Duh!
As someone rudely said on the news, the calendar has finally caught up with the weather!
However, I would like to reflect on the fact that this is the first day of winter. No, this does not have anything to do with the abundance of snow. It has more to do with the light, or lack of it. Not only have the days been getting shorter, but with all the storms, the amount of light has been slight. Medically it has been proven that we thrive on light. In fact maybe you are one of those people that needs light supplements to keep going during the wintertime. I know more than one person that has installed full spectrum lighting in their home and office just to shake off the affects of the lack of natural light. Even if you are not light deprived, who who deny the impact of a bright sunny day (okay, even a couple of hours) on our spirits. Maybe the flowers and other plants have it right as they turn to the light (Scientifically it is called: Phototropism). I digress.
It is the first day of winter. Do you know what that means? Yes, among other things, the daylight hours will begin to lengthen! Here comes the light! As I thought about the physical impact of increased light on our psyche, I couldn't help making a spiritual application. Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the World." We usually think of light in contrast to darkness. Like turning on a light in a dark room or carrying a flashlight or lantern to see where we are going in the darkness of night. Jesus certainly illumines our life and shows us the way, but what if there was more. What if we needed the light to not just find our way, but in a more basic sense... to live? What if our soul and spirit yearns for Light like our bodies yearn for light? I believe they do. It only makes sense, the one who made us and sustains us would put within us a spiritual yearning for the Light. I think there are many in this world that don't have a clue why they are physically down in the winter months, not realizing they are deprived of natural light. There are many more that are spiritual "down" because they do not realize the are deprived of spiritual Light. However, when exposed to the Son our hearts turn to Him as a plant turns to the sun.
Remember the daylight grows from this day forward for the next 1/2 year. Enjoy the Light as well!
______________________
For you Narnia fans, this might be a good time to reread "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe." Narnia was a place where it was "always winter but never Christmas..." then Aslan came!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Self Acceptance
Self Acceptance is not based on performance.
Whew! There I have said it.
In fact, I don't really like the phrase "self acceptance". It starts out with the wrong premise so it cannot end up with a right conclusion. It assumes others like us because we are likable. If we are not liked, it must be our fault. So, if I try a little hard, I will be liked more. The truth is this notion is false. How many guys and girls suffer in silence, hoping someone will love them? They may think they are not popular enough, handsome/beautiful enough, athletic enough to be loved (accepted) by those passing them in the halls, when, in reality, the ones passing them in the halls are wondering the exact same thing! If you do "fit in" to some group... you had better not mistep or you will be outside looking in. Hoping to be popular, they dress like those they want to be accepted by. If they are not beautiful enogh, there is always cosmectic surgery. Not athletic enough, well, develop another talent in order to compensate... like learning a musical instrument. The cycle is endless and doesn't get you the results you want. It is like always shooting at a moving target.
Most "Self Acceptance" really isn't. We tend to perceive ourselves through the eyes of others. And that isn't even really true. We tend to perceive ourselves by how we perceive the others see us. Ouch!
Consider the following as sources for a "correct" view of ourselves:
1. Others view of me. Of course, we like others to like us, so this may seem to be a good barometer of our "likablility". However, it put us at the mercy of many elements.
a. They have their own motives for their actions and reactions towards us. These are not pure, but influenced by their own sin nature. Sin colors everything they do and say. One of the chief ingredients of sin is "me first". When push comes to shove, we will always come out second best. Guess what that does to our self worth?
b. They really don't know us, yet we rely on them to accurately assess our total worth. Yeah, like that is going to happen. I venture to say that even our closest friend or our spouse does not know the depths of our passions..., the extent of our knowledge..., the breadth of our interests..., the totally of our sufferings... (well, you get the picture). How in the world are they going to give us a true picture of our worth.
c. Their mission in life is not our best interests. Their life is full of them. Think about it. Is your number one aim of life is to make those around you experience the best of life? If not, why do we expect the something different of others?
d. If they happen to complement us, that is only good for a fleeting moment. Performance demands they we continue to excel in order to contuinue to get the good reviews. Like a juggler, we are bound to drop the ball eventually.
e. They may not speak the truth. They may complement you when you do not deserve it and withhold praise whne you could have received it.
Not much hope here for a good source for self accentance.
2. My view of me. This source is fraught with many of the same dangers as those mentioned above.
a. What side of the bed did you wake up on today? How was you sleep last night? How did the kids sleep last night? What kind of pressures are you under now? Is the day clear and bright or cloudy and dark? Are you sick or healthy? All of these factors influence our thinking on any given day. Are they true factors in our self worth? I don't think so... but they sure do color how we think about ourselves, don't they?
b. Have you ever noticed how much we excuse and accuse ourselves? We can be our harshest critic one moment for failure in some minor area of life and then let critical areas of life slide and rapidly make excuses why we did. This sliding scale of value becomes an inadequate tool to evaluate our self worth.
3. The true source for a true picture of my worth. God. You knew I was going to write that, didn't you?! Let us consider the factors as to why this is true.
a. He know me best. The Bible says that the heart is desperately wicked, who can know it? We have a hard time discerning motives, even in ourselves. God has no such problem. He knows me, warts and all. The miraclous thing is that my sin does not cause Him to turn away. My strengths and weaknesses do not factor into His acceptance of me.
b. He loves me most. We have never known anyone who was so concerned about our well being. Others have divided loyalties, He does not. Because He is God, He gives us all the same undivided attention. He does not have to make sure that when He focuses on us He is not slighting Himself. We can be sometimes self destrctive, but He always desires for us the best. While He wants the best for us, He does not wait for us to change before Him loves us.
c. He always speaks the truth. He does not whitewash my sin and failures. He also not not neglect to tell us where we stand with Him. We are not left to guess.
d. He does not change. This standard is not dependent on the weather, my attitude, sleep levels or the like. He is consistent.
So, if God is the best source of information in knowing our worth, shouldn't we be less concerned with self worth/acceptance and more concern with God's acceptance? yes.
If we are unbelievers, we stand condemned under the wrath of God. This is true. However, it is also true that God loved us and provided us a savior, His son, Jesus Christ. We thus can believe what God says about us and should act on it, humbly confessing our sin and accepting His forgiveness.
If we are believers, we stand as new creatures in Christ before Him. There is no longer any condemnation. Will we fail to live up to the nature of this new life? yes. But He does not abandon us due to failure, but loving seeks us out for restoration of fellowship. As believers, we are called to live a life of faith. The question is, do we really believe what our Heavenly Father says about us or not?
Whew! There I have said it.
In fact, I don't really like the phrase "self acceptance". It starts out with the wrong premise so it cannot end up with a right conclusion. It assumes others like us because we are likable. If we are not liked, it must be our fault. So, if I try a little hard, I will be liked more. The truth is this notion is false. How many guys and girls suffer in silence, hoping someone will love them? They may think they are not popular enough, handsome/beautiful enough, athletic enough to be loved (accepted) by those passing them in the halls, when, in reality, the ones passing them in the halls are wondering the exact same thing! If you do "fit in" to some group... you had better not mistep or you will be outside looking in. Hoping to be popular, they dress like those they want to be accepted by. If they are not beautiful enogh, there is always cosmectic surgery. Not athletic enough, well, develop another talent in order to compensate... like learning a musical instrument. The cycle is endless and doesn't get you the results you want. It is like always shooting at a moving target.
Most "Self Acceptance" really isn't. We tend to perceive ourselves through the eyes of others. And that isn't even really true. We tend to perceive ourselves by how we perceive the others see us. Ouch!
Consider the following as sources for a "correct" view of ourselves:
1. Others view of me. Of course, we like others to like us, so this may seem to be a good barometer of our "likablility". However, it put us at the mercy of many elements.
a. They have their own motives for their actions and reactions towards us. These are not pure, but influenced by their own sin nature. Sin colors everything they do and say. One of the chief ingredients of sin is "me first". When push comes to shove, we will always come out second best. Guess what that does to our self worth?
b. They really don't know us, yet we rely on them to accurately assess our total worth. Yeah, like that is going to happen. I venture to say that even our closest friend or our spouse does not know the depths of our passions..., the extent of our knowledge..., the breadth of our interests..., the totally of our sufferings... (well, you get the picture). How in the world are they going to give us a true picture of our worth.
c. Their mission in life is not our best interests. Their life is full of them. Think about it. Is your number one aim of life is to make those around you experience the best of life? If not, why do we expect the something different of others?
d. If they happen to complement us, that is only good for a fleeting moment. Performance demands they we continue to excel in order to contuinue to get the good reviews. Like a juggler, we are bound to drop the ball eventually.
e. They may not speak the truth. They may complement you when you do not deserve it and withhold praise whne you could have received it.
Not much hope here for a good source for self accentance.
2. My view of me. This source is fraught with many of the same dangers as those mentioned above.
a. What side of the bed did you wake up on today? How was you sleep last night? How did the kids sleep last night? What kind of pressures are you under now? Is the day clear and bright or cloudy and dark? Are you sick or healthy? All of these factors influence our thinking on any given day. Are they true factors in our self worth? I don't think so... but they sure do color how we think about ourselves, don't they?
b. Have you ever noticed how much we excuse and accuse ourselves? We can be our harshest critic one moment for failure in some minor area of life and then let critical areas of life slide and rapidly make excuses why we did. This sliding scale of value becomes an inadequate tool to evaluate our self worth.
3. The true source for a true picture of my worth. God. You knew I was going to write that, didn't you?! Let us consider the factors as to why this is true.
a. He know me best. The Bible says that the heart is desperately wicked, who can know it? We have a hard time discerning motives, even in ourselves. God has no such problem. He knows me, warts and all. The miraclous thing is that my sin does not cause Him to turn away. My strengths and weaknesses do not factor into His acceptance of me.
b. He loves me most. We have never known anyone who was so concerned about our well being. Others have divided loyalties, He does not. Because He is God, He gives us all the same undivided attention. He does not have to make sure that when He focuses on us He is not slighting Himself. We can be sometimes self destrctive, but He always desires for us the best. While He wants the best for us, He does not wait for us to change before Him loves us.
c. He always speaks the truth. He does not whitewash my sin and failures. He also not not neglect to tell us where we stand with Him. We are not left to guess.
d. He does not change. This standard is not dependent on the weather, my attitude, sleep levels or the like. He is consistent.
So, if God is the best source of information in knowing our worth, shouldn't we be less concerned with self worth/acceptance and more concern with God's acceptance? yes.
If we are unbelievers, we stand condemned under the wrath of God. This is true. However, it is also true that God loved us and provided us a savior, His son, Jesus Christ. We thus can believe what God says about us and should act on it, humbly confessing our sin and accepting His forgiveness.
If we are believers, we stand as new creatures in Christ before Him. There is no longer any condemnation. Will we fail to live up to the nature of this new life? yes. But He does not abandon us due to failure, but loving seeks us out for restoration of fellowship. As believers, we are called to live a life of faith. The question is, do we really believe what our Heavenly Father says about us or not?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Marketing the Church
These comments are in response to another blog and its comments. You may read them here: http://blog.9marks.org/2008/09/does-your-churc.html
It seems to me that the church has forgotten Heb 10:23-25. The "church gathered" is for encouragement and exhortation. It is a refuge to meet with one another to build up each other in the faith. Corporately we share our individual expressions of faith. I thought our songs of praise were for our Lord. If I sing off key, what is the difference? I am not trying to impress anyone. It is my heartfelt expression of my love for Him. I come together with other believers to be exhorted and encouraged by the teaching of the Word. If a believer (visitor) comes to a service and cannot see that as the emphasis of our services, I am sorry. Is it not rather a sad commentary on the believing visitor, looking for a church home that the emphasis is on the music, or size of the youth group or how new and swank is the church's building? The question we need to ask is, "Just how critical is this time to me? It it optional or foundational and essential?" If an unbeliever visits a service, I would hope that they would pick up on our heartfelt worship and encouragement. However, the service is not aimed at them. Evangelism is for the "church scattered". It is there in homes, schools, workplace, etc. that we share the gospel. It is the winsomeness of the Savior that should attract unbelievers. Don't get me wrong, I am all for excellence in all that we do. I just won't let the lack of it get in the way of my worship. I remember who I am... as one of my friends used to say... "a good for nothing, saved by God's grace."
It seems to me that the church has forgotten Heb 10:23-25. The "church gathered" is for encouragement and exhortation. It is a refuge to meet with one another to build up each other in the faith. Corporately we share our individual expressions of faith. I thought our songs of praise were for our Lord. If I sing off key, what is the difference? I am not trying to impress anyone. It is my heartfelt expression of my love for Him. I come together with other believers to be exhorted and encouraged by the teaching of the Word. If a believer (visitor) comes to a service and cannot see that as the emphasis of our services, I am sorry. Is it not rather a sad commentary on the believing visitor, looking for a church home that the emphasis is on the music, or size of the youth group or how new and swank is the church's building? The question we need to ask is, "Just how critical is this time to me? It it optional or foundational and essential?" If an unbeliever visits a service, I would hope that they would pick up on our heartfelt worship and encouragement. However, the service is not aimed at them. Evangelism is for the "church scattered". It is there in homes, schools, workplace, etc. that we share the gospel. It is the winsomeness of the Savior that should attract unbelievers. Don't get me wrong, I am all for excellence in all that we do. I just won't let the lack of it get in the way of my worship. I remember who I am... as one of my friends used to say... "a good for nothing, saved by God's grace."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Forgiveness
The question has come to me of late from a couple of sources... "How can God forgive me?" The sources were believers wondering how God could forgive (and forget). This may not be one of my better answers.
First, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Okay, that one wasn't too far off Biblically!)
Second, If God was like us (and He isn't), then even if He threw our sins into the depths of the seas, He would not have any problem retrieving them to use them against us! Same for the sins being separated East from West. (See how far we can slide in so short a time?!)
Third, If God is God (and He is) then He cannot forget. He chooses to remember our sins another way. (See if you like this mental picture). When Satan accuses the brethren, he calls God's attention to our failures and lists our sins. Yet when God looks at a believer's "bill (listing our sins and the payment due)" all He sees is the big, stamped in red, PAID IN FULL. The statement of debt, great or small, is overshadowed by the notice of payment. In other words, when Satan accuses us, God uses it to "remind" Himself of the glories of His Son and his perfect work on the cross. He is "reminded" that the work was totally sufficient (thus the PAID IN FULL). The accusation has just the opposite impact on God than Satan intends. Instead of the focus being on our sins, it is now on our Savior and His Son. Another round of rejoicing goes up in heaven!
We don't sin that grace may abound... but grace does abound!
With my love...
First, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Okay, that one wasn't too far off Biblically!)
Second, If God was like us (and He isn't), then even if He threw our sins into the depths of the seas, He would not have any problem retrieving them to use them against us! Same for the sins being separated East from West. (See how far we can slide in so short a time?!)
Third, If God is God (and He is) then He cannot forget. He chooses to remember our sins another way. (See if you like this mental picture). When Satan accuses the brethren, he calls God's attention to our failures and lists our sins. Yet when God looks at a believer's "bill (listing our sins and the payment due)" all He sees is the big, stamped in red, PAID IN FULL. The statement of debt, great or small, is overshadowed by the notice of payment. In other words, when Satan accuses us, God uses it to "remind" Himself of the glories of His Son and his perfect work on the cross. He is "reminded" that the work was totally sufficient (thus the PAID IN FULL). The accusation has just the opposite impact on God than Satan intends. Instead of the focus being on our sins, it is now on our Savior and His Son. Another round of rejoicing goes up in heaven!
We don't sin that grace may abound... but grace does abound!
With my love...
Friday, August 1, 2008
In the middle of things
I am writing this in the middle of the night (2:33a.m.). It is warm in the house, in the low 80s (I apologize for referring this as warm to those that live where it is HOT). It is officially Friday. Last night, Thursday (earlier this night) I officiated at a wedding. I have known the new bride for years, as she had gone to school with Ruth. The atmosphere at the wedding center was festive. During the reception Diane and I sat with a lady from Woodland that we have known for years and we had a good visit. All in all it was a very pleasant night out. Of course, the focus was the wedding and I pray that the couple will have a wonderful life together.
Now I am in the middle... as tomorrow (Saturday) I will officiate at a memorial service for my friend Lynn Anderson. It will be a bitter sweet time. Lynn certainly is in a far better place now... in the presence of the Lord. But my heart goes out to his bride, Arla, who no longer has her companion. When Lynn was in the hospital in ICU during the last week of life here on earth, she had recounted to me that she had completely placed him in the hands of the Lord... and then asked if there was anything that she could do! I think we all recognize that action.
Arla asked me to preach "a hell fire and brimstone message and not to quit until four or five were down front on their knees repenting." I smiled at the thought of that picture, family and friends squirming in their seats. yet I also long for the heart change of those who are there at the service. I had a flash back to some 40 years ago when I heard a friend, Vince Villaryo, preach one of his first messages. In his yearning to have his mother saved, he cried out. "I wish that I could take the top of your head off and pour in the truth so that you would know what I know about the Savior." I have felt the same way many times. I know the Holy Spirit can effectively do that without the messy surgery!
Well I should be in bed asleep. I will post this blog and go to bed. I hope it still makes sense to me in the morning! Goodnight!
Now I am in the middle... as tomorrow (Saturday) I will officiate at a memorial service for my friend Lynn Anderson. It will be a bitter sweet time. Lynn certainly is in a far better place now... in the presence of the Lord. But my heart goes out to his bride, Arla, who no longer has her companion. When Lynn was in the hospital in ICU during the last week of life here on earth, she had recounted to me that she had completely placed him in the hands of the Lord... and then asked if there was anything that she could do! I think we all recognize that action.
Arla asked me to preach "a hell fire and brimstone message and not to quit until four or five were down front on their knees repenting." I smiled at the thought of that picture, family and friends squirming in their seats. yet I also long for the heart change of those who are there at the service. I had a flash back to some 40 years ago when I heard a friend, Vince Villaryo, preach one of his first messages. In his yearning to have his mother saved, he cried out. "I wish that I could take the top of your head off and pour in the truth so that you would know what I know about the Savior." I have felt the same way many times. I know the Holy Spirit can effectively do that without the messy surgery!
Well I should be in bed asleep. I will post this blog and go to bed. I hope it still makes sense to me in the morning! Goodnight!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Helpful while helpless
This week has had me at the Salmon Creek Hospital in the ICU unit on a daily basis. One of the men from our church family has been there since last Saturday. The prognosis for a long earthly stay is not good. Thankfully he is heaven bound. However, the family must deal with their own thoughts. I realize that I have NO control over upcoming events... thus, helpless. However, I can point the family to the one who loves them with an everlasting love... the one who does nothing without total righteousness... the one who is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Maybe in some small way I can thus be helpful...
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Great, hot day
Today was great. Hotter than I like, but a great day none the less. Ruth and Ray had invited some of their friends over to our house to celebrate Josette's first birthday and Mikayla's fourth. With the temperatures climbing to an eventual 100 degrees, this was a day spent in the shade. As the guests arrived, we had a mixture of generations. Some guests were family (Ray's parents and grandparents made it), some guests were parents bringing their children to the party and others were friends of Ruth and Ray. Hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on two grills were the foundation to a filling meal. The guests supplied salads, chips and all the other goodies to make for more than anyone would want.
The children played at first and then joined in with the meal. After lunch, the children donned adult sized t-shirts and "painted" an LARGE drawing of a rocking horse that Esther had done. Then it was time for water balloons! I had taped some pictures of hippos on the porch wall and they began lobbing balloons at them. Some hit and broke and others bounced off and were grabbed up again... all accompanied with giggles. You could tell we were hosting pre-school children as not one took aim at anything but the targets!
The cupcakes were then brought out and the kids had fun icing them. All enjoyed little ice cream cups. Finally, all poured into the air conditioned living room to open presents. All were so generous and the birthdays girls seemed to have a lot of fun. So... a party on a hot day. Four hours of fun, beginning at 11 am. Wow...
I am worn out! And I hardly did anything.
While I certainly was not the oldest attending this party, I did reflect on a time... not so long ago, it seems, when Diane and I were these parents ages. The reminder that we should redeemed the time was forcefully thrust home today!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Pastor's week
How does a pastor's week go? Saturday, Sunday! Saturday, Sunday! Saturday, Sunday! Here I am on another Saturday. Tomorrow brings a class for kids on a title for Christ, then continuing our study in Romans 1, then an Elders/Deacons meeting, then home for lunch with family, then evening service where we are viewing a dvd about America's heritage. A nice mix.
This week we began using some new software for our pregnancy center. It is called ekyros and when we are up and running, it should be of great help. There is a learning curve (but not too bad) and lots of data entry. I have been trying to help out, but there is a lot to do.
It is almost time for Lawrence Welk. Diane manages to empty the room with that program! The music isn't too bad (well, most of it), but you have have to blink at the LOUD outfits! At least Diane will sit down for the hour that it is on (unless her mom calls).
This week we began using some new software for our pregnancy center. It is called ekyros and when we are up and running, it should be of great help. There is a learning curve (but not too bad) and lots of data entry. I have been trying to help out, but there is a lot to do.
It is almost time for Lawrence Welk. Diane manages to empty the room with that program! The music isn't too bad (well, most of it), but you have have to blink at the LOUD outfits! At least Diane will sit down for the hour that it is on (unless her mom calls).
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Back again!
I enjoy reading other blogs... thought I had better get back to mine! Can it be over a month since I last wrote? Yep!
In this last month I went in to see my doctor. We had changed our principle care physician (PCP) and he needed to write out new prescriptions. While I was there he asked (innocently enough), "Have you had your flu shot?" I replied, "I usually don't get sick with the flu." The upshot was that I got a shot and... you guessed it... here it comes... I got sick. Well, it wasn't really the flu... no temp... just a nasty cough. It just hangs on. More like walking pneumonia.
Anyway, life rushes on. Can it be the latter part of February already? Wow! I have been busy. The Scouts have called on my services more recently. I have loved being the counselor for the "Citizenship in the Nation" merit badge. I think that as a general rule our understanding of the original documents and fathers of our country are woefully lacking. Reviewing the documents and history is always inspiring. I went online and ordered some dvds from Wallbuilders (www.wallbuilders.com). Good stuff. If you haven't seen their materials, I would highly recommend you reviewing their resources. What a Godly heritage we have! I often feel we have been robbed of our heritage because of the failure to teach it in our schools, talk about it in our discussion of current events and apply it in our culture.
In this last month I went in to see my doctor. We had changed our principle care physician (PCP) and he needed to write out new prescriptions. While I was there he asked (innocently enough), "Have you had your flu shot?" I replied, "I usually don't get sick with the flu." The upshot was that I got a shot and... you guessed it... here it comes... I got sick. Well, it wasn't really the flu... no temp... just a nasty cough. It just hangs on. More like walking pneumonia.
Anyway, life rushes on. Can it be the latter part of February already? Wow! I have been busy. The Scouts have called on my services more recently. I have loved being the counselor for the "Citizenship in the Nation" merit badge. I think that as a general rule our understanding of the original documents and fathers of our country are woefully lacking. Reviewing the documents and history is always inspiring. I went online and ordered some dvds from Wallbuilders (www.wallbuilders.com). Good stuff. If you haven't seen their materials, I would highly recommend you reviewing their resources. What a Godly heritage we have! I often feel we have been robbed of our heritage because of the failure to teach it in our schools, talk about it in our discussion of current events and apply it in our culture.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Potency of a Proper Position
Reflecting on Romans 1:1 "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God" Paul obviously had come to understand that his strength was as a commissioned servant of Jesus Christ... not as a Hebrew of Hebrews, Pharisee, Rabbi or any other position of power or influence. I preached on the potency of a Proper Position on Sunday... and then there was today.
I was in the midst of counseling a couple this afternoon and as we were working through a situation that had come up today, several ideas came together. When we are walking with the Lord in faithful obedience and then something goes drastically "wrong" from our perspective, we should recognize that we have just gone to war (Eph 6). Now it the time to trust (lift up the shield of faith) and use the sword of the Spirit (The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. - Job 1:20). Now it the time to stand firm... even when we don't understand what is happening.
We should also understand that in this context the Lord is often preparing to demonstrate His great power. Paul experienced this in a Philippian jail. Joseph discovered this in Egypt. We understand Job was instrumental in teaching Satan a lesson. We should know that when we are walking in obedience and our world is suddenly turned upside down that this is not a time to whine about our misfortune but rather to watch in wonder as to what the Lord is about to do. This is not a time to get defensive, it is a time to defer to the Lord. The power of the Lord shines through in our lives as we operate in humble obedience. That is what I mean by the potency of the proper position.
Well, in review, this blog reads like a mini message, but I just wanted to write down some thoughts about what the Lord has been showing me.
I was in the midst of counseling a couple this afternoon and as we were working through a situation that had come up today, several ideas came together. When we are walking with the Lord in faithful obedience and then something goes drastically "wrong" from our perspective, we should recognize that we have just gone to war (Eph 6). Now it the time to trust (lift up the shield of faith) and use the sword of the Spirit (The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. - Job 1:20). Now it the time to stand firm... even when we don't understand what is happening.
We should also understand that in this context the Lord is often preparing to demonstrate His great power. Paul experienced this in a Philippian jail. Joseph discovered this in Egypt. We understand Job was instrumental in teaching Satan a lesson. We should know that when we are walking in obedience and our world is suddenly turned upside down that this is not a time to whine about our misfortune but rather to watch in wonder as to what the Lord is about to do. This is not a time to get defensive, it is a time to defer to the Lord. The power of the Lord shines through in our lives as we operate in humble obedience. That is what I mean by the potency of the proper position.
Well, in review, this blog reads like a mini message, but I just wanted to write down some thoughts about what the Lord has been showing me.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sunday afternoon
After a busy morning, I joined with some of the men in an Elders/Deacons meeting. Because I got home later than normal, I was ready for lunch. Diane had prepared some meatloaf according to a new recipe. It was yummy and Esther even shared with us some of her baby peas. Now it is down time before evening service. The weather outside is cool (Diane would say cold), the house is warm, I am full and God is to be praised for many daily blessings. Today a mother with two school aged kids came to services. She requested prayer on her registration card for her husband to return to church aand serve the Lord again. There is a story there to be explored... but I can't help reflect on the saddness in those words. I don't know the history, but I wonder what could be better than being with your wife and kids. Unfortunately, I have heard the story before from others... how sad.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Stew
I like stew. I love the combination of flavors as the different veggies combine with meat in a thickening liquid. The combination is better than the individual parts. I like ministry. Today I counseled a wife faced with a possible divorce, discussed cleaning schemes with a teenager at the church facilities, listened to a proposal from the Treasurer about a year end audit, received an invitation to attend a meeting at a half way house for convicts headed back into society and worked on my message for tomorrow. What a happy, wonderful mix the Lord has stirred together. Got to go... just got another call!
About last night
If kids can teach you things... how about those grandkids? Last night Ruth (our youngest daughter), her husband, Ray, and their two kids, Mikayla and Josette, came over for their weekly visit. We spent a couple of hours together and enjoyed some crock pot vegetable chili that Diane (my God-given helpmate) had made. When it was time to go, they were making the rounds of good-bye hugs and kisses. When Mikayla came to me she didn't want a hug or kiss. She resisted the encouragement of mom, then dad and even grandma. Her mom, I could see, was afraid I was hurt by Mikayla's "rejection." Ruth (her name means compassionate) certainly matches her name. The family headed down the stairs to their car. When Mikayla was climbing into her car seat, she yelled out, "I love you Gan-pa!" I know Ruth was relieved. I came back into the house from the garage steps smiling and reflecting.
I know Mikayla loves me. She had come in that evening looking for Gan-pa. When she spotted me she had run to me for hugs. Why she didn't want a hug when she left probably had more to do with teasing me than anything else (at three years old, she has her own personality!). Anyway, I reflected on my relationship with my heavenly Father... He knows I love Him. I imagine He is not hurt when I don't said I love Him. I also imagine He loves it when I do say it!
I know Mikayla loves me. She had come in that evening looking for Gan-pa. When she spotted me she had run to me for hugs. Why she didn't want a hug when she left probably had more to do with teasing me than anything else (at three years old, she has her own personality!). Anyway, I reflected on my relationship with my heavenly Father... He knows I love Him. I imagine He is not hurt when I don't said I love Him. I also imagine He loves it when I do say it!
It's sad but true
All time favorite joke:
Q. What sits on top of a hill, howls in the night and is full of cement?
A. A coyote, of course!
hmmm
Q. What about the cement?
A. (wait for it...) The cement was thrown in to make it hard!
_________
Those around me have heard this joke so many times that they usually just roll their eyes when I begin again. My youngest daughter heard this for years and then one day said, "I get it! Cement is hard!" I love puns!
Q. What sits on top of a hill, howls in the night and is full of cement?
A. A coyote, of course!
hmmm
Q. What about the cement?
A. (wait for it...) The cement was thrown in to make it hard!
_________
Those around me have heard this joke so many times that they usually just roll their eyes when I begin again. My youngest daughter heard this for years and then one day said, "I get it! Cement is hard!" I love puns!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Hardly anything
New blogger (am I number 1,000,000,000?) I wanted to set this up tonight so I had a venue for future posts. What you will find here are the musings of a husband, father and pastor. Are you asleep yet? My thots tend to wander to subjects which I would like to muse about here.
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