God is Compassionate and sympathetic toward the suffering of his kids. His mercy, grace and compassion are part of His holiness. Because He is so good, He has tons of patience with you and I. I know that I mess up pretty often. God doesn't strike me down with lightning or make me break my leg or something. Instead, He forgives me and loves me without any condition or condenmnation.
Matthew 7:9-11
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Jesus used a parable to illustrate God's compassion. He asked his disciples to imagine that a little boy goes up to his father. He says, "Daddy, can I have some bread? I'm hungry." Jesus pointed out that a loving father would certainly not give his little boy a stone or a snake to satisfy his hunger. Since an imperfect human father would never give his child something that would hurt him, it’s obvious that our perfect and compassionate Heavenly Father wouldn’t either. He won't be mean to us. He will give us whatever we need and a whole bunch of stuff we just want. But, He won't give us something that will hurt us, even if we ask for it.
The point is, God is a gracious, compassionate and wise father. My desire is to be like Him, so I can emulate that Christ-like character towards my kids.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
“If you can’t say something nice . . .”
“ . . . don’t say anything at all,”
This over used theory may be easy to recite, but it’s obviously difficult to do. How easy it is to be critical instead of kind, to comment on the negative instead of emphasizing the positive, and to tear down rather than to build up. I tell my kids- Like toothpaste, once out, you can't put back in, or like a nail in a wall, you can pull it out but your still left with a hole!
James talks about the tongue as does Ephesians.
There is no second-guessing what God’s plans for our words are. He makes it very clear in, Ephesians 4:29, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Be it a family member, friend, or co-worker, is your immediate response to call other friends and gossip about the situation or call the person who hurt you and see what you can do to mend the relationship?
Our words destroy and tear others down when they’re born out of an angry, knee-jerk reaction. Our words encourage and bless when they are obedient to God’s command that we build others up!
Are your conversations critical and cutting, or gentle and grace filled? Make the right choice.
“ . . . don’t say anything at all,”
This over used theory may be easy to recite, but it’s obviously difficult to do. How easy it is to be critical instead of kind, to comment on the negative instead of emphasizing the positive, and to tear down rather than to build up. I tell my kids- Like toothpaste, once out, you can't put back in, or like a nail in a wall, you can pull it out but your still left with a hole!
James talks about the tongue as does Ephesians.
There is no second-guessing what God’s plans for our words are. He makes it very clear in, Ephesians 4:29, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Be it a family member, friend, or co-worker, is your immediate response to call other friends and gossip about the situation or call the person who hurt you and see what you can do to mend the relationship?
Our words destroy and tear others down when they’re born out of an angry, knee-jerk reaction. Our words encourage and bless when they are obedient to God’s command that we build others up!
Are your conversations critical and cutting, or gentle and grace filled? Make the right choice.
I had a weird dream last night that I was a kid again at a carnival in the tunnel of terror.. It is a dark place with frightening monsters, and over sized tarantulas that suddenly drop down or pop up right in front of a person. People pay money for the adrenalin rush of confronting pretend ghosts and monsters. It’s altogether different, though, if we find ourselves alone in the woods at night without a flashlight. And it’s even worse if your car breaks down in the ghetto of a big city. The slightest sound gnaws at our nerves, setting us on edge and making our survival instincts kick in.
The darkness of sin is similar to both of these experiences. Because I have a sin nature, evil often attracts me like a carnival ride. I might lie to get out of trouble. When younger I might experiment with alcohol or marijuana, or coke, just to see what it’s like. I'd get an adrenalin rush by shoplifting at the mall or sneaking out at night to be with friends to "roll" classmates houses. These situations are similar going through a “Tunnel of Terror.” They are scary, but the consequences are not necessarily permanent.
If, however, I was to continually keep walking through unknown, potentially dangerous territory in the dark. Just as I could fall into a ditch and break a leg in the woods, I can suffer severe spiritual injury by continuing to walk in spiritual darkness. In fact, for most of the world's populace, spiritual darkness holds the threat of the ultimate evil; eternal separation from God.
Once we realize how perilous it is to walk in darkness, we know we need a rescuer. Just as the arrival of police car with its headlights beaming would drive away our terror at the ghetto, the light of the gospel beams into our hearts, giving us spiritual safety and security. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Every one of us is born in darkness. We’re all walking in the dark in a blind alley with hosts of demonic powers lurking in the doorways ready to pounce on us. But, we don’t have to stay in the dark. At any moment, we can cry out “Lord, save me!” When we do, He immediately shines His light into our lives and frees us from the darkness and terror of sin, evil, and hell.
The darkness of sin is similar to both of these experiences. Because I have a sin nature, evil often attracts me like a carnival ride. I might lie to get out of trouble. When younger I might experiment with alcohol or marijuana, or coke, just to see what it’s like. I'd get an adrenalin rush by shoplifting at the mall or sneaking out at night to be with friends to "roll" classmates houses. These situations are similar going through a “Tunnel of Terror.” They are scary, but the consequences are not necessarily permanent.
If, however, I was to continually keep walking through unknown, potentially dangerous territory in the dark. Just as I could fall into a ditch and break a leg in the woods, I can suffer severe spiritual injury by continuing to walk in spiritual darkness. In fact, for most of the world's populace, spiritual darkness holds the threat of the ultimate evil; eternal separation from God.
Once we realize how perilous it is to walk in darkness, we know we need a rescuer. Just as the arrival of police car with its headlights beaming would drive away our terror at the ghetto, the light of the gospel beams into our hearts, giving us spiritual safety and security. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Every one of us is born in darkness. We’re all walking in the dark in a blind alley with hosts of demonic powers lurking in the doorways ready to pounce on us. But, we don’t have to stay in the dark. At any moment, we can cry out “Lord, save me!” When we do, He immediately shines His light into our lives and frees us from the darkness and terror of sin, evil, and hell.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
1969 Camaro Z-28
My first real car was a 1969 Camaro Z-28...I paid $1170 out the door for it which was actually a lot back in 1977. It was beautiful. There was never a speck of dust in it or on it. I made sure I washed, waxed, and pampered that thing. Armor All was a new product at the time and I remember reading a "Playboy" article saying if you Armor All you seats, and take a corner fast, your date will end up in your lap! I don't recall a time when It didn't have tire dressing and slippery seats. But I digress. It was showroom condition always!
Oftentimes I would find any excuse to drive it, even it meant the road to nowhere. Antiques have issues... Back in the day, there were no computer chips warning you of symptoms, only a speedometer, tachometer, and a fuel gauge. And because there was no warning bell or flashing light to remind me that I was low on fuel, I ran out of gas on more than one occasion. I had to manually check the spark plug gap, timing, and all fluids, and just by turning down the radio, many times as I took the time to really listen, I could determine if something wasn't just right.
Contrast that car with the one I have today...It was so dirty the other day, and I could barely see out the windows, so for the second time in as many years, I broke down, used a coupon and took it to the car wash. Wow! What a difference paying a little attention to detail makes. Oh, the engine light is on.
I wouldn't compare my marriage to an antique. Rather, it is a classic. A priceless gift that deserves my constant attention. Allowing my marriage to run low on emotional investment will leave me more than stranded on the side of the road. I need to "turn down" stuff, and constantly listen and look for areas that need a tune-up. If I want to avoid irreparable damage, I need to be alert, to listen for problems, and to ask questions.
I first thought that if I changed nothing about my marriage it would remain the same. On second thought, the longer I ignore the health of my marriage, the more quickly it will breakdown.
You know what I'm talking about...you do everything you can to win your spouse. After a few years and a few miles, you take stock in the relationship and realize you haven't "washed her back" in a while.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%2013:1-7&version=NLT
Quicken the day when I get to see my Trophy Wife and Mom Bomb to pamper her once again.
Oftentimes I would find any excuse to drive it, even it meant the road to nowhere. Antiques have issues... Back in the day, there were no computer chips warning you of symptoms, only a speedometer, tachometer, and a fuel gauge. And because there was no warning bell or flashing light to remind me that I was low on fuel, I ran out of gas on more than one occasion. I had to manually check the spark plug gap, timing, and all fluids, and just by turning down the radio, many times as I took the time to really listen, I could determine if something wasn't just right.
Contrast that car with the one I have today...It was so dirty the other day, and I could barely see out the windows, so for the second time in as many years, I broke down, used a coupon and took it to the car wash. Wow! What a difference paying a little attention to detail makes. Oh, the engine light is on.
I wouldn't compare my marriage to an antique. Rather, it is a classic. A priceless gift that deserves my constant attention. Allowing my marriage to run low on emotional investment will leave me more than stranded on the side of the road. I need to "turn down" stuff, and constantly listen and look for areas that need a tune-up. If I want to avoid irreparable damage, I need to be alert, to listen for problems, and to ask questions.
I first thought that if I changed nothing about my marriage it would remain the same. On second thought, the longer I ignore the health of my marriage, the more quickly it will breakdown.
You know what I'm talking about...you do everything you can to win your spouse. After a few years and a few miles, you take stock in the relationship and realize you haven't "washed her back" in a while.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%2013:1-7&version=NLT
Quicken the day when I get to see my Trophy Wife and Mom Bomb to pamper her once again.
Monday, January 25, 2010
To Know or to Follow
"A place to belong and a place to become"
"Stuff on Sunday you can use on Monday"
A couple slogans from a couple churches I have attended over the past decade...Ever thought about what it means to become a Christ follower?
Let's say I have a Delta flight at 7am at gate 14. I've known about it for a while, I'm talking with others about it, but just knowing about the flight and even going to the airport, will not get me to my destination without following the proper instructions and getting on the plane. If I don't put action behind the knowledge, I get left behind.
I've heard stats that 90% of the world's population knows about God or a higher power, but that less than 10% of those are followers. Knowing that stat, puts Romans 8:28 in a different light. "All things work for good to those who are in Christ." Put another way- The 10% that follow me will have all things work out for good...The rest of you that know about me, unless you become a follower, and I desire you all would; you are missing the flight!
President Reagan said "If we ever lose the idea of One Nation Under God, we will be a nation gone under."
President Obama's take on the National Day of Prayer said "This day needs to become a silent private matter."
"Stuff on Sunday you can use on Monday"
A couple slogans from a couple churches I have attended over the past decade...Ever thought about what it means to become a Christ follower?
Let's say I have a Delta flight at 7am at gate 14. I've known about it for a while, I'm talking with others about it, but just knowing about the flight and even going to the airport, will not get me to my destination without following the proper instructions and getting on the plane. If I don't put action behind the knowledge, I get left behind.
I've heard stats that 90% of the world's population knows about God or a higher power, but that less than 10% of those are followers. Knowing that stat, puts Romans 8:28 in a different light. "All things work for good to those who are in Christ." Put another way- The 10% that follow me will have all things work out for good...The rest of you that know about me, unless you become a follower, and I desire you all would; you are missing the flight!
President Reagan said "If we ever lose the idea of One Nation Under God, we will be a nation gone under."
President Obama's take on the National Day of Prayer said "This day needs to become a silent private matter."
All Things Together
One the the hats I wore years ago, was at a 5 star hotel, in food and beverage. It would amaze me how the master pastry chef knew exactly how much of each ingredient went into making each masterpiece.
"God causes all things to work together for good to those who are in Christ." Romans 8:28. One of my all time favorite verses. How much is "all?" That's right; all mean all. What does together mean? Don't be afraid, just shout it out when you have the answer.
Ever tasted raw egg whites? Bitter vanilla extract? Bland flour. Cocoa powder? Not pleasant, each of these ingredients by themselves aren't very tasty. Once mixed together with some sugar, fire and water, and out comes an extremely good cake. God- the Master Chef of our lives know how much heat we need, what ingredients at what ratio, how much sugar has to be added to all the bad tasting stuff in our lives. Yet if we had our way, we most likely would ask for more sugar, less egg whites etc, and low heat. Right?
What happens if a cake comes out of the fire too soon, or too late? It's a mess. Or, if you didn't have the egg whites to add some volume and cement the cake together? It would fall apart in pieces the moment you set it down. Thing is, we don't know how much or how long since we mostly understand our life under the emotion of feeling or taste.
Each of us go through things that we tend to separate out from the recipe of life. We wonder why this or that is happening... God knows! And we shouldn't stress and try to squirm out of whatever it is, added together, with just the right amount of sugar, will eventually produce a masterpiece.
Now, let's break down Nachos- Hot peppers...
"God causes all things to work together for good to those who are in Christ." Romans 8:28. One of my all time favorite verses. How much is "all?" That's right; all mean all. What does together mean? Don't be afraid, just shout it out when you have the answer.
Ever tasted raw egg whites? Bitter vanilla extract? Bland flour. Cocoa powder? Not pleasant, each of these ingredients by themselves aren't very tasty. Once mixed together with some sugar, fire and water, and out comes an extremely good cake. God- the Master Chef of our lives know how much heat we need, what ingredients at what ratio, how much sugar has to be added to all the bad tasting stuff in our lives. Yet if we had our way, we most likely would ask for more sugar, less egg whites etc, and low heat. Right?
What happens if a cake comes out of the fire too soon, or too late? It's a mess. Or, if you didn't have the egg whites to add some volume and cement the cake together? It would fall apart in pieces the moment you set it down. Thing is, we don't know how much or how long since we mostly understand our life under the emotion of feeling or taste.
Each of us go through things that we tend to separate out from the recipe of life. We wonder why this or that is happening... God knows! And we shouldn't stress and try to squirm out of whatever it is, added together, with just the right amount of sugar, will eventually produce a masterpiece.
Now, let's break down Nachos- Hot peppers...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday
Today is the Tomorrow I worried about Yesterday.
Don't know who said it, but it certainly rings true today. Essentially, worry is a contagious disease. Doctors maintain that worry is the number one cause of shortening one's life, while at the same time, limiting it's enjoyment. Since about 93% of what we worry about never happens, what a waste of time and energy.
As a Christ follower, we are called to "Be anxious for nothing..."
E. CHANEY wrote in 1859- Said the Robin to the Sparrow; I would like to know why theses anxious humans rush around and worry so..." Said the Sparrow to the Robin "They must not have a Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."
NOT.
Don't know who said it, but it certainly rings true today. Essentially, worry is a contagious disease. Doctors maintain that worry is the number one cause of shortening one's life, while at the same time, limiting it's enjoyment. Since about 93% of what we worry about never happens, what a waste of time and energy.
As a Christ follower, we are called to "Be anxious for nothing..."
E. CHANEY wrote in 1859- Said the Robin to the Sparrow; I would like to know why theses anxious humans rush around and worry so..." Said the Sparrow to the Robin "They must not have a Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."
NOT.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Half Full or Half Empty
I consider myself to be a fairly optimistic individual. If you show me a glass that is filled midway and ask if it's half full or half empty, my response would be that it's full- 1/2 water and 1/2 air.
I just finished with Ecclesiastes and realized the book is full of rampant pessimism, cynicism, and skepticism. Yet the author wrestles with the exact same things we do today; the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a fallen world. He gives a human perspective on some of life's greatest issues that leave us bewildered and unsatisfied when attempted to accomplish on our own.
In fact, the idea of short term pleasure leading to long term despair is a common theme. Attempts to acquire more money, indulge in pleasure or become famous, still leave the soul vacant and void. In the end the weary writer turns his perspective toward the ultimate end-game.
It's only through the relationship with the Lord, that we are able to enjoy ultimate purpose, joy and fulfillment.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (New Living Translation)
18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
I just finished with Ecclesiastes and realized the book is full of rampant pessimism, cynicism, and skepticism. Yet the author wrestles with the exact same things we do today; the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a fallen world. He gives a human perspective on some of life's greatest issues that leave us bewildered and unsatisfied when attempted to accomplish on our own.
In fact, the idea of short term pleasure leading to long term despair is a common theme. Attempts to acquire more money, indulge in pleasure or become famous, still leave the soul vacant and void. In the end the weary writer turns his perspective toward the ultimate end-game.
It's only through the relationship with the Lord, that we are able to enjoy ultimate purpose, joy and fulfillment.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (New Living Translation)
18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Trust or Worry
I can trust, or I can worry, but I can't do both. I'm either "all in" and sold out to one or the other, but I can't do both at the same time. Trusting in God emphatically requires leaving my worries behind.
So many times God has told us that trusting is way better than worrying! For Type A personalities, God poses a great question that requires no thought as a rhetorical Q. I love it; in Matthew 6:27, Jesus asked, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"? We already know that worry causes stress, and stress subtracts hours from our lives. Once we choose to leave our worries behind and to trust in God, we begin to experience peace of mind and heart. Trust adds, stress subtracts.
His plan for our future is best. You can trust in the promise from Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." To those who have claimed that verse was specific only to the children of Israel at that point of time, is like saying that the book of Romans was only to the Romans...Rather, God's Promises are Safe & Secure! GPSS!
Like me, you may be a place in your life where you need to make a choice. Whether it is an easy or difficult choice, you have to decide whether you will trust God and have faith in him, or let your worries dictate your decision.
I choose to trust Him.
So many times God has told us that trusting is way better than worrying! For Type A personalities, God poses a great question that requires no thought as a rhetorical Q. I love it; in Matthew 6:27, Jesus asked, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"? We already know that worry causes stress, and stress subtracts hours from our lives. Once we choose to leave our worries behind and to trust in God, we begin to experience peace of mind and heart. Trust adds, stress subtracts.
His plan for our future is best. You can trust in the promise from Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." To those who have claimed that verse was specific only to the children of Israel at that point of time, is like saying that the book of Romans was only to the Romans...Rather, God's Promises are Safe & Secure! GPSS!
Like me, you may be a place in your life where you need to make a choice. Whether it is an easy or difficult choice, you have to decide whether you will trust God and have faith in him, or let your worries dictate your decision.
I choose to trust Him.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Marigolds
Science and Biology were my favorite subjects growing up, so much so that by the 9th grade as a TA in 12th grade Biology, the Professor would let me teach most of the class hour. I'm reminded of an experiment we did...The side effects of light and darkness..
1 John 1:7
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light . . . the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin
We had students plant marigold seeds from the store, plant them in four Styrofoam cups, and water them. By placing two of the cups in a dark closet. The others go into a sunny window. In a couple of weeks, the seedlings appear. For a few hours, the plants in the dark and the ones in the light are quite similar. Two tiny green leaves break through the soil and begin to grow. Within a couple of days however, the plants in the closet turn yellow and begin to die, while the ones in the light grow and get more and more leaves. The experiment proves that plants have to absorb light in order to have the energy needed to grow, bloom, and make seeds.
The same is true of our spiritual lives. We need to live in the light in order to grow and become fruitful. Galatians 5:22-23 describes spiritual fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are in stark contrast to the ones Paul listed as acts of the sinful dark nature: Jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, envy, etc.
Let’s imagine a spiritual science fair project in which we try to become more and more kind. At first, we determine to observe how we act after a few days of playing X-Box games that encourages rebellion, and watching television shows that glamorize gang members who commit violent crimes. We may continue the experiment by hanging out with some kids at school who like to sneak around after dark to paint graffiti on the sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Do violent crimes and have sex with as many partners as possible. Would we mimic or model some of those habits after a week or so?
Next, let’s imagine that we do exactly the opposite for a couple of weeks. We listen to music that encourages us to love others in the same way Jesus did. We read accounts of young people helping others through short-term missions projects. We watch uplifting TV programs and movies. We might even volunteer ourselves. Would we become more or less kind after a week or so?
Clearly, kindness could grow much better in the latter situation. We tend to become like the people we hang out with. So, if we hang out with mean and violent people, we will become increasingly mean. If we hang out with kind, generous people, we will become kinder. Living in the light means developing relationships with people who will help us become more like Jesus. We grow in godliness when we choose our friends based upon whether they have the kind of qualities God approves. Then we can truly be salt and light in the midst of a lost world, while being in, but not of the world.
1 John 1:7
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light . . . the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin
We had students plant marigold seeds from the store, plant them in four Styrofoam cups, and water them. By placing two of the cups in a dark closet. The others go into a sunny window. In a couple of weeks, the seedlings appear. For a few hours, the plants in the dark and the ones in the light are quite similar. Two tiny green leaves break through the soil and begin to grow. Within a couple of days however, the plants in the closet turn yellow and begin to die, while the ones in the light grow and get more and more leaves. The experiment proves that plants have to absorb light in order to have the energy needed to grow, bloom, and make seeds.
The same is true of our spiritual lives. We need to live in the light in order to grow and become fruitful. Galatians 5:22-23 describes spiritual fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are in stark contrast to the ones Paul listed as acts of the sinful dark nature: Jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, envy, etc.
Let’s imagine a spiritual science fair project in which we try to become more and more kind. At first, we determine to observe how we act after a few days of playing X-Box games that encourages rebellion, and watching television shows that glamorize gang members who commit violent crimes. We may continue the experiment by hanging out with some kids at school who like to sneak around after dark to paint graffiti on the sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Do violent crimes and have sex with as many partners as possible. Would we mimic or model some of those habits after a week or so?
Next, let’s imagine that we do exactly the opposite for a couple of weeks. We listen to music that encourages us to love others in the same way Jesus did. We read accounts of young people helping others through short-term missions projects. We watch uplifting TV programs and movies. We might even volunteer ourselves. Would we become more or less kind after a week or so?
Clearly, kindness could grow much better in the latter situation. We tend to become like the people we hang out with. So, if we hang out with mean and violent people, we will become increasingly mean. If we hang out with kind, generous people, we will become kinder. Living in the light means developing relationships with people who will help us become more like Jesus. We grow in godliness when we choose our friends based upon whether they have the kind of qualities God approves. Then we can truly be salt and light in the midst of a lost world, while being in, but not of the world.
Guidelines and Guardrails
God has made it clear that inside His protective walls I have everything I could ever need, along with great blessings, incredible adventure, and joy. God guards my life for my own welfare. He makes sure that I experience true freedom on every level when I intentionally place myself under His authority.
Sometimes we get antsy about living according to God’s guidelines and guardrails. We come to believe that He is like a prison warden who wants to take all the fun out of life. And, we may even leave His protection in order experience life outside. He doesn’t stop us from leaving the safety and abundance of His kingdom. But, He does let us experience the stresses, fears, and dangers that lurk outside the walls. More than that, He allows us to experience the prisons we can make for ourselves by seeking to live outside of His love. While there may be a sense of adventure in rebellion, we place ourselves at great risk the moment we step outside God’s protection. Even our basic needs remain unmet—the needs of security, spiritual nourishment, and contentment.
Over time, we grow to understand that "the warden" is generous, loving, and compassionate. He provides all we need and more. He makes sure we are comfortable while at the same time He stretches us to break out of our comfort zone. If we totally allow Him full reign, our lives will be at peace. It becomes clear to us that living inside the walls are much more satisfying and fulfilling than living in need and continual stress outside.
Sometimes we get antsy about living according to God’s guidelines and guardrails. We come to believe that He is like a prison warden who wants to take all the fun out of life. And, we may even leave His protection in order experience life outside. He doesn’t stop us from leaving the safety and abundance of His kingdom. But, He does let us experience the stresses, fears, and dangers that lurk outside the walls. More than that, He allows us to experience the prisons we can make for ourselves by seeking to live outside of His love. While there may be a sense of adventure in rebellion, we place ourselves at great risk the moment we step outside God’s protection. Even our basic needs remain unmet—the needs of security, spiritual nourishment, and contentment.
Over time, we grow to understand that "the warden" is generous, loving, and compassionate. He provides all we need and more. He makes sure we are comfortable while at the same time He stretches us to break out of our comfort zone. If we totally allow Him full reign, our lives will be at peace. It becomes clear to us that living inside the walls are much more satisfying and fulfilling than living in need and continual stress outside.
The Rudder
"To Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn." You remember that Byrds song from the 60's, in reality, right out of the book of Ecclesiastes.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203&version=NLT
When you begin to contemplate how God works His ways through people, places, and events in our lives, you realize His ways are not our ways. For instance, God tells Samuel that the first king of Israel will be the guy he meets seeking his advice on his lost Donkey's. Sure enough Saul had lost his Donkey's and he and his dad decided to seek the prophet Samuel's advice on where to find them.
God's desire was to show his people that in reality they didn't need a king, but gave them over to their requests and provided them the tallest, most winsome-ist man in the kingdom to become their king. Of course, very soon, God was replacing him with a man after His own heart-David...
In today's mixed up world, where wrong is right, and right is left of wrong, we need a Compass that stay's pointed North through any storm. We may never know why there is a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to mourn and a time to dance....
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203&version=NLT
When you begin to contemplate how God works His ways through people, places, and events in our lives, you realize His ways are not our ways. For instance, God tells Samuel that the first king of Israel will be the guy he meets seeking his advice on his lost Donkey's. Sure enough Saul had lost his Donkey's and he and his dad decided to seek the prophet Samuel's advice on where to find them.
God's desire was to show his people that in reality they didn't need a king, but gave them over to their requests and provided them the tallest, most winsome-ist man in the kingdom to become their king. Of course, very soon, God was replacing him with a man after His own heart-David...
In today's mixed up world, where wrong is right, and right is left of wrong, we need a Compass that stay's pointed North through any storm. We may never know why there is a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to mourn and a time to dance....
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Rudder
"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.
Sometimes God brings us to the Red Sea. Remember the children of Israel had just left 400 years of bondage in Egypt, and Ramses changes his mind and sends out his army to bring them back.
They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12)
God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."-TGIF
So Moses leads the people forward in spite of the circumstance before them and God comes through. Not only did He split the sea, but the ground was dry as they crossed the Red Sea.
Sometimes God brings us to the Red Sea. Remember the children of Israel had just left 400 years of bondage in Egypt, and Ramses changes his mind and sends out his army to bring them back.
They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12)
God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."-TGIF
So Moses leads the people forward in spite of the circumstance before them and God comes through. Not only did He split the sea, but the ground was dry as they crossed the Red Sea.
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Rudder
2010 -begin again.
Just behind us is the 2nd green at Hampton Golf Village. I hear this guy saying he wants another mulligan. You see, this particular hole has a river running through it, so you have to hit from the "T" to the "Green" or your ball is gone. It's not uncommon for novices to lose four or five balls on this hole. For spending money, my kids collect them a couple times a year, clean them up, and resell them the the folks that lose them.
Like having a mulligan where you get a do over, this is a new year, a new decade, and the proverbial new start. A time to reflect, to review, and to be renewed.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Just behind us is the 2nd green at Hampton Golf Village. I hear this guy saying he wants another mulligan. You see, this particular hole has a river running through it, so you have to hit from the "T" to the "Green" or your ball is gone. It's not uncommon for novices to lose four or five balls on this hole. For spending money, my kids collect them a couple times a year, clean them up, and resell them the the folks that lose them.
Like having a mulligan where you get a do over, this is a new year, a new decade, and the proverbial new start. A time to reflect, to review, and to be renewed.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
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