My foundation is shaky today. Where I stood solid 3 weeks ago, today I feel trembling and a little bit of fear. I am reminded that we can believe and hope and trust and think we see how things can and will work out only to find that it doesn't go our way. The thing we want desperately, the thing we will fall on our knees to pray for, the thing that we would just know God would take care of the way we want it taken care of...it doesn't happen our way. And here's the thing - you can give me all the scriptures about God's way not being my way and all but my foundation is still shaking a bit. It doesn't mean I have lost faith. It doesn't mean I don't think God is sovereign. It doesn't mean I don't think the victory is secure. It simply means today that I am reminded that I have to come to grips with the understanding that God doesn't always let things go our way, that sometimes the things we want most is something we lose. Maybe it's to remind us that he is bigger than we are. Maybe it's to remind us that our focus needs to be him and not what we can see and touch. I just don't know but it has struck me at my core that I cannot always get what I want, that things that are important and special may crumble before me. I can expect to hurt and to shed tears over what I might lose in the here and now but I still believe, strongly, that the future remains secure and as long as I follow God, I will get to the promised land.
I will forever think of this song as "Jenny's song." What so many hoped for and prayed for didn't turn out how we had hoped and prayed but God is still mighty to save because he gave Jenny victory. He didn't do it the way I was imagining but, then again, who would have thought up the idea of giving their child on a cross to save humanity? God's ways are not my ways, his thoughts are not my thoughts and for that, I do rejoice. HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Larry the Cable Guy Proverbs
A little humor while I'm still on holiday.
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Why God? Why?
As I write this, I'm battling tears and chills and a hurting heart and a stomach full of knots...and questions. I understand dear friends of mine are telling their 31 year old daughter goodbye right now, a husband is saying goodbye to his wife, a child is saying goodbye to her mother, brothers are saying goodbye to their sister. It hurts. It doesn't make sense. Why, oh why would God let this happen?
I have complete faith in God. I believe he is sovereign in all things - good and bad. I believe he sees more than I see, thinks differently than I think, understands in ways I cannot understand and is perfect in his will while I am far from perfect in anything I do. I believe it all but still ask, why God?
One day God may let us in on how and why these things occur the way they do. Whether he does or not, I cannot let go of a faith that he reigns. Jenny is headed to a place I want to be, to a place of perfection and beauty and a home with the Father, with our creator and savior, with the Lord. I'm thankful this is what awaits her even as I hurt for her family and don't want it to come to this just now.
Oh God, please rain your love and comfort on Jenny's family in waves that covers them over and over.
Grace and peace to us all.
Edit: Just as I finished writing this, I learned that Jenny Ross Bizaillion passed away at 3:38 in the afternoon.
I have complete faith in God. I believe he is sovereign in all things - good and bad. I believe he sees more than I see, thinks differently than I think, understands in ways I cannot understand and is perfect in his will while I am far from perfect in anything I do. I believe it all but still ask, why God?
One day God may let us in on how and why these things occur the way they do. Whether he does or not, I cannot let go of a faith that he reigns. Jenny is headed to a place I want to be, to a place of perfection and beauty and a home with the Father, with our creator and savior, with the Lord. I'm thankful this is what awaits her even as I hurt for her family and don't want it to come to this just now.
Oh God, please rain your love and comfort on Jenny's family in waves that covers them over and over.
Grace and peace to us all.
Edit: Just as I finished writing this, I learned that Jenny Ross Bizaillion passed away at 3:38 in the afternoon.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Holiday
It's time for another blogging holiday. The things I want to say are not coming out in a way I want to say them. Maybe they need to be expressed in a raw, even militant tone but I'm not ready for that yet if that's the case so I'm thinking a hiatus will work well. I have a friend who just finished a 3 month sabbatical to learn that he didn't want to keep doing what he was doing so who knows, maybe I'll never come back.
I may post some random (ever notice how teenage kids use that word often?) postings and thoughts but nothing too thought-provoking. I'm setting March 1 as the target date to get back in the blogging saddle but I'll play it by ear.
If you want to do something for me, pray for peace. I have so many friends going through an inner turmoil and I think it has hit some wounds and scars within me that have taken some of the peace I was enjoying. I know satan is behind it all so I keep looking for ways to shut him down in my life and praying that God will do that in the lives of the people around me I know are hurting.
I'm also striving to see God's vision for my life. I have several things I'm thinking through and trying to understand what the future holds and what path I need to be traveling. I'm listening for God's direction but think I have too much of my own thoughts banging around to hear him. I think there are some incredible things ahead for me if I can just slow down and hear the voice of my Lord.
See you soon.
Grace and peace to you.
I may post some random (ever notice how teenage kids use that word often?) postings and thoughts but nothing too thought-provoking. I'm setting March 1 as the target date to get back in the blogging saddle but I'll play it by ear.
If you want to do something for me, pray for peace. I have so many friends going through an inner turmoil and I think it has hit some wounds and scars within me that have taken some of the peace I was enjoying. I know satan is behind it all so I keep looking for ways to shut him down in my life and praying that God will do that in the lives of the people around me I know are hurting.
I'm also striving to see God's vision for my life. I have several things I'm thinking through and trying to understand what the future holds and what path I need to be traveling. I'm listening for God's direction but think I have too much of my own thoughts banging around to hear him. I think there are some incredible things ahead for me if I can just slow down and hear the voice of my Lord.
See you soon.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A War
There are some wars that seem like they will never end. There is one going on between good and evil that will end one day and, fortunately, we know who the winner will be but it rages on today. It is a fight for the heart and souls of every person walking the face of the earth and it is a fight that will have an impact on eternity for each of us. Today, good friends are having to sit and wait as doctors perform an amputation on their daughter's legs. All they can do is wait, think and pray and in those moments, evil is looking for a crack to invade, to divide and destroy.
That battle is there for everyone of us all the time. Evil comes in less vulgar forms than an amputation and it comes in more dramatic forms. Evil waits, it is patient and it is shrewd - ready to take over when the opportunity is present.
I'm hurting for my friends today. I'm heartbroken and wondering what God has planned for all of them and I'm praying diligently that they will see his will through this. As my relationship with God grows strong and closer, I see the attacks better and being able to see them makes me stronger to fight them but I must be on-guard so I can be prepared for the fight.
Pray for the Ross/Bizailllion family today. Whether you know their struggle or not, please offer up a prayer that they will see God, know his peace and be open to his plans for them.
Grace and peace to you.
That battle is there for everyone of us all the time. Evil comes in less vulgar forms than an amputation and it comes in more dramatic forms. Evil waits, it is patient and it is shrewd - ready to take over when the opportunity is present.
I'm hurting for my friends today. I'm heartbroken and wondering what God has planned for all of them and I'm praying diligently that they will see his will through this. As my relationship with God grows strong and closer, I see the attacks better and being able to see them makes me stronger to fight them but I must be on-guard so I can be prepared for the fight.
Pray for the Ross/Bizailllion family today. Whether you know their struggle or not, please offer up a prayer that they will see God, know his peace and be open to his plans for them.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Chiseling
I had a conversation yesterday with someone I would have probably avoided a few years ago. He recently plead guilty to a crime that would make most people want to throw stones at him at worst, treat him like a leper at best. When I saw him yesterday, I felt some level of understanding of his pain and concern for how people look at him and simply let him know that I was praying for him. I think it surprised him a little and, hopefully, gave him a moment of peace knowing someone else is out there lifting him up to God.
Nothing I did is noteworthy but what God has done in me certainly is. He is working on my heart, chiseling away at some gunk that has built up over the years. He's cleaning it up and reshaping it back to the image he first made it. There's a ways to go, a lot more chiseling to do and I assure you it isn't painless but so worthwhile. He's chiseling away my conceptions of right and wrong so I can better focus on his ideas, he's chiseling away the way I judge people so I can begin to love them in whatever condition they are in, he's chiseling away my "what's in it for me" attitude so I can clearly think about "what's in it for him." Oh, he has a lot of work yet to do, a long way to go to get rid of all the bad stuff I've packed in over 45 years but he's working on me. I feel it. I know it. My hope is that my heart and mind return to the pure state he first gave.
Here's a video about God's chiseling. I enjoyed it and while I can't remember if I've posted it here before, I think it's always worth a second look.
http://skitguys.com/store/detail/188/ Click on Watch Preview below the video and enjoy.
Grace and peace to you.
Nothing I did is noteworthy but what God has done in me certainly is. He is working on my heart, chiseling away at some gunk that has built up over the years. He's cleaning it up and reshaping it back to the image he first made it. There's a ways to go, a lot more chiseling to do and I assure you it isn't painless but so worthwhile. He's chiseling away my conceptions of right and wrong so I can better focus on his ideas, he's chiseling away the way I judge people so I can begin to love them in whatever condition they are in, he's chiseling away my "what's in it for me" attitude so I can clearly think about "what's in it for him." Oh, he has a lot of work yet to do, a long way to go to get rid of all the bad stuff I've packed in over 45 years but he's working on me. I feel it. I know it. My hope is that my heart and mind return to the pure state he first gave.
Here's a video about God's chiseling. I enjoyed it and while I can't remember if I've posted it here before, I think it's always worth a second look.
http://skitguys.com/store/detail/188/ Click on Watch Preview below the video and enjoy.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Wow. How about all that snow yesterday? We got somewhere between 8" and 11" of snow depending on where you measure and it was beautiful. A lot of people are "snowed in" but it was great driving around this morning seeing the snow in different places and different forms covering the houses, mailboxes, buildings, bushes, trees, etc. I'm not prepared for snow like this but I love it and hate to see it go away soon.
I hear the Winter Olympics start tonight. It doesn't seem like I've heard much about it and my plans tonight don't include watching the opening ceremonies. I'll try to catch Apollo Anton Ohno - I like that speed skating stuff - and I'll watch some of the downhill skiing and snowboarding events (if they are included this year) but not much else.
I think a politician who doesn't open their mouth much has a good chance of succeeding more often than not. That Debra Medina lady put her foot in her mouth yesterday. Ouch.
I hope next week is a better blogging week. My thought processes aren't working in a way that I want to write what I'm thinking this week. Like a politician, sometimes it's just better to zip it. So, I'll let Paul talk for me today:
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7
Grace and peace to you.
I hear the Winter Olympics start tonight. It doesn't seem like I've heard much about it and my plans tonight don't include watching the opening ceremonies. I'll try to catch Apollo Anton Ohno - I like that speed skating stuff - and I'll watch some of the downhill skiing and snowboarding events (if they are included this year) but not much else.
I think a politician who doesn't open their mouth much has a good chance of succeeding more often than not. That Debra Medina lady put her foot in her mouth yesterday. Ouch.
I hope next week is a better blogging week. My thought processes aren't working in a way that I want to write what I'm thinking this week. Like a politician, sometimes it's just better to zip it. So, I'll let Paul talk for me today:
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Running on Empty
I'm running on empty lately, mentally and emotionally. The thoughts and words are sporadic at best so today is just a day for some news and facts.
Jenny Bizaillion remains in ICU. They are going to try and wake her up today and see if they can remove her from the ventilator. They are asking for prayers that she remain calm when she wakes up so they can begin the process, otherwise, they will likely have to sedate her again and wait until another day.
I cannot imagine what her husband, parents and other family are going through.
Go here https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates and read the update for February 11th at 6:28 a.m. for a way to help. David and Jenny do not have health insurance. One of the Elders at our church has suggested in the update that if everyone who is registered for Jenny's Carepages update (over 4,000) gave $100, a big dent would be made in their medical expenses. Fantastic.
Now to the less dynamic.
There is a good 3" of snow on the ground in Decatur, Texas. It's beautiful and the good snowball-making snow.
Texas will probably squeeze into the Big Dance but their play of late doesn't indicate they will get out of the 1st round. Their play has been pathetic.
Spring training is about a week away. I was talking with someone in the Rangers organization this week and his excitement for what could be this year was energizing. He's not one to get overly excited but he thinks they can really make a run for the title in the next few years.
I used to think baseball was boring. I now understand how many things are going on in a game and I can't wait for baseball season to start every year and I hate when it's over.
That's all for now. I'm worn out and have written nothing. I'll probably take tomorrow off and see how it goes next week.
Until then, know that God is sovereign, that he is working in the worst of situations, that his love never fails.
Grace and peace to you.
Jenny Bizaillion remains in ICU. They are going to try and wake her up today and see if they can remove her from the ventilator. They are asking for prayers that she remain calm when she wakes up so they can begin the process, otherwise, they will likely have to sedate her again and wait until another day.
I cannot imagine what her husband, parents and other family are going through.
Go here https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates and read the update for February 11th at 6:28 a.m. for a way to help. David and Jenny do not have health insurance. One of the Elders at our church has suggested in the update that if everyone who is registered for Jenny's Carepages update (over 4,000) gave $100, a big dent would be made in their medical expenses. Fantastic.
Now to the less dynamic.
There is a good 3" of snow on the ground in Decatur, Texas. It's beautiful and the good snowball-making snow.
Texas will probably squeeze into the Big Dance but their play of late doesn't indicate they will get out of the 1st round. Their play has been pathetic.
Spring training is about a week away. I was talking with someone in the Rangers organization this week and his excitement for what could be this year was energizing. He's not one to get overly excited but he thinks they can really make a run for the title in the next few years.
I used to think baseball was boring. I now understand how many things are going on in a game and I can't wait for baseball season to start every year and I hate when it's over.
That's all for now. I'm worn out and have written nothing. I'll probably take tomorrow off and see how it goes next week.
Until then, know that God is sovereign, that he is working in the worst of situations, that his love never fails.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, February 08, 2010
I Need a Tank
This weekend was tough and the hard part isn't over. The daughter of two dear friends is in ICU battling for her life. One of our church members gave birth to twins and there have been and continue to be health struggles for both of them. A missionary and his wife that I am very close to lost a baby in the early stages of pregnancy last week. I'm hurting for all of them. I know others who are battling different problems and I hurt for them too. The positive thing about all of it is that it keeps me and many others in more constant contact with God, the healer and comforter.
I'm tired of fighting but in the midst of the battle, I see God at work and that, all by itself, brings joy and peace in my life. I wish I could lay down my weapons, relax and rest but it isn't time for that right now. The fight for what is good and pure and noble and beautiful rages on and I need to be engaged.
I see God at work. I know he is sovereign and he is working for the good of those who love him.
Grace and peace to you.
I'm tired of fighting but in the midst of the battle, I see God at work and that, all by itself, brings joy and peace in my life. I wish I could lay down my weapons, relax and rest but it isn't time for that right now. The fight for what is good and pure and noble and beautiful rages on and I need to be engaged.
I see God at work. I know he is sovereign and he is working for the good of those who love him.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
The Battle
It seems that battles never end. Fighting in the mid-East. Racial discrimination. Freedom. Increasing or losing market share. Bridgeport vs. Decatur. We find battles in many different stages, many different levels of intensity, many different consequences; but battles never stop.
Satan never leaves his battle with us. He may back off, he may slow down but he is always lurking, always waiting for the right moment to pounce. Our weakness, too often, is failing to be aware that the battle is out there, waiting for us.
Thankfully, even though the battle rages, even though we might take a few hits and suffer some wounds, the Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want...if what we want his him, not us, not our desire, but his and his alone.
Grace and peace to you.
Satan never leaves his battle with us. He may back off, he may slow down but he is always lurking, always waiting for the right moment to pounce. Our weakness, too often, is failing to be aware that the battle is out there, waiting for us.
Thankfully, even though the battle rages, even though we might take a few hits and suffer some wounds, the Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want...if what we want his him, not us, not our desire, but his and his alone.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Finish
Grace and peace to you. I have been finishing my posts with that line for some time now and it means so much to me. Paul, a good friend of mine even though I never met him, used it in his letters and time after time I read over the words not thinking much about them. Today I cling to it. Today I have an appreciation for what God's grace and peace feel like. I don't claim to understand it or know everything about it but I do certainly know more about his grace and peace than at any other time in my life.
Today I can face whatever comes my way if I will hang on to God's grace and peace in my life. Today I can forgive completely and love unconditionally if I will hang on to God's grace and peace in my life. Today I can say anything, share anything, be authentic about anything because I am reaching for and grabbing on to God's grace and peace in my life.
If you have never experienced perfect peace in the moment you think nothing can be as bad as what you are going through, I hope you do. If you have never experienced God's grace knowing you are cleansed at the moment you acknowledge your burden, your struggle, your failure, I hope you do. It's out there waiting for you. It's incredible and wonderful and overwhelming. It comes from a father who loves us in spite of what we do, he forgives us and let's go of our past failings and always looks ahead to how he can help us be better, stronger, wiser.
Here's a thought I don't remember having before but one that gave me shivers when I thought about it. I have talked about looking forward to the day I worship with God in heaven but what hit me one day...this is a bit crazy...I think God is looking forward to the day he can worship with me in heaven. He loves me so much that he is excited about the day I show up. I believe it and I rejoice in his love.
Grace and peace to you.
Today I can face whatever comes my way if I will hang on to God's grace and peace in my life. Today I can forgive completely and love unconditionally if I will hang on to God's grace and peace in my life. Today I can say anything, share anything, be authentic about anything because I am reaching for and grabbing on to God's grace and peace in my life.
If you have never experienced perfect peace in the moment you think nothing can be as bad as what you are going through, I hope you do. If you have never experienced God's grace knowing you are cleansed at the moment you acknowledge your burden, your struggle, your failure, I hope you do. It's out there waiting for you. It's incredible and wonderful and overwhelming. It comes from a father who loves us in spite of what we do, he forgives us and let's go of our past failings and always looks ahead to how he can help us be better, stronger, wiser.
Here's a thought I don't remember having before but one that gave me shivers when I thought about it. I have talked about looking forward to the day I worship with God in heaven but what hit me one day...this is a bit crazy...I think God is looking forward to the day he can worship with me in heaven. He loves me so much that he is excited about the day I show up. I believe it and I rejoice in his love.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Moody Monday
Freezing fog? That just sounds odd but that's what the weatherman says some of us will experience this morning.
I didn't watch the Pro Bowl or the Grammys. No interest whatsoever. I watched movies with my son and a friend instead.
Why is it that we sometimes get beat up for trying to do the right thing? For me, it's hard to recover from that and causes me to want to distance myself from the situation and the people around it.
I've got some things I want to say this week but working through how to say them. They might be a bit harsh for some folks and while I care more and more about saying the right thing whether it is comfortable or not, I want to try and say it gracefully. That doesn't always work out for me but I'll still try and let the chips fall where they may.
That said, I want to be done with playing Christian. I see few examples in the Bible where people were comfortable Christians. There were trials, there was pain and there was freedom. Freedom from hiding behind fear but living boldly because of the king, freedom from being locked down into someone's view of what a Christian did and said because our perfect example never feared going where he needed to be to save sinners from sin, freedom from hiding their sin trying to look good to others but living in confession and allowing the unmatchable grace of God to flow over them like rain. I want to live free knowing what that choice will probably lead to in my life. Freedom has never been free; a price must be paid. People have died and suffered lingering wounds for freedom. I can't expect living in freedom will be easy. In fact, I know it won't but I have tasted true freedom and I am preparing for battle so I can continue to live deeper in it.
Grace and peace to you.
I didn't watch the Pro Bowl or the Grammys. No interest whatsoever. I watched movies with my son and a friend instead.
Why is it that we sometimes get beat up for trying to do the right thing? For me, it's hard to recover from that and causes me to want to distance myself from the situation and the people around it.
I've got some things I want to say this week but working through how to say them. They might be a bit harsh for some folks and while I care more and more about saying the right thing whether it is comfortable or not, I want to try and say it gracefully. That doesn't always work out for me but I'll still try and let the chips fall where they may.
That said, I want to be done with playing Christian. I see few examples in the Bible where people were comfortable Christians. There were trials, there was pain and there was freedom. Freedom from hiding behind fear but living boldly because of the king, freedom from being locked down into someone's view of what a Christian did and said because our perfect example never feared going where he needed to be to save sinners from sin, freedom from hiding their sin trying to look good to others but living in confession and allowing the unmatchable grace of God to flow over them like rain. I want to live free knowing what that choice will probably lead to in my life. Freedom has never been free; a price must be paid. People have died and suffered lingering wounds for freedom. I can't expect living in freedom will be easy. In fact, I know it won't but I have tasted true freedom and I am preparing for battle so I can continue to live deeper in it.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Weekend Wrap Up
It has been one of those weeks where I need 6 more days to get things done I haven't accomplished and one of those weeks that cannot be over fast enough.
I had planned to write a bit about the State of the Union address but it's run out of steam in my head. My summation is that President Obama said some things that need to be said and said some things I didn't really care for. In the end it comes down to action and I still have little faith positive things will happen.
I have a friend on Facebook (yes, I do have 1 friend!) who lists "Bleak" under the Political View part of his profile. That cracks me up.
As I write this, I'm listening to Third Day's "Born Again" and thinking they wrote it for me. I feel like I'm born again. I feel like I'm living for the very first time in my life. It gives me chills because the words are me and I jump for joy and raise my hands in praise that I have been born again. I feel like I have been given a second chance (even though I know it is really more like 2,222 chances) to really live, to know the power of God in my life, to live in freedom from sin, to experience joy like I've never know, hope I never imagined and peace that goes beyond what I can understand. I'm still working through it all, still learning how to wear it and be the person God wants me to be but I'm excited about what he will do with me. I'm offering up a prayer today for everyone who reads this to be prepared for what God wants to do in their lives too. He will set you free, he will give you a life you have never known and all he asks is that you submit to his good and perfect will for you. I am learning submission and I am finding an incredible God and Lord as I let go of my desire. Hallelujah!
Grace and peace to you.
I had planned to write a bit about the State of the Union address but it's run out of steam in my head. My summation is that President Obama said some things that need to be said and said some things I didn't really care for. In the end it comes down to action and I still have little faith positive things will happen.
I have a friend on Facebook (yes, I do have 1 friend!) who lists "Bleak" under the Political View part of his profile. That cracks me up.
As I write this, I'm listening to Third Day's "Born Again" and thinking they wrote it for me. I feel like I'm born again. I feel like I'm living for the very first time in my life. It gives me chills because the words are me and I jump for joy and raise my hands in praise that I have been born again. I feel like I have been given a second chance (even though I know it is really more like 2,222 chances) to really live, to know the power of God in my life, to live in freedom from sin, to experience joy like I've never know, hope I never imagined and peace that goes beyond what I can understand. I'm still working through it all, still learning how to wear it and be the person God wants me to be but I'm excited about what he will do with me. I'm offering up a prayer today for everyone who reads this to be prepared for what God wants to do in their lives too. He will set you free, he will give you a life you have never known and all he asks is that you submit to his good and perfect will for you. I am learning submission and I am finding an incredible God and Lord as I let go of my desire. Hallelujah!
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Want To Get Away?
I get a laugh out of the Southwest Airlines commercials where someone does something that is embarrassing, if not humiliating, and it shows a picture of them on a Southwest jet with the idea of just getting away. I have had those moments where "get me out of here" is the prominent thought going through my head because I did not want to be seen by anyone for fear of what would be said or thought about me; how people would look at me.
Today, I feel I better understand how satan uses those times to crush us. "You are a fool." "You are weak." "You should go hide because everyone is laughing at you now." Those are some of the things satan wants us to hear in those moments of pain and humiliation.
In these moments I have learned to run to Romans 8. Verse 18 says "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Verse 28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." And verse 31-35 says "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
God is here with me. He's there with you too. Nothing, as hard as it may seen, can separate us from the love and the mercy and the power of God if that is where we choose to live.
God, keep my eyes on you and not the things around me that scare me. Keep me locked on you and the joy I will find there.
Grace and peace to you.
Today, I feel I better understand how satan uses those times to crush us. "You are a fool." "You are weak." "You should go hide because everyone is laughing at you now." Those are some of the things satan wants us to hear in those moments of pain and humiliation.
In these moments I have learned to run to Romans 8. Verse 18 says "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Verse 28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." And verse 31-35 says "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
God is here with me. He's there with you too. Nothing, as hard as it may seen, can separate us from the love and the mercy and the power of God if that is where we choose to live.
God, keep my eyes on you and not the things around me that scare me. Keep me locked on you and the joy I will find there.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Paul Kind of Guy
I love Philippians 4:8. I want to live that way more and more.
I have always enjoyed reading Paul's letters and he has been the apostle I have always felt like I identified with. Maybe it's because I enjoy writing and Paul wrote so much. Maybe it's because I feel like I have done more to kill Christianity than help people see Jesus at times in my life. There are many reasons I feel connected to Paul but as we studied in worship and in Life Groups last night, I was reminded why I am so thankful for Peter.
Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus 3 times. I'm sure Peter thought that was crazy but then it happened...he denied Jesus 3 times and then scripture says Peter "wept bitterly." I've been there, doing something that I hated so much that the only way to describe the tears, the emotion, is bitter. I identify with Peter in his denial of Jesus because I have walked that road in my actions and in my thoughts. I can understand how it happened and I can understand his grief when it overcomes him. The good news, the joy we can take from those times in our life is that it wasn't the end of Peter's story.
John shares the account of Jesus talking to Peter after his resurrection and he asks Peter 3 times "do you love me?" Now here is where we might take the approach of "do you love me because what you did doesn't make it look like you love me." I've done it, reminding the offending party of what they did to me but (this is really BIG), Christ doesn't take that approach with Peter and he doesn't take that approach with me. When Peter responds in the affirmative to Jesus' question, instead of "then why did you...?" Jesus tells him "feed my lambs", "take care of my flock" and "feed my sheep." Do you see the power in those statements?
Instead of reminding Peter of his failings, Jesus sends Peter back out to take care of the sheep, to share the glory of Christ, to spread the good news, to comfort the hurting and to lift up the sinners. Jesus tells me, take your history with you to teach but live in the present to feed my sheep and keep your eyes focused on the prize, the reward I have prepared for you. He gives us the gift of using our own failings to help others. He gives us the gift of looking forward with us. He gives us the gift of love that is beyond compare.
I love Paul but I want to also be at Peter guy, a failure who is built back up by the Redeemer, a child who is being molded to go into the world, to comfort and to share and to love. I say that and immediately know that's not even right. I want to learn from Paul and Peter but I want to be a Jesus kind of guy.
Lord, let me learn to live more like you every moment of every day. I've got a long ways to go but I want to live to glorify you. Mold me and use me and help me look a little more like you each day.
Grace and peace to you.
I have always enjoyed reading Paul's letters and he has been the apostle I have always felt like I identified with. Maybe it's because I enjoy writing and Paul wrote so much. Maybe it's because I feel like I have done more to kill Christianity than help people see Jesus at times in my life. There are many reasons I feel connected to Paul but as we studied in worship and in Life Groups last night, I was reminded why I am so thankful for Peter.
Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus 3 times. I'm sure Peter thought that was crazy but then it happened...he denied Jesus 3 times and then scripture says Peter "wept bitterly." I've been there, doing something that I hated so much that the only way to describe the tears, the emotion, is bitter. I identify with Peter in his denial of Jesus because I have walked that road in my actions and in my thoughts. I can understand how it happened and I can understand his grief when it overcomes him. The good news, the joy we can take from those times in our life is that it wasn't the end of Peter's story.
John shares the account of Jesus talking to Peter after his resurrection and he asks Peter 3 times "do you love me?" Now here is where we might take the approach of "do you love me because what you did doesn't make it look like you love me." I've done it, reminding the offending party of what they did to me but (this is really BIG), Christ doesn't take that approach with Peter and he doesn't take that approach with me. When Peter responds in the affirmative to Jesus' question, instead of "then why did you...?" Jesus tells him "feed my lambs", "take care of my flock" and "feed my sheep." Do you see the power in those statements?
Instead of reminding Peter of his failings, Jesus sends Peter back out to take care of the sheep, to share the glory of Christ, to spread the good news, to comfort the hurting and to lift up the sinners. Jesus tells me, take your history with you to teach but live in the present to feed my sheep and keep your eyes focused on the prize, the reward I have prepared for you. He gives us the gift of using our own failings to help others. He gives us the gift of looking forward with us. He gives us the gift of love that is beyond compare.
I love Paul but I want to also be at Peter guy, a failure who is built back up by the Redeemer, a child who is being molded to go into the world, to comfort and to share and to love. I say that and immediately know that's not even right. I want to learn from Paul and Peter but I want to be a Jesus kind of guy.
Lord, let me learn to live more like you every moment of every day. I've got a long ways to go but I want to live to glorify you. Mold me and use me and help me look a little more like you each day.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A Living Sacrifice
Our discussion last night centered around Romans 12 and the call to be a living sacrifice. It's something I have had rolling around in my head for some time as I try to better understand what I need to do to be a living sacrifice. We see examples throughout the Bible - Moses going before Pharoah, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice the son that God had promised him, Job's suffering and never-ending dedication to God, Jonah going back to Nineveh...the Messiah coming to earth to be my sacrifice.
As I think about what God wants to see me sacrifice, I can quickly come up with a number of earthly things but the hardest things to start putting to death are thoughts and feelings that do not glorify God. I am finding that the closer I grow to God and the more time I invest in his word, the more those thoughts and feelings are pushed away but they still haven't disappeared. I long for the day when material possessions mean nothing, when all I have is all that I give and my thoughts and attitudes reflect a loving, compassionate, merciful God.
Grace and peace to you.
As I think about what God wants to see me sacrifice, I can quickly come up with a number of earthly things but the hardest things to start putting to death are thoughts and feelings that do not glorify God. I am finding that the closer I grow to God and the more time I invest in his word, the more those thoughts and feelings are pushed away but they still haven't disappeared. I long for the day when material possessions mean nothing, when all I have is all that I give and my thoughts and attitudes reflect a loving, compassionate, merciful God.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
How Long Do We Wait?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3
The Israelites lived under the oppression of Pharoah for what, 400 years? I expect God to fix my problems today. The Israelites wander around for 40 more years drifting in and out of love with God. I need God to do his thing now, to end the trials I'm going through. Right? Have you ever felt that way? And then James pops off with his little tidbit of wisdom - to consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds. Pure joy? What kind of wine was that guy drinking?
I hope you hear my sarcasm in some of the statements above and the truth in others. I have often asked God why he wasn't cleaning up my mess quicker, why he didn't just put an end to the problems. I lost faith at times, looked other places to get the answers I wanted, tried to get back to God but still wanted things done my way. After far too many years of living in oppression (by satan's tactics), after much prayer and finally getting knocked down to my knees, I am seeing God part the Red Sea, seeing God provide manna, seeing God take care of me everyday in so many different ways and I do count it as pure joy for my trials because they have been the very thing that have driven me back to the arms of God.
The joy of trials doesn't come from the trial, it comes from seeing what unimaginable things God does in the trial. The joy comes in knowing that I don't have to figure my way out, God will lead me. The joy comes in knowing the pressure isn't on me, God will carry me when he needs to and he will use me when he can. The joy comes in knowing that my Creator, the one who loves me more than any other, the one who showers me with mercy and never turns away, that my LORD is with me every step of the way.
James is full of good wisdom but I want to end to day with verse 12 from James 1 - the result of our joy in enduring trials. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Grace and peace to you.
The Israelites lived under the oppression of Pharoah for what, 400 years? I expect God to fix my problems today. The Israelites wander around for 40 more years drifting in and out of love with God. I need God to do his thing now, to end the trials I'm going through. Right? Have you ever felt that way? And then James pops off with his little tidbit of wisdom - to consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds. Pure joy? What kind of wine was that guy drinking?
I hope you hear my sarcasm in some of the statements above and the truth in others. I have often asked God why he wasn't cleaning up my mess quicker, why he didn't just put an end to the problems. I lost faith at times, looked other places to get the answers I wanted, tried to get back to God but still wanted things done my way. After far too many years of living in oppression (by satan's tactics), after much prayer and finally getting knocked down to my knees, I am seeing God part the Red Sea, seeing God provide manna, seeing God take care of me everyday in so many different ways and I do count it as pure joy for my trials because they have been the very thing that have driven me back to the arms of God.
The joy of trials doesn't come from the trial, it comes from seeing what unimaginable things God does in the trial. The joy comes in knowing that I don't have to figure my way out, God will lead me. The joy comes in knowing the pressure isn't on me, God will carry me when he needs to and he will use me when he can. The joy comes in knowing that my Creator, the one who loves me more than any other, the one who showers me with mercy and never turns away, that my LORD is with me every step of the way.
James is full of good wisdom but I want to end to day with verse 12 from James 1 - the result of our joy in enduring trials. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Current Times
Today is a big election in Massachusetts that will likely have BIG implications for Obama's health care efforts. I don't know much about either candidate other than one is Democrat and one is Republican but they are certainly making headlines around the country. I hope the best person who will serve the people wins.
I heard a blip that today is the anniversary of President Obama's swearing in. Only three more years until the mudslinging hits another crescendo. Oh boy.
Obama has taken a big hit in the polls. I understand the political system of fighting for controversial policies while you have political capital but I think the mistake he made was being led to believe he had a lot of political capital. I no nothing about how to make it all work but I would think a President elected by a slim majority might want to spend a bit more time building more political capital before using it all up. In other words, I don't think he had enough deposits in the bank for the withdrawals he is needing to make. I wonder what would have happened if Obama had spent the first year building relationships, showing the compassion he spoke so eloquently about instead of creating a massive spending program. I guess we'll never know.
As a 45 year old diabetic, I can tell you our health care system stinks. Looking at other places around the world, I think our health care system is pretty good. I think the last thing that needs to happen is for the government to get involved based on how they've run Social Security and a few other things they've done.
The most important news story yesterday - Wade Phillips' contract was extended.
I had a good talk with a good friend yesterday about the power of God's word. It's amazing how many stories God gives us to encourage us, to guide us, to help us. Many of them I've read over the years with no real thought to what was being said. Thankfully, I read today with much more depth and understanding and I have found words that comfort me, lift me up and give me strength as I battle through valleys and battles with the evil one. God is so good.
Grace and peace to you.
I heard a blip that today is the anniversary of President Obama's swearing in. Only three more years until the mudslinging hits another crescendo. Oh boy.
Obama has taken a big hit in the polls. I understand the political system of fighting for controversial policies while you have political capital but I think the mistake he made was being led to believe he had a lot of political capital. I no nothing about how to make it all work but I would think a President elected by a slim majority might want to spend a bit more time building more political capital before using it all up. In other words, I don't think he had enough deposits in the bank for the withdrawals he is needing to make. I wonder what would have happened if Obama had spent the first year building relationships, showing the compassion he spoke so eloquently about instead of creating a massive spending program. I guess we'll never know.
As a 45 year old diabetic, I can tell you our health care system stinks. Looking at other places around the world, I think our health care system is pretty good. I think the last thing that needs to happen is for the government to get involved based on how they've run Social Security and a few other things they've done.
The most important news story yesterday - Wade Phillips' contract was extended.
I had a good talk with a good friend yesterday about the power of God's word. It's amazing how many stories God gives us to encourage us, to guide us, to help us. Many of them I've read over the years with no real thought to what was being said. Thankfully, I read today with much more depth and understanding and I have found words that comfort me, lift me up and give me strength as I battle through valleys and battles with the evil one. God is so good.
Grace and peace to you.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Unusual Strength
I caught a few minutes of ESPN's World's Strongest Man Competition showing the competition where they are pulling a plane for a short distance. This isn't a little single-engine Cessna - they are pulling a 96,000+ pound commercial aircraft. It was amazing to watch a feat of strength that seems unreal to me.
I often think about strength in a physical sense with the idea of six pack abs and big muscles all around. I think of guys who battle at the line of scrimmage, who jump out of buildings with a basketball in their hands, who run 100 meters in 9 seconds but every now and then I think about a strength that is never seen, a strength that defies what I imagine. David was a character of such strength. He was picked to be a king yet the reigning king was working hard to kill him. It took strength to live with that everyday. I think about Abraham who wanted a child and then, when told by God to make Abraham's son a sacrifice, marched up the side of the mountain as instructed. It took a strength I cannot fathom. What about Peter? He denied Jesus 3 times but came back to him again. It takes strength to admit your faults and re-enter the life of one you hurt. And then there's Jesus. He came to earth knowing he would give his life in the most painful and agonizing way imaginable but he never hesitated, never tried to go hide and see if his destiny would go by. Sure, he asked if the burden might be taken off him but he never flinched at God's will for him and he gave his life so I can be free from satan. It is a most unusual strength that will carry a man through beatings and hanging on a cross to saying, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." It's an unusual strength in it's intensity and in the fact that it only comes from a source we don't see and we don't control. To build our muscles, we have to take action and take control. To possess the kind of strength Jesus had, we have to give up all control and all desire to be in control.
I want that unusual strength that only comes from God.
Grace and peace to you.
I often think about strength in a physical sense with the idea of six pack abs and big muscles all around. I think of guys who battle at the line of scrimmage, who jump out of buildings with a basketball in their hands, who run 100 meters in 9 seconds but every now and then I think about a strength that is never seen, a strength that defies what I imagine. David was a character of such strength. He was picked to be a king yet the reigning king was working hard to kill him. It took strength to live with that everyday. I think about Abraham who wanted a child and then, when told by God to make Abraham's son a sacrifice, marched up the side of the mountain as instructed. It took a strength I cannot fathom. What about Peter? He denied Jesus 3 times but came back to him again. It takes strength to admit your faults and re-enter the life of one you hurt. And then there's Jesus. He came to earth knowing he would give his life in the most painful and agonizing way imaginable but he never hesitated, never tried to go hide and see if his destiny would go by. Sure, he asked if the burden might be taken off him but he never flinched at God's will for him and he gave his life so I can be free from satan. It is a most unusual strength that will carry a man through beatings and hanging on a cross to saying, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." It's an unusual strength in it's intensity and in the fact that it only comes from a source we don't see and we don't control. To build our muscles, we have to take action and take control. To possess the kind of strength Jesus had, we have to give up all control and all desire to be in control.
I want that unusual strength that only comes from God.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Crisis
What's the greatest crisis in our country right now? The President? Your 401(k)? Health care? Abortion? Homosexual marriage? Drugs?
__________________________________________________
I love Romans. I don't get it all but I love it because every time I read it, something new strikes me.
Romans 11:33-36 - Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Amen. I have tried to understand the mind of God but have halted the quest. Could I ever hope to really understand? I look back over the years and my life has been a mystery. I look at the present and think about the future and it is a mystery. How is God working in my life today? I don't always know but I have halted my quest to understand and began my quest to simply submit.
The question was raised in our class of whether God is sovereign or whether we have free will and our wise teacher answered YES. God is sovereign but he is not a sovereign God who rules with an iron fist. He desires to be Lord of those who make the free will choice to submit to him. It's an odd combination yet works hand-in-hand. When we choose to give our life, our being, our heart to God, he is sovereign in our life. We can choose our own path but we do so at the peril of following the wrong ruler.
Maybe it is only me, but I believe God became sovereign in my life only when I allowed him to do so by making a decision and having the desire to live in complete submission to him.
_______________________________________________
Oh, my thought on the greatest crisis in this country. The state of the human heart and our relationship with the Lord. Everything else is temporary.
Grace and peace to you.
__________________________________________________
I love Romans. I don't get it all but I love it because every time I read it, something new strikes me.
Romans 11:33-36 - Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Amen. I have tried to understand the mind of God but have halted the quest. Could I ever hope to really understand? I look back over the years and my life has been a mystery. I look at the present and think about the future and it is a mystery. How is God working in my life today? I don't always know but I have halted my quest to understand and began my quest to simply submit.
The question was raised in our class of whether God is sovereign or whether we have free will and our wise teacher answered YES. God is sovereign but he is not a sovereign God who rules with an iron fist. He desires to be Lord of those who make the free will choice to submit to him. It's an odd combination yet works hand-in-hand. When we choose to give our life, our being, our heart to God, he is sovereign in our life. We can choose our own path but we do so at the peril of following the wrong ruler.
Maybe it is only me, but I believe God became sovereign in my life only when I allowed him to do so by making a decision and having the desire to live in complete submission to him.
_______________________________________________
Oh, my thought on the greatest crisis in this country. The state of the human heart and our relationship with the Lord. Everything else is temporary.
Grace and peace to you.
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