pursuing

Restful Motives

2012-02-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

Read these verses this morning: One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done." Psalm 62:11-12

A few observations:

The true source of power is God. Nothing shoud keep me from it.

God's power doesn't compromise his fulfillment of unconditional love. He models how to balance the two.

God pays attention to what I do-all of it-and rewards me accordingly.

What matters most is what I do in His name.

What does this mean for me?

I can rest because He's in charge.

All I need to do is check my motives for what I do.

Rest gets hindered when my motives stray.

2012-01-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first race for 2012. And what a good one to start out with.
The race was the Bradenton Christian School 5k Panther Prowl. Because of the untimely passing of Don Vautrinot, the race director, the race became truly a community event. I hadn't originally planned on running, but I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing and observing the body of Christ ministering to the Vautrinot family.
Good job, BCS. Good job, Bradenton. Good job, Church.
If you participated in the 5k, here's where you can find the results.

Where's the "In"

2012-01-18T01:44:00.000-08:00

After posting the Morgan quote on waiting, it was interesting yesterday morning to read the following 2 verses from Psalm 33 in my devotional reading:
"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name."
The preposition "in" seems vital in these two verses. When wait mode is on, where and who I "in" with determines how the wait goes. If I wait in hope, that's much less stressful than waiting in fear. If I rejoice in a doctor, my heart is less relieved than rejoicing in God. If I trust in the power of earthly authority, my security is weakened.
So when it's on, I have to check myself. Am I full of him? If I'm waiting doubtfully, what's causing that? Is my trust and hope in someone or something else more than in him? Where's my IN?

Waiting for God

2012-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

"Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given."
-G. Campbell Morgan

More Than Amazing

2012-01-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is in our set for Sunday service for the first time. LIKE!

Remaining Blameless

2012-01-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wished that the mirror in your bathroom would show more than just your front reflection? It’s impossible to see all of yourself with just that one view, right? Maybe you ladies dream of having a three-way mirror somewhere in your house so you can truly make sure you look perfect before heading out the door.

This thought came to mind this morning as I reflected on a couple of verses David wrote in Psalm 19. In verse 12, he asks a question that reveals another impossibility. The question: “Who can discern their own errors?” Reality is, more often than our pride likes to admit, we know pretty quickly and clearly when we mess up. Reality also is that sometimes we are clueless. We may not immediately know why we respond so strongly to someone else’s opinion or action. After either we’ve imploded or exploded, do we really know what the bottom line is, what causes our errors?

David calls these “hidden faults.” Maybe the hidden fault is jealousy or anger, but I cover it with being rude or giving the silent treatment. David understood that he couldn’t always understand or “see” himself. That’s what led him to follow the question with these two statements: “Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins…”

I believe this is where ongoing communication with God is so vital. He can see my hidden faults. He can see all of me, every side, at all times. He is my three-way mirror. And He isn’t there to keep pointing out my imperfections just to beat me down. He’s there to help me reflect Him better. As David puts it in the next verse, he wanted God to keep him “blameless, innocent of great transgression.”

That’s why I stay in the Word. That’s why I seek forgiveness from God and others. That’s why I open myself to receive correction. I can’t possibly discern my own errors. So I stand in front of these mirrors seeking to remain blameless, seeking to reflect Him the best I can as I head out the door.

Scott Rigsby. See how you can help him change the world.

2012-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

If you watch this video, you'll know more about Scott Rigsby, who will be in Bradenton February 25-26. You can help him meet the needs of people around the world by taking part in the 5k Walk to Change the World. Learn more and sign up for the walk at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Bradenton/5kWalktoChangetheWorld

Nice way to start the day

2012-01-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

I turned on the TV for a look at the weather before I left for my run this morning. This is a video I saw while waiting.

When the Foundations Shake

2012-01-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I read Paslm 11. The study notes in my Bible contained some encouraging words to pass along.
First, here are the first 4 verses of the chapter:
In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.

Study notes: David was forced to flee for safety several times. This psalm may have been written when he was being hunted by Saul or during the days of Absalom's rebellion. David seems to be speaking to those who are advising him to run from his enemies. David's faith contrasted dramatically with the fear of the advisers who tell him to flee. David was comforted and optimistic because he knew God was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him. When the foundations are shaking and you wish you could hide, remember that God is still in control. Nothing happens without his knowledge and permission. When you feel like running away--run to God. He will restore justice and goodness on the earth in his good time.

Scott Rigsby coming to Bradenton

2011-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited about this event. Scott Rigsby will be in Bradenton February 25-26. There will be a 5k walk on Saturday and then he will be in our Sunday services. Check out his website and then click on the runsignup link to see how you can help Scott change the world.

What Child is This

2011-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Thankful for the Sustainer

2011-11-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

A little late, at least by the calendar, in giving thanks, but I'm going to assume it's okay to do any day of the year.

Sunday in his message, our pastor spoke from Psalm 146. I was listening with a pretty "uh huh, sure, yeah, that's right" attention until he read verse 9. The beginning of it says, "The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow..." My attention peeked.

Why? Because I had just spent two days with my widowed mother as well as my fatherless sister and cousin. I hadn't seen my cousin since we were kids. To hear his life story, I know that he knows the writer of this psalm knew what he was writing. I can tell you that the Gregorys know the Lord of Psalm 146:9. We know the Sustainer. And that is worth thanking God for every day.

Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

2011-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

(A friend sent this to me. Thought I'd share it here.)

Following is the 1863 Lincoln Presidential Proclamation - celebrated shortly after Lincoln committed his life to Christ and celebrated while America was still in the midst of its Civil War. It was this proclamation which eventually led to the establishment of our national Thanksgiving holiday.

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

[Signed]
A. Lincoln

FBC Bradenton/Operation Christmas Child on ABC 7

2011-11-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

What Did You Say, God?

2011-11-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday was interesting. This story actually started on Saturday.

I decided in lieu of moving soon that I wanted to get rid of my couch that I've had about 15 years. So I debated whether to donate it somewhere or try to get a little money out of it. I opted to list it on craigslist and see what happened.

I was happy when I opened my email Sunday afternoon to have a reply. Here's what it said:

Maybe you've heard the old saying " it never hurts to ask?" Well, here goes! I have a recovery home for abused Women and Children. The name is " Learn to Fish" from the old proverb "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." We are faith based and put the Women through an intensive curriculum of integrity training. We have 22 Women and 2 children, all of whom have lived a life of hell on earth. I'm doing my best to help them change that. Resources are scarce. We don't get any type of funding. We could really put your couch to good use!! If you might be willing to donate yours, it would bless us beyond measure! I could issue you a tax deductible receipt for your donation.
Thank you very much. Sabrina

Now the debate was really on. I know this ministry. I've actually talked with the leaders. But they had no idea that this craigslist posting was mine. So was I going to honor this request or still seek to get some dough out of it? I decided to wait for a day or two and see what other replies came in.

A few hours later after taking a nap, I was surfing TV channels and came across Charles Stanley with about 10 minutes left in his sermon. You'll never guess his topic. Giving. Not just giving, but giving away things to help God's kingdom. My immediate reaction was, "You've got to be kidding. It's just a couch. I'm only looking for a little out of it. What is the big deal?"

Well, by the end of the message I had finally stopped asking God to repeat himself. It really wasn't that big of a deal. The irony of the reply email actually was comical at that point. So I got off the couch and went to my laptop and started my reply email with this statement: "Apparently God wants you to have this couch."

Today they came and picked it up. And I just smiled. Thanks, Charles. Thanks, craigslist. Thanks, God.

Beauty in Oneness

2011-11-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today I watched a great example of oneness. Our staff was given the opportunity to ministry to a small group memorializing their lost friend and family member. Because most of them only speak Spanish, our pastor needed an interpreter. His interpreter was a lady from our church, who hasn't been a Christian for very long.
What I enjoyed watching as I listened to them work together was the love of Christ showing through both of them. They took the time to listen to one another while prayerfully sharing the truth to those receiving the message. It was a beautiful image of how working together for a common good shows love, selfless love.
God bless you, Rick and Jackie, for bearing his image today and comforting those who mourn.

Make Up Your Mind

2011-11-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Question: Do you think Jesus ever got down in the dumps? Discouraged by the news? Downcast by the gloom and doom of the future? Walked around with a defeated attitude or ticked off at the world?
Hard to imagine, isn't it? So what's the deal? Was he a pie in the sky guy? Oblivious to his world? Just a happy go lucky dude?
After reading Luke 21 the other day, I'd have to say, "Nope." If anyone knew what was coming and had the corner on reality, it was Jesus. In that chapter, he reveals exactly what his listeners could expect down the road. His teaching included predictions of wars, earthquakes, famine, and people fainting "from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world." Sounds familiar.
While teaching, he included some telling phrases that revealed these realities didn't bring him down. Not a chance. In verse 9 he said, "do not be frightened." Verse 14, "make up your mind not to worry." He promised in verse 21 that you will win life if you stand firm.
How could he make these commands? How can he expect us not to worry when the future looks bleak? I believe he tells us the answer in verse 28:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
That's the challenge. That's what you have to make up your mind about. Is your redemption secure? Do you have more hope in it than in anything else?
If you're tempted to let the news and the world's condition drag you down, lift up your head. Jesus knew what he was talking about. Things are going to be alright. Redemption is coming. Make up your mind not to worry.

Worship Unity

2011-10-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today our service theme was missions. I selected the worship songs based on the theme without knowing the pastor's scriptural text for his message. Look at some of the phrases from the passage he chose and compare them to some of the lyrics from the songs I chose. UNITY!
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1: 8-10
"The Lord's message rang out (also could be translated "reverberated") from you..."
"They tell how you turned to God...to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."
Lyrics
"Would you be free from your burden of sin?"
"I'm alive and well, your Spirit is within me because you died and rose again. Amazing love, how can it be that you, my King, would die for me?"
"Out of the ashes we rise."
"Cords that are broken will vibrate once more. Rescue the perishing...Jesus will save!"
"You alone can rescue, You alone can save. You alone can lift us from the grave. You came down to find us, led us out of death. To You alone belongs the highest praise."

A Good Question

2011-10-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

As a student/reader/disciple, I've heard many suggestions of how to get the most out of my Bible reading. One main suggestion is that asking questions leads to much learning. As I read Luke 15 this week, the chapter with the story of the prodigal son, I found myself wanting to ask some different questions than I'm used to hearing asked about this story. I also came across a book on the story that suggested that the typical analysis of this story misses the point. So I decided to pause for a few days and decide what the point is.

It seems a question for figuring that out boils down to a very good one that I don't recall ever being challenged to ask - What is God saying about himself in this story? He's represented by the father in the story. So if you read the story line by line you may ask yourself

What exactly does it say about God when he gives us what we ask for knowing it's not what we need or deserve?

What does it say about God when without question he throws a party for those who return from turning their backs on him?

What does it say about God when he allows his children to be shortsighted and thrillseekers?

What does it say about God how he handles his children who have a "what have you done for me lately" attitude?

What does it say about God when he is quick to forgive or not defend his actions?

What does this story say about God as a father?

Read it and ask a good question. You might see your Father in a whole new light.

7,000,000,000

2011-10-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Learned something new today. According to the UN and National Geographic, on Monday the world's population will reach 7 billion. To see NG's video about it, click here.

Something else that NG did is compile what is said to be the current profile of the human race. Here's the pic.

Seen him? He's 28, lives in the city, doesn't own a car but owns a cell phone, and speaks Mandarin.

Americans, guess what? Things aren't as they seem.

2011-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

CBN Sports at the 2011 World Series - CBN.com by the700club

Conversational Preaching

2011-10-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

So, at 2:21am this morning, my mind jerked from a deep sleep with this thought, "Good preaching should feel like good prayer which should feel like good conversation."
Yeah, I know. What's up with that thought in the middle of the night? Probably too much ice cream. Can't say I tried hard to figure it out. I just made a note of the thought, and turned over and was back out.
But now, thinking about it, I'd have to say I like the thought. Here's why:
Prayer is most intimate when I attempt a two-way conversation with God. Notice the preposition - with. It's not to. We don't have conversations to someone else but with them.
It seems that a good sermon has the same feeling. The messenger is trying to speak with me not to me. They are trying to engage me in a conversation. Why? Because God's Word deserves a response. It should be utilized to move me not to assault me, to draw me near rather than push me away.
Challenge: If you are a speaker, prepare in such a way to engage your audience as if you are conversing with them. If you are a listener, prepare in such a way to respond to the invitation to listen, to be moved, to engage.
The possibilities for transformation begin here - with good conversation.

Who Do We Think We Are?

2011-10-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever want to take matters into your own hands? I'll admit it - I do. Human nature.
Once two followers of Jesus certainly wanted to. The instance I'm thinking about involved James and John. They were miffed that some Samaritans didn't quite roll out the red carpet for Jesus, so they asked him, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?"
Not quite sure who they thought they were. Apparently at that moment, they thought pretty highly of themselves. Jesus didn't. His reply wasn't, "Thanks, guys. Thanks for having my back. Go right ahead. I'll make sure your prayers are answered." Instead, he pretty much told them they were out of their minds - meaning, they weren't thinking straight. They forgot who they were, their place, and God's place.
Justice is God's territory. Passing judgment is God's territory. Earlier Jesus had taught them about the need to carry their cross daily. Passing judgment is the Judge's job. If they were the Judge, then they wouldn't be carrying their cross.
When I'm tempted to take matters into my hands, I do my best to remember God is much better at justice and judgment than I would ever be. My cross is heavy enough. Why in the world should I bother myself with His business? Who do I think I am?

Have You Asked For It?

2011-10-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday I watched a simple illustration of the phrase, "you have not because you ask not."

After attending a luncheon after church, I was leaving the Family Life Center into a little rainshower - strong enough to make you want to run to your car. Well, that's if your car was close enough to run to.

An older church member jokingly said to me, "Hey, John. How 'bout giving me a ride to my car down the street?" I replied, "Sure. No problem."

He said, "Nah, I was only joking. I couldn't ask you to do that."

I said, "Come on. Really, I don't mind."

He shrugged it off. So I headed to my truck.

When I was pulling out, I noticed he had walked to the end of the covered sidewalk by the Family Life Center and was just waiting for the rain to end.

I decided to pull up beside him, open the door, and pretty much force him to get in for the one-block ride to his car.

At first he waved me off, but then he gladly jumped in.

Immediately he said, "I was just joking. You don't have to do this."

Is it possible that we simply don't let God have the chance to do what he wants to do for us? It's my experience that some people really think God won't listen or that they aren't in the position to ask. Why in the world wouldn't we go to him?

If you're in doubt, go ahead and ask. You never know. And especially if you never ask.

If you thought I was crazy...

2011-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

No joke. Just saw this on CBS evening news.

A 39-week pregnant runner entered and finished the Chicago Marathon yesterday. Then later gave birth.

And you thought I was crazy.

What's funny? Her husband also ran the marathon...she beat him.

Blood's Importance

2011-10-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I watched a rerun of Boston Med that documented the journey of a partial face transplant. It was truly amazing.
Amazing to watch skilled doctors go about planning and carrying out an 18-hour operation.
Amazing to observe the spirit of the patient before and after.
Amazing to get a glimpse of extraordinary technology.
Amazing to watch trained people amaze themselves.

But the most amazing image was watching the lifeless face from the donor actually come back to life as the bloodflow moved beneath and across the face of the recipient. You could actually see the red line move across his face.

I guess I needed to be reminded how important blood is to life. I now have another image to use to explain to others why the blood of Jesus was also so important. His blood gives us eternal, spiritual life. That's the most amazing transplant.

Adaptive Reading

2011-10-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

One word that will never be used to describe me: techie.

While on vacation, my friend showed me how simple it is to download apps. So I now enjoy seeing MLB on a widget as well as downloading books on amazon kindle.

Yes, you read that right. I'm reading on my phone. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Does this mean I'll never grace a bookstore again? Absolutely not. What it means is I'm adapting. I'm not going kicking and screaming either. Just feeling my way.

At the moment, my thought is to download books that I doubt I would ever actually buy in the store. Kindle helps encourage that thought by having free downloads as well as sample downloads. That I can definitely adapt to.

For instance, I don't recall reading Andrew Murray before. So I downloaded something like 4 free books. So now, at least as of last night, I can read a chapter or so of a Murray book on my phone before turning off the nightstand lamp. Pretty sweet.

Now to pass along a few quotes from the Murray book (Holy in Christ Thoughts) I'm reading:

The complaints of many Christians as to lack of joy and strength, as to
failure and want of growth, are simply owing to this--the place God gave Holiness in His call they have not given it in their response. God and they have never yet come to an agreement on this...We must confess that happiness has been more to us than holiness, salvation than sanctification.

Courageous

2011-09-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

The latest movie from Sherwood pictures opens this weekend. You want to see it.
It's called Courageous. If you liked their previous movies Facing the Giants and Fireproof, Courageous will leave you thanking God they haven't stopped.

Moneyball Leadership

2011-09-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

I believe I have a new movie favorite to add to my list. Saw Moneyball last weekend. Besides the fact that it is a sports movie, and baseball at that, the story is told well - and it is a good story. I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories, anyway.

But what I couldn't get away from after I saw the movie was how many leadership principles I perceived from the main character. So, without giving you too much of the storyline, here are some lessons to draw from it:
 Shoot straight with your team
 Have a vision and stick to it
 The value of an organization and its people is not determined by money
 Determine the right questions your team needs to be answering
 Lead with a healthy dose of reality
 Surround yourself with people who believe in the vision
 When necessary, respectfully dismiss those who aren’t helping you realize your goals
 Know why you do what you do
 Encouragement urges determination, growth, and cooperation
 Accountability sharpens focus and separates the weak from the strong

Go see it for yourself and determine if you agree.

Who said...

2011-09-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in class a lady asked for prayer for her 98-year-old grandmother. The request was for her physical healing and also for certainty of her relationship with Christ. We prayed believing that God could answer these prayers. Our prayer was based on belief that God could meet the needs of this 98-year-old lady. We prayed specifically that the family would have no doubts about her spiritual condition before she died.
This afternoon I received a call that grandmother, on her own prompting from God, prayed to ask Jesus into her life last night before she went to sleep. She told the family that she wrote a note to let them know just in case she didn't wake up. She was able to tell them personally. Now everyone has peace.
Who said God doesn't care? Who said God doesn't listen? Who said it may be too late?
Pray believing.

When God Speaks Through Others

2011-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

The other day I posted a few paragraphs from chapter 5 of Hybels' book. Again, here are a few more paragraphs to illustrate why you might want to get your hands on this book. These are from chapter 8, When God Speaks Through Others.

In John 8:36, Jesus says, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." And if there is one beneficial by-product to listening to God's whispers as delivered through the people in your life, it is this: the well-timed, well-placed counsel of friends can put you on the fast track to freedom in this life--freedom from the troubling forces people face every day.
For some, the "force" is a self-defeating belief--that they're worthless, incompetent or repulsive to those they love. For some, the "force" is a self-defeating behavior--overspending, overeating, overdrinking, overachieving, over-pleasing or over-worrying.
For others the obstacle deals with relational dynamics: "If I could just control my temper!" the twice-divorced man laments. "If I could just stop manipulating people," says the domineering woman. "If only I could fix the pain inside me that causes me to wound everyone else," says the victim of abuse who many years later still has not found relief.
The list goes on, as controllers and leaners and clingers and stuffers and liars make no progress in the relational wasteland of their lives. Perhaps you silently join their chorus, knowing all too well how they feel. Maybe it's you who have pushed a spouse away, pushed your kids away, pushed your colleagues away or destroyed every decent friendship you've ever known. But your life doesn't have to be this way. By God's grace, you can shift gears, starting today.

Pray Believing

2011-09-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Finished with Daniel and started Luke this morning. Chapter 1 is the familiar story of the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus. You may or may not have noticed before, but Gabriel responds quite differently to Zechariah and Mary when they question his message. Zechariah is punished, but Mary is assured.
We can conjecture all day about why, but I noticed something today that I haven't before. Before giving his message, Gabriel clarified to both of them why he is standing before them. To Zechariah he said, "...your prayer has been heard." To Mary he said, "...you have found favor with God."
It seems to make sense then that Zechariah shouldn't have been 100% shocked by what he was hearing. He'd prayed for it. His prayer isn't recorded, so I can't say how he'd thought about this message or what part of the message was the answer to his prayer; regardless, Gabriel said he was there because of a prayer.
On the other hand, Mary was hearing something for the first time. It had never crossed her mind that she could be pregnant. Makes sense to me that her question would be quite natural, probably even anticipated by Gabriel.
What's the point? The message I heard from this observation was that when I pray about something, I should pray with belief and expectation. Prayer should never be flippant. If I'm bold enough to ask God for something, I should certainly be bold enough to place my faith in the promise that he hears and will answer me. If I don't believe those things, why in the world would I waste my time and God's time with faithless conversation?

BP>IP>AP

2011-09-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

If you've heard that Bill Hybels' book The Power of a Whisper is good, believe it. I'm in chapter 6, and I'm not disappointed by choosing this book as my vacation reading.
For example, in chapter 5, entitled "God's Written Whispers," here are three excellent paragraphs I thought I'd share:
There are three categories of people in the world, and my bet is that you fall into one of them. Today, you might be what I call a "BP." You're "before pain," which means that up until this point in your life, you've been spared debilitating tragedies and heartaches. For you, God's promise in Romans 8:28 to "work for the good in all things" will be nothing more than theory. I recommend you keep this good theory nearby, nevertheless, because at some point in your life, you must might need it. Which brings me to category two.
You might be an "IP"--someone who is "in pain" right now. In our broken world, pain will eventually find you, and when that day comes--or if you're in the throes of pain as you read these words today--Romans 8:28 is a lifeline, plain and simple. Our God can redeem even the darkest of days for his purposes. Without this promise, your trials and mine could feel overwhelming, and our pain could feel unbearable.
Or, perhaps you're like me, an "AP," which means you've made it over the most recent of life's painful hurdles in one piece. You're recovering and rebuilding as you navigate the waters called "after pain." For you, Romans 8:28 is a treasure. You now can see evidence of how God worked the pain for good, and as you face the prospect of future trials, something in you knows you'll make it through.

The NINES

2011-09-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Just passing along info about a great, free online event. Basically, it's an online church leadership conference called The NINES. This is the event's third year. The date is September 27 beginning at 10am, going for 9 hours. 99+ speakers take just 5 minutes each touching on one of nine themes: Family, Staff, Time, Vision, Money, Discipleship, Grace, Physical and Emotional Health, and Preaching.

Follow this link to register.

Whatever time you can tune in on Tuesday, it will be worth the investment.

The Rewards of Fear

2011-09-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

He distinguished himself

He gave thanks just as he had done before

He was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent

He trusted in his God

This week while on vacation I'm reading through Daniel. There is so much to glean from this story. Today I read chapter 6, the famous lion's den scene. What struck me was the phrases above describing Daniel.

He had already met several challenges while in captivity and in service to the Babylonian kings. Through them he apparently continued to be steadfast in his commitment to God. Nothing could keep him from it - not even the threat of death. His only fear was of his God. Fear of man or beast wasn't part of his makeup. That lack of fear empowered him to do what he'd always done in his prayer life regardless of a new law, kept him from corruption, and cemented his trustworthy reputation. Daniel feared God. Nothing else.

The Reward: A pleasant night's sleep with some lions.

Maranatha Half Review

2011-09-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

For those looking to read about my half Saturday, here's the scoop.
That morning, Minnesota did not disappoint. In my eyes, perfect running conditions. I was told it was 45 degrees before we left the house. The sky was overcast as we took off at 7:30, and it stayed that way. There were 105 runners tackling the rolling hills of Wyoming, MN.
I wasn't sure quite how I was going to do. My plan was to keep as close to 8:00 miles as possible, finishing in roughly 1:45. I hadn't done as much speed work this training round, but thought I could come pretty close to that pace. The hills were my main question mark. Not that they were crazy steep, just plenty of them.
Mile 1 I clocked an exact 8:00. That felt great. Each mile after that I managed to stay between 8 and 8:15 pretty well. I crossed Mile 7 in 57 minutes, so I had about an 8:08 pace at that point.
I had decided to run with a running bottle for the first time. My motive was to keep going and not let the water stations slow me down. I train with a 10 oz. handleheld and knew that would be enough fluid for 13 miles. To that point I hadn't stopped at all, but the temptation to stop and walk to eat my Power gel was pretty strong. Not strong enough. I ate that around 6.5 and that gave me the boost I needed to overcome the urge to walk.
Once I crossed the Mile 10 marker, my goal was to finish without any walking - just as planned. All along I had been trying to keep pace with a group of 6 runners. Gradually I caught one of them - never saw her again. Two of the remaining 5 picked up their pace, so I had 3 guys left to follow. One of them stopped at all the water stops, so we played leapfrog. I'd pass him, then he'd gradually catch me and the two ahead of me. I finally caught the other 2 guys at Mile 12. For a few seconds I thought they'd let me go ahead, but that didn't last long. They turned it on and left me.
What these guys didn't know, and I didn't really think about either, but they became my pacers. I tried to respond to their last mile pace, but couldn't match it. I did have enough to finish with my fastest mile and come within 35 seconds of those guys. My finishing time: 1:45:38 - an 8:04 pace - good for 20th overall, 6/17 in Age Group M40-49.
I was very pleased with that result. Three of my last few training weeks weren't up to par, and that was the most challenging half course I've ran yet. So to finish with a negative split and have such a constant pace was rewarding. I'd run that race again. If nothing else, to enjoy the great weather of MN in September.
To see the finishing times, follow this link.

Revelation Worship - Better Be Practicing

2011-09-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

As I read through Revelation recently I noticed something about the worship in heaven. Quite a few things actually.

Six chapters (4,5,7,11,15,19) contain worship references/notes/songs. These notes are often said to be repeated, almost like a chant. John describes them being given by creatures, elders, multitudes, and angels. The noise is often so loud that it sounds like a roar, shouting, or crying. And all the worship is about what God has done and who he is.

Now when I read that and then compare it to what I hear in church, I have to be honest - I'm not sure the church is ready for heaven. Some of our songs are more about us than about God. Some of our worshippers detest repeating anything. Some of our noise police often like to blow their whistles. It seems we have some practicing to do.

I believe when we all get there our earthly issues will be over. As it stands now though, it's possible some worshippers will have to get used to revelation-style worship. I don't know about you, but I'd like to do my best to get in the mode now. Surely it's possible to experience a little bit of it now. Let's give it a shot.

Constructive Images of God

2011-09-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Finished reading Stevens's book - one of the best I've read lately. If you are looking for a good devotional book for yourself or a small group to use, check out The Diety Formerly Known as God.
The second part of the book shifts from destructive images we've made of God to constructive images of God that can shape us. Below are the six images with the scriptures Stevens uses to describe them:

Late-Night Neighbor - Luke 11

Lord of the Boardroom - Luke 19

Green-Thumbed Gardener - John 15

Single-Minded Shepherd - Luke 15

Tired-Eyed Father - Luke 15, Matthew 9

Equal Opportunity Employer - Matthew 20

His insights are encouraging and hopeful for those needing a first look at God or a reminder of just who Jesus taught us His Father was. Here are some quotes for whichever category you fall under:

The question is never one of whether or not God will provide, but rather, will you ask him to?...God has a thing for holy fear. God also has a thing for confident assuredness. (Chapter 7, Late-Night Neighbor)

God is both just and generous...In a world filled with pain and fear and confusion, there is a God who is more good, more generous, and more full of grace than we could possibly imagine. (Chapter 8, Lord of the Boardroom)

God cannot garden from a distance. It is in the trusting intimacy of the presence of God that we can grow...Our job couldn't be any simpler: All we have to do is stay. It's amazing how I struggle and strive and stray when all I've ever been asked to do is stay. (Chapter 9, Green-Thumbed Gardener)

We are far from being able to recognize and rest in the voice of Abba amidst the noise of our lives. And we have a hard time believing that we are loved long before we even lift a finger...the temperature changes when we pray to our Abba and not some distant and deaf deity. (Chapter 11, Tired-Eyed Father)

God is not fair. Not in the way we have come to define the term. He doesn't play by our rules, or set his scale to our measurements. God turns fair upside down. He sits the unemployed next to the self-made. He sits the drug addict next to the self-righteous. He sits the sick next to the healthy. The AIDS orphan next to the soccer mom...In God's economy, all are rewarded by the disproportionate quotient of grace...That's the crazy, unfair heart of God--it's never too late. Not for me. Not for you. Not for your brother, sister, husband, wife, mother, father, or anybody. This is the equal opportunity heart of God. One that never stops beating for those not yet in, not yet "fixed," not yet perfect, not yet even aware. (Chapter 12, Equal Opportunity Employer)

Spoils

2011-09-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

Some of the most memorable letters in the Bible are found in Revelation 2-3. They are the seven letters to the churches. Recently I read them and noticed a repeated message toward the end of each letter. The message began each time with the phrase "to those who are victorious..."
Before I list the spoils for the victorious, here's the definition from my study Bible regarding the victorious:

To overcome is to be victorious by believing in Christ, perservering, remaining faithful, and living as one who follows Christ. Such a life brings great reward.

Now from these seven letters, here are the rewards for the victorious:

I will give the right to eat of the tree of life

(They) will not be hurt at all by the second death

I will give some of the hidden manna

I will give authority over the nations...also the morning star

I will acknowledge their name before my Father and his angels

I will make pillars in the temple of my God

I will give the right to sit with me on my throne

Worth living for? Knowing that awaits me, all provided by "the Lamb who was slain"? You bet.

Destructive Images of God

2011-09-05T17:01:00.001-07:00

Jarrett Stevens's book I'm reading is excellent. He acknowledges it's basically an updated version of J. B. Phillips's book Your God is Too Small. Both writers take the first half of their book to discuss destructive views man has of God. Here are Stevens's six titles for these images:

Cop Around the Corner

Sweet Old Man

Cosmic Slot Machine

Talent Show Judge

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Your Parents...Supersized

I'll let you guess from these titles where he goes with them. To help, here are a few sections that can give you insight into just how destructive these images of God can be.

The longer we keep God confined to our concept of time, the older he gets. Ultimately, we can't keep thinking of God in terms of our limited and finite reality. Deep down, our hope is that he is a supreme being who is above all this and has power over all this and can save us from all this. That he actually is bigger, and above and beyond and before us and this whole world. The truth is, that long before us and before this world and before anything existed, there was God. That means that even before there was time, there was God. He existed outside of anything we could imagine or hope for. There was never "not God" and there never will be "not God." The Bible tells us that the night and the day, the things by which we measure time and days and months and years, were created by God. Even the time by which we falsely try to measure God was his idea. Our limited language and perspective have greatly affected our perceptions. Perhaps a better framework for God is not "old" but "timeless." If time is a construct that God is not bound to, well, then that just might change everything. Because that means God loses and gains nothing, that he is perfectly complete. That means he is just as capable, just as powerful, and just as engaged and involved in our world and in our lives today as he has been throughout history. (Chapter 2, Sweet Old Man)

We are a culture inundated and overwhelmed with options. And in the natural progression of things, we as a people have moved from being customers to being customizers...We have found ways of making almost everything around us somehow about us. So it should come as no surprise that we would even find a way to customize God. (Chapter 5, All-You-Can-Eat Buffet)

There is no more powerful force in the universe that shapes your perception of and experience with God outside of your parents...To anyone who has ever had parents, this is my prayer and desire, that you would know God for who he is and who he is not, and that you will recognize him as the source of all that is beautiful in your parents and as the redeemer of all that is broken. This is your God...and you are his child. (Chapter 6, Your Parents...SuperSized)

Broken

2011-09-03T05:32:00.001-07:00

Here's the dream I woke from this morning:

I was at a church service in a large theatre. The pastor had just gotten up to speak when a planned dramatic interruption happened. Dozens of people stood up from their seats and began making a plea for volunteers for a ministry.

I was sitting in a section of the balcony. I was the only person still sitting in that section as the actors were leaving the balcony. As they walked by me, it became more real than acting since I was the only person there and as many of them starting recognizing me. They quietly started getting out of character and stopping to say hello.

While a group of six or seven had stopped together, one man grabbed my hand and very seriously said to me, "Pray for me, John. I'm broken." Everyone and everything stopped. No one said anything more. Our silent prayers and visible tears ended my dream.

My heart was heavy when I woke. I tried to remember the face of that man but couldn't. So instead of praying for him, I asked God to bring to my mind those who that man could represent. I tried to remember the spirit of that man. His acting was gone. He was speaking from a genuine place of brokenness in the midst of his serving. As I prayed for the people I believe he represented at this moment in my life, these thoughts came to me about broken people:

Broken people aren't selfish

Broken people have no pretenses

Broken people are empty of themselves

Broken people are honest

Broken people are genuine

Broken people aren't manipulative

Broken people live in the present

Broken people aren't proud

Broken people have a better understanding of what matters most

Broken people have no problem calling out to God

If you are broken, I pray God meets you where you are today. I pray you embrace the blessings that accompany your state.

If you know broken people, I pray you won't overlook them. I pray you embrace the opportunity to learn from their state.

Community Support

2011-09-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

My 8/21 post talked about our church's work with Ballard Elementary. I got a photo of their appreciation this week.

We look forward to a full year of service to the staff, students, and parents of this community school.

Lee Strobel - Is the Bible Reliable?

2011-08-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

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Calling out Diotrephes

2011-08-29T03:11:00.000-07:00

I have some more guys I want to talk with when I get to heaven. Why? Based on reading their writings, it seems like we'd get along pretty great. Not that my getting along with others is really the focus of heaven, but I think you get my drift.

These guys I'm thinking about are the writers of I-III John and Jude. They call it like it is. In particular, they don't have a problem calling out those who like to make church about themselves rather than about the One they are there to worship. Sorta like my earlier comment about the right focus of heaven.

See, John called out this guy named Diotrephes because he loved to be first, spreading malicious nonsense, refusing to welcome others, and stopping those who wanted to do so and putting them out of the church. Jude called these people blemishes, clouds without rain, wild waves of the sea, and wandering stars.

What was their point? Just trashtalking the opposition? No. Their point is the church shouldn't tolerate people who are about themselves proving they don't love God. And if they don't love God, then they can't possibly love the people in the church much less those outside the church. They called them out in order to clean the place up, help the church be on the lookout for such behavior (sin), and address it so that "to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 25)

Know any Diotrephes? Anybody calling them out? Along with Jude, I "urge you to contend for the faith that the Lord has once for all entrusted to us, his people." (vs. 3)

God's Grace from 9/11

2011-08-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know God has good timing? It still amazes me when I see an example of it. A recent example was picking up this book off my nightstand the other night. It's Jim Cymbala's, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, God's Grace from Ground Zero that he wrote after 9/11. A friend (thank you, Melody) gave it to me several years ago. I'd never read it. With the tenth anniversary around the corner and with Irene happening, the timing couldn't have been more on.
Much of what Cymbala writes in this book needs repeating as this weekend unfolds and as America remembers 9/11. Read these quotes below and see if you agree:

Believers in Christ are not supposed to be sitting around smugly discussing who is to blame for a national tragedy, nor should we be taken up with the various prophetic interpretations swirling around us. We are far better off to simply obey what Christ commanded us to do: Love hurting, bewildered people and share the good news of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ...We Christians and our churches must stop thinking about what's comfortable and begin to take risks in extending ourselves for the Lord.

Nothing will fundamentally change in our world until the gospel of Christ triumphs in the hearts and minds of individual people around the globe.

If you and I focus only on what is visible, how can we possibly avoid anxiety and fear?...What we view as our ultimate reality will determine how well we make it through the storm. We can choose to live for the here and now, or we can choose to fix our spiritual eyes and hearts on where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...Christ often walks toward us on the same stormy seas that threaten to capsize our boat.

Seemingly negative or frustrating experiences often yield beneficial results we never could have imagined...God is sovereign and, when he is not allowed to rule, he overrules circumstances to accomplish his purposes on the earth...Perseverance is never produced through easy, sunny days that present no challenges. You and I learn to endure by tightly holding on to God through trials and severe challenges...Anything--and I mean anything--becomes a blessing if it drives us to prayer.

Running Blind

2011-08-27T02:12:00.000-07:00

The other morning I woke up before the alarm and decided I might as well get up and run. Out the door before 6, so it was still pretty dark. Roughly 3/4 of a mile out, while running in the bike lane through my neighborhood, I approached a clump of something in the lane. As I got closer and a passing car's lights lit up the lane, I figured out it was a dead possum. Roughly 20 yards later I stepped over a dead armadillo. Then within just yards I had to maneuver around two huge palm branches crossing the lane. Within that same patch, cars timely passed so I could see and not do something stupid.

Thinking about it later, I remembered this verse I'd read and journaled about recently from I John 2:11. It says, "those who hate a fellow believer are in the darkness and walk around in the darkness; they do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."

Ever noticed how hate makes you do stupid things. Even while you're doing them your mind is saying, "What is going on? I don't want to do this. Where is this coming from?" Sometimes it's not until much later, after you've totally blown it, that you figure it all out. Then you have to humble yourself, or at least you have the choice, and admit what was driving your outrageous actions.

Thank God for the light of love. It reveals the dead stuff. Gives you a better path. Helps you avoid roadkill and debris.

Choose it. Run in it. The alternative - running blind - can be quite costly.

Happy 95th Birthday, Ms. Ruth (and ROLL TIDE!)

2011-08-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today is several FB friends' birthday, so Happy Birthday to all of you. But I want to give a big "Happy Birthday" shoutout to a 'Bama girl I got to know a little better yesterday. Her name is Ms. Ruth. She attends our church. Today is her 95th birthday.

What I learned about her yesterday was pretty sweet. First, she loves Alabama. That's home. That's where she went to college and met her husband Wheeler. He played football and basketball for the Crimson Tide in the early 40's. After graduating, he served in WWII. He's #51 in this photo. A lot of history in this family.

But what's sweeter is how great of a lady she is today. Sharp as a tack. And funny. Dry humor, about as dry as they come. Whips out a one-liner without any hint of a smile. Cracked me up. On her kitchen table is her Bible. She loves her family, her church, her country, and her God.

So today I wish Ms. Ruth a fantastic birthday. I look forward to getting to know you even more. Roll Tide!

Learning to Receive

2011-08-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we had three guests from the school system in our second service - a principal, a school board member, and a program director. Our congregation had surprised the staff at the principal's school with a breakfast and teacher supplies last week, so it was a cool culmination of that outreach.

I hadn't met the principal before the service, so we spent some time getting to know each other. She told me that her staff still couldn't get over the care they had received. She said that one teacher told her she wasn't sure what to do because she is usually on the giving end and hadn't been on the receiving end enough; it felt awkward for her.

Don't know about you, but that is a feeling I recall also having to learn how to handle. Givers aren't necessarily the best receivers. Over the years I've realized how important it is to be a good receiver. I believe it is important because the giver should feel appreciated and acknowledged for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Otherwise, whether you actually are stupid enough to say it or not, you send the message that you're like a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum on Christmas morning because you didn't get that toy off your wishlist.

Receiving is not the time for pride. I believe it is the place to practice humility. And what better way to learn than to practice. If you have to, practice saying "Thank you," giving a hug, and biting your tongue when you want to say "You shouldn't have" or "But I don't deserve this." Love your giver. It's your turn to learn to receive.

Ministry vs. Movement

2011-08-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

In a conversation this week this statement was made: "Ministry and movement are two different things. A ministry is usually built around a person. When that person is no longer part of it, it goes away. A movement isn't built around a person. What you want to have and build is a movement that isn't about a person."
That's the first time I've heard it stated in those terms, but definitely something I believe. A movement encourages mass involvement. A movement removes the hindrance of proud leadership. A movement nurtures humility. A movement is what Jesus left behind, Paul expanded, and we can continue.

Caught in the Act

2011-08-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a training session for our church group leaders. Excellent discussion. We are looking toward the fall when we'll be leading a study on transformational churches.
After the session, a leader of one of our groups - considered the group with the oldest members in the church - talked with me about how the discussion impacts her class. In telling me her thoughts, she shared with me about catching one of her students in the act of talking with someone about her faith at WalMart.
Is that a big deal? I think so. For anybody to talk to a stranger in a department store about religion is a bold step for most people. What's more remarkable for this lady is that she hardly even leaves her house. She struggles to get around; her body isn't what it once was. But on this day, she managed to drive herself to WalMart to do some shopping. Oh, and while she was at it, she talked with someone about her faith.
I was glad to hear this story. It was encouraging, humbling, and worth repeating. This lady is an example of what transformation is about.
Oh, I forgot to tell you. She's 98 years old...and still getting caught in the act.

Slow and Certain

2011-08-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed...the seed sprouts...the soil produces grain...he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come..."

In just four verses (Mark 4:26-29), Jesus paints another portrait of his understanding of the kingdom of God - which wasn't at all about a physical kingdom but a spiritual one. The growth of the kingdom is compared to the growth of a plant. In the four stages painted, what I noticed as I read this the other day was that man's role is only in the first and last stage - the planting and the harvesting. How that seed grows is completely out of man's control.

It's in those second and third stages where man has to really watch himself; we have a tendency to interrupt the growing process. We can get impatient waiting on the sprouting and the producing. It's in that hurry-up-and-wait period that we may question God's timing, ability, strength, and anything else our pride pushes into our minds.

The truth is God's timing may seem slow, but it is definitely certain. All that should concern me is doing my part. From this comparison, my concerns are planting and harvesting. The rest of the time I need to stay clear. The process may seem slow, but it is faithfully on time. I can be certain of that.

Prayer of an Ironman

2011-08-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Lord, I want to thank you for this day and all these people you've brought into my life to get me to this moment in this place. Like Esther in the Bible, I believe you made me for 'such a time as this.' I believe that you created me specifically to finish this race. I really need your help. Father, I'm tired and my body hurts. I'm not in shape, I'm overweight, I've never swum this far. But Lord, if your Spirit swims, bikes, and runs through me, I will finish this race. With every breath in my lungs and all the strength in my muscles, I will keep going, only I can't do it without you. There's only one way to find out if I can finish this race, and that's to put my body out there and my unwavering faith in you, Lord. I have to know that you are with me. Show me that you are with me."

That's the prayer Ironman Scott Rigsby prayed the night before October 13, 2007, when he became the first double amputee to complete the world-famous Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon. The book Unthinkable is his story. I just finished it. Balled my eyes out reading chapter 11, the story of the remaining 92 miles of the bike ride and then the marathon to finish that race. What a great read.

I'm thrilled that Scott will be here in Bradenton in February. We've scheduled him to be at our church the weekend of February 25-26. There will be a race Saturday evening, then he will share in our services on Sunday. Because of this book, I believe we will call that weekend Changing the World. Thanks, Scott.

Prayer for our Nation

2011-08-09T17:59:00.001-07:00

I received an email the other day containing this Billy Graham prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good," but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen.

A Better Future

2011-08-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

Started reading Ruth yesterday. I got stalled at her famous line in chapter 1, verse 16, that starts with "Don't urge me to leave." On down in verse 18 it says she was determined to go.

Never really thought about this, but I would like to have DVR of any scene in history at my disposal in my living room in heaven.

Here's why: I'd like to see Ruth's face, hear her tone when she said these words to Naomi.

Here's why: We're not told what drove her determination. It could be she felt a strong connection to Naomi as a grieving widow. It could be she didn't care for her own family as much as Naomi. It could be she was ready to say goodbye to Moab for what she hoped would be a better place. Whatever the reason, I can only assume she wanted more from a future with Naomi in a strange place than she was going to get returning to a familiar place full of history.

I might not be able to fully grasp it by seeing her face or hearing her voice, but I'd love to know what gave Ruth her determination. She was determined her future was going to be better and noone was going to keep her from living it out. And as she said to Naomi, she believed her life wasn't hers; it was Naomi's God's.

For now, I have to be satisfied with words on a page. They inspire me to trust in a God who has all things planned, which includes a better future.

Deception

2011-07-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Reading time has dwindled over the last few months, so finishing a book is taking a while longer. Hopefully that will change in a few weeks.
Today I finished Travis Verge's book Walking in Shadows. Picked this up from him at a Christian retailer show in Orlando a few years ago. In this work, Verge discusses the distortion of truth by Satan over many things in life. The chapter I most enjoyed was #7 - The Ways Satan Deceives. Below are quotes from it along with a few others from the latter end of the book.

I would think presidential elections, terrorism, false religions, and "churches" are places where Satan works the most...I would love the true body of Christ, through evangelism and love, to become such a threat to Satan that he would not know what to do with us. Could this be why the church in America has such peace and lack of persecution? Could Satan have learned from the first century that the church becomes unstoppable during persecution? If Satan can deceive people into believing that their purpose is tied to this world and that they are following God even though they are selfish, materialistic, lukewarm, and stagnate in their faith, is he not successful even now?

I was not created to marry, have children, work a good job, and be comfortable financially, but I was created to be with God for all eternity...A good way to determine if the world has its claws in you is to ask yourself whether or not you would want to die today...Today, I am working on true faith in God, knowing if God took me home to be with Him that He would take care of my wife and my boys because He loves them more than I do.

My relationship with God is not based on what happens every Sunday but on what happens daily and even hourly with Him. My worship is not what happens on Sunday but in how I live my life every single day. My knowledge is not primarily what I learn on Sundays but on what God teaches me every day from His Word.

God would prefer that you be motivated by love rather than by fear.

If the Bible speaks consistently about a topic, then it is important and I need to pay attention. If it is not mentioned much, then it cannot be the most important thing I need to know.

Forgiveness comes through telling the right person of the sinful choices you have made.

Is the God and Bible you know more from your own study or more from what you were taught by imperfect, fallible people?

The God of Peace

2011-07-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up our study through Philippians tonight at Baseball Chapel Bible Study. Chapter 4 has so many familiar phrases and verses. One phrase stuck out to me this afternoon more than anything else - the last part of verse 9 which says, "And the God of peace will be with you."
This thought made me look back over the prior verses. It struck me that Paul had just passed out a bunch of exhortations ending them with this promise. I believe he was saying that if I follow these things the result will be the presence of the God of peace.
So it came to my mind to rephrase the section beginning with this promise and ending it with each of these exhortations. With that in mind, here is how this section could be paraphrased:

The God of peace will be with you as you rejoice in the Lord always

The God of peace will be with you as you let your gentleness be evident to all

The God of peace will be with you as you resist being anxious about anything

The God of peace will be with you as you present your requests to Him

The God of peace will be with you as you think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable

Reading the promise that way makes me also want to listen to Paul in the first part of verse 9 which says, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice."

May the God of peace be with you.

Hoonigans

2011-07-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Love it when a new word is coined - especially when it wasn't really planned. Those are the best.

Thus is the story of Hoonigans.

While telling the story of Sanballat the Horonite from Nehemiah and trying to slangly refer to him as a hooligan, our pastor blurted out the term Hoonigan. I smiled.

So what exactly is a Hoonigan? In context from Nehemiah's story, a Hoonigan is anyone who wants to discourage those attempting to do God's work. Some do that by ridicule. Others do it by persistent resistance. A few will even go so far as conspiring against the work/workers.

I used this term more than once today. One was in the case of a confusion over Santa Claus - Hoonigan. Another was in the case of denying the value of any ministry to the homeless - Hoonigan.

So what exactly does one do with a Hoonigan? I don't know what you think, but I'm for telling them the truth, focusing on God's assigned work, and trusting God they will either get on board or get out of the way.

Maybe it was a mistake, but I'm thankful for the insight from Texas...Don't concern yourself with Hoonigans!

Stop and Think About It

2011-07-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished revising plans for something that will probably sound strange to most readers. I've been telling people for years that they should plan their memorial service. The reasons are pretty obvious when you stop and think about it.

Go ahead. Stop and think about it.

After being part of many memorial services - two in the last two weeks - I believe this more than ever. The exercise of planning your memorial service puts many things into perspective. If nothing else, it encourages you to live like Paul suggests in Philippians - that we are citizens of heaven. The act of thinking about not being here forever will cause you to pause. How do you want to be remembered? What are the messages your life will leave? Who do you want sharing that message in your memory? How best do they share that message?

I had to revise my plans because Keith Martin won't be there. He's happy about that, I'm sure. But he also knows what I'm talking about. He had the chance to plan his service just like my dad.

Go ahead. Stop and think about it.

Finish Strong

2011-07-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

I just watched Cadel Evans win the Tour de France. Thrilled for him. He's the first Australian to win the event. I've watched more of the tour this year than ever, and he's been my favorite. I guess because he seemed to be fighting alone. The other big names had either won before or appeared to have stronger support.

Going into today's time trial, he was :57 out of first place. If I understood it right, he had never been able to overtake the first place guy before with that great of distance between them. He rode possessed today. Not only did he make up the 57 seconds, he overtook first place by more than a minute. Incredible. I would say that is a great example of someone finishing strong.

Finishing strong...that is a familiar phrase from the last two weeks. Before he went to heaven, I wrote a note to my friend Keith Martin and encouraged him to do just that. Come to find out, that was a lifelong mantra of his that I didn't know. According to his family, that's what Keith did. Yesterday I was honored to serve as a pallbearer at the memorial service.

Fortunately for Cadel and Keith, they knew what they were facing to finish strong. Cadel had to ride the time trial of his life for 26.4 miles. Keith had to face the end of his life. Unfortunately for most of us, all we know is the present moment. How can we know that we will finish strong? It seems to reason if you want to finish strong though being unaware of where the actual finish line may be that you have to practice staying in a continual state of living strong.

Thanks for the encouragement, men, to live in such a way that you will undoubtedly finish strong.

C'mon...it's 4am

2011-07-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

I woke from a dream this morning that was another one of those so-real-you-wake-up-wondering-what-world-you're-in dreams. It was some sort of flashback to childhood where I had gotten upset at everybody and ran off to a secret hideout and realized noone was missing me. Did you ever do that as a kid? Have that feeling during a game of hide and seek or simply just got lost and wondered if anybody was really missing you? I remember getting separated from my family once in Martin's and had that feeling. Time stopped. I thought, "I'll always be alone. Why isn't anyone calling for me or wondering where I am?"

That's the feeling I woke up to. I turned over and saw the clock reading 4am. Not the time to be hit with a spirit of loneliness. It was irritatingly real. In one second I'm a kid; in the next I'm an adult saying, "C'mon. It's 4am. I don't have time for this?"

My analytical mind kicked in, and I began wondering why in the world would I dream something like that. During the night when I wake up straight from a "real" dream, it's become my practice to talk to God about it. As I did this this morning, I was led to think about three people that maybe were actually wide awake at that time - not from a dream of being alone but from never having gone to sleep because they actually were feeling alone. I decided they were why I had dreamed this dream. Despite that it was 4am, I needed to stay awake and pray for them.

As I did, Psalm 139 and 2 Timothy 1:7 were the verses I prayed over them. These verses remind us that we are not alone, that God doesn't give us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

What did I get from this little event? Sometimes my dreams aren't for me. Sometimes I need to pass along a message to someone who needs a touch. Sometimes God wants to talk to me when I'd rather be sleeping. All the time I'm better off listening and obeying.

Stay Humble

2011-07-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

I don't remember relaying this, but I've had the privilege of working with Baseball Chapel since March leading chapel meetings for the players at Pirate City. It's been great fun getting to know these young guys and walking with them as they endure life's lessons.
Tonight's lesson was on humility. We had a great discussion on the subject. Touched on Moses' example, the balance a leader must have with humility and doing his best work, and even approached the topic of baptism. I love talking about these character issues through the lens of the Bible with these guys.
After I got home I had the behind-the-scenes documentary of Oprah's final season on. Tonight's episode chronicled behind the scenes of the huge celebration at the end of the season at the United Center. Stedman said two final words to Oprah as he left her to head to the event: "Stay humble."
Huh. Stuck out to me since I'd just led a discussion on the subject. A personality under such huge scrutiny was being reminded to stay humble. Good lesson. We all need the challenge. We all need the reminder. Stay humble. And besides, when you do God says he'll give you grace (I Peter 5:5). Something else we all need.

Unashamed God

2011-07-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Since July 5, two men I called friends have died. Thaddeus was 39, a single dad of four; Keith was 53, a married father of two. Both men will be hugely missed by hundreds of people.
They will be missed for all the normal reasons - humor, spirit, perspective, love, friendship, etc. One of the key reasons they will be missed is for their faith.
As I read Hebrews 11 today, verses 13-16 seemed to describe Thaddeus and Keith. The Hebrews writer refers to people of faith who died while believing but not having received all they might have expected from this life. How could they have when dying before living a full life? How could Thaddeus have when dying suddenly while on vacation? How could Keith have while fighting to stay alive for the last two years of his life?
Believe it or not, if they could answer the questions for us they would probably say their unmet expectations are rubbish compared to what they are experiencing now. Why? Because, I believe, they are the "they" of verse 16. It says, "they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
I want to be labeled like that - God is not ashamed to be called my God. That's the result of a faith-lived life. My memorial to Thaddeus and Keith is just that. They are in a better country with their unashamed God.

A Better Answer - I Mean, A Better Question

2011-06-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked which I preferred, traditional or contemporary worship music. In the setting I was caught offguard and answered what was an honest answer but not the best answer, "Both." I'd like to give a more reflective answer now.

A better answer would be that I don't think this is the right question to be asking. Since worship is a form of offering, my preferred style shouldn't be my top concern. My top concern should be to provide the object of my worship what He prefers. So a better question would be, "What music style does God prefer?" Changes the subject completely. But since He is the object of my worship, that's where the focus should be. On Him. Not on me. Not on my preferences.

If that is the better question to ask - which music style does God prefer - I'd have to answer that I think He doesn't really concern himself with what style the worship offering is. According to His Son, all God is looking for is worship that is of the right spirit and is grounded in truth. Does God prefer bluegrass over rap, gospel over hymns, country over rock, reggae over folk? I honestly don't think He cares. He just desires to hear his children worship.

Since I've not been there or had a sneak peek, I have to assume that I have no idea what heaven's music is like. I can only look through my earthly lens and guess. It's entirely possible that it's like nothing I've ever heard. It's entirely possible that it's not like anything "I prefer." But my likes are flawed. They are earthly. While I remain here, all I know to do is worship in spirit and in truth when I have the chance, and while I'm at it, practice being in heaven with all the rest of God's children and respect how they worship in spirit and in truth even when it's not my preferred style. If God doesn't show prejudice, why should I? Don't look for me to be rapping any time soon, but then again...

Receiving More than You Give

2011-06-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days where on reflection you realize, "That was a pretty cool day." It started earlier than usual so I could run the bridge; it ended later than usual because of catching up with a friend after seeing the preview of Courageous (you need to click on that link).
In between the start and the end, the various tasks I accomplished involved encouraging, affirming, listening, and blessing. What was sweet was realizing that after giving through much of the day I actually received more than I gave. And what I gave was returned to me in greater quantity. Sound biblically familiar?
The prayer I wrote in my journal before going to bed said this: "God, thank you for a great day of ministry. I was encouraged as I encouraged, affirmed as I affirmed, heard as I listened, and blessed as I blessed. Your Word does not return void."

Shoutout for 9 Miles

2011-06-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

A shoutout to my friend Michael. Two entries ago I wrote about experiencing life. Yesterday he lived it out.

Michael started running last year. He's now running 3 days a week and targeting his first half marathon by the end of the year. He posted on FB that his wife was gone this weekend, so I invited him to run with me yesterday morning for 9 miles. His exact words: "Wow. Don't know if I can handle that. Where and what time? I'm excited and scared."

He showed up at 6am ready to go for it. Prior to yesteday, his longest run ever was 7.5 miles. So he survived the 9 miles. Correction: He handled the 9 miles. Quite well actually. We kept a steady pace, paused when we needed, and finished strong. Go, Michael.

Your turn. Give the invite. Take the invite. Experience.

God's Resting Place

2011-06-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

Finished Ron Marquardt's book on rest yesterday. I enjoyed his writing and insight. His approach to the subject wasn't along the lines of learning to slow down but rather learning our identity in God which results in restful peace. Excellent truth. Here are a few quotes:

When our view of God is wrong, we see everthing wrong. If I believe God is angry and hard to please, I find myself behaving the same way. If I find Him happy one moment and angry the next, I will soon follow suit. This is because we mimic the God we serve.

Not being able to hear and enter into rest is a heart problem...if we don't deal with them quickly, heart problems will rob us of the life that God desires us to have.

With God, it is always now...when trouble comes and all you have is a theory about God or an intellectual understanding about Him, you can lose hope quickly if you don't have the experience of communing with Him every day, hearing what He has to say...the reasons for not listening seem to be an endless stream of fears.

Jesus is never willing to throw us out, even if we are bruised, even if we are stinking up the place.

What brings humility is the total abandonment to our self-effort and a reliance on Him and His delivering power...self-effort is firmly grounded in pride.

Generosity that works from a place of rest can give abundantly because it is not worried about self.

Experience

2011-06-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday held a unique music opportunity for the men of our church. The ladies were given the day off, and any man who wanted to sing in the choir for Father's Day was welcomed to jump in. 35 men seized the opportunity and did a great job.

One of our deacons told me later it was a great experience. His exact words were, "I've never been up there (on stage in the choir loft). That was a lot of fun. I enjoyed being part of it."

His statement about never being up there has stuck with me. Doing something you've never done presents you with various emotions. Maybe you're facing a fear, doing something uncomfortable, or just adventuring into new territory. Whatever emotions it drums up, you're in for a new experience.

Experience. That's one thing living should be about - at least if you desire to live an impactful, memorable life.

Is God giving you a chance to do something you've never done? Have you had the nudge and are waffling on stepping out? Why wait? What's the worse that can happen, especially if you believe God is calling you to it? Go have fun. Be a part of it. Impact. Experience.

How Can I Serve You?

2011-06-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Does this greeting sound familiar: "Welcome to __________. How can I serve you?" If you frequent Chick-fil-A, it should.

What I love about that greeting is it goes against what our nature actually wants us to do. Now that Chick-fil-a employee has been hired to serve, so I'm sure once they don the uniform, their training program kicks in - they magically desire to serve other people.

Now I say it goes against our nature, but I wonder if that is really true. Were we created to serve or is service learned behavior? Are we naturally born selfish, desiring to be served rather than to serve? Does a desire to serve indicate maturity whereas a desire to be served shows immaturity?

Didn't really mean to go there, but those are good thoughts.

Where I meant to go was it seems those who live to serve are generally happy, well-adjusted, contented people who don't come across as self-absorbed or imbalanced. They look for people to serve rather than complain about either not being served or not receiving the type of service they "need" or expect.

If you wonder which of these two types of people you are, check yourself with this simple test. Which of the two following questions best describes how you view life: 1) Am I getting the service I need? or 2) How can I give others the service they need? If you've never looked at yourself from this angle, take a look. Could be very revealing. If nothing else, try greeting a few people with "How can I serve you?" That will tell you a lot.

Be careful, though. You might like it.

Bunk

2011-06-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today in the office I heard a word repeated that was used in the pastor's message this past Sunday. It's a deep theological word that says quite a bit when used properly. This may come as a surprise, but it goes along with another term I noted from Sunday's message - "gobbledygook." The word that I heard repeated today can mean, according to the online slang dictionary, any of the following: boring, worthless, of poor quality, not as good as originally expected. If you're trying to guess the word, let me help you; it's a four-letter word that starts with a "b" and ends with "-unk." Got it? When used correctly, this word can add tremendous strength to a statement.
Allow me to illustrate. Take the verse Proverbs 29:25. It says that "to fear anyone will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." My paraphrase: "If you fear anyone more than you trust God, that's just bunk."
I'd like to give a shoutout to a friend who I believe lives out this great theology. His name is Tommy. Tommy is his own man. He loves God. He's pretty fearless when it comes to his fellow man. Tommy frankly doesn't put up with any bunk. I love him. The world could use more properly-fearful, let's-get-rid-of-all-the-bunk men who choose to trust God more than to fear man.
Want peace? Trust God. Don't fear man. Get rid of the bunk.

God Is With You

2011-06-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

All of us have had moments in our lives when you're forced to do something that you don't really want to; you believe you can do it, yet it would be nice to know that God is with you to give you what you need to follow through so that He is represented and not you. Follow that?

Yesterday I had one of those moments. I made sure my Bible was close by all day. Before the moment arrived, I was reading through Proverbs. The final chapter I read was #28. Here are the phrases from some of those verses that gave me God's assurance:

"...the righteous are a bold as a lion"

"...those who seek the Lord understand what is right fully"

"...blessed are those who always tremble before God"

"...those whose walk is blameless are kept safe"

"...those who walk in wisdom are kept safe"

No accident that I read those phrases at that moment. They are now highlighted so that I can recall that moment the next time I need to know that God is with me.

Love, Don't Stab

2011-06-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've never been physically stabbed or clubbed. Just for the record, neither have I stabbed or clubbed another person. Well, at least not physically. When I read the following verse (Proverbs 25:18) I realize I'm guilty of doing it in other ways:

"Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor."

I'm sure if God were ungracious enough to be keeping score he could reveal that I've inflicted more wounds than I've received. False testimony comes in many forms -gossip, rumors, accusations, assumptions, slander, and plain 'ole lying. So anytime I've engaged these forms I've stabbed my neighbor.

Shocking image? Shouldn't be. We've all been on the receiving end. Doesn't feel good. What does feel good is when we do the opposite - "Love your neighbor as yourself."

I'd like God to be pleased to reveal my scorecard. That could happen if I inflict less pain than I receive. Sounds a lot like love.

Writing/Living Your Story

2011-06-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

(Listening to this audio book is fantastic. I might have a new hobby.)

Miller has impressed on me the idea that living our lives is like writing a story, our story. Today I listened to him tell how he made a comment to a friend that his daughter, who was dating a loser and dabbling in pot, was not living a good story. Later, his friend told him how looking at his family through this lens of what kind of story they were living had totally changed the direction they were going - for the better.

Interesting thought, right? If I look at living my life as the art of writing my story, that produces hosts of questions. Is the story going anywhere? If so, is it a good direction? Does it need to change? Am I writing the story God intended for me to write? Interesting, right?

I just saw a terrific illustration of this on the news. A lady whose 20-year-old son was murdered in 1993 by a 16-year-old now lives beside her son's killer. She went to visit him in prison a few years ago. Her statement to him then was, "We don't know each other, so let's just start right here, right now." Through forgiveness and mercy, she and her son's killer, who is now out of prison, have a close relationship. They literally live beside each other in an apartment building in Minnesota. She actually convinced her landlord to let him move into the apartment beside her when he was released from prison. She desired to write a good story. Now he can do the same. Interesting, right?

I encourage you to stop and think about your story. Could completely change the next chapter and where the plot goes from here.

Hating What God Hates

2011-06-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, God hates some things, according to Proverbs 6:16-19. Here they are with parentheticals of Biblical characters who portrayed them:

Haughty eyes (Naaman, Nebuchadnezzar)

Lying tongues (Ananias and Sapphira)

Hands that shed innocent blood (Jezebel, Judas)

Hearts that devise wicked schemes (Delilah, Rebekah)

Feet quick to rush into evil (Cain, Jacob)

False witnesses who pour out lies (Pharisees against Jesus)

People who stir up dissension in the community (OT Israelites, NT religious leaders)

These things have been around since the bite of the fruit. Their base serves to uplift man and rebel against God. That surely explains why God hates them.
As hard as I try, I can't keep these things from pounding on my heart's door. That's why I must check my heart, motives, and actions to purify them of these detestable things. I must also rebuke them in those around me to assist them in purifying themselves from these things God hates.
May our actions reflect what God loves, not what He hates.

Listening to a Book

2011-06-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Bought my first audio book yesterday. It's Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. On an average day I spend roughly an hour driving so I should wipe this book out in no time.

This is only my third time listening to a book rather than reading it. The other times were books I didn't own, so this is a step in a new direction. I actually spent money for this one. I'm a caveman when it comes to reading. So you can say I've rolled the stone away to enter a new world. Don't get excited. No Kindle in my immediate future.

What I like about listening to this book while I'm driving is it feels like I'm engaged in a conversation. It's one-sided, but still. It's more than entertainment or preoccupation. I'm learning. I'm engaged. I'm listening, probably more intently than whatever level of listening I reach while only reading.

I'm not really sure why I've resisted the audio world of reading. I knew I'd never listen to a book at home; it would only happen while driving. My guess is my resistance was because I'm more prone to want to hear music while I'm driving rather than someone engaging my mind. Music doesn't necessarily make me think. Certainly not as much as listening to someone talking.

So what I've discovered in the last 24 hours is that my natural desire for learning is tapped into by listening to a book while driving. What have I been thinking all this time? Apparently I've not been. But then, what should I expect from a caveman?

The Story of the Vietnam Memorial

2011-05-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

A few paragraphs telling the story of the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as appeared in American Lifestyle:

Maya Lin designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a course in funerary architecture at Yale University. She got a B+, but she submitted the idea to the national competition then under way to pick a design for a Vietnam memorial, and beat out more than 1,400 other entrants.

When the plan was unveiled, it caused a minor scandal. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is like no other war memorial built before it; there is no triumphalism or celebration of bravery in it, just a long black granite wall engraved with the seemingly endless names of the Vietnam War's dead. It was called a scar on the earth, a ditch, a slap in the face to veterans. Jim Webb, now a U.S. Senator from Virginia, called it a "nihilistic slab of stone." There were accusations that a Communist had infiltrated the competition jury, and slurs against Lin's ethnicity. It came very close to not being built at all.

But it was built, and has become perhaps Washington's best-loved monument. "I remember one of the veterans asking me before the wall was built what I thought people's reactions would be to it," Maya Lin has said. "I was too afraid to tell him what I was thinking, that I knew a returning veteran would cry."

She was right. Veterans and family members of those who served do cry in front of the wall, and it's not hard to understand why. The polished surface of the stone gives the visitor a clear reflection of him or herself, superimposed on the 58,260 names of those who never came home (including 1,200 listed as missing, denoted by a cross rather than the usual diamond). It's a simple, powerful juxtaposition--we the living, they the dead--that will move you even if you have no direct connection to the Vietnam War. Every day, people leave offerings at the foot of the wall; all of these, except for perishables like food and flowers, are collected by National Park Service rangers, tagged, and archived. A rotating selection is displayed at the National Museum of American History.

The reason I most like this story is because Lin believed in her work and was committed to honoring these vets as she best knew how. I've stood by the Memorial and agree its simplicity is its power. Lin's work is an illustration of the power of what's in a name. Today I thank all the names of those who've sacrificed for our nation's freedom.

More Manning Quotes

2011-05-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading Manning's book The Importance of Being Foolish. Here are a few more quotes:

To ascertain where you really are with God, recall what saddened you the past month. Was it the realization that you do not love Jesus enough? That you did not seek his face in prayer often enough? That you did not care for his people enough? Or did you get depressed over a lack of respect, criticism from an authority figure, your finances, a lack of friends, fears about the future, or your bulging waistline?

Conversely, what gladdened you the past month? Reflection on your election to the Christian community? The joy of saying slowly, "Abba, Father"? The afternoon you stole away for two hours with only the gospel as your companion? A small victory over selfishness? Or were the sources of your joy a new car, a Brooks Brother suit, a great date, great sex, a raise, or a loss of four inches from your hips?

The insecure Christian finds it exceedingly difficult to listen to the opinions of others. He is so uncertain about his own identity that he has to assert himself all the time, gripped as he is by the fear that in listening to others or surrendering an opinion he may lose a part of his own shaky identity. Or his uncertainty about his identity may cause him to rarely assert himself, since expressing his true feelings to others might open him up to their criticism. He seldom laughs at himself because hearty laughter (the built-in safety valve reminding him of his creaturehood) is a luxury he cannot indulge: it might reduce his overestimation of himself and impel him to stop taking himself so seriously. He does not cry--that would be a chink in his "invulnerable" armor. Conversely, he may cry often, but alone--he can't let others know that he is less than perfect. He does not readily admit mistakes because of his insatiable desire for the approval of others. Blunders damage his credibility. "We live in an age," says J. B. Priestley, "when no man of importance ever admits that he is wrong."

To be compassionate is to understand the conflicts other people have created in themselves without getting caught up in their poignant drama; you realize your compassion will be most effective if you stay centered in loving acceptance.

One cannot but think of the number of wrong marriages, wrong jobs, wrong personal relationships, and all the concomitant suffering that would be avoided if Christians submitted their decision-making process to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and shared in his intimate trust in God's direction. We often forget that we have the same access to God that Jesus enjoyed. But we must never forget that our Creator cares. God knows each of us by name and is deeply involved in the dramas of our personal existence.

The Cross is an ugly fact of our history, and we must resist the temptation to soften its meaning.

Bugs in the Eye

2011-05-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

Monday morning I was about half a mile into my run just as daylight was breaking when a first happened. I felt something hit my eye like a raindrop. Since it wasn't complete daylight yet, I couldn't quite tell what the clouds were like, but it didn't seem like it was raining. It seemed weird that a raindrop hit my eye.
Well, a few steps later I realized that wasn't it. Instead of water a bug had flown in my eye. My first reaction was to just blink and it would fly out. Didn't happen. So I rubbed my eye a time or two. All that did was make it go deeper in my eyelid. I was still trying to keep my stride while attempting to get this bug out. Nothing was working.
Finally, it was too irritating so I had to stop completely and work this thing out. It didn't take that long, but the thought hit me that if I can't get this thing out I'd have to forget the run and head back home. Didn't want to do that. Thankfully, in just a few seconds I managed to get it out.
As I ran on, a very strong life analogy hit me about this small incident. Often, something out of nowhere hits us and gets under our skin. Our first instinct may be to keep on going and just let it take care of itself. Many times it does. But not every time.
There are things that simply get too irritating, too inhibiting that unless we stop to deal with them will keep us from being at our best. Like it or not, we have to stop and deal with it. Depending on how we handle it, we can allow this thing to fester and get worse or even send us running backward rather than moving forward.
The solution is to stop. Stop and deal with it. However long it takes, the time is worth it. Once it's out and over with, you are free. Why we allow ourselves to not recognize the need to address things immediately is just crazy. Probably our pride more than anything else. Ignoring the obvious just leads to much more damage, potentially longterm and life-altering. Why not just stop?
Feeling irritated? Something under your skin? Stop. Deal with it. Choose to run free.

Choose Hope

2011-05-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

I had a feeling when I was about to write this yesterday that I had written about this passage before. Looked it up and sure enough. The great thing is that my focus this time was on something else. That's one of my joys of rereading - a different season, a different message.

Romans 4:19 says that Abraham and Sarah both had to face the fact that their bodies were "as good as dead" - speaking of their reproduction systems. That was a problem. God's promise hadn't been fulfilled. Seemed pretty impossible now, facing the facts.

That's the reason to keep reading the story. Here's what verses 20-21 say:

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."

There are times that reality for us is that something looks dead. Our hopes, expectations, or understandings don't see a way for renewed life for that circumstance - maybe a marriage, finances, career path, etc. According to Abraham's example, I have a choice. Waver in unbelief and thereby walk away from God's promise or hold on to my faith in God's character. What did Abraham do? He chose to remain "fully persuaded" in the power of God.

I don't know about you, but that's pretty strong. Human reality may say something's impossible, but that perspective must be ignored. If God promised it, it remains possible. You can choose to be fully persuaded. That choice gives you hope and keeps you unwavered.

Unwavering Hope (reposting from 5/24/09; different note on this same story tomorrow)

2011-05-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

Just read Romans 4 where Paul said that even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping. In human perspective, Abraham had every reason in the world to give up on believing God's promise. From the day it was spoken to the day it was fulfilled took 25 years. By that time Abraham was 100 years old. It was funny enough that the promise came to have a child when he was 75, but to wait until he was 100 - are you kidding me?

And let's not kid ourselves, guys. The bigger picture was that Sarah hadn't had a child yet. By age 89 I'm sure she had days where she wanted to say to Abraham, "Can you just keep that whole promise thing to yourself? I'm not really that thrilled at the notion of childbearing at my age. Maybe you should tell God he's made a mistake and go find a younger chic to birth the first of this numerous nation he's got big plans about."

But Paul says that's not what Abraham did. Instead of his faith weakening it got stronger. It seems like God's point was to make Abraham an example; his faith needed strengthening in order for that future numerous nation to receive strength from his. That's pretty much what verses 23-24 say.

But, as he often does, God didn't tell Abraham that tidbit. There was no timetable/guideline/stipulation so Abraham could check off the calendar how many days were left until little junior would show up. No, he had no idea how long he had to stick it out. All Abraham had was a spoken promise. For him, that was enough. And that brought God glory, so God counted it as righteousness.

Boy, does this story/example go against our culture. We live in a contract/agreement/"when can I count on you to deliver" world. I don't know if I know anyone with Abraham's 25-years-of-waiting faith.

So here's how I can improve my unwavering hope by looking at Abraham's strength:

Resting in God's promises

Not needing to know all the details

Accepting that God's timing is just fine

Acknowledging that watching the clock isn't going to make it move faster

Believing that his word is good enough. In fact, it's just good.

Love Trumps Convictions

2011-05-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

The other morning over breakfast my 80-year-old neighbor explained why he has a hard time with some family members who claim to be Christian. As I listened, I had several emotions - none which produced joy. Why? Because the stories I heard were of actions that fail to be Christlike.

These stories relayed often-repeated themes of double standards as perceived by judging non-Christians. But, as in many instances, they have a point. How can a Christian be generous to people he doesn't know but a tightwad to his own family? How can it be right to push your convictions on someone in a disrespectful and unloving gesture?

As I pulled away from the restaurant parking lot, I cried for my neighbor. He is in charge of his own eternal choice, and it seems he may allow a 20-year-old grudge to cloud his judgment. How sad for love to be trumped rather than to be the trump.

Did Jesus have convictions? Certainly. Remember the temple scene? I'm just thankful He knew where to draw the line and not allow his convictions to trump his love. Had He done so, Calvary wouldn't be in our history. And we wouldn't even know the word Easter. He knew that in order to show He loved God He had to also show He loved those who would hold so tightly to their convictions by killing Him. Thank Jesus love trumped convictions for you and me.

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

2011-05-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Can anyone serve? This story tells you the answer.

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

Truth and Transparency

2011-05-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

This book I'm reading by Brennan Manning is my first by him. Enjoying it. Thought I'd pass along a few quotes from the first two chapters entitled Truth and Transparency.

A truly balanced person retains a capacity for wonder and the willingness to express it in the very confession of creaturehood, the spontaneous acknowledgment that he is a human being and not a god, a being with limitations who, far from having embraced infinity, is happily and hopelessly engulfed by it.

In our hearts none of us have completely forgiven our enemies the way we should. In Jesus' post-Resurrection encounter with the apostles on the beach along the Sea of Tiberias, when one might have expected, as Raymond Brown says, "the impact of unbearable glory," Jesus serves fish and chips. There is no mention, appareantly even no memory, of their betrayal. Never a reproach or even an indirect reference to their cowardice in the time of testing. No sarcastic greeting like, "Well, my fair-weather friends...." No vindictiveness, spite, or humiliating reproach. Only words of warmth and tenderness. The same in the Upper Room as Jesus says, "Peace be to you."

Soren Kierkegarrd, the father of Christian existentialism, describes two types of Christians: those who imitate Jesus Christ and a second, much cheaper brand-those who are content to admire him.

Love that does not lead to action is not love.

Cool Vets

2011-05-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not referring to cars. I'm referring to my meeting two WWII vets in the last 5 days. Met one on Friday - interviewed him for a video to be shown in our Memorial Day weekend service. At 85, Bob is still full of life, even though his body isn't. This afternoon met 88-year-old Walter whose body is fairing even worse. Yet, his winking humor is still highly active. Walter has worn a prosthetic since 1945 when a landmine blew off his leg in France. He and his wife have been married 69 years.

What richness these men have to pass along. Has made me pause in thanks for our vets and for those serving us now.

Lessons from Bridgette and Max

2011-05-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

My week with the beagles ended yesterday.
Here are a few lessons we shared:

People are a lot like dogs (you read that right - that's what I meant to say)
Clear boundaries make relationships healthy
When the howling starts, take time to listen and respond
Giving and taking is good for all of God's creatures
A warm welcome is nice anytime of the day
Mutual respect may take time, but the dividends are worth the effort
A bribed response doesn't compare to a willful one

The Howling

2011-05-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Beagles howl. Had no idea. The real thing I had no idea was what in the world does it mean. Are they ticked, happy, freaked, or what? Best I can tell, it's their way of saying, "Yo, I've got something to say. Listen up."
The howling mostly happens when you arrive home from being gone a while. Now whether they are saying, "Hi, honey. How was your day?" or "Seriously, I've got to pee now." or just "Touch me. Touch Me. TOUCH ME. TOOUUCCHH MMEEE," I can't tell you. Don't speak beagle.
I believe the main thing they are doing when they howl is what a lot of humans do when they need attention - they just make a lot of noise. Some of our noise is good; some not. Regardless, we're all looking for attention.
Before this week I would have judged dog owner's with howling, barking dogs as poor controllers. Have a different perspective now. Just like with Bridgette and Max (see previous entries), I have to let people do what they've got to do to say what they've got to say. And the sooner I give them the right attention, the quieter it'll all be.

Change - from a dog's perspective

2011-05-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Just like humans, some dogs don't handle change well and others roll with the flow. My schedule this week, already different from Bridgette and Max's norm (see previous entry), has not been consistent from day to day. Some days up before 6; some days not. Some days home at 10; some days home most of the day. To be honest, these dogs have no idea what's going on other than their norm ain't. What's a dog to do?

Well, Max rolls with it. He's always ready to do his "business," eat whatever comes his way, etc. Bridgette - not a roller. She's used to things her way. If she ain't ready to eat, oh well. That'll just have to wait. Same thing with taking care of "business."

Now, is this a gender thing, an age thing, or simply a "that's how I roll" thing? Either way, humans handle change as variously as these beagles. What's a dogsitter to do?

Best answer I got for dealing with both humans and animals: I'll meet you where you are and walk with you. Who knows - I could be here to help you or you could be here to help me. Either way, walking together is better than walking alone. Bottom line: Change really is good.

Old Dogs. New Tricks. Forget About It.

2011-04-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I took on the task of dogsitting for some friends enjoying a weeklong trip to see their 3 boys and, most importantly, see their first grandchild for the first time; she will be 2 weeks old Sunday.

I don't recall the dog's ages, but suffice it to say one can do several helicopters (Max) while the other (Bridgette) watches. Max is new to the household; Bridgette has been around her whole life. Max is happy to just be; Bridgette believes she makes her own happiness. And her happiness appears to be in doing things the way she's always done them.

For instance, I was asked to make sure the pooping in the yard happens in the back not the front. Logic tells me and Max that the best way to exit the house would be out the back door. Logic doesn't seem to impress dear old Bridgette. When I say, "Outside," she heads straight for the front door. She is a front door only chick. Max and I are waiting for her by the back door and she just looks at me as if to say, "Make me."

I was told that she will do anything for a treat, even go out the back door. So maybe you can teach old dogs new tricks. But seriously, if Max can do it without a treat, why can't the old lady?

Too Close to the Water

2011-04-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air. Literally. If you live in Manatee County, you've seen it, driven through it, and probably washed it off. Well, I guess it's really not an "it" as much as a "them." I'm talking about the return of the LoveBugs. For readers not familiar with these lovely creatures, check out their article on wikipedia.

A pair of them, as they mostly travel, came into my view not while I was driving Wednesday but while I was lounging by the pool. Usually, both bugs are flapping their wings, working together. This pair wasn't; only the 'lead lover' was. That drew my attention-wanted to see what was wrong with the other one.

They were hovering just above the pool water. I think I saw them after the fact, but apparently 'bottom lover' got too close to the water. He/she/it was having a hard time recovering. He (I'll go with that) wasn't able to fly - do his normal thing. I'm guessing the water was weighing him down.

The result - all the work was being done by his friend. Lead bug was flying as hard as he could to get away from the water, but the weight of his friend kept bringing them perilously closer. He got innovative and flew to the side of the pool to try and crawl his way out. Just as he would reach the edge, the weight of bottom dude would pull him down again. This went on for several minutes until bottom guy recovered enough to flap enough to help get them away from danger.

Analogies abound. Won't belabor them. But there is wisdom in just staying as far away from danger as possible; when you get too close it can cause you to lose your norm, weigh you down. When that happens, it sure is nice to have a friend who will stick with you long enough to rescue you from ultimate destruction.

Happy Restoration!

2011-04-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

restore: 1. to bring back to its original state by repairing or rebuilding 2. to bring back to good health or vigor 3. to put back in its former position, to reinstate

Not sure why, but in my prayer time this morning the work of restoring something came to my mind. As I've dwelt on this thought for the remainder of the morning and early afternoon, I can't help but believe that there are huge dividends to our soul the more we see God as our Restorer. Looking at those definitions, that's exactly what Jesus' sacrifice did for our souls. He provided the way for our relationship with him to be ultimately and completely "repaired, brought back to good health, reinstated." These thoughts bring further appreciation for David's statement in Psalm 23, "He restores my soul."

Through him...

the fatherless get embraced

the empty get filled

the forsaken get remembered

the broken get mended

the lonely get comforted

the rebellious get received

the betrayed get forgiveness

the mourning get reborn

the rejected get welcomed

the lost get found

the undeserving get grace

...all provided by the restoration work of the cross.

Through these thoughts, I wish you Happy Restoration this Easter weekend!

Lovers Give

2011-04-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Of the four gospels, Matthew's account of the Easter story is the one I most enjoy reading. I don't recall noticing something from chapter 26 before - another example of the power of Scripture.

Matthew puts two contrasting stories back to back. Can't text him to see if he did it on purpose, but you get a sense that he did because they don't appear to have actually happened that way chronologically. He appears to be sending us a message. The first story is of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' head; the second story is of Judas going to see how much he could get for turning Jesus over to his enemies.

That's quite a contrast. One is selflessly giving; the other is selfishly seeking. One's heart is pouring over with love; the other's heart is corrupted by greed. One isn't concerned about appearances; the other isn't concerned about loyalty. One is following; the other is leaving.

What's Matthew's message? Again, I can't text him to verify, but at this moment I am receiving a message that says the content of one's heart reveals itself through one's actions. One who is truly in love gives, appreciates, ignores pretenses, sacrifices, and looks for opportunities to express that love. Once one who professes loves moves away from these actions, they are leaving, moving toward selfishness which may ultimately sever the relationship.

Aren't you glad Jesus never left? He looked for opportunities to express love - he showed the ultimate expression. Makes you want to give it all, doesn't it?

When We No Longer Are, He Will Still Be

2011-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

In answering a question about life after death, Jesus restates a familiar phrase, "I Am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." (Mark 12) If you've read or heard it before, its familiarity may cause you to miss its deeper meaning. That meaning is found in the tense of the verb.

Why does he label himself in the present tense when these patriarchs are dead? How could he be present for them when they are past - they no longer are?

This is one of the truths of Easter. God always is. And because of Jesus' defeat of death and the grave, he will still be for us when we no longer are. That's a terrific promise for those who follow him - he will be our god even when we no longer are - at least in the sense of being on earth. We will still be living because we have life - eternal life - through I Am.

Celebrate Him! Celebrate Victory! Celebrate Eternal Life! Celebrate I Am!

An Enemy of the Soul

2011-04-18T10:04:00.001-07:00

Just listened to a podcast by Jon Tyson, lead pastor of Trinity Grace Church, NY City. This statement stuck out to me: "Comparison is the enemy of the soul."

In context, he was answering a question about being a church planter. He believes, for the most part, it is a waste of time listening to or reading from other church leaders about how to build a church unless you are made of the same stuff and operating in a similar context. In other words, be who you are and do what you do and trust God to do with your work what he has planned.

Why does he call comparison the enemy of the soul? Because knowing who you are, remaining true to what you do, and staying out of God's way by trusting him more than yourself requires soul work. It's not for the faint of heart. That's why people get attached to traditions, avoid change, protect territory, and love comfort - it's easier.

If you want to experience all God has for you, dig deep. Avoid looking around you and becoming a copycat. Protect your soul.

.003 - Too Much?

2011-04-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Did a little math after church today... 7x24x60=10,080. That would be the number of minutes in a week. Agreed?

Now, let's take the number of minutes in a typical church service that is devoted to music/worship - which is generally 30 - and see what part of a week that is. 30 divided by 10,080=.002976. That would be the amount of time in a week that churchgoers unite together "worshipply" in music. That is less than a third of one percent. Agreed?

So, what time is left of a person's week to do whatever they want to worship as an individual through music? Well, you have to give the other 30 minutes of the typical worship service since a person isn't technically free for that time, but that leaves still only .oo6 of a week to corporate worship. How much of the week is left? 10,080x.006=10,019.52=.994 of a week. So 99.4% of any churchgoer's week is entirely free to sing, dance, hum, whistle, strum, listen, play, pluck, blow, tickle, drum whatever, however, wherever, whenever they want in worship.

Question: Is it too much to ask each of us for .003 of our week to be selfless, maybe even to give up control of it completely so that the entire body can be united in worship? In light of the 100% example of the cross, doesn't seem to be too much. Agreed? "Lead us to the cross...rid us of ourselves...lead us to your heart."

Two's Enough

2011-04-13T07:50:00.001-07:00

"Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few."

That's what Jonathan said to his armor-bearer when they were about to attack an enemy outpost in I Samuel 14. We aren't told if Jonathan knew how many soldiers were at this outpost. He surely knew they numbered more than two. But apparently, he wasn't concerned about that. His faith led him to rely on God's ability to assist him with the resources he'd been given. Result? Two defeated twenty (similar to Gideon's army of 300 in Judges 7 defeating the enemy described as an army of locusts).

If we aren't careful, we can let the size or complexity of a problem overshadow our understanding of God's resources. Since when does the balance of any bank account limit God? And what makes us think that God doesn't understand the concept/power of networking? He was doing that long before it became part of our thinking. How else did all those animals show up at the Ark?

How big is your perception of God's resources? Is it possible that all you see is enough?

Moving to the Tool Shed

2011-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

The book I'm reading, Revolution in World Missions, is both challenging and convicting. Below is an excerpt from chapter 4. Economist Robert Heilbroner describes the luxuries a typical American family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 billion hungry people in the Two-Thirds World:
We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, televisions sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.
We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards...The box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight's meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy. Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the tool shed...Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books--not that they are missed, since we must take away our family's literacy as well. Instead, in our shanytown we will allow one radio...

Now government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms...There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely...

Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of five dollars. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94 which he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured.

Giving Grace rather than Second Chances

2011-04-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

The subject of grace has been coming up quite often the last few weeks. The thoughts haven't been so much on the receiving of grace as in the giving of it - what does that look like, do I practice it, etc.

Here's one question I've asked: does giving someone a second chance equal being gracious to them? I've decided they are not even close to being the same. Just thinking about the difference between the words chance and grace leads to that conclusion.

For example, giving someone a chance connotes to me that I probably don't totally believe in them. I'm taking a risk and putting them "on the clock"; there's a good possibility that they'll blow it. But when I think about giving someone grace, that connotes to me that I'm not at all concerned about how I'm affected by whatever may go down. I'm more concerned about that person, treating them with dignity and respect, loving them unconditionally; I'm actually rooting for them. Giving grace is so much deeper than giving chances.

When I think about this in a spiritual context, it's even more intense. Yes, you hear people say that God is a god of second chances. But aren't you more moved by the fact that he is gracious? Giving grace means giving mercy without obligation, usually to a subordinate. God does so much more than give second chances that expire to only those he deems worthy. His grace flows freely to everyone. That's why we sing about it being amazing.

That's why when Joseph showed his brothers grace, our jaws drop.

That's why when Samson and Delilah ran out of second chances for one another, we just shake our heads and say, "Saw that coming."

That's why when Jesus didn't retaliate in the garden after his betrayal, his graciousness astounds us.

I need to give more grace. I need to go deeper than giving second chances.

Checking out Handstands

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've been introduced to adding handstands as part of my crosstraining routine, which doesn't really exist. I saw pics of students of crossfit doing them, so I've been reading up on it. Just came across this article from livestrong.com.

Among the benefits are circulation, multiple muscle groups used, and balance. The goal is to gradually build up to holding a pose for 2 to 3 minutes. If you want to get extreme, work toward handstand pushups. Interesting...

Overcoming Rejection

2011-04-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

"You are not going to get any inheritance in our family because you are the son of another woman." No, this isn't some line from an "All My Children" script. This is what Jephthah's brothers said to him in Judges 11:2. Ironic, just a few lines later those same brothers come to him for help. What was Jephthah to do with that? He'd been rejected. Been there? Whether you've been there in a similar serious family ordeal or been unjustly fired from your job, rejection opens the door for "heart" problems - discouragement, bitterness, anger, etc. The freeing truth is that rejection doesn't doom us to that standing forever. Reality - human rejection does not equate to God rejection. He can work through unjust and discouraging circumstances. He honors those who don't wallow in discouragement and choose forgiveness. Read the rest of Judges 11 and see this exemplified through Jephthah's story. It may take a while, but you can overcome rejection. God's presence can overcome human limitations. He can help us extend grace, justice, and forgiveness to any who don't offer us the same.

What Are You Waiting For?

2011-03-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is another way of stating Joshua's question from chapter 18:3. He's addressing the 7 tribes who hadn't completed possessing the land God had for them.

Some notes in one of my study Bibles suggested that we often put off doing things that seem hard, large, or difficult; and that this putting off indicates lack of discipline, poor stewardship, or disobedience. Not fun to hear, but truth to consider.

Before I point the finger anywhere else, I have to pause and see if there is something in my life that I'm avoiding because it seems too hard, etc. Once I've checked that, then I can see what I can do to help someone or some group stop avoiding similar challenges. It seems that answering Joshua's question is vital for us personally and corporately to allow God to give us all He has for us. The question is a call to action.

Why would we want to stand in the way of God's plans? What are we waiting for?

Team Buscape Rocks FFA Climb Tampa

2011-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

This morning we met at 7:30 again, but this time was the real thing. Our start time for the Fight for Air Climb Tampa was 9:34. Not sure what to expect, we arrived in plenty of time and waited to be called for the "cattle loading." This event was very well organized. We were at the start door and off one team member at a time, 10 seconds separating each of us.

Within 15 minutes, it was all over. Quite a different feeling from all other races. A hard, short climb which left you gasping, but over very quickly. One team member had a pitstop on floor 32; all 7 others made it up without any hitches.

Team Results:

2 top 5 division placements
3 top 10 division placements
6 top 20 division placements
Team Overall 7 of 85 with a time of 22:15 (total time of top 3 finishers)

This was a cool event to be a part of. The firefighters doing that 42-floor climb in full gear (50 lbs.) was impressive. Glad to be part of helping the American Lung Association exceed their goal of raising 165K.

Great job, Team Buscape. Climb On!