm thinking of my friend Rick Ross while "Little Drummer Boy" is playing from the speakers overhead. Two ladies nearby are discussing "men problems", the table next to them is comprised of a middle aged couple in animated discussion. I'm guessing the man is a doctor, the woman is in a wheelchair. Around us are several college kids working on homework and projects, a cop and a guy who looks homeless except for the Mac laptop and the iPhone he's talking on.
We live in a world full of many different people dealing with many different issues, problems, expectations, joys, crushing blows and all with different methods of dealing with whatever they are going through. Yet, for all of us sitting here, there is one answer we all need, one way to get where we should all want to go, one source for peace and true joy. My prayer tonight is that God touches each person in this room and that all of our hearts will be open to his love and his power.
Grace and peace to you.
We live in a world full of many different people dealing with many different issues, problems, expectations, joys, crushing blows and all with different methods of dealing with whatever they are going through. Yet, for all of us sitting here, there is one answer we all need, one way to get where we should all want to go, one source for peace and true joy. My prayer tonight is that God touches each person in this room and that all of our hearts will be open to his love and his power.
Grace and peace to you.
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