I'm on a wonderful journey right now. I have come to a place in my life where I'm not happy and no longer satisfied with my current relationship with God. For the first time in over 20 years I feel a drawing, almost as if the Lord is saying to me "Come up higher" and I am doing all I can to do just that. I do not have a set pattern or plan but my ears are open to His voice and I'm following the pull of my heart.
The next few (?) entries of this blog will be reflections and insights about this journey as I share with you all He is doing, how I am doing, and where He is taking me. I hope these entries do you some good.
#1) Last week I made me a list - I'm a very list oriented person - of things I believe I need to do on a daily basis if I'm going to see more of God in my life and be in His ultimate will. On the list I placed the following:
* Start the day with my devotion
* Spend at least 20 minutes in devoted prayer. (This means 20 minutes of just me and my Father. Not prayer requests given to me as a pastor or even needs in my own life or body, 20 minutes just talking to God as a friend)
* Read one chapter of Proverbs a day. (Recently I was taught that is there's ANY book of the Bible that is a "Man's" book in the Word of God it is Proverbs. It provides directions for daily living so it is my foundation for daily reading.)
* Read one chapter from each of two books I have owned for some time yet never had the time to read. (I have the standard pastor's library but I believe the Spirit of God directed me towards these two for my current needs.)
* Be in bed by 11PM. (I've always been a night owl. I love to watch TV once the kids are I bed and my wife is asleep as this means no interruptions and I can pay attention to my program. God opened my eyes to the absolute necessity of rest. I may not go right to sleep but once I get in bed slumber usually catches me pretty quick.)
These are MY list. Now yours may be completely different but this one is mine and I'm seeing some powerful effects. Do you see anything I am missing? When you read these things is there a glaring absence you believe would be even more effective? I hope I don't sound rude, but I do not want your recommendations as I'm listening to the voice of the Lord. When you see something missing or a practice you believe is unnecessary it might be that you need to make a list of your own. If like me you have become unsatisfied with things as they are, then why not do something about it?
Simply Beautiful
Every night has a New Day Coming
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Where Everybody Knows Your Name...
What a great day it has been. Although it is about three hours before my usual bed time I'm tired and ready to hit the hay. You see we had a work day at our church today. Several people arrived at 8 AM and worked until after 1 taking care of special cleaning and maintenance needs. I myself worked on the lights and kind of oversaw a few other things when people came to ask the "pastor" questions (I love to preach but the being in charge stuff is often a drag!).
After I left the church I came home and the family and I worked in our yard until dark with mowing, raking, planting in our garden and I don't know how many other needed tasks. Now, after a wonderful buffet of leftovers (the Saturday night leftover buffet was SO enjoyed it might become a family tradition) everyone is resting, reading, watching TV and my wife is even exercising with a favorite video. I'm exhausted, but very happy and content.
Why am I so happy when my body feels as though it has been run over? It's the joy of being in a church family. Not only attending a church and knowing everybody, but working beside brothers and sisters because we share a common goal of making our church clean and inviting. Leaders aren't always those out front. Leaders are often the ones who just show up and ask "What can I do to help?" Some came on their only day off. Some are not as young as they use to be and they work harder than anyone else. Side by side they labor and when the day is done they smile at one another knowing that together they accomplished something.
You see a family works together. A family sweats, grunts, strains, aggravates one another in their labors and continues to struggle together until the goal is reached. I love my church because I see the concern and effort they are willing to give one another. Like that original church in Acts they help one another out when they recognize a need. Since becoming the pastor of this outstanding group I have seen them invest in one another. They give their concern, finances, goods and most importantly their TIME to help their brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons we worked so hard today is because Easter is coming soon. For many people the only time they attend a house of God is Christmas or Easter (and sometimes even both!). I expect to have a great crowd on the upcoming holy day and if anyone is impressed with our facilities or made to feel more comfortable because it sparkles a little more than usual and this helps them to come to that decision of paramount importance and make Jesus Lord of their life... well, then all who helped will have a part in a heavenly reward for using their gift of helps.
I hope and pray you are part of a church family. Not just a church where you attend or lead a ministry but a place where you really, REALLY belong. If you're not then thankfully it's not too late to join in. You don't need to change churches just priorities. Get to work, work hard, and take the time to truly look at the one who works beside you. Are you doing all you can to be a brother/sister to them? Join the family and find out who they are and what they need. Sacrifice, share, and who knows before you even realize it you've stepped into a new level of relationship with your church and your God who cherishes His people.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and never forget that YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
After I left the church I came home and the family and I worked in our yard until dark with mowing, raking, planting in our garden and I don't know how many other needed tasks. Now, after a wonderful buffet of leftovers (the Saturday night leftover buffet was SO enjoyed it might become a family tradition) everyone is resting, reading, watching TV and my wife is even exercising with a favorite video. I'm exhausted, but very happy and content.
Why am I so happy when my body feels as though it has been run over? It's the joy of being in a church family. Not only attending a church and knowing everybody, but working beside brothers and sisters because we share a common goal of making our church clean and inviting. Leaders aren't always those out front. Leaders are often the ones who just show up and ask "What can I do to help?" Some came on their only day off. Some are not as young as they use to be and they work harder than anyone else. Side by side they labor and when the day is done they smile at one another knowing that together they accomplished something.
You see a family works together. A family sweats, grunts, strains, aggravates one another in their labors and continues to struggle together until the goal is reached. I love my church because I see the concern and effort they are willing to give one another. Like that original church in Acts they help one another out when they recognize a need. Since becoming the pastor of this outstanding group I have seen them invest in one another. They give their concern, finances, goods and most importantly their TIME to help their brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons we worked so hard today is because Easter is coming soon. For many people the only time they attend a house of God is Christmas or Easter (and sometimes even both!). I expect to have a great crowd on the upcoming holy day and if anyone is impressed with our facilities or made to feel more comfortable because it sparkles a little more than usual and this helps them to come to that decision of paramount importance and make Jesus Lord of their life... well, then all who helped will have a part in a heavenly reward for using their gift of helps.
I hope and pray you are part of a church family. Not just a church where you attend or lead a ministry but a place where you really, REALLY belong. If you're not then thankfully it's not too late to join in. You don't need to change churches just priorities. Get to work, work hard, and take the time to truly look at the one who works beside you. Are you doing all you can to be a brother/sister to them? Join the family and find out who they are and what they need. Sacrifice, share, and who knows before you even realize it you've stepped into a new level of relationship with your church and your God who cherishes His people.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and never forget that YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
Monday, January 21, 2013
It'll All Pan Out
I'm proud to say I didn't watch a minute of yesterday's NFL playoff games or a second of today's presidential inauguration. Please don't misunderstand I'm not against either of those things (in fact I love football and pray for the president often) it's just been a wonderfully busy couple of days. To our society both are of paramount importance but just how important should they be to a Christian?
I've been seeing a lot of people ranting and raving about a great number of things on Facebook, TV, websites and the list goes on. They're all so passionate about worthwhile causes I think they lose sight of the MOST important thing, obeying the Lord!
Jesus didn't spend His time complaining about the Roman Government. Paul used sports as a metaphor but he wasn't obsessed with it. Some blast the church endlessly for the watered down preaching and the seeker friendly formats and although the Gospels did address this in part it was a very small part of the message.
In Mark the tenth chapter Jesus was met by a man who wanted top know what he could do to inherit eternal life. The Lord gave him the short list of stereotyped good behavior and when the man heard those things he said "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a boy." the Word of God says "Jesus looked at him and loved him. He told him 'You're still missing one thing. Sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!'"
The one thing he lacked wasn't a heart for the poor. I believe he didn't have his heart centered on doing what the Father wanted him to. He was religious while being distracted with wealth in the same way I believe so many are distracted with their worthy causes today.
Sam Austin, one of my all time favorite evangelists made a valid point I will use for an example. A lot of Christians argue their view of the tribulation., Some say the church will be raptured out before so they are pre-tribulationists. Others say the rapture will happen after so they are post-tribulationists. Sam says is such an argument he is a pan-tribulationist because he believes it will all "pan out."
We are too distracted by our fears for this nations future. We make idols of sports and athletes. We complain about the church so much we lose the effectiveness we still possess. We need people who love and believe in God so much they trust Him and obey as He leads without making a sideshow of all the other things in our lives. I often say I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow. It's more than a cliche it's a pronouncement of FAITH!
I'm not worried about the president, gun control, or even the persecution of the church I believe God is in control and I will serve Him no matter what politicians say or what is considered popular. Sports are fun but they are just games the same as we play at home or with friends. Instead of bashing the church publicly and weakening it's witness even more why don't we obey the word and fix it from the inside?
I know some would say I'm burying my head in the sand about these issues and I would reply you must not have heard me preach recently. I do not back away from these issues but I also would rather praise the light than curse the darkness. How many people have all the griping and complaining, the doom and the gloom rants on the web brought to the cross of Jesus Christ? Very few I'd bet. I believe we need to show the way.
I could quote you a ton of scriptures here about why such behaviors are foolish and you probably already know them so I instead will close with a favorite of faith.
Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
The Lord started us on this journey and if we will not get distracted we can lift up the name of Jesus so that all men can be drawn to Him. That's hard to do when our words are full of bile. Lift HIM up friends and watch how He will take care of the issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
I've been seeing a lot of people ranting and raving about a great number of things on Facebook, TV, websites and the list goes on. They're all so passionate about worthwhile causes I think they lose sight of the MOST important thing, obeying the Lord!
Jesus didn't spend His time complaining about the Roman Government. Paul used sports as a metaphor but he wasn't obsessed with it. Some blast the church endlessly for the watered down preaching and the seeker friendly formats and although the Gospels did address this in part it was a very small part of the message.
In Mark the tenth chapter Jesus was met by a man who wanted top know what he could do to inherit eternal life. The Lord gave him the short list of stereotyped good behavior and when the man heard those things he said "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a boy." the Word of God says "Jesus looked at him and loved him. He told him 'You're still missing one thing. Sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!'"
The one thing he lacked wasn't a heart for the poor. I believe he didn't have his heart centered on doing what the Father wanted him to. He was religious while being distracted with wealth in the same way I believe so many are distracted with their worthy causes today.
Sam Austin, one of my all time favorite evangelists made a valid point I will use for an example. A lot of Christians argue their view of the tribulation., Some say the church will be raptured out before so they are pre-tribulationists. Others say the rapture will happen after so they are post-tribulationists. Sam says is such an argument he is a pan-tribulationist because he believes it will all "pan out."
We are too distracted by our fears for this nations future. We make idols of sports and athletes. We complain about the church so much we lose the effectiveness we still possess. We need people who love and believe in God so much they trust Him and obey as He leads without making a sideshow of all the other things in our lives. I often say I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow. It's more than a cliche it's a pronouncement of FAITH!
I'm not worried about the president, gun control, or even the persecution of the church I believe God is in control and I will serve Him no matter what politicians say or what is considered popular. Sports are fun but they are just games the same as we play at home or with friends. Instead of bashing the church publicly and weakening it's witness even more why don't we obey the word and fix it from the inside?
I know some would say I'm burying my head in the sand about these issues and I would reply you must not have heard me preach recently. I do not back away from these issues but I also would rather praise the light than curse the darkness. How many people have all the griping and complaining, the doom and the gloom rants on the web brought to the cross of Jesus Christ? Very few I'd bet. I believe we need to show the way.
I could quote you a ton of scriptures here about why such behaviors are foolish and you probably already know them so I instead will close with a favorite of faith.
Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
The Lord started us on this journey and if we will not get distracted we can lift up the name of Jesus so that all men can be drawn to Him. That's hard to do when our words are full of bile. Lift HIM up friends and watch how He will take care of the issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Absolutely NO Point to this one
Tonight, for the first time in about 15 years I played real basketball. At our church (Rocky Branch Assembly of God in Farmerville, LA) we started a 40+ Basketball league. For this first get together it was more of a fellowship as we had just a handful of men show up. The target group is men who are over the age of 40 or have a waist of over 40 and needing exercise. WHAT was I thinking?!? We played just two games, split the outcome, and worked up a good sweat with multiple breaks. It was fun but since I'm already sore I fear what the next day or two might bring. "Groooooaaaan"
My son recently bought a pint size, individual ice cream maker. In less than 10 minutes you can have authentic home made ice cream - whatever flavor you desire. I think the devil created this machine.
I'm SO crazy about my wife, SO very proud of my kids, and love, love, love our home cooked meals around the dining table. Recently one of the wonderful couples in our awesome church gave us a lot of fresh deer meat and we are enjoying this flavorful, steroid-less and hormone free food. I've never been a hunter but I was also raised that hunting was a-ok. Thank you Lord for this blessing to our home!
As my first Louisiana winter is half over I have come to the conclusion that it's a cupcake. Wimp.
I'm very thankful I've never been tempted by alcohol. My (admittedly limited) experience with people who are intoxicated is it seems to magnify the worst parts of their personality. Considering this and how I'm rarely happy with myself I fear I'd be a real jerk.
Soon they're coming out with Iron man 3, Thor 2, and there's another Captain America movie in the works. I say "So what? Bring on the green guy, I want more of the Incredible Hulk!"
One last rambling. I am one of those rare men who has a wife for his best friend. There is no one I'd rather spend my time with than my wonderful bride of almost 18 years. I remember our first date, where we first held hands, where we first kissed and my greatest regret is that I didn't marry her sooner. I said there was no point to this blog entry but here's one for free: To lie down each night with the first person you want to see when you wake up is a blessing so wonderful it had to be from God. Whatever you have to do, work to make your relationship with your spouse like that. Because I love her and know she loves me I can trust her, I cherish her prayers above all others, and I would give my life to protect her. My point is I am aware of how the Lord must love me to send this wonderful girl into my life. I pray you have someone like that.
Now I'm going to go eat some ice cream to chill the burning sensation in my arms and legs from basketball. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
My son recently bought a pint size, individual ice cream maker. In less than 10 minutes you can have authentic home made ice cream - whatever flavor you desire. I think the devil created this machine.
I'm SO crazy about my wife, SO very proud of my kids, and love, love, love our home cooked meals around the dining table. Recently one of the wonderful couples in our awesome church gave us a lot of fresh deer meat and we are enjoying this flavorful, steroid-less and hormone free food. I've never been a hunter but I was also raised that hunting was a-ok. Thank you Lord for this blessing to our home!
As my first Louisiana winter is half over I have come to the conclusion that it's a cupcake. Wimp.
I'm very thankful I've never been tempted by alcohol. My (admittedly limited) experience with people who are intoxicated is it seems to magnify the worst parts of their personality. Considering this and how I'm rarely happy with myself I fear I'd be a real jerk.
Soon they're coming out with Iron man 3, Thor 2, and there's another Captain America movie in the works. I say "So what? Bring on the green guy, I want more of the Incredible Hulk!"
One last rambling. I am one of those rare men who has a wife for his best friend. There is no one I'd rather spend my time with than my wonderful bride of almost 18 years. I remember our first date, where we first held hands, where we first kissed and my greatest regret is that I didn't marry her sooner. I said there was no point to this blog entry but here's one for free: To lie down each night with the first person you want to see when you wake up is a blessing so wonderful it had to be from God. Whatever you have to do, work to make your relationship with your spouse like that. Because I love her and know she loves me I can trust her, I cherish her prayers above all others, and I would give my life to protect her. My point is I am aware of how the Lord must love me to send this wonderful girl into my life. I pray you have someone like that.
Now I'm going to go eat some ice cream to chill the burning sensation in my arms and legs from basketball. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Use a Broom to Clean, Not to Sleep
I want to share with you something I borrowed from a friend on Facebook.
Interesting conversation with God.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
...
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm.
Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call.
God: Okay.
Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has.
I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
** Remember this next line **God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh, and that foot massager had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children.
The line from God that said "Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered." When I read that today for the first time something weird happened. My tears just burst forth on my face.
If you've ever been the victim of a false witness you know how painful that can be. I have been and my reaction to those words told me something I didn't like, I'm not over it yet. I THOUGHT I was, but obviously I'm not.
I went through a place in my life where terrible things were said about me. Things that when I heard them I thought "That's crazy! Who would believe that?!?" annnnnd it turned out many did. Dang. The hurt was SO devastating I resigned my church, pulled myself and my family out of everything we were doing and like Elijah went running to the desert. By the way, the desert is hot and inhospitable. It's a place where you may want to lie down and die - don't go there!
In the desert I discovered far more was said and far more was believed. Things that were misquotes, taken out of context, and flat out lies were easily taken as the truth and I was looking for that broom tree. That's a bad place to dwell and just when I thought I was getting out of the desert I went back and looked at my blog history and couldn't believe the recent track in my writings and it was easy to see I need a healing to move forward.
So let me take this in a COMPLETELY different direction, what do YOU battle that is hard to get over? What event or relationship has left you scarred in a manner that just when you think you're over it there it comes again? I think most of us have something. Here in just a few minutes I'm going to get off my computer and I'm going to go write down the most devastating hurts I've had in my life. I'm going to include the names of people who've hurt me and when I'm done, down at the bottom of the page I'm going to write Habakkuk 2:1 which says "I will take my position and be on watch, placing myself on my tower, looking out to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my protest."
Habakkuk was a minor prophet who like his contemporary Jeremiah had to prophesy things people didn't want to hear. However, Habakkuk asked God questions on "Why would bad people succeed and the righteous suffer?" That's me sometimes. I wonder why folks I know aren't living as they should appear blessed and those I know love the Lord struggle.
That's why that scripture will be at the bottom of my list. Habakkuk didn't know but in 2:1 he proclaims it doesn't matter, I will do my job and one day I will hear His answers to my complaints. I want to serve the Lord like that.
I may never get over my hurt. Somethings don't go away just ask Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). We must love the Lord enough to go on even when we are hurting, even when we don't understand. I will burn my list as a symbol to my physical mind and remind the enemy those things are consumed by my dedication to the Lord.
False witnesses, liars, adulterers, heartache, abuse, abandonment and on and on the list can go. We all have hurts and problems but we can all have Jesus as well. Turn to him whenever those feelings come and like Habakkuk you (and I) can do what He needs us to do.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Interesting conversation with God.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
...
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm.
Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call.
God: Okay.
Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has.
I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
** Remember this next line **God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh, and that foot massager had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children.
The line from God that said "Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered." When I read that today for the first time something weird happened. My tears just burst forth on my face.
If you've ever been the victim of a false witness you know how painful that can be. I have been and my reaction to those words told me something I didn't like, I'm not over it yet. I THOUGHT I was, but obviously I'm not.
I went through a place in my life where terrible things were said about me. Things that when I heard them I thought "That's crazy! Who would believe that?!?" annnnnd it turned out many did. Dang. The hurt was SO devastating I resigned my church, pulled myself and my family out of everything we were doing and like Elijah went running to the desert. By the way, the desert is hot and inhospitable. It's a place where you may want to lie down and die - don't go there!
In the desert I discovered far more was said and far more was believed. Things that were misquotes, taken out of context, and flat out lies were easily taken as the truth and I was looking for that broom tree. That's a bad place to dwell and just when I thought I was getting out of the desert I went back and looked at my blog history and couldn't believe the recent track in my writings and it was easy to see I need a healing to move forward.
So let me take this in a COMPLETELY different direction, what do YOU battle that is hard to get over? What event or relationship has left you scarred in a manner that just when you think you're over it there it comes again? I think most of us have something. Here in just a few minutes I'm going to get off my computer and I'm going to go write down the most devastating hurts I've had in my life. I'm going to include the names of people who've hurt me and when I'm done, down at the bottom of the page I'm going to write Habakkuk 2:1 which says "I will take my position and be on watch, placing myself on my tower, looking out to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my protest."
Habakkuk was a minor prophet who like his contemporary Jeremiah had to prophesy things people didn't want to hear. However, Habakkuk asked God questions on "Why would bad people succeed and the righteous suffer?" That's me sometimes. I wonder why folks I know aren't living as they should appear blessed and those I know love the Lord struggle.
That's why that scripture will be at the bottom of my list. Habakkuk didn't know but in 2:1 he proclaims it doesn't matter, I will do my job and one day I will hear His answers to my complaints. I want to serve the Lord like that.
I may never get over my hurt. Somethings don't go away just ask Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). We must love the Lord enough to go on even when we are hurting, even when we don't understand. I will burn my list as a symbol to my physical mind and remind the enemy those things are consumed by my dedication to the Lord.
False witnesses, liars, adulterers, heartache, abuse, abandonment and on and on the list can go. We all have hurts and problems but we can all have Jesus as well. Turn to him whenever those feelings come and like Habakkuk you (and I) can do what He needs us to do.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas 2012
I've said before this blog isn't always about some great revelation. Occasionally I testify or even get on my soap box if I see something that burns my biscuits. This edition is definitely a testimony.
The last 48 hours have been one of the best Christmas Eve/Christmas Day I've ever known. Many of our church folks had asked us "Are you going home for Christmas?' to which our reply was "We are home." This wasn't trying to be reassuring or anything of the like, but a straight response of how we love our new home and how there's no draw to go elsewhere. There's an old song that said "Home is where you're happy when you're happy you're home." Then PTL we're home.
The day before Christmas we had finished all our shopping and were blessed to sleep late. A brother in the Lord invited me to a round of golf and even though it was December 24th it was warm enough we worked up a sweat (we've started walking the course for health benefits). When we finished I took the family out for lunch and a little grocery shopping that was Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve. I learned that when you have no more gifts to buy the hustle and bustle is MUCH less stressful.
We came home, did a few chores around the house, watched a Christmas movie or two while we feasted on a buffet of home cooked meals (left overs) in the refrigerator. By that time our relaxed day had become 8:30 in the evening and I had an idea. We took a long drive around our new home to see what it looked like under the peace and calm blanket of the year's most holy night. We went everywhere and were about to come home when my cell phone rang. A man who our church had been praying for had left this world for a new and wonderful heavenly home.
Now it may seem strange but this was a blessing too. You see, although this gentleman was not directly a part of our church, his family is a big part of it. We went to their home and spent a couple of hours talking with those he left behind and in my heart I marvelled at the love and concern of this family. Their devotion to one another was inspiring and somehow made the night seem more "holy". By the time we got home it was in the wee hours of Christmas morning and I fell asleep in prayer as I thanked God for my own loved ones.
Christmas Day we unwrapped our wonderful gifts, ate WAY too much of a holiday meal making recipes from my wife's family, and then went with friends to see Les Miserables with a packed audience. All in all a truly great day.
Now I sit here on my couch with the kids tucked in their beds and my sweetheart asleep beside me. I am a blessed and dare I say rich man. I will always remember this Christmas for a number of good reasons, but the one I think will stick with me more than any other is the sense of gratitude that I retire with. Deeper than Thanksgiving should be our appreciation for what Christmas truly brings, the best present which is our families.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and YOU ARE LOVED!
The last 48 hours have been one of the best Christmas Eve/Christmas Day I've ever known. Many of our church folks had asked us "Are you going home for Christmas?' to which our reply was "We are home." This wasn't trying to be reassuring or anything of the like, but a straight response of how we love our new home and how there's no draw to go elsewhere. There's an old song that said "Home is where you're happy when you're happy you're home." Then PTL we're home.
The day before Christmas we had finished all our shopping and were blessed to sleep late. A brother in the Lord invited me to a round of golf and even though it was December 24th it was warm enough we worked up a sweat (we've started walking the course for health benefits). When we finished I took the family out for lunch and a little grocery shopping that was Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve. I learned that when you have no more gifts to buy the hustle and bustle is MUCH less stressful.
We came home, did a few chores around the house, watched a Christmas movie or two while we feasted on a buffet of home cooked meals (left overs) in the refrigerator. By that time our relaxed day had become 8:30 in the evening and I had an idea. We took a long drive around our new home to see what it looked like under the peace and calm blanket of the year's most holy night. We went everywhere and were about to come home when my cell phone rang. A man who our church had been praying for had left this world for a new and wonderful heavenly home.
Now it may seem strange but this was a blessing too. You see, although this gentleman was not directly a part of our church, his family is a big part of it. We went to their home and spent a couple of hours talking with those he left behind and in my heart I marvelled at the love and concern of this family. Their devotion to one another was inspiring and somehow made the night seem more "holy". By the time we got home it was in the wee hours of Christmas morning and I fell asleep in prayer as I thanked God for my own loved ones.
Christmas Day we unwrapped our wonderful gifts, ate WAY too much of a holiday meal making recipes from my wife's family, and then went with friends to see Les Miserables with a packed audience. All in all a truly great day.
Now I sit here on my couch with the kids tucked in their beds and my sweetheart asleep beside me. I am a blessed and dare I say rich man. I will always remember this Christmas for a number of good reasons, but the one I think will stick with me more than any other is the sense of gratitude that I retire with. Deeper than Thanksgiving should be our appreciation for what Christmas truly brings, the best present which is our families.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
"Et Tu, Brute"
Not long ago I was forced to retire a couple of my favorite Bibles for their own preservation. These were my everywhere, everything Bibles. I had used them in sermon prep, attending services, holding notes, etc. the list is long. But after such wear they were beginning to fall apart so I needed a new one. Now most pastors have a lot of Bibles. We get them as gifts, buy them as resources and so all I needed to do was go to my bookcase and there sat one, brand new and still in it's box.
This Bible had a beautifully tooled leather cover and even had my name imprinted on it in gold lettering. It was almost perfect. The almost comes from the fact that the words of Christ were not printed in red (always been a pet peeve of mine). Normally I would have just set it back aside but there was something about the easy reading of it that drew me so I thought "I'll just have to fix this one myself" and I set about to highlight every word of Jesus. Wow! What a great idea that turned out to be. In reading and then re-reading as I made sure I highlighted the right words I have been so moved and excited by a perspective I have never noticed before. It is from there I want to share something with you.
In John 13:21 the word says "After Jesus said this, he was very troubled. He said openly, “I tell you the truth, one of you will turn against me.” I couldn't quit dwelling on that and couldn't figure out why. Jesus was VERY troubled by Judas betrayal even though He knew it would happen. WHY? Jesus had told everyone that one of them would betray Him. He knew it was coming and from whom. This leads me to conclude there was an especially close bond between Jesus and Judas. Look at John 13:21-30 and see what I mean. Even when He pointedly said who it was the others could not grasp it. I say this because later after the betrayal and before His arrest in the garden Judas is with the gang as if the Lord's revelation of betrayal had never happened (John 14:18-24). The disciples undoubtedly said among themselves, "He couldn't mean Judas will betray Him."
So even though they didn't get it and Jesus knew what would happen it didn't seem to lessen the blow. Again I wondered why, but not for long. The answer is obvious in ourselves. Jesus became flesh and in many ways He experienced all the same things we do. Now He was facing a terrible betrayal. Jesus knew and loved Judas. Our Lord had chosen the twelve Himself. They had walked dusty roads, preached to thousands, slept beside the same campfires and shared many meals together. Those men were undoubtedly closer to the Lord than His own family of flesh. They were truly His friends (John 15:15) and even though He knew it was coming the "Son of God" was born of Mary and the pain of disloyalty cut Him deep.
I looked up betrayal in the Bible and found this on the HeartQuest 101 site: "Scripture records a number of occasions in which a person or group was betrayed. The tragedies caused by these violations of trust are a strong lesson about the importance of keeping our commitments, and building trust in relationships." Some examples they give are;
In my own situation I found that when I forgave I served myself. Someone who had been very dear to me had hurt me and I had been in denial about it until I received a phone call from a third party that opened my eyes to things I will not share here. Needless to say the next few months were difficult. But when the Lord spoke to my heart that I had to let that go if I was going to serve Him I chased after it until I could. I wrote a letter to the one who had hurt me and held on to it for quite a while before I could send it. It was only when I dropped it in the mailbox that I felt the burden lift from my heart.
Forgive others for yourself. See what loving imperfect people can do for your own imperfect soul. I can promise you that you will be glad you did. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
This Bible had a beautifully tooled leather cover and even had my name imprinted on it in gold lettering. It was almost perfect. The almost comes from the fact that the words of Christ were not printed in red (always been a pet peeve of mine). Normally I would have just set it back aside but there was something about the easy reading of it that drew me so I thought "I'll just have to fix this one myself" and I set about to highlight every word of Jesus. Wow! What a great idea that turned out to be. In reading and then re-reading as I made sure I highlighted the right words I have been so moved and excited by a perspective I have never noticed before. It is from there I want to share something with you.
In John 13:21 the word says "After Jesus said this, he was very troubled. He said openly, “I tell you the truth, one of you will turn against me.” I couldn't quit dwelling on that and couldn't figure out why. Jesus was VERY troubled by Judas betrayal even though He knew it would happen. WHY? Jesus had told everyone that one of them would betray Him. He knew it was coming and from whom. This leads me to conclude there was an especially close bond between Jesus and Judas. Look at John 13:21-30 and see what I mean. Even when He pointedly said who it was the others could not grasp it. I say this because later after the betrayal and before His arrest in the garden Judas is with the gang as if the Lord's revelation of betrayal had never happened (John 14:18-24). The disciples undoubtedly said among themselves, "He couldn't mean Judas will betray Him."
So even though they didn't get it and Jesus knew what would happen it didn't seem to lessen the blow. Again I wondered why, but not for long. The answer is obvious in ourselves. Jesus became flesh and in many ways He experienced all the same things we do. Now He was facing a terrible betrayal. Jesus knew and loved Judas. Our Lord had chosen the twelve Himself. They had walked dusty roads, preached to thousands, slept beside the same campfires and shared many meals together. Those men were undoubtedly closer to the Lord than His own family of flesh. They were truly His friends (John 15:15) and even though He knew it was coming the "Son of God" was born of Mary and the pain of disloyalty cut Him deep.
I looked up betrayal in the Bible and found this on the HeartQuest 101 site: "Scripture records a number of occasions in which a person or group was betrayed. The tragedies caused by these violations of trust are a strong lesson about the importance of keeping our commitments, and building trust in relationships." Some examples they give are;
- Delilah betrayed Samson to the Philistines. Judges 16:16-21
- David betrayed Uriah to hide his sin. 2 Samuel 11:14-15
- Absalom betrayed Amnon, his half-brother, to avenge the rape of his sister. 2 Samuel 13:28
- Absalom betrayed David, his father, as he sought to steal the kingdom. 2 Samuel 15:10-17
- Joab betrayed Amasa, a rival military officer. 2 Samuel 20:10
- Jehu betrayed Joram and killed him. 2 Kings 9:14-27
- Officials betrayed Joash and killed him. 2 Kings 12:20, 21
- Haman betrayed God’s people. Esther 3:8-11
- Officials betrayed Daniel and attacked him for his devotion to God. Daniel 6:4-5, 6-8
- Judas betrayed Jesus, and handed Him over to the religious leaders. Matthew 26:46-56
- The Jews betrayed Paul, and conspired to kill him. Acts 23:12-14
In my own situation I found that when I forgave I served myself. Someone who had been very dear to me had hurt me and I had been in denial about it until I received a phone call from a third party that opened my eyes to things I will not share here. Needless to say the next few months were difficult. But when the Lord spoke to my heart that I had to let that go if I was going to serve Him I chased after it until I could. I wrote a letter to the one who had hurt me and held on to it for quite a while before I could send it. It was only when I dropped it in the mailbox that I felt the burden lift from my heart.
Forgive others for yourself. See what loving imperfect people can do for your own imperfect soul. I can promise you that you will be glad you did. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
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