"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
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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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