As I gunned the gas through the freeway intersection, half way through, it sputtered and shut down...
For three days in a row, I could not get a full breath and would have to stop and rest after a few steps. Five, maybe ten football throws to the boys and I was completely winded...Warning signs.
Finally, I went to the Dr. Couldn't breathe, couldn't sleep. So I've been fighting off Pneumonia and between a fuzzy head and heavy breathing, I kinda remember Janet saying something about the gas tank on "E." Now, I know first hand what she was trying to tell me.
On my way to drop my son off at school, I made a left turn out of the sub-division and the first sign of trouble was revealed with a sputter. I looked at the gas gauge and then looked at Austin and said "I don't think we are going to make it." The gas level read 1/4 inch below E and the closest gas station was a mile away. He prayed right then and there that we would have a safe and successful trip to the station, and that there would not be any cars coming either way at the freeway intersection.
Impressive, I always wonder just how much of a sponge our kids are when it comes to Spiritual things.
There are at least three take-aways to this story; first, that our kids do observe how we as parents respond to life's difficulties, they do notice us reading the Word and putting into practice the promises and warnings written. Second, how warnings have meaning.
I know my BMW can go 157 mph, I also know it's not safe to drive it that fast. I know when a gas warning light comes on, that I should fill up fairly soon. Similarly, the Bible gives us plenty of warnings, guidelines, and guardrails on how to live life. The riskier the life, the closer the warning signs, the higher the possibility of difficult times ahead.
The biggest take away though, is that once the car sputtered a mile away from the refill, I knew humanly, we were not going to make it to the gas station. I told my son the only way we will make it is God delivering us, is with a modern day miracle, and that's when he prayed... Sure enough, as we approached the intersection, for maybe the second time in three years, there were no cars coming either way. We coasted into the gas station after passing halfway through the freeway intersection with a dead car, we made it safely to that destination and then on to school..on time.
Once again, God does come through on time. On His time. What a relief to know that as we are stretched and stressed in other areas of our life. His hand is never to short to reach down and grant us favor when we ask. That my friends, is a great promise.
Isaiah 59:1 (New Living Translation)
1 Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you,
nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
I've become a facebook junkie.
It's pretty cool to be able to connect with people from your past. One of my friends from High School and I recently added each other as friends, and were able to call and talk. As we talked about things, I eventually started to talk about the church in GA that I had connected with. I talked about the relaxed, casual atmosphere, the amazing music, and clear, relevant teaching. I let him know that I was really enjoying going to church and getting involved doing the "coffee ministry" and leading a small group.
His next comment made me feel concerned about his perspective on church. He said, "I could never attend a church like that. My view of church is that there needs to be some sort of punishment associated with it. It doesn't make sense that church would be fun."Although my friend and I had attended the same denomination as kids, and we both believed in Jesus, his church experience was very rule-based... Show up in your best clothes. Sit, stand, at the prescribed times while listening to the organ play. Recite the prayers, word-for-word. Respond with the proper words after scriptures are read. Yada, yada, yada.
Matthew 11:28-30 tels us about our relationship with him...
But Jesus didn't come to heap punitive rules on us as a heavy yoke. We're reminded of that in Matthew 11:30. He invites us to enjoy a personal relationship with him and with each other. We're reminded of those invitations in Luke 10:27. And Paul says in Romans 10 that Jesus came to establish his church where "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
It's pretty cool to be able to connect with people from your past. One of my friends from High School and I recently added each other as friends, and were able to call and talk. As we talked about things, I eventually started to talk about the church in GA that I had connected with. I talked about the relaxed, casual atmosphere, the amazing music, and clear, relevant teaching. I let him know that I was really enjoying going to church and getting involved doing the "coffee ministry" and leading a small group.
His next comment made me feel concerned about his perspective on church. He said, "I could never attend a church like that. My view of church is that there needs to be some sort of punishment associated with it. It doesn't make sense that church would be fun."Although my friend and I had attended the same denomination as kids, and we both believed in Jesus, his church experience was very rule-based... Show up in your best clothes. Sit, stand, at the prescribed times while listening to the organ play. Recite the prayers, word-for-word. Respond with the proper words after scriptures are read. Yada, yada, yada.
Matthew 11:28-30 tels us about our relationship with him...
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%2011:28-30&version=NIV
But Jesus didn't come to heap punitive rules on us as a heavy yoke. We're reminded of that in Matthew 11:30. He invites us to enjoy a personal relationship with him and with each other. We're reminded of those invitations in Luke 10:27. And Paul says in Romans 10 that Jesus came to establish his church where "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Rudder
Every sunrise sings your grace. The universe cries out your praise. I'm singing freedom all my days...Now that I'm alive. -Steve Fee
The first time we met Steve and the band, we were visiting N Ga, eating at Zazby's a local eatery. We ended up sitting right next to where the whole band and fam we sitting, the local band now touring as "Fee." Back then the lead singer was one of many who led worship at a local church we had visited, and my oldest wanted to meet him and tell him he liked the songs they sung. So we chatted for a moment, told him we were visiting from SoCal, and thinking about moving here.
Now with a string of hits like: Glorious One, Glory to God, Happy Day, We Shine, and All Because of Jesus I'm Alive, to name a few. I think it's cool that the kids got to meet a rock band totally committed to "The Rock."
Enjoy a vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdylCFUBs8
The first time we met Steve and the band, we were visiting N Ga, eating at Zazby's a local eatery. We ended up sitting right next to where the whole band and fam we sitting, the local band now touring as "Fee." Back then the lead singer was one of many who led worship at a local church we had visited, and my oldest wanted to meet him and tell him he liked the songs they sung. So we chatted for a moment, told him we were visiting from SoCal, and thinking about moving here.
Now with a string of hits like: Glorious One, Glory to God, Happy Day, We Shine, and All Because of Jesus I'm Alive, to name a few. I think it's cool that the kids got to meet a rock band totally committed to "The Rock."
Enjoy a vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdylCFUBs8
The Rudder
Proverbs 16:1,3,9 or read all of Proverbs 16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=pr%2016&version=NLT
A good friend is planning a trip to Nicaragua, and asked me to join him there for a couple weeks as we endeavor to bring an existing coffee company to the states. So this morning as I opened my email, there is the itinerary leaving Nov 8 back Nov 22. Back in time for Thamksgiving.
For some of you, planning is something you enjoy and you're pretty good at it. Like my wife, you're the first one to let everyone know about an event in July--and it's only October. You've already set up an excel spreadsheet to monitor all the aspects of the event. Your Outlook calendar is studded with appointments, meetings, and reminders. On your wall, or in our case the fridge, is a three-month calendar showing last month, this month, and next month. Your desk is covered by another calendar, showing just the current month. Oh, and nothing is out of place on your desk either. Your iPhone or Blackberry never leaves your side, except when it's in your hand.
For others of you, and yes, I fall in this category, planning is despised. You play it by ear and prefer to be spontaneous. You'd rather just see how things play out, than plan too far in advance. You don't understand why someone would email you about an event in July--even if it's now June.
We can find ourselves so wrapped up in planning that we think we're actually in control-or, we can feel out of control because we didn't plan well enough.
Proverbs 16:4 says, "The Lord works out everything for His own ends." So, whether you're a planner or not, remember who's really in control.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=pr%2016&version=NLT
A good friend is planning a trip to Nicaragua, and asked me to join him there for a couple weeks as we endeavor to bring an existing coffee company to the states. So this morning as I opened my email, there is the itinerary leaving Nov 8 back Nov 22. Back in time for Thamksgiving.
For some of you, planning is something you enjoy and you're pretty good at it. Like my wife, you're the first one to let everyone know about an event in July--and it's only October. You've already set up an excel spreadsheet to monitor all the aspects of the event. Your Outlook calendar is studded with appointments, meetings, and reminders. On your wall, or in our case the fridge, is a three-month calendar showing last month, this month, and next month. Your desk is covered by another calendar, showing just the current month. Oh, and nothing is out of place on your desk either. Your iPhone or Blackberry never leaves your side, except when it's in your hand.
For others of you, and yes, I fall in this category, planning is despised. You play it by ear and prefer to be spontaneous. You'd rather just see how things play out, than plan too far in advance. You don't understand why someone would email you about an event in July--even if it's now June.
We can find ourselves so wrapped up in planning that we think we're actually in control-or, we can feel out of control because we didn't plan well enough.
Proverbs 16:4 says, "The Lord works out everything for His own ends." So, whether you're a planner or not, remember who's really in control.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Rudder
Anyone get up early to see the Orionid meteor shower this morning? I made espresso, hot cocoa and waffles, got the boys up a half hour earlier than normal while the sky was still dark, and headed out to watch. We saw maybe a half dozen, still all in all, it was an experience I hope they will treasure and remember when they have their own kids. Incredible how God's hand spans the universe while at the same time cares so deeply for us.
Psalms 8- When I consider the heavens a work of your fingers even the moon a stars you set in place...What is man that you are mindful of him? Yet you made him only a little lower than the angels..How majestic is your name, oh Lord. "The Message" version sums it up a little differently-I look up at the Macro-sky and compare to the Micro-self and ask why do you even bother with us?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%208&version=NLT
I can hear God saying "Dudes, you are so special that I made all this for you, all I ask is that you recognize just how much I love you, and that with your own free will, love me back."
The bottom line is yes, it is amazing He would take a second look, yet He loves us so much and set us up as managers of His creation down here, gives us a sky show each year, a rainbow for promises made, and the ultimate sacrifice-gave His life for us.
Psalms 8- When I consider the heavens a work of your fingers even the moon a stars you set in place...What is man that you are mindful of him? Yet you made him only a little lower than the angels..How majestic is your name, oh Lord. "The Message" version sums it up a little differently-I look up at the Macro-sky and compare to the Micro-self and ask why do you even bother with us?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%208&version=NLT
I can hear God saying "Dudes, you are so special that I made all this for you, all I ask is that you recognize just how much I love you, and that with your own free will, love me back."
The bottom line is yes, it is amazing He would take a second look, yet He loves us so much and set us up as managers of His creation down here, gives us a sky show each year, a rainbow for promises made, and the ultimate sacrifice-gave His life for us.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Stay Strong
Stay strong you are not lost, did you forget whose trip your on? Stay strong, there's a new dawn to light your way... Phil 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I keep hearing of people who are losing heart. Like I mentioned in another blog, it's easy to take our eyes off the prize and look at our surroundings and situations and start down the slippery slope; "Where is God in all of this?" I'm here to tell you He's still there, He's still refining us, testing us, seeing what mettle we are made of. Some of us are having wood, hay, and stubble, burned away to expose us as the real deal, or as poser's.
Here's another one of those songs you'll end up humming all day; only listen if you want to stay strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m96MtNlMz8&feature=related
Stay strong, His grip is sure!
I keep hearing of people who are losing heart. Like I mentioned in another blog, it's easy to take our eyes off the prize and look at our surroundings and situations and start down the slippery slope; "Where is God in all of this?" I'm here to tell you He's still there, He's still refining us, testing us, seeing what mettle we are made of. Some of us are having wood, hay, and stubble, burned away to expose us as the real deal, or as poser's.
Here's another one of those songs you'll end up humming all day; only listen if you want to stay strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m96MtNlMz8&feature=related
Stay strong, His grip is sure!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Rudder
Shoulda, coulda, woulda...What might have been. What could have been. What should have been. Setting up camp around these thoughts can anchor us in the mire and muck of mediocrity, moping around as if we are there to stay. God has never called us to settle for burying our talents, or having a bad attitude when everything doesn't go our way. Failure is imminent or we'd never know success. Edison said "In order to succeed, you must first double your failure rate."
Last time I checked, my kids are a reflection of me. I can let them run around with scuff marks on their faces, and holes in their shoes and socks and have a sucky attitude.But frankly, I'd rather see them looking and feeling good and loved. Similarly, our Heavenly Father is Master of the Universe and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. As a reflection of Him, I'm told so many times in Scripture that as an Ambassador for Him, as Royalty, certain rights like being able to ask Him to bless our relationships, businesses, family and friends. These come with the territory of God being our Father.
Proverbs 24:16 (New Living Translation)
16 The Godly may trip and fall seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the ungodly.
Everybody fails. I think back on those who tried and risked and lost...but got up and tried, tried again--Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Colonel Sanders, just to name a few. Had they given up after the first set back, there's a chance we would still be under segregation, eating by candlelight, and chicken might not be be so finger lickin' good.
I got to thinking about the temporary setback of my dream to eventually have my own Bed and Breakfast. Out of the blue, an opportunity to interview for a Hotel Manager position happened this past week. The dream has been re-ignited...
Last time I checked, my kids are a reflection of me. I can let them run around with scuff marks on their faces, and holes in their shoes and socks and have a sucky attitude.But frankly, I'd rather see them looking and feeling good and loved. Similarly, our Heavenly Father is Master of the Universe and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. As a reflection of Him, I'm told so many times in Scripture that as an Ambassador for Him, as Royalty, certain rights like being able to ask Him to bless our relationships, businesses, family and friends. These come with the territory of God being our Father.
Proverbs 24:16 (New Living Translation)
16 The Godly may trip and fall seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the ungodly.
Everybody fails. I think back on those who tried and risked and lost...but got up and tried, tried again--Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Colonel Sanders, just to name a few. Had they given up after the first set back, there's a chance we would still be under segregation, eating by candlelight, and chicken might not be be so finger lickin' good.
I got to thinking about the temporary setback of my dream to eventually have my own Bed and Breakfast. Out of the blue, an opportunity to interview for a Hotel Manager position happened this past week. The dream has been re-ignited...
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Rudder
Maymer, my gramma, lived 2000 miles away. My visits with her are still fresh in my mind; racing her to the park when she was in her 80's and in high heels...I'd always win! We'd come back and sip on her "special juice", I later found out was Loganberry wine. One of the things I really enjoyed was when she'd hide silver coins-- coins were real silver back in the day. She always hid silver dollars in and around her house for me to find. Sometimes, especially later on when I was a little older, she would just put them in a piggy bank. Even though I really enjoyed the hunt and discovery, I still see her toothless grin from ear to ear as she relished seeing me caught up in the moment of the happiness her hidden treasures brought to me.
As we would drive across country to visit, I can't recall a moment of worry whether she was hiding coins or not. I was confident the times spent with her were going to be special. Later those times morphed from coins to going to a burger place that to this day just had the best Bacon Cheeseburgers on grilled Pumpernickel. To watch her toothlessly gum that burger was a treat in itself!
Isn't this is a small reflection of how we experience the grace of God? He loves us for who we are. He longs to spend time with us. He lavishes us with grace--gifts we don't deserve. And He delights in our response. When we take the time to thank Him, to enjoy His gifts and to share them with others, it brings Him joy- that's really what it's all about!
As we would drive across country to visit, I can't recall a moment of worry whether she was hiding coins or not. I was confident the times spent with her were going to be special. Later those times morphed from coins to going to a burger place that to this day just had the best Bacon Cheeseburgers on grilled Pumpernickel. To watch her toothlessly gum that burger was a treat in itself!
Isn't this is a small reflection of how we experience the grace of God? He loves us for who we are. He longs to spend time with us. He lavishes us with grace--gifts we don't deserve. And He delights in our response. When we take the time to thank Him, to enjoy His gifts and to share them with others, it brings Him joy- that's really what it's all about!
Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything give thanks...Philippians 4:6
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%204:4-20&version=NLT
If anyone had reason to be anxious it was Paul. It would be easy to succumb to life's difficulties while rotting in a Roman prison wondering if release or wrongful death sentence was next. So there he was, writing to you and to me via the church at Philippi, urging us to stop worrying, but to use this time especially, to be thankful through prayer and petition to God our Father.
Worry and its' buddy anxiety, do their best to immobilize us, especially when it comes to things out of our control, like tomorrow. Living fearful about future events that may happen or could happen, I'm convinced is what shortened the life of my dad. My mom and I were talking about this yesterday and how he never could seem to enjoy life because he was always worried about tomorrow. He's not alone.
Living a distressed life leads one to settle for an existing life rather than one of expectation and excitement. Maybe that's one of the reasons I love roller coasters; the excitement of the drops and turns and not being able to do a thing about it. Yet I know it will stay on track and get me back to where I need to be with my feet back on the ground. How much more can we rest and rely on the One who is in control?
Later in the chapter of Philippians 4, Paul pairs the idea of anxiousness to be replaced by "The peace that passes all understanding." I don't even try to understand all the things going on, but I can enjoy the peace that God gives me today, just for today. Tomorrow, He'll give me the peace I need for..tomorrow. So you know what? I'm going to let him guard my heart and mind.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%204:4-20&version=NLT
If anyone had reason to be anxious it was Paul. It would be easy to succumb to life's difficulties while rotting in a Roman prison wondering if release or wrongful death sentence was next. So there he was, writing to you and to me via the church at Philippi, urging us to stop worrying, but to use this time especially, to be thankful through prayer and petition to God our Father.
Worry and its' buddy anxiety, do their best to immobilize us, especially when it comes to things out of our control, like tomorrow. Living fearful about future events that may happen or could happen, I'm convinced is what shortened the life of my dad. My mom and I were talking about this yesterday and how he never could seem to enjoy life because he was always worried about tomorrow. He's not alone.
Living a distressed life leads one to settle for an existing life rather than one of expectation and excitement. Maybe that's one of the reasons I love roller coasters; the excitement of the drops and turns and not being able to do a thing about it. Yet I know it will stay on track and get me back to where I need to be with my feet back on the ground. How much more can we rest and rely on the One who is in control?
Later in the chapter of Philippians 4, Paul pairs the idea of anxiousness to be replaced by "The peace that passes all understanding." I don't even try to understand all the things going on, but I can enjoy the peace that God gives me today, just for today. Tomorrow, He'll give me the peace I need for..tomorrow. So you know what? I'm going to let him guard my heart and mind.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Rudder
Faith, Family, Friends, Finances.
My wife and I were talking about this just the other day...The 4 F's. 3 out of 4 aint bad. Excuse me; having three out of four isn't that bad. Unfortunatelly, many times we equate our blessings to the last F. The reality is that we indeed, are blessed!
"For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak--Os Hillman
If you didn't see the vid from the prior blog, click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NVPcI0tLo
My wife and I were talking about this just the other day...The 4 F's. 3 out of 4 aint bad. Excuse me; having three out of four isn't that bad. Unfortunatelly, many times we equate our blessings to the last F. The reality is that we indeed, are blessed!
"For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:10-12).
God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.
Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak--Os Hillman
If you didn't see the vid from the prior blog, click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NVPcI0tLo
The Rudder
"How could I know the morning if I knew not midnight?" Watch and read the lyrics in this vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NVPcI0tLo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NVPcI0tLo
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Rudder
I have journals with tons of quotes and I believe this was from Max Lucado; "Over-sized and rude, fear is unwilling to share the heart of happiness. When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life." Sometimes our own fears become the barrier that keeps us from breaking the unwanted cycle of always playing the safe card.. That's when we need to choose to live fearlessly, by faith. We do so by putting our trust in the Lord and surrendering our fears and future uncertainties to him.
Like David in his relentless pursuit of Goliath, he could have played it safer by utilizing the protection offered by Saul. How would that story have worked out? Not the same impact right? I've heard over the years, the reason David picked five stones, is because he knew with God; all it took was one stone- and the other four were for Goliath's four other brothers. Whether that's true or not, it gives us a perspective on how God can use us against all odds.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+1&version=NLT
As you read through 1 Samuel this week, keep in mind how God used a sheep-herding, ruddy, snot-nosed kid, to become the leader of a nation. Even though David committed some atrocities in his life time, by making some unwise choices, God still called him a man after his own heart.
Like David in his relentless pursuit of Goliath, he could have played it safer by utilizing the protection offered by Saul. How would that story have worked out? Not the same impact right? I've heard over the years, the reason David picked five stones, is because he knew with God; all it took was one stone- and the other four were for Goliath's four other brothers. Whether that's true or not, it gives us a perspective on how God can use us against all odds.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+1&version=NLT
As you read through 1 Samuel this week, keep in mind how God used a sheep-herding, ruddy, snot-nosed kid, to become the leader of a nation. Even though David committed some atrocities in his life time, by making some unwise choices, God still called him a man after his own heart.
The Rudder
Real Estate has been my strength for two decades; I could sniff out the deal, turn a profit, list and sell everything I put my hand to. Now it is my thorn...
Sometimes our strength becomes a strong deterrent to trusting God. Many times when we rely on our own strength, resources and knowledge, we assume we can handle just about any situation without help from our heavenly father. Because of this, we tend to divide situations that arise into two categories; problems we think we can handle ourselves, and those that "require" Gods assistance. All the while Gods sits back and waits for us to seek him first in all things. I can almost hear him say "Your great at giving me all your problems, when are you going to start giving me your plans?"
Paul is a great example; he was a strong personality. He was a who's who of pharasies, highly educated and eloquent of words. After he got run out of Dodge a few times before he realized if he was to boast it should be about Christ and him crucified. Only in his weakness via the thorn in his side, whatever that was did he truly implicitly trust in the Lord. He asked many times for God to remove it, but God knew better. Why you ask? An illustration of that is when Hezekiah was dying and he begged God not to take him yet, so God did grant him another 15 years of life only to have the worst king in Israel's history, Manasseh, born during that time and rule thereafter as a result of that decision. Those next 55 years were the pits.
2 Corinthians 12:9- But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
If you feel strong in one area of life, be careful. Often times it's one's strength that becomes the hinderence to trusting God. Sometimes God may bring a thorn to bring you to a point of weakness to where full trust and assurance can take root, and seeking him first is the first response.
Now, when it comes to real estate stuff I have to know that it's "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord"
Sometimes our strength becomes a strong deterrent to trusting God. Many times when we rely on our own strength, resources and knowledge, we assume we can handle just about any situation without help from our heavenly father. Because of this, we tend to divide situations that arise into two categories; problems we think we can handle ourselves, and those that "require" Gods assistance. All the while Gods sits back and waits for us to seek him first in all things. I can almost hear him say "Your great at giving me all your problems, when are you going to start giving me your plans?"
Paul is a great example; he was a strong personality. He was a who's who of pharasies, highly educated and eloquent of words. After he got run out of Dodge a few times before he realized if he was to boast it should be about Christ and him crucified. Only in his weakness via the thorn in his side, whatever that was did he truly implicitly trust in the Lord. He asked many times for God to remove it, but God knew better. Why you ask? An illustration of that is when Hezekiah was dying and he begged God not to take him yet, so God did grant him another 15 years of life only to have the worst king in Israel's history, Manasseh, born during that time and rule thereafter as a result of that decision. Those next 55 years were the pits.
2 Corinthians 12:9- But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
If you feel strong in one area of life, be careful. Often times it's one's strength that becomes the hinderence to trusting God. Sometimes God may bring a thorn to bring you to a point of weakness to where full trust and assurance can take root, and seeking him first is the first response.
Now, when it comes to real estate stuff I have to know that it's "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord"
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Rudder
Excitement...expectation...exasperation...discouragement...disappointmeny...despair...
That's the progression when we wait for something we fervently want or expect, only to wind up with something else--It's that something else that is the curve ball. It's times like these when worry, doubt, anxiety, and the ilk can overtake us emotionally and create a sense of self doubt and worth.
I'm reading a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley..."Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." Later he goes on to say "Stress suggests that the things we are involved with are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, and out tight grip of control. Basically communicating that it's OK to sin by not trusting God because the stuff I'm going through is somehow exceptional."
Another one of those Aha moments right. I am guilty as charged. The reality is we serve a God who is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time. (Psalms 139) He's a sun and a shield-our light in this dark world and protector. (Ps 84:11) And that at any time He can do exceedingly abundantly more that we can ask or think! (Eph 3:20.) We can rest in the promise of his peace in lieu of anxiety (Phil 4:6-8)
Oswald Chambers once said "Take no thought of your life...what you eat or drink...Don't take the forethought on yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, but it is infidelity. Worrying means we don't think God can look after the practical details of our lives." (Matt 6:25-30)
We know that we can be confident and put our faith and trust in God, because He can change any situation no matter how dark or difficult!
That's the progression when we wait for something we fervently want or expect, only to wind up with something else--It's that something else that is the curve ball. It's times like these when worry, doubt, anxiety, and the ilk can overtake us emotionally and create a sense of self doubt and worth.
I'm reading a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley..."Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." Later he goes on to say "Stress suggests that the things we are involved with are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, and out tight grip of control. Basically communicating that it's OK to sin by not trusting God because the stuff I'm going through is somehow exceptional."
Another one of those Aha moments right. I am guilty as charged. The reality is we serve a God who is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time. (Psalms 139) He's a sun and a shield-our light in this dark world and protector. (Ps 84:11) And that at any time He can do exceedingly abundantly more that we can ask or think! (Eph 3:20.) We can rest in the promise of his peace in lieu of anxiety (Phil 4:6-8)
Oswald Chambers once said "Take no thought of your life...what you eat or drink...Don't take the forethought on yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, but it is infidelity. Worrying means we don't think God can look after the practical details of our lives." (Matt 6:25-30)
We know that we can be confident and put our faith and trust in God, because He can change any situation no matter how dark or difficult!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Rudder
Mittens and Squishy. Yep, Squishy. Our two cats as different as night and day. Mittens is the wild cat; catches everything; crickets, frogs, squirrels, rabbits, turtles and of course, birds. Her daughter, Squishy, is just the opposite; we have raised from a kitten, is domesticated, couldn't survive a day on her own, unless "treats" grew on trees. What's the point of putting yourself into hostile environments just to prove you can survive? Just in case right?
For this very reason, I tend to watch shows like Man vs Wild, Survivorman, Discovery and Animal Planet. Picture a wild goat. He is aware of his surroundings, able to leap and bound over rocky terrain, find food and water sources, and defend himself against hostile animals. By contrast, his domesticated counterpart sleeps in a barn, chews the grass at his feet, drinks water provided for him, and lacks the vigorous survival skills of his wild cousin.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:1-4&version=NLT
Sometimes, God allows circumstances to shape us by stretching us physically, Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. While we may not enjoy the trial, we can be assured God is in control, and that perseverance, trust, faith and hope, and patience are all being perfected. Unless we have gone through trials personally, many times we otherwise may not be qualified to help others in similar circumstances. Even Squishy, catches the occasional crunchy cricket if stuck outside for a few hours.
For this very reason, I tend to watch shows like Man vs Wild, Survivorman, Discovery and Animal Planet. Picture a wild goat. He is aware of his surroundings, able to leap and bound over rocky terrain, find food and water sources, and defend himself against hostile animals. By contrast, his domesticated counterpart sleeps in a barn, chews the grass at his feet, drinks water provided for him, and lacks the vigorous survival skills of his wild cousin.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:1-4&version=NLT
Sometimes, God allows circumstances to shape us by stretching us physically, Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. While we may not enjoy the trial, we can be assured God is in control, and that perseverance, trust, faith and hope, and patience are all being perfected. Unless we have gone through trials personally, many times we otherwise may not be qualified to help others in similar circumstances. Even Squishy, catches the occasional crunchy cricket if stuck outside for a few hours.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Rudder
It had been a good hour since we got separated and the cellphones were not getting a signal. Luckily the boys were able to get to a high spot where the signal worked. We patiently sat waiting at the end. "Hey dad... were lost, can you please come get us?"
By the time we found them, they were pretty shaken. They had never been to a corn maze in San Diego, much less one with more than three miles of trails, dead ends and misdirection. They were confident they could beat us to the finish, so we gave them a cellphone-just in case and let them go. Because this corn maze is so confusing, everyone is given a map with clues along the way so you know you're on the right path. Even when you follow it, many times it still can be confusing, but if you never open it up, you can find yourself in over your head and in need of help.
It's that time again both literally and figuratively. Fall is here in full colors. The corn has been harvested and the maze is back in biz starting this weekend. I hear it's even more "fun" at night using just flashlights.
Many of us seem to be in a maze wondering where is the end game here. Financially, so many struggling. Yet we can be content knowing He knows and resting in His promise from Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
It's great we have a heavenly father that not only has given us the map to life if we take the time to study it, but also a direct line to his throne. "That's why I like it at the end of the day, I got no money but I can still pray. Because it's toll free since I got your number; don't need no money just to see the light. Toll free and you'll never stumble, we can talk all day we can talk all night...He won't forget your number and he's there all the time, you can go to the Lord when you ain't got a dime." Yep, hokey words from a Marty McCall song in the 80's when phone booths were prevalent and cost a dime to use.
By the time we found them, they were pretty shaken. They had never been to a corn maze in San Diego, much less one with more than three miles of trails, dead ends and misdirection. They were confident they could beat us to the finish, so we gave them a cellphone-just in case and let them go. Because this corn maze is so confusing, everyone is given a map with clues along the way so you know you're on the right path. Even when you follow it, many times it still can be confusing, but if you never open it up, you can find yourself in over your head and in need of help.
It's that time again both literally and figuratively. Fall is here in full colors. The corn has been harvested and the maze is back in biz starting this weekend. I hear it's even more "fun" at night using just flashlights.
Many of us seem to be in a maze wondering where is the end game here. Financially, so many struggling. Yet we can be content knowing He knows and resting in His promise from Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
It's great we have a heavenly father that not only has given us the map to life if we take the time to study it, but also a direct line to his throne. "That's why I like it at the end of the day, I got no money but I can still pray. Because it's toll free since I got your number; don't need no money just to see the light. Toll free and you'll never stumble, we can talk all day we can talk all night...He won't forget your number and he's there all the time, you can go to the Lord when you ain't got a dime." Yep, hokey words from a Marty McCall song in the 80's when phone booths were prevalent and cost a dime to use.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Rudder
This economy is really taking it's toll on so many; including us. Nearly everyone I talk with and do life with is struggling to make ends meet. So many are either out of work or underemployed. Because of this people are losing heart by focusing on the wrong thing.
Matt 6:33 Has a promise for us-"Seek first God's kingdom and all the rest taken care of."
Psalm 37:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
God is in the business of changing our paradigm from no personal experiences to God-experiences. However, if you operate on a level of rigid logic, you may never have the privilege of having the God-experiences. Keep your heart free to experience new paradigms with God today.
As I go through life and gain the means to accumulate more material possessions, I can become confused about the source of our happiness, especially in today's economy. When I sift through all the "stuff" in my life today, I realize that what bring me the most excitement and joy are my two sons, my wife, and the friends by my side who support me in my struggles and share my triumphs. My favorite possessions have nothing to do with things I have purchased for myself; my favorite possessions are the gifts that God has brought into my life.
Matt 6:33 Has a promise for us-"Seek first God's kingdom and all the rest taken care of."
Psalm 37:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
God is in the business of changing our paradigm from no personal experiences to God-experiences. However, if you operate on a level of rigid logic, you may never have the privilege of having the God-experiences. Keep your heart free to experience new paradigms with God today.
As I go through life and gain the means to accumulate more material possessions, I can become confused about the source of our happiness, especially in today's economy. When I sift through all the "stuff" in my life today, I realize that what bring me the most excitement and joy are my two sons, my wife, and the friends by my side who support me in my struggles and share my triumphs. My favorite possessions have nothing to do with things I have purchased for myself; my favorite possessions are the gifts that God has brought into my life.
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