I'm headed to the Ranger game tomorrow night. I think Cliff Lee is supposed to be on the bump and I'm hoping for a great performance and some run support.
I'll be wearing the same thing I've worn to the last 13 games - all wins for the Rangers. They really should hook me up with a suite. I've bought in to the baseball superstitions but it's all in good fun.
I can wear the same thing when the Longhorns play and they lose to UCLA. Drives me crazy.
I told someone the other day I'm going all Purple Reign/Rain from here on out. I'm cheering for:
TCU
ACU
Prince (it's a long story)
I caught a bit of a video about an abortion survivor on Facebook today. I'm going to try and remember to check it out and learn more about the young lady and might post it here. Assuming it's all legit - WOW! - a powerful story.
Francis Chan is becoming one of my favorite people. I don't know the man but he's not afraid to call Christians out to a higher standard than what I typically see and live myself. I get to hear him speak next week and I'm getting jazzed about that.
I've got a lot of friends in pain right now. Some of the stories are known, some are not. If you are looking for something to pray for today, just lift my friends up to God. He'll know what you are talking about and I hope it will bring a little more peace to their lives.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pain, Despair and Agony On Me
The title is from a song and comedy bit on Hee-Haw that aired on TV back when dirt was being invented. Rick made reference to it on Sunday and it's been on my mind since. I spent Sunday nigh talking to a friend who is going through the emotions from the song title and spend a fair amount of my free time talking to others who know pain, despair and agony all too well. It's all around us. Marriages on the rocks. Death of a loved one. Kids who are out of control. A spouse who has been unemployed for too long. A loved one going to prison.
And Christians are supposed to be a people of joy? For real?
I suppose that depends on my perspective. Friends have asked me how I am doing and my response is generally the same. If I want to look around and see darkness, I will see it. If I want to look around and see light, I will see it. It's up to me on what I choose to focus on. When I choose to focus on pain, I can find it in abundance with plenty to spare. There are so many things that have gone wrong in my life and I dare say it could be that I've had more bad than good. I think that's just life. But, if I choose to focus on the good, on the people who continuously share acts of kindness with me, people who are praying for me, people who have a smile or a hug, a text or phone call just to check in, I can find it. Then I top it off with a decision.
I was a basketball player growing up. I loved it. LOVED it. I spent more time in my driveway than anywhere else shooting basket after basket for years. I dreamed of making the last second shot for the Texas Longhorns to win the national championship. I played all the time - even when the high school varsity coach told me I wouldn't play on his team - I kept playing and made the team and even a starting spot before illness took me out for the year. I went to practice after practice. I ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and...you get the idea. I went through weeks of pain leading up to the season practicing over and over and it was often painful. Yet I went through the pain for the opportunity to play for less than an hour per game because I found joy in playing the game. The pain was worth it.
I have to decide if the pain of this life is worth the joy of what comes in the next. I can give up and give in to the pain here and now or I can run the race, endure the pain and stay focused on what God has planned. It's my choice. Pain, despair and agony on me. Maybe so but I refuse to wallow in it. I will walk to the light.
Grace and peace to you.
And Christians are supposed to be a people of joy? For real?
I suppose that depends on my perspective. Friends have asked me how I am doing and my response is generally the same. If I want to look around and see darkness, I will see it. If I want to look around and see light, I will see it. It's up to me on what I choose to focus on. When I choose to focus on pain, I can find it in abundance with plenty to spare. There are so many things that have gone wrong in my life and I dare say it could be that I've had more bad than good. I think that's just life. But, if I choose to focus on the good, on the people who continuously share acts of kindness with me, people who are praying for me, people who have a smile or a hug, a text or phone call just to check in, I can find it. Then I top it off with a decision.
I was a basketball player growing up. I loved it. LOVED it. I spent more time in my driveway than anywhere else shooting basket after basket for years. I dreamed of making the last second shot for the Texas Longhorns to win the national championship. I played all the time - even when the high school varsity coach told me I wouldn't play on his team - I kept playing and made the team and even a starting spot before illness took me out for the year. I went to practice after practice. I ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and...you get the idea. I went through weeks of pain leading up to the season practicing over and over and it was often painful. Yet I went through the pain for the opportunity to play for less than an hour per game because I found joy in playing the game. The pain was worth it.
I have to decide if the pain of this life is worth the joy of what comes in the next. I can give up and give in to the pain here and now or I can run the race, endure the pain and stay focused on what God has planned. It's my choice. Pain, despair and agony on me. Maybe so but I refuse to wallow in it. I will walk to the light.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bug Guts
I'm driving home from Abilene and the windshield is a mess of bug guts and other stuff from the road that makes looking out the windshield a mess, not impossible to see but certainly not clear. Add driving at a rate of speed that might just be a smidge over the speed limit and it's a recipe for a mess. I can't see clearly but I'm still going 80-to-nothing (no, I wasn't going 90). I seem to go through life that way too often. Anyway, I'm rolling down the highway and all of the sudden I am driving through a downpour. Buckets of rain are falling and I have to turn the windshield wipers on high to try and keep up. I'm listening to the rhythm of the wipers and doing my best to see the lines on the road and then, poof, the storm is left behind. It is then that I notice I am driving with a much cleaner and clearer windshield.
It's a true story but also a story of God. I am speeding through life, going too fast, vision impaired and then I hit a storm. As bad as the storm is, God uses it to slow me down and clean up with the windshield so I can see His desire for me more clearly. The storm helped me, even though it caused some problems at the time, because it made me slow down, think and it helped clean my windshield so I could see my way more clearly.
Thank you God for knowing what I need, always better than I know myself.
Grace and peace to you.
It's a true story but also a story of God. I am speeding through life, going too fast, vision impaired and then I hit a storm. As bad as the storm is, God uses it to slow me down and clean up with the windshield so I can see His desire for me more clearly. The storm helped me, even though it caused some problems at the time, because it made me slow down, think and it helped clean my windshield so I could see my way more clearly.
Thank you God for knowing what I need, always better than I know myself.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
1 Peter 5:9 - 11 (NIV)
9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Today is a hard day, a day where my suffering is more acute, more pronounced than just another day. At the same time, it is a very good day, a day where my suffering brings me closer to God, more in touch with Him being Lord in my life. For that reason, I accept my suffering, even rejoice that my life has taken a turn that has brought this pain because it has brought me into communion with God in ways I have never experienced in my life. The pain has forced me to examine my life, to examine my mind and to examine my heart and I have learned that for most of my days, I didn't know God intimately. Today, I am experiencing a new level of intimacy with God and today I stand in my suffering knowing it is what has brought me to a place where I bow low before the feet of God and rejoice that He is the all-knowing God, He is loving and His mercy knows no bounds.
Today, a hard day in my life, I accept that while I might suffer for a season, God will restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast. It is a day where I accept the pain and rejoice in what God will do with it.
Grace and peace to you.
9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Today is a hard day, a day where my suffering is more acute, more pronounced than just another day. At the same time, it is a very good day, a day where my suffering brings me closer to God, more in touch with Him being Lord in my life. For that reason, I accept my suffering, even rejoice that my life has taken a turn that has brought this pain because it has brought me into communion with God in ways I have never experienced in my life. The pain has forced me to examine my life, to examine my mind and to examine my heart and I have learned that for most of my days, I didn't know God intimately. Today, I am experiencing a new level of intimacy with God and today I stand in my suffering knowing it is what has brought me to a place where I bow low before the feet of God and rejoice that He is the all-knowing God, He is loving and His mercy knows no bounds.
Today, a hard day in my life, I accept that while I might suffer for a season, God will restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast. It is a day where I accept the pain and rejoice in what God will do with it.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
That Week That Is
This is a week that could take a lot out of me emotionally so I set myself up to be filled up with the Spirit and things of God. Oddly enough, I'm being filled with talk about suffering and how I can find light in my suffering.
A dear friend told me once, "I don't trust anyone who hasn't suffered." I may be paraphrasing a bit but that's the idea I got from what was said and a thought I have hung onto because I find myself in the same place. People who want to offer advice and suggestions who haven't yet walked a difficult road seem to have empty words for me but people who have suffered greatly, many much more than me, often say little verbally yet speak volumes spiritually and emotionally.
Today I was introduced to John Wesley's Covenant Prayer. My hope is to say this prayer every morning for the next 3 weeks and see what God wants to share with me. It's not an easy prayer but a challenging prayer. I hope it speaks to you like it has spoken to me.
Grace and peace to you.
A dear friend told me once, "I don't trust anyone who hasn't suffered." I may be paraphrasing a bit but that's the idea I got from what was said and a thought I have hung onto because I find myself in the same place. People who want to offer advice and suggestions who haven't yet walked a difficult road seem to have empty words for me but people who have suffered greatly, many much more than me, often say little verbally yet speak volumes spiritually and emotionally.
Today I was introduced to John Wesley's Covenant Prayer. My hope is to say this prayer every morning for the next 3 weeks and see what God wants to share with me. It's not an easy prayer but a challenging prayer. I hope it speaks to you like it has spoken to me.
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for you or laid aside by you,
enabled for you or brought low by you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Running Late
Better late than never? Not always.
I had this question posed to me the other day. "Do we have to have a Damascus Road experience to really learn about forgiveness?" I don't know but the people who I trust to have the best understanding of forgiveness have all traveled that road. It worked out pretty well for Paul and I have found it to be most effective in my life.
There's much more to be said about that but I've only had a quarter cup of coffee this morning.
One of the renewing parts of suffering is when I see God at work allowing me to help someone else who is suffering, it brings an inner peace that a) helps my healing process and b) shows me that I'm on a journey where God wants to use me. One of my prayers has been that God wouldn't let me suffer without using what I have learned to help someone else. Prayer is being answered. Glory to God.
Grace and peace to you.
I had this question posed to me the other day. "Do we have to have a Damascus Road experience to really learn about forgiveness?" I don't know but the people who I trust to have the best understanding of forgiveness have all traveled that road. It worked out pretty well for Paul and I have found it to be most effective in my life.
There's much more to be said about that but I've only had a quarter cup of coffee this morning.
One of the renewing parts of suffering is when I see God at work allowing me to help someone else who is suffering, it brings an inner peace that a) helps my healing process and b) shows me that I'm on a journey where God wants to use me. One of my prayers has been that God wouldn't let me suffer without using what I have learned to help someone else. Prayer is being answered. Glory to God.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Escape
The way to render a man happy, is to engage him with an object that will make him forget his private troubles. - Pascal
This blog is similar to others I have written but remains something I'm still wrestling with. I know I'm one of many who is dealing with some pain, some trouble, some obstacle that is mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining. I, like others, have used different objects to help me forget my pain, my troubles as does the world. I know the easy targets are alcohol, drugs and sex but there are others, things we get involved in to keep us busy and to take our mind off our pain; reading, movies, cooking, restoration projects, work and, yes, even church activities. I, like so many, grew up hearing the adage "idol hands are the devil's workshop." Well, I think busy hands are used by the devil just as much so that our heart and mind are to engaged to focus on God.
My struggle today is hearing God because I am spending so much time filling my days and nights with something to do so my pain is numbed and I don't have to face it. I've got something going on all the time and even as I struggle sleeping, I just find more to do to fill the time so I don't just stop and take time to let God heal me and take away the pain, the burden I am choosing to carry.
Not, "get busy" or "work your fingers to the bone" but BE STILL.
Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
God then goes on to tell Moses to tell the Israelites to move on. Move on.
What does it take to move on from our pain? Does it take replacing it with something that will make us happy? What if what God told Moses applies to me? Be still, let it go, let God fight the fight...and move on.
Moving on from my pain isn't easy. It's mine to hold on to. It's mine to wrestle with, to hold up as my barrier to peace, it's what I know. I don't know what happens when I move on, when I let it go, when I let God take on the battle and I resign from it. I don't know what might happen and there is some fear there because now, I can wallow in something I know even though it hurts. It's time to move on and I'm working on it - because I want to know His peace in all areas of my life.
Grace and peace to you.
This blog is similar to others I have written but remains something I'm still wrestling with. I know I'm one of many who is dealing with some pain, some trouble, some obstacle that is mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining. I, like others, have used different objects to help me forget my pain, my troubles as does the world. I know the easy targets are alcohol, drugs and sex but there are others, things we get involved in to keep us busy and to take our mind off our pain; reading, movies, cooking, restoration projects, work and, yes, even church activities. I, like so many, grew up hearing the adage "idol hands are the devil's workshop." Well, I think busy hands are used by the devil just as much so that our heart and mind are to engaged to focus on God.
My struggle today is hearing God because I am spending so much time filling my days and nights with something to do so my pain is numbed and I don't have to face it. I've got something going on all the time and even as I struggle sleeping, I just find more to do to fill the time so I don't just stop and take time to let God heal me and take away the pain, the burden I am choosing to carry.
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Not, "get busy" or "work your fingers to the bone" but BE STILL.
Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
God then goes on to tell Moses to tell the Israelites to move on. Move on.
What does it take to move on from our pain? Does it take replacing it with something that will make us happy? What if what God told Moses applies to me? Be still, let it go, let God fight the fight...and move on.
Moving on from my pain isn't easy. It's mine to hold on to. It's mine to wrestle with, to hold up as my barrier to peace, it's what I know. I don't know what happens when I move on, when I let it go, when I let God take on the battle and I resign from it. I don't know what might happen and there is some fear there because now, I can wallow in something I know even though it hurts. It's time to move on and I'm working on it - because I want to know His peace in all areas of my life.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Angelic
I hope the video link doesn't get zapped. It's Jackie Evanko signing on America's Got Talent and she has the voice of an angel as best I can tell. I listened to her sing and watched her composure and thought, "maybe God is giving me a glimpse." She's 10 years old, looks so innocent and sweet and sings unlike anything I've heard. I would buy a CD full of songs I cannot understand to hear her voice and were I to vote, she would get them all for me.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Grace and peace to you.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Another Day, Another Dollar
Today's title has nothing to do with the content of the post. That's just the kind of day it will be.
I can talk Rangers again. A 3-game sweep of the hated Yankees. Let's go Rangers! Cliff Lee throwing like Cliff Lee again. Now if they can just figure out a way to wrap up games in 2 1/2 hours instead of 5.
I got to spend part of Saturday and Sunday with my college roommate. We were laughing about our conversations when we were 20 about what we would be visiting about when we were 40 and it's worse than we thought. Ha. Comparing injuries, illnesses, eyesight and kids...and sharing memories of the simpler days with a couple of other friends from college. Other than the lack of sleep from talking, it was a great, great weekend.
Tomorrow I get to spend time with one of my very best friends growing up in Tyler. I am excited for that time to get here too.
I was listening in on a discussion between teenagers about the movie "To Save a Life" last night and, once again, blown away by their observations. I think the hearts of today's teens are much more open to truly helping people than when I was a kid. Maybe it's simply the observations from the jaded eyes of a 45 year old but these kids seem more in tune with acting in more loving and kinder ways.
Ephesians 2:10 is on my heart of late.
Grace and peace to you.
I can talk Rangers again. A 3-game sweep of the hated Yankees. Let's go Rangers! Cliff Lee throwing like Cliff Lee again. Now if they can just figure out a way to wrap up games in 2 1/2 hours instead of 5.
I got to spend part of Saturday and Sunday with my college roommate. We were laughing about our conversations when we were 20 about what we would be visiting about when we were 40 and it's worse than we thought. Ha. Comparing injuries, illnesses, eyesight and kids...and sharing memories of the simpler days with a couple of other friends from college. Other than the lack of sleep from talking, it was a great, great weekend.
Tomorrow I get to spend time with one of my very best friends growing up in Tyler. I am excited for that time to get here too.
I was listening in on a discussion between teenagers about the movie "To Save a Life" last night and, once again, blown away by their observations. I think the hearts of today's teens are much more open to truly helping people than when I was a kid. Maybe it's simply the observations from the jaded eyes of a 45 year old but these kids seem more in tune with acting in more loving and kinder ways.
Ephesians 2:10 is on my heart of late.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
3...2...1...0!
What if today was your last day?
Would you want to get square with the person who hurt you or just let it go?
Would you want to count your net worth or give it all away?
Would you want to catch your favorite TV show or share your hope with someone?
Would you want to surf the 'net or share a meal with your friends?
Would you want to swap gossip or share your hopes and love for those around you?
Would you wish you would have spent more time doing a million different things or more time trying to hear God's will for the days you lived?
What if today was your last day?
Would you be preparing your defense to give before God or preparing your thanks for all that He gave you?
Would you be explaining why you didn't seek to save the lost, why you didn't go where Christ went, why you didn't associate with the people Jesus tried to reach or preparing to share stories about the incredible opportunities He put before you?
Would you be thinking about how your did church at the building or how you took apart of church (his body) into the world?
What if today was your last day?
If today were my last day, I would be a bit confused because there are things I'm having trouble letting go of that I need to let go of. There is pain, resentment, desires - there are things I am being challenged with that I'm having trouble letting go of and it's not the way I want to go meet my Creator and Savior. There are things I need to work on, to pray about and to accept God's love and grace so that I may share what He gives in abundance.
What if today was your last day?
Grace and peace to you.
Would you want to get square with the person who hurt you or just let it go?
Would you want to count your net worth or give it all away?
Would you want to catch your favorite TV show or share your hope with someone?
Would you want to surf the 'net or share a meal with your friends?
Would you want to swap gossip or share your hopes and love for those around you?
Would you wish you would have spent more time doing a million different things or more time trying to hear God's will for the days you lived?
What if today was your last day?
Would you be preparing your defense to give before God or preparing your thanks for all that He gave you?
Would you be explaining why you didn't seek to save the lost, why you didn't go where Christ went, why you didn't associate with the people Jesus tried to reach or preparing to share stories about the incredible opportunities He put before you?
Would you be thinking about how your did church at the building or how you took apart of church (his body) into the world?
What if today was your last day?
If today were my last day, I would be a bit confused because there are things I'm having trouble letting go of that I need to let go of. There is pain, resentment, desires - there are things I am being challenged with that I'm having trouble letting go of and it's not the way I want to go meet my Creator and Savior. There are things I need to work on, to pray about and to accept God's love and grace so that I may share what He gives in abundance.
What if today was your last day?
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Another Rambling Day
I spent the weekend with my kids and had a fantastic time. Being away from them is the hardest thing I've ever known. Being with them is an incredible joy. One of the new, fun things of life is being chauffeured by my daughter. I always imagined having my kids driving would be similar to electro-shock therapy to the nerves but I am completely comfortable with my eldest at the wheel.
I hear Steven Hawking has come out with a new book disproving God had anything to do with the creation of the world. I may have to read it just to understand this man but I certainly think he needs my/our prayers. I firmly believe God created the world which means I firmly believe in the existence of God. Maybe, when I die, I'll find out I was wrong in my beliefs and that I'm just dead. If that's the case, how much better is that than figuring out the God Hawking doesn't appear to believe in is waiting to visit with him? I hope Mr. Hawking will have a change of heart.
I think I would like the news better if it only talked about all the bad stuff and didn't do a weather report. At least I know all the bad stuff is true. Just one more reason I seldom watch the news anymore.
I really don't want to talk Rangers today. How about Boise State? I'm a fan. It was good to see Texas beat Rice. I was worried about that one. Ha. Yea for TCU. I hope they have another undefeated season and make the BCS folks squirm.
I really missed being at my church on Sunday. I'm blessed with an incredibly loving family there and miss them when I'm not there. It is a church that is developing day-by-day, more-and-more, into the body Christ intended. I believe that because not being there feels like part of my body is missing, something that I rely on is not there to rely on.
Grace and peace to you.
I hear Steven Hawking has come out with a new book disproving God had anything to do with the creation of the world. I may have to read it just to understand this man but I certainly think he needs my/our prayers. I firmly believe God created the world which means I firmly believe in the existence of God. Maybe, when I die, I'll find out I was wrong in my beliefs and that I'm just dead. If that's the case, how much better is that than figuring out the God Hawking doesn't appear to believe in is waiting to visit with him? I hope Mr. Hawking will have a change of heart.
I think I would like the news better if it only talked about all the bad stuff and didn't do a weather report. At least I know all the bad stuff is true. Just one more reason I seldom watch the news anymore.
I really don't want to talk Rangers today. How about Boise State? I'm a fan. It was good to see Texas beat Rice. I was worried about that one. Ha. Yea for TCU. I hope they have another undefeated season and make the BCS folks squirm.
I really missed being at my church on Sunday. I'm blessed with an incredibly loving family there and miss them when I'm not there. It is a church that is developing day-by-day, more-and-more, into the body Christ intended. I believe that because not being there feels like part of my body is missing, something that I rely on is not there to rely on.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Upside Down Cake
Hatred does not cease by hatred, only by love. - attributed to Buddha
Love someone unlovable this weekend. Pray for those who persecute you this weekend. Do something kind for someone who has hurt you this weekend.
Then do it the next week. And the next. And the next. And so on...
If I want peace, how much will I give to attain it?
Grace and peace to you.
Love someone unlovable this weekend. Pray for those who persecute you this weekend. Do something kind for someone who has hurt you this weekend.
Then do it the next week. And the next. And the next. And so on...
If I want peace, how much will I give to attain it?
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
More Chan Man
We started talking about ideas offered in the book Crazy Love by Frances Chan in class last night. Thinking about it has re-energized my mind and heart for how I want to serve God and live in His will for me. In the video clip we watched tonight, Chan talked about our prayer life and how we approach God - whether it be routine or whether we are blown away each time we come in the presence of God to talk to Him. He related how, after reading Revelations 4, it stopped him and humbled him before talking to God and got him thinking, "when I come into the presence of God, what will be the first thing I want to say?" Think about it. We sometimes talk about the questions we want to ask but what will really happen when we approach the presence of God, the Creator of the world, the Author of life, the Healer, the Savior.
If you haven't read Crazy Love I can only ask why. It will challenge the strongest Christian to draw nearer to God, to reassess their life and the path they are walking.
Grace and peace to you.
If you haven't read Crazy Love I can only ask why. It will challenge the strongest Christian to draw nearer to God, to reassess their life and the path they are walking.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Jackie Evancho, 10 (Opera Singer) on America's Got Talent YouTube Special
Check this young lady out. I've caught bits and pieces of America's Got Talent this year and watched the last 30 minutes Tuesday night and got to experience this 10 year old girl. Simply amazing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Neither Here Nor There
What's up with the Rangers?
My mind is fragmented again, hence few new posts.
The following video doesn't make George Bush a better President or a great man or cause me to want to say bad things about the current President. I think it's just a representation of a kind heart and pretty dang cool.
Grace and peace to you.
My mind is fragmented again, hence few new posts.
The following video doesn't make George Bush a better President or a great man or cause me to want to say bad things about the current President. I think it's just a representation of a kind heart and pretty dang cool.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Passion
I'm off to a late start this morning so a brief thought about something I saw last night.
Lou Pinella has retired from baseball early to spend time with his ailing mother. I suppose the Cubs not going anywhere in the postseason makes it easier to retire now but what struck me last night was this big, loud, demonstrative man when mad was weeping while speaking about it being the last time he would wear a uniform. Weeping. His passion for what he does and has spent a lifetime involved with was obvious.
I remember Paul Faulkner reading the account of Jesus' death in my freshman Bible class and weeping.
I heard someone recount visiting a cave in the Holy Lands and their guide telling them it may very well be the cave where Jesus was praying before his captivity while sweating drops of blood and the man weeping while trying to recount the story.
Passion.
Passion for Christ is something that has been building in my life for a while now. I admit that reading the account of Christ's death or the account of his heavy prayer didn't hit me hard enough to bring me to tears at one time and today there are some songs we sing in worship that I almost can't get through, readings in the Bible that leave wet pages in my Bible and time spent thinking about my God that cannot end without tears. Tears of grief for what had to be given for me, tears of joy for who I am as a son of God, tears of thanksgiving for the reward that awaits me because God is a loving God.
I hope my passion for Christ will continue to grow by leaps and bounds, day after day.
Grace and peace to you.
Lou Pinella has retired from baseball early to spend time with his ailing mother. I suppose the Cubs not going anywhere in the postseason makes it easier to retire now but what struck me last night was this big, loud, demonstrative man when mad was weeping while speaking about it being the last time he would wear a uniform. Weeping. His passion for what he does and has spent a lifetime involved with was obvious.
I remember Paul Faulkner reading the account of Jesus' death in my freshman Bible class and weeping.
I heard someone recount visiting a cave in the Holy Lands and their guide telling them it may very well be the cave where Jesus was praying before his captivity while sweating drops of blood and the man weeping while trying to recount the story.
Passion.
Passion for Christ is something that has been building in my life for a while now. I admit that reading the account of Christ's death or the account of his heavy prayer didn't hit me hard enough to bring me to tears at one time and today there are some songs we sing in worship that I almost can't get through, readings in the Bible that leave wet pages in my Bible and time spent thinking about my God that cannot end without tears. Tears of grief for what had to be given for me, tears of joy for who I am as a son of God, tears of thanksgiving for the reward that awaits me because God is a loving God.
I hope my passion for Christ will continue to grow by leaps and bounds, day after day.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Spiritual Realm
I am still rolling around the idea of how the spiritual realm responds to my daily decisions that my friend shared with me. I don't understand what all is involved with the spiritual realm completely but I do get the idea that good and evil are fighting for my soul and that they are all watching me (and you) to see what decisions I will make (and you will make) and one group or the other is celebrating the little victories. Wow, how I hate to think I have disappointed the heavenly hosts of angels, as I have too many times. But, WOW, how I love to think about what the good guys are doing when I choose to follow God's will, when I choose to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
All this has added a potential new chapter to my book-in-process idea about how we think about "our" reputations. Most of us in my generation and older have certainly heard that our name is important, meaning the way people see us is something we should be highly concerned with. I think the danger with that thinking is that it can cause some to take pride in their name and what they are doing and pride can lead to some sinful decisions. I think the other danger is that we forget which name we carry that is the important one. My family name is known by many but doesn't lead to eternal joy. The name Christian is the name I want to take stock in, the name that I want to glorify. I have heard Proverbs 22:1 pointed out as the source for why so many hold their name, their reputation, their good deeds, in high esteem. On the other hand, I seldom hear reference to Proverbs 21:24.
I must be careful what I hold up as important. For me, concern with my family name leads to pride that leads to doing un-Christlike things to try and protect my name when what I really need to do is be honest about my temptations, my thoughts, my sins and my victories. I have control over all of them but to stop and think who is celebrating with me when I give in to temptation and sin as opposed to who celebrates with me when I follow the path to victory is much more awe-inspiring than to think about who thinks I am a good person. If I spend my days celebrating with God because I am living in accordance with His will, my name is the last thing I will need to worry about.
Grace and peace to you.
All this has added a potential new chapter to my book-in-process idea about how we think about "our" reputations. Most of us in my generation and older have certainly heard that our name is important, meaning the way people see us is something we should be highly concerned with. I think the danger with that thinking is that it can cause some to take pride in their name and what they are doing and pride can lead to some sinful decisions. I think the other danger is that we forget which name we carry that is the important one. My family name is known by many but doesn't lead to eternal joy. The name Christian is the name I want to take stock in, the name that I want to glorify. I have heard Proverbs 22:1 pointed out as the source for why so many hold their name, their reputation, their good deeds, in high esteem. On the other hand, I seldom hear reference to Proverbs 21:24.
I must be careful what I hold up as important. For me, concern with my family name leads to pride that leads to doing un-Christlike things to try and protect my name when what I really need to do is be honest about my temptations, my thoughts, my sins and my victories. I have control over all of them but to stop and think who is celebrating with me when I give in to temptation and sin as opposed to who celebrates with me when I follow the path to victory is much more awe-inspiring than to think about who thinks I am a good person. If I spend my days celebrating with God because I am living in accordance with His will, my name is the last thing I will need to worry about.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Evil Men (and Women) Do
I removed the gadget on my blog that shows my followers because a naked lady appeared in one. I don't know how long she was there because I seldom look at it but I do appreciate the reader who told me about (thanks MY!).
It's sad that something I started to be helpful to me can be turned around and used for evil. The Internet is full of pictures, videos, stories and many other things that are used to draw people in to Satan's trap. How I know it all too well. It's bad enough that people start their own porn sites but when they start abusing the space of others who want nothing to do with their mess, it becomes more frustrating.
I had a great lunch today with a new friend and we discussed what must happen to Satan and his forces when people praise the name of God in the midst of their sufferings, how they must be confused and maddened at the same time. My friend went on to say that he also thinks about the heavenly hosts, that they likely stand and salute the one who is praising God's name in their suffering, how they must shout cheers of victory. When I think about it like that, it makes me want to strive even harder to glorify the name of God in the midst of evil, in the midst of suffering, in the midst of the things that are being done to tear me down.
God, I praise you in this space. I praise you before the people who read this. I praise you before the ones who would try to infest this space with evil. I praise you before the one who wants to fill people with sadness, doubt and to steal their hope. I praise you because you have prepared a banquet for me and for others who use this space and the words here to draw closer to you. I praise you because you are alive in my mind and in my heart and give me words to put in blank places that might touch one heart you know that needs to hear it. I praise you because you love me for all that I am - fallen, sinful, hurting. I praise you because you have a vision of who I will be by following your desire for me - a light in the darkness, a hand to help someone up, a son of yours, a son of the great and almighty God.
Grace and peace to you.
It's sad that something I started to be helpful to me can be turned around and used for evil. The Internet is full of pictures, videos, stories and many other things that are used to draw people in to Satan's trap. How I know it all too well. It's bad enough that people start their own porn sites but when they start abusing the space of others who want nothing to do with their mess, it becomes more frustrating.
I had a great lunch today with a new friend and we discussed what must happen to Satan and his forces when people praise the name of God in the midst of their sufferings, how they must be confused and maddened at the same time. My friend went on to say that he also thinks about the heavenly hosts, that they likely stand and salute the one who is praising God's name in their suffering, how they must shout cheers of victory. When I think about it like that, it makes me want to strive even harder to glorify the name of God in the midst of evil, in the midst of suffering, in the midst of the things that are being done to tear me down.
God, I praise you in this space. I praise you before the people who read this. I praise you before the ones who would try to infest this space with evil. I praise you before the one who wants to fill people with sadness, doubt and to steal their hope. I praise you because you have prepared a banquet for me and for others who use this space and the words here to draw closer to you. I praise you because you are alive in my mind and in my heart and give me words to put in blank places that might touch one heart you know that needs to hear it. I praise you because you love me for all that I am - fallen, sinful, hurting. I praise you because you have a vision of who I will be by following your desire for me - a light in the darkness, a hand to help someone up, a son of yours, a son of the great and almighty God.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Blah Blah Blah
Blogging has been hard for several weeks now and it's been difficult to write congruent thoughts without creating a book. While writing has been an outlet for me, it is also a barometer of the stress and strain of what is going on in my life. More so, it is a barometer of where I stand in my relationship with God because when I am trusting Him completely there is a peace around me that is certainly supernatural, but, when I am in the old mode of wanting what I want and struggling with emotions that are neither healthy nor productive, there is no peace and I am a tangled mass of confusing thoughts and feelings. This isn't a good recipe for writing.
Moving on, last night I watched a study video from the Frances Chan book , Crazy Love and was again reminded of what this world might look like if we tried to live more like Jesus and less like Americanized Christians. I will read this book again and hope that it is used to teach a class at our church one day. All the while, I know there are many people who would fight against what it teaches because of the author's convictions. One of his comments in the study video is something along the line of "have you ever looked around your church and wondered who might not get into heaven because they are lukewarm?" That's a pretty strong thought but one I support because I feel I was one of those lukewarm Christians - ready to do whatever I needed to do in the church but doing little, if anything, outside the church where the lost are wandering around. I assume the people in the church at Laodicea were all baptized believers and God was ready to spit them out of His mouth. Woe be it to me if I find myself in that situation ever again.
I look to the day I climb out of this valley and hope and pray that I will be hot, that my words and my actions will be geared to glorifying God and shining a light on the path that is traveled by the lost so that they may also find their way home to the Father who is waiting to run and greet them, arms stretched open ready to wrap them up in His good and perfect love.
Grace and peace to you.
Moving on, last night I watched a study video from the Frances Chan book , Crazy Love and was again reminded of what this world might look like if we tried to live more like Jesus and less like Americanized Christians. I will read this book again and hope that it is used to teach a class at our church one day. All the while, I know there are many people who would fight against what it teaches because of the author's convictions. One of his comments in the study video is something along the line of "have you ever looked around your church and wondered who might not get into heaven because they are lukewarm?" That's a pretty strong thought but one I support because I feel I was one of those lukewarm Christians - ready to do whatever I needed to do in the church but doing little, if anything, outside the church where the lost are wandering around. I assume the people in the church at Laodicea were all baptized believers and God was ready to spit them out of His mouth. Woe be it to me if I find myself in that situation ever again.
I look to the day I climb out of this valley and hope and pray that I will be hot, that my words and my actions will be geared to glorifying God and shining a light on the path that is traveled by the lost so that they may also find their way home to the Father who is waiting to run and greet them, arms stretched open ready to wrap them up in His good and perfect love.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Followers
I continue to watch the analytics of this blog with part fascination, part curiousness about who and why people are following my site. In the last 30 days I've had people come to this blog from the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, India, Malaysia and couple of other far flung places and I've had people start following me that I don't know. Some of the people stopping by have bad intentions wanting to get visitors to their sites that want money from you and I try to delete those as fast as I can. When I started this blog, it was for me and I guess I never expected anyone else to read it. Then a few people found out and Rick and Kyle even responded. Now I've had 951 unique visitors in the past 30 days. It adds a bit of fear to what I do because most of what I right is about me, emotions I'm not sure I want to share with people I don't know. On the other hand, I wonder if it is an opportunity to reach out to people and let them know they are not alone in their struggles, in their failings, in their fears and in their victories. I need to decide where I want to go with this I suppose.
That said, yesterday was a struggle for me but today I feel lifted up. I feel like today is a better day because I have asked a few very, very close friends to pray for me and for some emotions I am battling. I believe I am feeling better today because their prayers are at work on my behalf. My point is this, if you don't have some close friends you can share everything with, you are in a tough situation. To go a step further, I am convinced men need men in their lives they can tell their sins to, tell their temptations to, tell their darkest fears to who will love them unconditionally. The tragedy is most men are afraid of that level of intimacy but I am here to tell you that once you make that step, your life will make a turn for the better. Granted, it has to be someone you can trust and someone who isn't going to gossip about what they've heard but once you find that person or group of people, more peace will enter your life than you think possible. I assume women need that same type of connection and I think it might be easier for them but I don't know. Being a man, it's just easier for me to speak about men. :)
I know this. I have walked through some dark, dark days and I can't imagine how I would have come through it without some very good friends who let me cry, let me talk and cry some more, who listened without judgment or unsolicited opinion, who asked questions that made me search my heart and who have prayed prayer after prayer for me and my relationship with God and people. I love them dearly and I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Grace and peace to you.
That said, yesterday was a struggle for me but today I feel lifted up. I feel like today is a better day because I have asked a few very, very close friends to pray for me and for some emotions I am battling. I believe I am feeling better today because their prayers are at work on my behalf. My point is this, if you don't have some close friends you can share everything with, you are in a tough situation. To go a step further, I am convinced men need men in their lives they can tell their sins to, tell their temptations to, tell their darkest fears to who will love them unconditionally. The tragedy is most men are afraid of that level of intimacy but I am here to tell you that once you make that step, your life will make a turn for the better. Granted, it has to be someone you can trust and someone who isn't going to gossip about what they've heard but once you find that person or group of people, more peace will enter your life than you think possible. I assume women need that same type of connection and I think it might be easier for them but I don't know. Being a man, it's just easier for me to speak about men. :)
I know this. I have walked through some dark, dark days and I can't imagine how I would have come through it without some very good friends who let me cry, let me talk and cry some more, who listened without judgment or unsolicited opinion, who asked questions that made me search my heart and who have prayed prayer after prayer for me and my relationship with God and people. I love them dearly and I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Storms and Rough Seas
Another day where I can't get my thoughts into words. Too much hurt, too much confusion and not enough peace makes writing hard. Today is just one of those days.
Let's talk Rangers. They go 10 innings with the Yankees and a future Hall of Fame closer throwing and little-heralded David Murphy drives in the winning run. Wow! Cliff Lee is on the mound tonight. While I wanted to watch one of my favorite shows tonight, as soon as I get home from church the Ranger game will be on and I'll have to try and catch a replay of the show. I'll be at the game Friday night for the Red Sox. I can't wait.
How about the airline attendant that opened the emergency chute and took off? He's being considered a folk hero by some. Craziness.
That's it. I haven't watched the news this week and don't know what's going on elsewhere. Oh yeah, Obama did make a stop in Texas. I think I'm done with politics.
If you read this and haven't read Crazy Love yet, go get it. Everyone I know who has read it thinks it is a great read and very thought-provoking.
That's all I've got today.
Grace and peace to you.
Let's talk Rangers. They go 10 innings with the Yankees and a future Hall of Fame closer throwing and little-heralded David Murphy drives in the winning run. Wow! Cliff Lee is on the mound tonight. While I wanted to watch one of my favorite shows tonight, as soon as I get home from church the Ranger game will be on and I'll have to try and catch a replay of the show. I'll be at the game Friday night for the Red Sox. I can't wait.
How about the airline attendant that opened the emergency chute and took off? He's being considered a folk hero by some. Craziness.
That's it. I haven't watched the news this week and don't know what's going on elsewhere. Oh yeah, Obama did make a stop in Texas. I think I'm done with politics.
If you read this and haven't read Crazy Love yet, go get it. Everyone I know who has read it thinks it is a great read and very thought-provoking.
That's all I've got today.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, August 09, 2010
I Wish You Enough
My life changed dramatically 16 years ago today. It's hard to believe it's been 16 years. It seems it was just a week a few weeks ago this tiny baby grabbed hold of my finger and grabbed hold of my heart. I haven't been the same since. She has been a priceless treasure, a gift from the Creator that has blessed my life time and time again. She has helped me understand unconditional love and how God feels about me. 16 years ago today, my life became better because my daughter was born. Thank you God.
This is a story I heard in the past but recently read again in an email from a friend. I think it strikes me more today than it did before. Today, goodbyes are harder for me, crushing at times. I find myself saying goodbye to very special people and it is a painful experience. Reading this poem stirs many emotions, one being what do I leave with the people I tell goodbye.
The whole story can be read here:http://www.bobperks.com/wish.htm
This is a story I heard in the past but recently read again in an email from a friend. I think it strikes me more today than it did before. Today, goodbyes are harder for me, crushing at times. I find myself saying goodbye to very special people and it is a painful experience. Reading this poem stirs many emotions, one being what do I leave with the people I tell goodbye.
The whole story can be read here:http://www.bobperks.com/wish.htm
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough." She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."
They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.
"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said.
"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more."When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he
were reciting it from memory.
were reciting it from memory.
"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
I wish you enough.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
More Brain Tired Ramblings
I think I'm finally sleeping better but still not enough.
I'm tired of the Palin's being in the news. Not a fan of mom or daughter getting much attention.
Cuban might buy the Rangers? Tell me it isn't so. I think he loves owning the team but he hasn't brought a championship to Dallas yet. Let the baseball guys buy the baseball team. Please.
I'm tired of LeBron and I hope Miami wins 1 game this year. I enjoyed watching him play but doubt I will see any more of him than what is forced on me through ESPN highlights. I like Jordan and Magic's thoughts. Both said "I wanted to beat Bird/Jordan/Magic, not play with them." That's a competitor spirit.
Electronics not working used to never bother me. Now I just want to throw them out and get something else. I've lost patience for these devices not working when they are all supposed to be better.
I'm still thankful for good friends.
I love the Psalms. They are filled with heartfelt visits with God, many of the same heartfelt talks I have had with Him.
Grace and peace to you.
I'm tired of the Palin's being in the news. Not a fan of mom or daughter getting much attention.
Cuban might buy the Rangers? Tell me it isn't so. I think he loves owning the team but he hasn't brought a championship to Dallas yet. Let the baseball guys buy the baseball team. Please.
I'm tired of LeBron and I hope Miami wins 1 game this year. I enjoyed watching him play but doubt I will see any more of him than what is forced on me through ESPN highlights. I like Jordan and Magic's thoughts. Both said "I wanted to beat Bird/Jordan/Magic, not play with them." That's a competitor spirit.
Electronics not working used to never bother me. Now I just want to throw them out and get something else. I've lost patience for these devices not working when they are all supposed to be better.
I'm still thankful for good friends.
I love the Psalms. They are filled with heartfelt visits with God, many of the same heartfelt talks I have had with Him.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
It's Only Tuesday?
Last week I kept thinking it was later in the week than it was. Today I find it hard to believe it's only Tuesday. Go figure.
I heard a spot on the news this morning about the Muslim Center they are wanting to build near Ground Zero in New York. Now, I must say some of the people opposing the center have gone over the imaginary line of good conduct but doesn't anyone in the Muslim community understand the sensitivity of this issue? It seems if they were really wanting to promote peace, they would get out and do something positive for the New York community instead of building their own fun center/prayer mosque.
I am very thankful for good friends. It's hard to imagine where I would be right now without some people who are praying for me and willing to help me in different ways.
My daughter takes incredible pictures. Photography isn't something she is aspiring to do as a profession but she has a great eye for a good picture. I may steal one from her one day and post it here.
Kids are an incredible blessing. I've got friends who are struggling today from the loss of a child and I am praying that God will give them healing and peace. I don't get to be around my kids as much as I want to and it is not an easy thing to cope with emotionally. I am thankful for every moment I have with them and pray each day that God will fill them up with all He knows they need to be strong in Him.
God is good.
Grace and peace to you.
I heard a spot on the news this morning about the Muslim Center they are wanting to build near Ground Zero in New York. Now, I must say some of the people opposing the center have gone over the imaginary line of good conduct but doesn't anyone in the Muslim community understand the sensitivity of this issue? It seems if they were really wanting to promote peace, they would get out and do something positive for the New York community instead of building their own fun center/prayer mosque.
I am very thankful for good friends. It's hard to imagine where I would be right now without some people who are praying for me and willing to help me in different ways.
My daughter takes incredible pictures. Photography isn't something she is aspiring to do as a profession but she has a great eye for a good picture. I may steal one from her one day and post it here.
Kids are an incredible blessing. I've got friends who are struggling today from the loss of a child and I am praying that God will give them healing and peace. I don't get to be around my kids as much as I want to and it is not an easy thing to cope with emotionally. I am thankful for every moment I have with them and pray each day that God will fill them up with all He knows they need to be strong in Him.
God is good.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, August 02, 2010
See The Light
To see the light, I need to look for the light.
In my darkest days, it is easy to leave my thoughts on the darkness that seems to overwhelm me. It is easy to get caught up in questions and accusations and emotions. I find myself questioning God and wondering why He isn't using His power the way I want Him to, asking if He has forgotten me, wondering what I've done that is so bad God won't reach down and help me. Yet all I have to do is take my eyes off of myself for an instant and I see the light of God shining all around me. It's there, I just have to be willing to open my eyes and look for it. I see the brightness of God shining in the people who are praying for me and who are helping me in ways big and small. I see it in the words of love spoken to me and in invitations to share a meal.
I want my heart to be attuned to God. I want it to be easy to see the light and have the darkness blocked from my sight. I want to rejoice in the warmth of God's light, I want to worship in the warmth of God's light, I want to take each step and breathe each breath in the warmth of God's light. It is there. He is there.
Grace and peace to you.
In my darkest days, it is easy to leave my thoughts on the darkness that seems to overwhelm me. It is easy to get caught up in questions and accusations and emotions. I find myself questioning God and wondering why He isn't using His power the way I want Him to, asking if He has forgotten me, wondering what I've done that is so bad God won't reach down and help me. Yet all I have to do is take my eyes off of myself for an instant and I see the light of God shining all around me. It's there, I just have to be willing to open my eyes and look for it. I see the brightness of God shining in the people who are praying for me and who are helping me in ways big and small. I see it in the words of love spoken to me and in invitations to share a meal.
I want my heart to be attuned to God. I want it to be easy to see the light and have the darkness blocked from my sight. I want to rejoice in the warmth of God's light, I want to worship in the warmth of God's light, I want to take each step and breathe each breath in the warmth of God's light. It is there. He is there.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Jesus Wept
43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Yesterday, a very dear friend reminded me of this story in Luke 11. He told me how many of us go through a death of some sort while we are still alive; we lose something, a child, a spouse, something truly important and the loss is like a death. As Jesus pulls us back into life from that death, as we begin to walk a little straighter, as our minds begin to untangle what happened and begins to focus on today, Jesus tells us to take the grave clothes off because we have come back from the dead.
I'm not doing an adequate job explaining it the way my friend did but it was a poignant moment in my day when we talked because it hit me again, in just the right way, that Jesus is waiting for me and is preparing my way so that I can remove the grave clothes and enter into a new life, a different life for sure but life. I don't forget the death or what was lost but I learn to life in a new way and I know Jesus is there.
As I reread the story, I remembered it included the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept." Right then, when I read those words, I knew they were for me. I know Jesus has cried for me. I know Jesus has hurt for me and has shed tears for me, and I know he's waiting on the other side of this walk, ready for me to take the grave clothes off and to begin to live again.
For me, it was a beautiful story delivered at just the right time. Even more, it was a beautiful story reminding me of who is right in front of me, waiting, arms open, ready to lead me into new paths and new life. I haven't stepped out far enough to meet Him yet but I know He is there. Praise God.
Grace and peace to you.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Yesterday, a very dear friend reminded me of this story in Luke 11. He told me how many of us go through a death of some sort while we are still alive; we lose something, a child, a spouse, something truly important and the loss is like a death. As Jesus pulls us back into life from that death, as we begin to walk a little straighter, as our minds begin to untangle what happened and begins to focus on today, Jesus tells us to take the grave clothes off because we have come back from the dead.
I'm not doing an adequate job explaining it the way my friend did but it was a poignant moment in my day when we talked because it hit me again, in just the right way, that Jesus is waiting for me and is preparing my way so that I can remove the grave clothes and enter into a new life, a different life for sure but life. I don't forget the death or what was lost but I learn to life in a new way and I know Jesus is there.
As I reread the story, I remembered it included the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept." Right then, when I read those words, I knew they were for me. I know Jesus has cried for me. I know Jesus has hurt for me and has shed tears for me, and I know he's waiting on the other side of this walk, ready for me to take the grave clothes off and to begin to live again.
For me, it was a beautiful story delivered at just the right time. Even more, it was a beautiful story reminding me of who is right in front of me, waiting, arms open, ready to lead me into new paths and new life. I haven't stepped out far enough to meet Him yet but I know He is there. Praise God.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Rollercoasters
I've never been a big fan of rollercoasters but have ridden several and might ride more in the future if I can get my legs in the cart. Several years ago, I was riding the Shockwave at Six Flags. There isn't much legroom so my knees were jammed against the front wall with my feet dangling above the floor. As we went through the first upside-down loop, I got a cramp in my hamstring and because of the force couldn't do anything but scream. The girl sitting next to me starting saying, "don't be scared, it will be over soon." Fortunately, she was a stranger so I didn't have to hear stories of me screaming on the roller coaster but that is the one incident that makes me hesitant to willingly get on a roller coaster. Yet, that is where I find myself right now, on an emotional rollercoaster. Emotions come and go and I can't predict which one is next. I described it to a friend as riding a rollercoaster in the dark because I don't know if I'm about to go up or go down.
I can tell you that I'm no fan of this emotional ride. Maybe there is benefit in some of it but I'm tired and just want to "be" for awhile. As I'm learning, what I want isn't all that important to the rest of the physical or spiritual worlds. I rationalize my down times by reminding myself that I have close friends who have been in much worse situations than my own yet my situation is the worst one I have experienced. Thankfully, I can gain insight from them and from their experiences where our paths are parallel. The other fear is that I don't know how long this ride will last. At least on a real rollercoaster, you can see the end. Not so with the emotional ride.
Today, I will just do my best to put one foot in front of the other and trust in the Lord to make things right. He certainly is acting on my timetable so I will also ask him for an extra dose of patience while I learn to wait on him, to be still knowing that He will fight for me against the spiritual forces that want to tear me down. My fight is not against flesh and blood but the powers of darkness. In that realm, I nothing more than a 90 pound weakling but I have faith that God is mighty, that He can part the Red Seas and calm the storms of my life if I will simply wait on Him.
Grace and peace to you.
I can tell you that I'm no fan of this emotional ride. Maybe there is benefit in some of it but I'm tired and just want to "be" for awhile. As I'm learning, what I want isn't all that important to the rest of the physical or spiritual worlds. I rationalize my down times by reminding myself that I have close friends who have been in much worse situations than my own yet my situation is the worst one I have experienced. Thankfully, I can gain insight from them and from their experiences where our paths are parallel. The other fear is that I don't know how long this ride will last. At least on a real rollercoaster, you can see the end. Not so with the emotional ride.
Today, I will just do my best to put one foot in front of the other and trust in the Lord to make things right. He certainly is acting on my timetable so I will also ask him for an extra dose of patience while I learn to wait on him, to be still knowing that He will fight for me against the spiritual forces that want to tear me down. My fight is not against flesh and blood but the powers of darkness. In that realm, I nothing more than a 90 pound weakling but I have faith that God is mighty, that He can part the Red Seas and calm the storms of my life if I will simply wait on Him.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Petitions and Weekends
Several people have started a new petition for Decatur to be able to sell more alcohol. I'm not even sure what it's for but I think it's to allow liquor stores into the city. What a wonderful addition. I remember when the first election came up, it was all about being able to bring a big-name grocery store to town and extra tax dollars to fix our roads. How did that work out? We still have Wal-Mart and IGA and some very bumpy roads. My former yard did see an increase in the number of empty beer cans/bottles but that may have more to do with a changing demographic than alcohol sales themselves. Anyway, I just wish the people pushing these things would be honest and say it is simply for convenience, nothing more, nothing less. Do not misunderstand me, I'm not condemning the use of alcohol in a safe and responsible way, only the reasoning that is often employed to justify the decision.
The weekend is almost here and it is one I dread because of tasks that are before me. It will be a hard weekend and if you are in a praying mood, please pray for me to keep my head up and moving forward seeing what God has in front of me and for thanksgiving for the people who are helping me.
I stood in line for 2 hours last night with a friend waiting for his new iPhone. People will stand in line a long time for these things but don't want to spend more than an hour in church where they can find something much more valuable and useful for all eternity instead of something good until the next version comes out. What's wrong with us humans? The good part was that I was with a friend I love and respect and I didn't mind waiting it out and having a good time and good discussion over dinner.
God is love. I hope people will see God living in me this weekend and in the days to come.
Grace and peace to you.
The weekend is almost here and it is one I dread because of tasks that are before me. It will be a hard weekend and if you are in a praying mood, please pray for me to keep my head up and moving forward seeing what God has in front of me and for thanksgiving for the people who are helping me.
I stood in line for 2 hours last night with a friend waiting for his new iPhone. People will stand in line a long time for these things but don't want to spend more than an hour in church where they can find something much more valuable and useful for all eternity instead of something good until the next version comes out. What's wrong with us humans? The good part was that I was with a friend I love and respect and I didn't mind waiting it out and having a good time and good discussion over dinner.
God is love. I hope people will see God living in me this weekend and in the days to come.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
More Reading...Yeah!
It's been awhile since I could sit down and read a book. Too much going through my muddled mind but I finally finished one while on vacation and have started The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel. I got through Chapter 2 last night dealing with our shame. I didn't understand what shame did to us, how it worked in the deepest parts of who we are, until I started opening up and talking about it with some professional listeners. Shame is a tool of evil that is used to put us in our place, to remind us we are not worthy of God's love and that He can't really want a child like us, one who does bad things. Yet, the Bible is filled with stories of people who did shameful things and were reconciled with God. Peter may be one of my favorites. Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Jesus three times and Peter responds with (I'm paraphrasing a bit) "nope, not me, never." And then, guess what? Peter denies Jesus three times and then feels the grief of his actions. So what does Jesus do? He tells Peter to go and feed the flock, to proclaim the good news. Now, I would be inclined to go proclaim the good news quietly, still ashamed of my actions but Peter uses Pentecost for his pulpit. Do I think Peter still wishes he hadn't denied Jesus? You bet. Did Peter let his shame continue to hold him back? No.
I hope more and more Christians will learn to deal with their shame and guilt, to get it out and feel the forgiveness that God showers on us so that they may move forward with God and not be stuck in the past.
Grace and peace to you.
I hope more and more Christians will learn to deal with their shame and guilt, to get it out and feel the forgiveness that God showers on us so that they may move forward with God and not be stuck in the past.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Christian Atheist
I started a new book last night titled The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel. I'm into it after 1 chapter because it's something I think I have experienced and called my "Intellectual Christian" phase. Basically, Groeschel brings up the question of why we call ourselves Christian but often don't live like we are trying to follow Christ. Does going to church on Sunday but doing little, if anything, to teach and reach the lost during the week signify real discipleship? Does talking to God but never listening to God signify discipleship? Does reading His word (Bible) on Sunday and setting the book on the coffee table the rest of the week signify real discipleship? I'm looking forward to getting deeper into the book. I don't think it's going to impact me as much as The Shack or Crazy Love but I might more closely identify with it.
I love the Psalms. Groeschel mentions Psalm 63 in part of the 1st chapter.
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Some of these words are hard for me right now because I still feel somewhat disconnected from God yet the words resonate because I want to know God better - partially in hope that I will better understand what He has planned for me and might reveal why I have been through the season I have and, to a greater degree, to be closer to my Creator, my Savior, my LORD simply because He is who He is and loves me unconditionally for who I am.
Verse 3 stands out to me as I think about 2 dear friends. His love is better than life. Being in His presence is better than life. I continue to look forward to the day I can experience His love face to face and do not have to face the pain, the pitfalls and the evil of this world.
Grace and peace to you.
I love the Psalms. Groeschel mentions Psalm 63 in part of the 1st chapter.
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Some of these words are hard for me right now because I still feel somewhat disconnected from God yet the words resonate because I want to know God better - partially in hope that I will better understand what He has planned for me and might reveal why I have been through the season I have and, to a greater degree, to be closer to my Creator, my Savior, my LORD simply because He is who He is and loves me unconditionally for who I am.
Verse 3 stands out to me as I think about 2 dear friends. His love is better than life. Being in His presence is better than life. I continue to look forward to the day I can experience His love face to face and do not have to face the pain, the pitfalls and the evil of this world.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What's Up?
I've been away for a bit. I spent a week in Colorado with my kids and while the trip was hampered by some severely painful back issues, I cherished the time with them in the beautiful landscape that God created. I still think that God put South Fork, Colorado on earth so I would have a small glimpse of how wonderful Heaven will be.
While there, I finished a book co-authored by a good friend, David Terry, entitled The Original Sanctuary. I was struck by the idea that South Fork has been my original sanctuary, the place I felt I could go that was safe, where I could feel God's presence. My dream would be to spend a summer or own a house there. It might never happen but it is the place I always feel closest to God.
I continue to struggle with what God is doing in my life. A dear friend has reminded me of the saying "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger." I don't feel stronger but maybe, like working out, it takes time and perseverance to become stronger. I keep asking God where he is and what, if anything, he is doing in my life. I read David's words in the Psalms and can understand his questions so clearly. All the while I experience support and love from so many people and I know it comes from their heart and desire to by the hands and feet of God for me. Sometimes I can't help but think I need to spend more time exploring my belief that I would have made a great Israelite, someone who keeps seeing God do things and then turning around and wanting more from God done the way I want things done. He gives me manna while I try to demand prime rib.
Today, I am so very grateful for God's patience with me and His overwhelming forgiveness.
Grace and peace to you.
While there, I finished a book co-authored by a good friend, David Terry, entitled The Original Sanctuary. I was struck by the idea that South Fork has been my original sanctuary, the place I felt I could go that was safe, where I could feel God's presence. My dream would be to spend a summer or own a house there. It might never happen but it is the place I always feel closest to God.
I continue to struggle with what God is doing in my life. A dear friend has reminded me of the saying "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger." I don't feel stronger but maybe, like working out, it takes time and perseverance to become stronger. I keep asking God where he is and what, if anything, he is doing in my life. I read David's words in the Psalms and can understand his questions so clearly. All the while I experience support and love from so many people and I know it comes from their heart and desire to by the hands and feet of God for me. Sometimes I can't help but think I need to spend more time exploring my belief that I would have made a great Israelite, someone who keeps seeing God do things and then turning around and wanting more from God done the way I want things done. He gives me manna while I try to demand prime rib.
Today, I am so very grateful for God's patience with me and His overwhelming forgiveness.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Great Days, Crazy Days
LeBron is going to South Beach. Aren't we all better off knowing that big piece of information? I don't know what to think about the big ESPN special for his announcement.
It might rain. I should be a meteorologist. And how can the Rangers lose to Baltimore?
Every good bit of news is followed by something negative lately. I don't get it. I wonder if it is a test and, if it is, wonder if it's a test from God or from the evil one.
My daughter has made the decision to be baptized. I am so proud of her and full of joy for her decision to put on Christ. I love the imagery of baptism I find in Romans 6:1-8 - 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
I grew up in an environment that taught baptism is essential to salvation. I read Romans 6 and come away believing that baptism is essential to be united with Christ, not something that gives us a reward but something that gives us a daily direction and challenge - to be like Christ because we have now been united with him through baptism.
I'm sure I don't do a good job describing how incredibly important I find the process of baptism to be in starting us on a journey with Jesus but I'm eternally thankful that I can be intimately united with him through baptism.
I'm off for another blogging holiday as I try to catch loads of trout over the next week. Yea!
Grace and peace to you.
It might rain. I should be a meteorologist. And how can the Rangers lose to Baltimore?
Every good bit of news is followed by something negative lately. I don't get it. I wonder if it is a test and, if it is, wonder if it's a test from God or from the evil one.
My daughter has made the decision to be baptized. I am so proud of her and full of joy for her decision to put on Christ. I love the imagery of baptism I find in Romans 6:1-8 - 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
I grew up in an environment that taught baptism is essential to salvation. I read Romans 6 and come away believing that baptism is essential to be united with Christ, not something that gives us a reward but something that gives us a daily direction and challenge - to be like Christ because we have now been united with him through baptism.
I'm sure I don't do a good job describing how incredibly important I find the process of baptism to be in starting us on a journey with Jesus but I'm eternally thankful that I can be intimately united with him through baptism.
I'm off for another blogging holiday as I try to catch loads of trout over the next week. Yea!
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, July 05, 2010
BOOM!
Last night was another fun night of making things go boom. I love the artillery shells.
I have noticed so many signs proclaiming "freedom is not free" leading up to the 4th and have contemplated on how true that statement rings. I know it is primarily intended to remind us of our fighting forces that protect this country but it relates the same to the fighting forces that are working to protect our hearts. Freedom comes from the cross and it was not free. Freedom comes from denying ourselves but it doesn't come easy. Freedom comes from confession but it is not without pain. Freedom is not free.
I look forward to the day when we can recall our troops from harms way while wondering if that day will ever come again. While I want to envision peace and prosperity for our nation and for the world, I can't help but look around and wonder if we have entered a time when fighting and the desire of nations won't only continue but will escalate.
I'm so thankful my life doesn't simply consist of what happens in this world. As much as I enjoy people and things that are here, I know that the true reward, the ultimate glory comes in a world after this one.
Baseball and more baseball this week while dodging the rain.
The Lord is my shepherd...
Grace and peace to you.
I have noticed so many signs proclaiming "freedom is not free" leading up to the 4th and have contemplated on how true that statement rings. I know it is primarily intended to remind us of our fighting forces that protect this country but it relates the same to the fighting forces that are working to protect our hearts. Freedom comes from the cross and it was not free. Freedom comes from denying ourselves but it doesn't come easy. Freedom comes from confession but it is not without pain. Freedom is not free.
I look forward to the day when we can recall our troops from harms way while wondering if that day will ever come again. While I want to envision peace and prosperity for our nation and for the world, I can't help but look around and wonder if we have entered a time when fighting and the desire of nations won't only continue but will escalate.
I'm so thankful my life doesn't simply consist of what happens in this world. As much as I enjoy people and things that are here, I know that the true reward, the ultimate glory comes in a world after this one.
Baseball and more baseball this week while dodging the rain.
The Lord is my shepherd...
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Living Scared
It's easy for me to live in fear, to live scared. Fear of the unknown and scared of what my imagination conjures up. When I'm living in fear, my mind is constantly engaged trying to figure the way out. There is no stillness, no peace.
Isaiah gives us this in chapter 43, verses 1-2:
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine*.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
*(emphasis mine)
If I can only remember that God is with me; with me through the waters and through the fire. God is with me.
Grace and peace to you.
Isaiah gives us this in chapter 43, verses 1-2:
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine*.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
*(emphasis mine)
If I can only remember that God is with me; with me through the waters and through the fire. God is with me.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Does The Second Hand Matter?
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
I have a second hand on my watch so I can count time in the smallest of fragments. I am not sure God uses a second hand on his timepiece. I want answers and actions now. God allows me to wait. I am impatient. God is not.
Maybe lack of patience is one of the hole's in my structure that God wants to work in but I don't seem inclined to let Him just now. I want answers. I think He's hard of hearing. Maybe He thinks I'm impetuous.
My patience with God has run thin of late. Isn't it ironic that my hope is His patience with me is greater than ever? That's a lesson of irony I need to take to heart.
Grace and peace to you.
I have a second hand on my watch so I can count time in the smallest of fragments. I am not sure God uses a second hand on his timepiece. I want answers and actions now. God allows me to wait. I am impatient. God is not.
Maybe lack of patience is one of the hole's in my structure that God wants to work in but I don't seem inclined to let Him just now. I want answers. I think He's hard of hearing. Maybe He thinks I'm impetuous.
My patience with God has run thin of late. Isn't it ironic that my hope is His patience with me is greater than ever? That's a lesson of irony I need to take to heart.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Searching for Words
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
When, God? I feel so weak right now, I feel overwhelmed by the evil one and I feel so separated from you, God.
I have people who are willing to do so much for me, yet I still feel alone today. Where are you God?
When, God? I feel so weak right now, I feel overwhelmed by the evil one and I feel so separated from you, God.
I have people who are willing to do so much for me, yet I still feel alone today. Where are you God?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Weakness
We are taught that weakness is bad, that we must overcome our weaknesses, we must work and work and work so that our weaknesses will not hurt us.
Do you ever wonder why we have a weakness?
I was visiting with a friend the other day who is worn down by his weakness. He is so focused on the problems it is causing in his life that he is having trouble moving forward. He told me he has worked to overcome it yet it only seems to grow and have more power over him.
It made me think about why I have weaknesses. God made me in his image so why do I have weaknesses?
And then it struck me...
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
God left a place in us that He could work. He gave us strengths and talents so we could use them but I think he gave us weaknesses so He would have a place to work in us, a place where we wouldn't forget we need Him. Of course, I choose whether to try and hide my weakness or invite God in to it so that I will gain strength. If God made me completely perfect in every way, would I need him as desperately as I do now with my weaknesses exposed?
I don't have all the right answers but in this case, I choose to thank God for my weakness because He will be the one to make me strong through it, stronger than I would ever become on my own. I have experienced things God can do with my weakness that I never thought imaginable before I really gave myself over to His control.
I am weak so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Grace and peace to you.
Do you ever wonder why we have a weakness?
I was visiting with a friend the other day who is worn down by his weakness. He is so focused on the problems it is causing in his life that he is having trouble moving forward. He told me he has worked to overcome it yet it only seems to grow and have more power over him.
It made me think about why I have weaknesses. God made me in his image so why do I have weaknesses?
And then it struck me...
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
God left a place in us that He could work. He gave us strengths and talents so we could use them but I think he gave us weaknesses so He would have a place to work in us, a place where we wouldn't forget we need Him. Of course, I choose whether to try and hide my weakness or invite God in to it so that I will gain strength. If God made me completely perfect in every way, would I need him as desperately as I do now with my weaknesses exposed?
I don't have all the right answers but in this case, I choose to thank God for my weakness because He will be the one to make me strong through it, stronger than I would ever become on my own. I have experienced things God can do with my weakness that I never thought imaginable before I really gave myself over to His control.
I am weak so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Game 7
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.- Proverbs 4:23
Tonight is Game 7, the finale, between the Celtics and Lakers. The winner takes home the trophy and the glory of being the NBA champions and the other team goes home a loser - 2nd place of course - but the loser. Kobe is going to go all out for this game. Pierce and Allen and Garnett are going to go all out for this game. Their defense will be amped up and their offense will come from an attacking mindset. They will not play timid. They will not stand back around the goal hoping the other team doesn't get too close. They will be playing up close on defense, keeping their enemy an arm-length away but close enough they can keep a wary eye on him and stop him from scoring. On offense, they will be looking for every little hole to attack so that they will win their cause.
I need that kind of mindset as a Christian. I read Proverbs 4:23 and think it would be easy to sink back into a hole, just hide and thereby protect my heart. I get caught in the first half of the sentence and forget the second half - it is the wellspring of life. Life. God wants us to live for Him with some sense of abandon from fear, with an idea of watching for every avenue we have to go on the offensive in glorifying Him. God wants us to protect our heart from evil but not by hiding it but, instead, using it. Christians need to be like the guy on the court who is playing tough defense, knowing he is going to have a battle to prevent his opponent from scoring but not backing off one bit - instead, getting a hand out to knock away the opportunity for the opponent and then, not stopping to relish the defense, but to go on the offensive, to live and to share the majesty of the Almighty.
I need to remember to play each day like it's Game 7. There is a trophy on the line and I want to be the one to bask in the ticker tape parade and glory of being a champion for God.
Grace and peace to you.
Tonight is Game 7, the finale, between the Celtics and Lakers. The winner takes home the trophy and the glory of being the NBA champions and the other team goes home a loser - 2nd place of course - but the loser. Kobe is going to go all out for this game. Pierce and Allen and Garnett are going to go all out for this game. Their defense will be amped up and their offense will come from an attacking mindset. They will not play timid. They will not stand back around the goal hoping the other team doesn't get too close. They will be playing up close on defense, keeping their enemy an arm-length away but close enough they can keep a wary eye on him and stop him from scoring. On offense, they will be looking for every little hole to attack so that they will win their cause.
I need that kind of mindset as a Christian. I read Proverbs 4:23 and think it would be easy to sink back into a hole, just hide and thereby protect my heart. I get caught in the first half of the sentence and forget the second half - it is the wellspring of life. Life. God wants us to live for Him with some sense of abandon from fear, with an idea of watching for every avenue we have to go on the offensive in glorifying Him. God wants us to protect our heart from evil but not by hiding it but, instead, using it. Christians need to be like the guy on the court who is playing tough defense, knowing he is going to have a battle to prevent his opponent from scoring but not backing off one bit - instead, getting a hand out to knock away the opportunity for the opponent and then, not stopping to relish the defense, but to go on the offensive, to live and to share the majesty of the Almighty.
I need to remember to play each day like it's Game 7. There is a trophy on the line and I want to be the one to bask in the ticker tape parade and glory of being a champion for God.
Grace and peace to you.
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