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.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Mindless Ramblings
I don't have much to offer today so now's your chance to escape.
I hear something big is happening at Pebble Beach this week. Any ideas?
Lakers/Celtics is going to Game 7. I might finally watch my 3rd NBA game of the year. Might.
How about Matt Treanor? The Rangers picked him up to be a spare catcher in case of emergency and he's delivered at least 2 or 3 game winning hits this year.
My son played his first high school level baseball game last night and got his first hit, first RBI, first HBP (hit by pitch), first walk and first strikeout. His comment, "well, now I need my first double, triple and home run." Keep swinging, kid. You'll get it.
I got a vuvuzela app for my iPhone.
I wonder if the TempurPedic cloud really works?
I'm thankful for good friends, the people you can share anything with and they still love you, pray for you and support you.
The group from our church who went to Ecuador are on the downhill run today. It's their tourist day before getting things wrapped up tomorrow and flying back on Friday. Please continue to pray that the work they have done has left seeds planted so that God will be glorified and His kingdom will grow and that they have a safe journey back to their homes and families.
Grace and peace to you.
I hear something big is happening at Pebble Beach this week. Any ideas?
Lakers/Celtics is going to Game 7. I might finally watch my 3rd NBA game of the year. Might.
How about Matt Treanor? The Rangers picked him up to be a spare catcher in case of emergency and he's delivered at least 2 or 3 game winning hits this year.
My son played his first high school level baseball game last night and got his first hit, first RBI, first HBP (hit by pitch), first walk and first strikeout. His comment, "well, now I need my first double, triple and home run." Keep swinging, kid. You'll get it.
I got a vuvuzela app for my iPhone.
I wonder if the TempurPedic cloud really works?
I'm thankful for good friends, the people you can share anything with and they still love you, pray for you and support you.
The group from our church who went to Ecuador are on the downhill run today. It's their tourist day before getting things wrapped up tomorrow and flying back on Friday. Please continue to pray that the work they have done has left seeds planted so that God will be glorified and His kingdom will grow and that they have a safe journey back to their homes and families.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pain Free
There has never nor will there ever be enough Tylenol to rid the world of pain. I hear it in the story of the family that adopted and had started raising two little boys after thay had watched their dad shoot their mom before he fled for Mexico only to have other family members who had never seen the children want to adopt them simply for the money. I hear it in the words written on a blog by a young lady who is filling her days with busyness for fear of feeling guilty for resting. I hear it in the words of friends and family who are struggling with issues ranging from work to family to illness to unexplainable loss. I feel it in my own life.
I wish Johnson & Johnson could create a pill that just makes the pain go away and stay away but such is not the case.
There is a day coming when the pain will disappear, when all will be right and the things we cannot understand or explain today will not be a concern. No more illness or emotional distress or mental disorders. No more war, no more murder.
Simply joy and peace forever. Praise and worship and the presence of the Almighty God. That is a day to look forward to.
Grace and peace to you.
I wish Johnson & Johnson could create a pill that just makes the pain go away and stay away but such is not the case.
There is a day coming when the pain will disappear, when all will be right and the things we cannot understand or explain today will not be a concern. No more illness or emotional distress or mental disorders. No more war, no more murder.
Simply joy and peace forever. Praise and worship and the presence of the Almighty God. That is a day to look forward to.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, June 14, 2010
New Day, New Look
Welcome to the new look. Be patient as I play around with some options and learning what is available.
I wonder why it is so hard for me to make time for God. Sure, I went to church yesterday and attended my small group meeting and did and said all the right things. What about today? When will I make time for God today? I've got some meetings and I'll surely have time for lunch and supper and I need to mow and get some other stuff done and when I don't, man, if I could just sit down and catch a bit of the Rangers game and then get to sleep at a reasonable time. Oh...God...hey, I'll make some time for you tomorrow. I promise.
I have been intentional about making time for God over the past couple of years but there are peaks and valleys and not as much consistency as I would like. Well, today God is going to get some of my time and He will get it right now.
Grace and peace to you.
I wonder why it is so hard for me to make time for God. Sure, I went to church yesterday and attended my small group meeting and did and said all the right things. What about today? When will I make time for God today? I've got some meetings and I'll surely have time for lunch and supper and I need to mow and get some other stuff done and when I don't, man, if I could just sit down and catch a bit of the Rangers game and then get to sleep at a reasonable time. Oh...God...hey, I'll make some time for you tomorrow. I promise.
I have been intentional about making time for God over the past couple of years but there are peaks and valleys and not as much consistency as I would like. Well, today God is going to get some of my time and He will get it right now.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Are You Thirsty, Deer?
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. These are words David wrote in what we know as Psalm 42. I'm not scholarly enough to know what the current situation was when David wrote this psalm but it sure seems similar to situations I encounter.
My tears have been my food day and night...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
I say to God, my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about oppressed by my enemy?"
It's obvious David is wrestling with his heart, with his hope for what lies ahead of him. I know that feeling. I understand his question to God, "have you forgotten me?" I get it. I get it but David doesn't leave it at that. He doesn't throw up his hands and walk away disgusted with God, does he.
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
David seeks God completely. Completely. He knows God hasn't forgotten him, he knows God hasn't turned his back. He knows that longing for God with his whole being, that praising God within the storm is the path to take, the path to peace and salvation.
I admit that I struggle with this at times. I feel like God is not listening to me, that he has forgotten me. I get down and begin to wallow in my own messes and my thoughts become focused on me. But not today. Today I will join David in longing for God as the deer pants for water. I will join David in praising God because He is the Almighty, He is Lord, He is I AM. My life is in his hands. He knows the hairs on my head. He knows what He wants for me and what He will provide for me and I will exercise faith that it is sufficient for today.
Grace and peace to you.
My tears have been my food day and night...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
I say to God, my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about oppressed by my enemy?"
It's obvious David is wrestling with his heart, with his hope for what lies ahead of him. I know that feeling. I understand his question to God, "have you forgotten me?" I get it. I get it but David doesn't leave it at that. He doesn't throw up his hands and walk away disgusted with God, does he.
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
David seeks God completely. Completely. He knows God hasn't forgotten him, he knows God hasn't turned his back. He knows that longing for God with his whole being, that praising God within the storm is the path to take, the path to peace and salvation.
I admit that I struggle with this at times. I feel like God is not listening to me, that he has forgotten me. I get down and begin to wallow in my own messes and my thoughts become focused on me. But not today. Today I will join David in longing for God as the deer pants for water. I will join David in praising God because He is the Almighty, He is Lord, He is I AM. My life is in his hands. He knows the hairs on my head. He knows what He wants for me and what He will provide for me and I will exercise faith that it is sufficient for today.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Black Screen
As is my ritual, I woke up and turned on the TV to hear the weather report (hoping the weatherman will tell me it is going to be sunny and 78 today) and all I get is a black screen on the TV. Something is amiss with my DirecTV tuner so I call them. Of course, they don't open until 8:00 but there is a way to get to a technical service member who turns out to be an automated voice. I figure out how to get the automated attendant to send me to a live person only to get a busy signal. I tried it twice. Two busy signals.
It seems like life is too often like that. We want to do one thing only to find something that prevents it and when we call for help we get what seems like a busy signal. God, please hear me, please answer me, please help me to overcome this crisis. Busy signal. God, I know you are there, I believe it but I don't understand why you won't fix this mess, why you won't make all my hurts go away, why you won't give me the answers I want. Busy signal.
I know deep down God isn't too busy for me. I know He is doing what He sees fit, what He knows is best even when I can't see it, but, it comes across like a busy signal at times. It's frustrating to say the least bordering on maddening at times. Just like with DirecTV, I want to give up at times and walk away from it all.
I'll call DirecTV back and keep trying until I can get in touch with someone who will then send a fixer to my house in the next 3-10 days. I'll eventually get my TV fixed so I can see the weather and the Rangers.
AND, I'll keep calling God back. I'll keep asking for help, I'll keep asking for answers and I trust that eventually, at the right time, He will show me what He wants me to see. Even more, I know that eventually He will fix all my problems, make all things perfect and I will not have to worry with the weather or any other problems ever again. I long for that day.
Grace and peace to you.
It seems like life is too often like that. We want to do one thing only to find something that prevents it and when we call for help we get what seems like a busy signal. God, please hear me, please answer me, please help me to overcome this crisis. Busy signal. God, I know you are there, I believe it but I don't understand why you won't fix this mess, why you won't make all my hurts go away, why you won't give me the answers I want. Busy signal.
I know deep down God isn't too busy for me. I know He is doing what He sees fit, what He knows is best even when I can't see it, but, it comes across like a busy signal at times. It's frustrating to say the least bordering on maddening at times. Just like with DirecTV, I want to give up at times and walk away from it all.
I'll call DirecTV back and keep trying until I can get in touch with someone who will then send a fixer to my house in the next 3-10 days. I'll eventually get my TV fixed so I can see the weather and the Rangers.
AND, I'll keep calling God back. I'll keep asking for help, I'll keep asking for answers and I trust that eventually, at the right time, He will show me what He wants me to see. Even more, I know that eventually He will fix all my problems, make all things perfect and I will not have to worry with the weather or any other problems ever again. I long for that day.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, June 07, 2010
It Ain't Easy
Blogging can be a very difficult hobby. I have been working on two posts and I cannot complete either of them because of the difficulty of the subjects I want to tackle. I have much to say but seem to be inept in putting it in a succinct thought process that can be read in day, much less minutes. It makes me want to scream. That said, I'll just ramble for a moment and hope the words come to me for these other posts. I'm sure I will get some feedback in various forms if and when I can get them up.
We have a group of 35 from our church headed to Ecuador this Friday. I wish I was going but it didn't work out this year so I will ask you to join me in praying for them and the work they will be doing with a home for orphans. You can learn more about it at hohministries.com.
I have a friend who has a parent dying from cancer. It was heart-wrenching talking to him the other day. My heart is heavy for the ordeal that is before them and I pray that God gives them all peace that goes beyond understanding.
Last week, I heard one of our youth talk to the rest of the group about how fast you can find yourself in trouble. He knows from experience. His talk got me thinking about Hebrews 12 again and how disciple allows us to grow. It's not what anyone wants but it can be very beneficial. This from Hebrews 12...7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Here's to the hope that our joy in the Lord will be bountiful and our discipline short-lived.
Grace and peace to you.
We have a group of 35 from our church headed to Ecuador this Friday. I wish I was going but it didn't work out this year so I will ask you to join me in praying for them and the work they will be doing with a home for orphans. You can learn more about it at hohministries.com.
I have a friend who has a parent dying from cancer. It was heart-wrenching talking to him the other day. My heart is heavy for the ordeal that is before them and I pray that God gives them all peace that goes beyond understanding.
Last week, I heard one of our youth talk to the rest of the group about how fast you can find yourself in trouble. He knows from experience. His talk got me thinking about Hebrews 12 again and how disciple allows us to grow. It's not what anyone wants but it can be very beneficial. This from Hebrews 12...7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Here's to the hope that our joy in the Lord will be bountiful and our discipline short-lived.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Loaves and Fishes
Wow. I don't know what else to say after reading about Mobile Loaves and Fishes in a recent Texas Monthly magazine. Wow. If you can catch the brief article in the April 2010 Texas Monthly issue, you need to check it out. If not, you can go to this link and figure out what they are doing. IMPRESSIVE.
http://www.mlfnow.org/site/PageServer
I had planned something else for this space on this day but I'm blown away by what this organization is doing. It is definitely a case of "the church leaving the building" and go to where the people who need to be served can be served.
Changing gears, did you hear about the kid pitching for the Detroit Tigers that had a perfect game going through 8 2/3 innings only to have a blown call by the 1st base umpire prevent the 3rd perfect game this year? Poor kid. I heard in the interview, when asked about the umpire, the pitcher said "the only person who feels worse about the call than me is the umpire." To the umpire's credit, he watched the replay after the game, went to the Tigers locker room and apologized for blowing it. The next night, the umpire that blew the call was behind home plate and the pitcher brought the lineup card out before the game to him. I believe the pitcher's name is Andres Gallaraga and the umpire's name is Mike Joyce. While I hate Gallaraga misses out on a perfect game, I hope the world will see the sportsmanship these two men have exhibited over the past couple of days. Their actions say it all.
Back to regular programming. I hope the challenge laid out by Loaves and Fishes touches you like it did me.
Grace and peace to you.
http://www.mlfnow.org/site/PageServer
I had planned something else for this space on this day but I'm blown away by what this organization is doing. It is definitely a case of "the church leaving the building" and go to where the people who need to be served can be served.
Changing gears, did you hear about the kid pitching for the Detroit Tigers that had a perfect game going through 8 2/3 innings only to have a blown call by the 1st base umpire prevent the 3rd perfect game this year? Poor kid. I heard in the interview, when asked about the umpire, the pitcher said "the only person who feels worse about the call than me is the umpire." To the umpire's credit, he watched the replay after the game, went to the Tigers locker room and apologized for blowing it. The next night, the umpire that blew the call was behind home plate and the pitcher brought the lineup card out before the game to him. I believe the pitcher's name is Andres Gallaraga and the umpire's name is Mike Joyce. While I hate Gallaraga misses out on a perfect game, I hope the world will see the sportsmanship these two men have exhibited over the past couple of days. Their actions say it all.
Back to regular programming. I hope the challenge laid out by Loaves and Fishes touches you like it did me.
Grace and peace to you.
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