Christmas is all over. The baby Jesus has come. We've opened up our presents. We've started taking down the decorations. After the New Year, life will start returning back to normal...whatever that means!
Pretty soon we will be making our New Year Resolutions and in a few months lamenting that we couldn't keep our promises to ourselves this year. I often wonder why I can't follow thru on my promises to myself, to God, to my family. I wonder why I get distracted so much from my original focus and I get off track so easily.
This year, I'm not going to make a New Year resolution. Not because I don't want to disappoint myself again. Although, if I'm honest, there is probably a little inkling of that in my spirit. But, mainly because I have come to learn that growth in my life doesn't happen as much from the big promises I make, as it does with the little promises I make. You know, those every day promises that I am going to choose life over death. That I will celebrate abundance over scarcity. That I will choose love over hatred, grace over resentment, wisdom over folly, courage over fear, joy over sorrow, compassion over anger, patience over impatience. You see where I'm going.
These aren't big promises to make - these are every day promises. Promises I have to make to myself and God before I get up in the morning and with every step I take throughout my day.
We read in Philippians 2:12, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...". I have heard the explanation that we can "only work out a salvation that God has already worked in." In other words, Paul was telling the Philippians that they ought to conduct themselves in a manner that was worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phlippians 1:27).
Since we have been saved, our lives should bear the fruit. Without getting into too much theological mumbo jumbo, we are called to take each day as a New Day, working out our own deliverance from the things that keep us from conducting ourselves in a way that honors our Savior Jesus Christ.
So, instead of a Happy New Year, I'd like to say to each of you, "Happy New Day" - keep trying, keep pressing on, keep putting one step in front of the other as you move closer to God and Jesus. Keep it up! Don't stop! With each new step you take, you will experience the newness that Christ brings.
Loving Jesus. Walk with me in each step that I take. May your heart, your mind, your eyes, your ears, your voice, be in me. When I misstep, forgive me and gently guide me on the path that leads to You. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
We've Got Company!
Good afternoon!
It is 9 days until Christmas and I still have 90% of my shopping to do! This is typical for me as my wife and I tend to wait until the last minute to get the perfect gift. There are other things "to do" of course to prepare for Christmas. I have had to plan 3 weeks ahead at the church so that I wouldn't have too much to do over the holidays. There have been school concerts and family get-togethers to get ready for as well. Needless to say, this time of the year is a time of preparation.
For some of you that time of preparation comes in preparing for company over the holidays. I remember when I was a kid how crazy our house would become when we were expecting company (whether for a day or a week, it didn't matter). All six kids had chores to do and when those chores were done we had other chores. The house was neat and tidy (and with 6 kids that takes some work!). We had to be on our best behavior. The preparation itself was so stressful it was sometimes too much to bear.
We can see this time of the year the same way as we prepare for company this Advent season. It can be stressful, almost overwhelming, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. But, let's not look at the outer preparations we need to make. What about the spiritual preparations we need to make for Jesus to truly come into our lives? Are we inviting Him for the next few weeks to stay a while, reside with us for a season, maybe even have some laughs with Him, commune with Him, until we send Him on His way, knowing that He will come for another visit next year?
Or, will we truly prepare our hearts and our lives to invite Him to live with us? Pastor Emily Earnshaw in her Advent devotion for yesterday said, "This year, as you prepare for Christmas, don't just prepare a path to be able to get through, create space in your life for the coming of Christ. If company comes, clear a path so they can see the house, but if someone is coming to live with you, you empty the room and dust the closet shelves. The whole world changes when a new resident is expected. What do you need to do to prepare for Christ to live with you?"
This year, may we not see Jesus as just company coming...because company eventually ends up leaving. Let's prepare for Jesus coming to live with us. Let's make room in our lives for Him to truly reside, transform, and make new our lives this season and into 2010.
Gracious God, help me make room for Jesus this season. Help me to empty myself of all selfishness and fill me with His spirit of humility and grace to welcome Him fully into my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
It is 9 days until Christmas and I still have 90% of my shopping to do! This is typical for me as my wife and I tend to wait until the last minute to get the perfect gift. There are other things "to do" of course to prepare for Christmas. I have had to plan 3 weeks ahead at the church so that I wouldn't have too much to do over the holidays. There have been school concerts and family get-togethers to get ready for as well. Needless to say, this time of the year is a time of preparation.
For some of you that time of preparation comes in preparing for company over the holidays. I remember when I was a kid how crazy our house would become when we were expecting company (whether for a day or a week, it didn't matter). All six kids had chores to do and when those chores were done we had other chores. The house was neat and tidy (and with 6 kids that takes some work!). We had to be on our best behavior. The preparation itself was so stressful it was sometimes too much to bear.
We can see this time of the year the same way as we prepare for company this Advent season. It can be stressful, almost overwhelming, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. But, let's not look at the outer preparations we need to make. What about the spiritual preparations we need to make for Jesus to truly come into our lives? Are we inviting Him for the next few weeks to stay a while, reside with us for a season, maybe even have some laughs with Him, commune with Him, until we send Him on His way, knowing that He will come for another visit next year?
Or, will we truly prepare our hearts and our lives to invite Him to live with us? Pastor Emily Earnshaw in her Advent devotion for yesterday said, "This year, as you prepare for Christmas, don't just prepare a path to be able to get through, create space in your life for the coming of Christ. If company comes, clear a path so they can see the house, but if someone is coming to live with you, you empty the room and dust the closet shelves. The whole world changes when a new resident is expected. What do you need to do to prepare for Christ to live with you?"
This year, may we not see Jesus as just company coming...because company eventually ends up leaving. Let's prepare for Jesus coming to live with us. Let's make room in our lives for Him to truly reside, transform, and make new our lives this season and into 2010.
Gracious God, help me make room for Jesus this season. Help me to empty myself of all selfishness and fill me with His spirit of humility and grace to welcome Him fully into my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What a Character
Good evening!
I pray that all of you are able to connect with the power of God's presence in your lives this week as we get closer to Christmas and the New Year.
This week, our staff had our BIG staff meeting where all of the staff (part-time to full-time) come together. Our BIG staff meetings happen once a month and we have a word for the month. Our word for this month is: CHARACTER. Not necessarily the word you'd think you would find during the Christmas season. You might expect words such as: light, hope, peace, love, joy, Jesus. But, character?
Let's be honest, this time of the year we can find it a whole lot easier to be "Christian". We find it easier to be giving. We find it more fulfilling to be joyful as we whistle Christmas carols and old time Christmas songs through the halls of our work and homes. We enjoy decorating our homes to express the depths of our Christmas cheer. We like the idea of God coming into our world through a sweet, little baby. Yea, this Christian thing ain't too bad this time of the year.
But, what about the other times of the year. What about when the decorations are down, the presents are all un-wrapped, and the credit card bills start coming in? What about when others around us aren't as joyful or excited for the season (whether they are Christian or not)? It is easier to show our Christian character when things are going well. It is easier to worship our nice, gentle, sweet God when everyone else is more open to it. It is easier to give gifts when we believe there is a "reason" to do so. But, when things are just going along and life is ho-hum, or when things become challenging and difficult and maybe even downright nasty, does our Christian character come through then?
Jesus came into this world in a sweet and wonderful way. But, He came into a broken world. A messy world. A nasty world. And even in the midst of that world, He stayed true to His purpose among us. His godly character was revealed no matter the circumstances of life.
I got to thinking about my own Christian character in difficult times, when I came across the following article from Adrian Rogers called How God Develops Christian Character. It is a little long, but I'd like to share it with you:
And not only so, but we glory in the tribulations also: knowing that tribulation workety patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope. - Romans 5:3-4
When you receive Christ as your personal Savior, God begins to work in you. Nobody is born fully grown, so God has to build your Christian character.
The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, "...He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it..." When you are saved, God simply begins a good work in you. You are not a finished product. God will build Christian character, but first you must receive Christ. Some people try to develop character, but they have no foundation. And that foundation is Jesus Christ.
How does God build Christian character?
Pressure
God will allow pressures to come. The word tribulation literally means "pressure." It is a word that was used to describe crushing grapes in a vat for wine or crushing olives for oil. God wants the oil of gladness and the wine of joy in your character. He wants that which will sustain and give strength, but the only way that God will get it out of you is to press it out. Is something bad happening to you right now? Are you having trouble? Are you feeling pressure? These are not obstacles; they are opportunities! They are things that God has engineered to build character into your life.
You're going to have tribulation whether you're a Christian or not, but a child of God sees what happens and can "glory in tribulations."
Patience
The Bible teaches that God wants to work a character quality in your heart known as patience. The word patient here is not one of passivity. Actually the word means "endurance or constancy." What are some reactions when trouble come?
* Some may try to escape with a plane ticket, a pill, a bottle, a needle, or even a gun
* Others may even get cynical and shake their fist in the face of God
* Some may recognize that God wants to teach endurance and it is His way of building Christian character.
How do you respond? One of the greatest marks of your faith and your confidence in the Almighty is your endurance, your perseverance, and your constancy when trouble comes.
Purity
The word experience is translated in many Bibles as character and it has to do wtih the idea of purity. This word was used to speak of gold that had been put in the fire and refined until it was pure. It speaks of a character that has gone through the experience of tribulation and perseverance. And through them, God begins to burn out the dross.
Many of us don't want that, but I want God to continue to work in my heart and my life until He burns out that dross. They say that a refiner of silver or gold knows when the gold is pure when he can see his own face reflected in it. Our Lord wants to see His character reflected in us.
Have you grown in your Christian life when you were faced with trouble, heartache, pressure, pain, misunderstanding, or bewilderment? Did you grow when you had nowhere to go but to God, and you had to keep searching your heart and saying, "Oh God, what's wrong? God what are you trying to tell me? What are you trying to teach me? What do you want me to confess?" God uses those difficulties to produce growth in us.
Persuasion
We call this hope. Hope doesn't mean "to wish or desire." It mean, "a rock-ribbed assurance based on the Word of God and the character of God." When we go through pressures, tribulations, and afflictions and we come out the other side, we have learned that God is faithful. God saw us through and my friend - that is hope.
I want you to know that Jesus Christ is hope. Hebrews 6:19 speaks of hope when it says, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast..." Let the storms rage, the waves buffet us, and the wind blow - for my Anchor holds.
If you don't have hope, you don't have anything. Faith believes, but hope expects. A person who lives by confidence in God alone and looks to God alone has Christian character.
Father God, continue to develop within me Your character. Forgive me of the ways in which I have tried to escape the pain and difficulty of this life. Thank you for reminding me that as I turn to You, You will do a mighty work within me and You, O God, will refine and make pure my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
I pray that all of you are able to connect with the power of God's presence in your lives this week as we get closer to Christmas and the New Year.
This week, our staff had our BIG staff meeting where all of the staff (part-time to full-time) come together. Our BIG staff meetings happen once a month and we have a word for the month. Our word for this month is: CHARACTER. Not necessarily the word you'd think you would find during the Christmas season. You might expect words such as: light, hope, peace, love, joy, Jesus. But, character?
Let's be honest, this time of the year we can find it a whole lot easier to be "Christian". We find it easier to be giving. We find it more fulfilling to be joyful as we whistle Christmas carols and old time Christmas songs through the halls of our work and homes. We enjoy decorating our homes to express the depths of our Christmas cheer. We like the idea of God coming into our world through a sweet, little baby. Yea, this Christian thing ain't too bad this time of the year.
But, what about the other times of the year. What about when the decorations are down, the presents are all un-wrapped, and the credit card bills start coming in? What about when others around us aren't as joyful or excited for the season (whether they are Christian or not)? It is easier to show our Christian character when things are going well. It is easier to worship our nice, gentle, sweet God when everyone else is more open to it. It is easier to give gifts when we believe there is a "reason" to do so. But, when things are just going along and life is ho-hum, or when things become challenging and difficult and maybe even downright nasty, does our Christian character come through then?
Jesus came into this world in a sweet and wonderful way. But, He came into a broken world. A messy world. A nasty world. And even in the midst of that world, He stayed true to His purpose among us. His godly character was revealed no matter the circumstances of life.
I got to thinking about my own Christian character in difficult times, when I came across the following article from Adrian Rogers called How God Develops Christian Character. It is a little long, but I'd like to share it with you:
And not only so, but we glory in the tribulations also: knowing that tribulation workety patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope. - Romans 5:3-4
When you receive Christ as your personal Savior, God begins to work in you. Nobody is born fully grown, so God has to build your Christian character.
The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, "...He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it..." When you are saved, God simply begins a good work in you. You are not a finished product. God will build Christian character, but first you must receive Christ. Some people try to develop character, but they have no foundation. And that foundation is Jesus Christ.
How does God build Christian character?
Pressure
God will allow pressures to come. The word tribulation literally means "pressure." It is a word that was used to describe crushing grapes in a vat for wine or crushing olives for oil. God wants the oil of gladness and the wine of joy in your character. He wants that which will sustain and give strength, but the only way that God will get it out of you is to press it out. Is something bad happening to you right now? Are you having trouble? Are you feeling pressure? These are not obstacles; they are opportunities! They are things that God has engineered to build character into your life.
You're going to have tribulation whether you're a Christian or not, but a child of God sees what happens and can "glory in tribulations."
Patience
The Bible teaches that God wants to work a character quality in your heart known as patience. The word patient here is not one of passivity. Actually the word means "endurance or constancy." What are some reactions when trouble come?
* Some may try to escape with a plane ticket, a pill, a bottle, a needle, or even a gun
* Others may even get cynical and shake their fist in the face of God
* Some may recognize that God wants to teach endurance and it is His way of building Christian character.
How do you respond? One of the greatest marks of your faith and your confidence in the Almighty is your endurance, your perseverance, and your constancy when trouble comes.
Purity
The word experience is translated in many Bibles as character and it has to do wtih the idea of purity. This word was used to speak of gold that had been put in the fire and refined until it was pure. It speaks of a character that has gone through the experience of tribulation and perseverance. And through them, God begins to burn out the dross.
Many of us don't want that, but I want God to continue to work in my heart and my life until He burns out that dross. They say that a refiner of silver or gold knows when the gold is pure when he can see his own face reflected in it. Our Lord wants to see His character reflected in us.
Have you grown in your Christian life when you were faced with trouble, heartache, pressure, pain, misunderstanding, or bewilderment? Did you grow when you had nowhere to go but to God, and you had to keep searching your heart and saying, "Oh God, what's wrong? God what are you trying to tell me? What are you trying to teach me? What do you want me to confess?" God uses those difficulties to produce growth in us.
Persuasion
We call this hope. Hope doesn't mean "to wish or desire." It mean, "a rock-ribbed assurance based on the Word of God and the character of God." When we go through pressures, tribulations, and afflictions and we come out the other side, we have learned that God is faithful. God saw us through and my friend - that is hope.
I want you to know that Jesus Christ is hope. Hebrews 6:19 speaks of hope when it says, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast..." Let the storms rage, the waves buffet us, and the wind blow - for my Anchor holds.
If you don't have hope, you don't have anything. Faith believes, but hope expects. A person who lives by confidence in God alone and looks to God alone has Christian character.
Father God, continue to develop within me Your character. Forgive me of the ways in which I have tried to escape the pain and difficulty of this life. Thank you for reminding me that as I turn to You, You will do a mighty work within me and You, O God, will refine and make pure my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Take It All In
Good evening everyone!
It has been a couple of weeks since my last post and I pray that you had Thanksgiving celebrations that were filled with the joy of family and the wonder and awe of God's presence in your midst.
My son Ethan likes to watch ESPN when he wakes up in the morning (I love watching him grow up!). Two days ago they were running a special piece on a 7th grade boy named Jake. I came into the room in the middle of the segment. Apparently, Jake had to have one of his eyes removed due to a cancerous tumor earlier in life and he was now facing the realization that his other eye would have to be removed, rendering him blind for the rest of his life.
One of Jake's wishes was to be able to spend some time with his favorite college football team, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. They showed clips of Jake at practice over a period of time and visiting with some of his favorite players. They showed him giving the pep talk before a game and cheering on his favorite team. They had interviews with players on how much of an inspiration Jake was to them. The USC football team took this 13 year old boy under their wing and treated him as one of their own.
It was a touching story, but what touched me the most was the interview just days before his surgery. I watched as this courageous young man told the interviewer, and the millions of us watching, that all he wanted to do was "to take it all in". He wanted to take in the faces and mannerisms, not only of his favorite players and team, but more importantly he wanted to take in his dad, his mom, and his sister. He said that he wanted to be able to have their image in his head every time he heard their voice after his surgery. This young man knew he was going to be blind and he wanted to take everything in so that he would never forget.
Before his surgery, Jake broke down in tears. But the Jake that came out of surgery was still as strong as the days and weeks before. He was okay with what had happened. He even said that during one USC practice he heard a bone-crunching hit and that it was cooler to hear it than it was to see it! What a perspective from such a young man!
I got to thinking about Jake, and Christmas, and Jesus and I think there are some parallels to their stories. During Christmas we celebrate the fact that God came into our world in the child, teenager, and man of Jesus so that we could "take it all in". So that we could see, with our own eyes, what it meant to be in a perfect relationship with our Creator. Christmas is a time in which we confess our own spiritual blindedness and in this season of "seeing", we take in all of who Jesus was and is in our lives and in our world.
We take it all in so that when we cannot see Him, we will still know His voice when He speaks and know His touch when we near Him. We take it all in, so that in those times when He feels farthest away, we can close our eyes and have the comfort in knowing He is still beside us.
During this Christmas season...take it all in. Take in the traditions. Take in the many opportunities to be with family and friends. Take in the kettle-ringers and the Christmas music. Take in the crisp winter air. Take in the Star. Take in the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. Take in their journey of heartache, pain, and rejection. Take in their experience of God. Take in the thought that God loves you so much that He was willing to come to your own messy, smelly stable to be with you. Take it all in. Take in JESUS.
What does His birth mean to you? How does His life affect your own? Have you been taking all of Him in, or just the parts you're comfortable with? Friends, take all of Jesus this Christmas!
Loving God, forgive me for letting a part of You into my life. Forgive me for showing a part of you to the world. Redeem me. Transform me. Make me whole again this Christmas so that ALL of You will come into my heart and my life. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
It has been a couple of weeks since my last post and I pray that you had Thanksgiving celebrations that were filled with the joy of family and the wonder and awe of God's presence in your midst.
My son Ethan likes to watch ESPN when he wakes up in the morning (I love watching him grow up!). Two days ago they were running a special piece on a 7th grade boy named Jake. I came into the room in the middle of the segment. Apparently, Jake had to have one of his eyes removed due to a cancerous tumor earlier in life and he was now facing the realization that his other eye would have to be removed, rendering him blind for the rest of his life.
One of Jake's wishes was to be able to spend some time with his favorite college football team, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. They showed clips of Jake at practice over a period of time and visiting with some of his favorite players. They showed him giving the pep talk before a game and cheering on his favorite team. They had interviews with players on how much of an inspiration Jake was to them. The USC football team took this 13 year old boy under their wing and treated him as one of their own.
It was a touching story, but what touched me the most was the interview just days before his surgery. I watched as this courageous young man told the interviewer, and the millions of us watching, that all he wanted to do was "to take it all in". He wanted to take in the faces and mannerisms, not only of his favorite players and team, but more importantly he wanted to take in his dad, his mom, and his sister. He said that he wanted to be able to have their image in his head every time he heard their voice after his surgery. This young man knew he was going to be blind and he wanted to take everything in so that he would never forget.
Before his surgery, Jake broke down in tears. But the Jake that came out of surgery was still as strong as the days and weeks before. He was okay with what had happened. He even said that during one USC practice he heard a bone-crunching hit and that it was cooler to hear it than it was to see it! What a perspective from such a young man!
I got to thinking about Jake, and Christmas, and Jesus and I think there are some parallels to their stories. During Christmas we celebrate the fact that God came into our world in the child, teenager, and man of Jesus so that we could "take it all in". So that we could see, with our own eyes, what it meant to be in a perfect relationship with our Creator. Christmas is a time in which we confess our own spiritual blindedness and in this season of "seeing", we take in all of who Jesus was and is in our lives and in our world.
We take it all in so that when we cannot see Him, we will still know His voice when He speaks and know His touch when we near Him. We take it all in, so that in those times when He feels farthest away, we can close our eyes and have the comfort in knowing He is still beside us.
During this Christmas season...take it all in. Take in the traditions. Take in the many opportunities to be with family and friends. Take in the kettle-ringers and the Christmas music. Take in the crisp winter air. Take in the Star. Take in the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. Take in their journey of heartache, pain, and rejection. Take in their experience of God. Take in the thought that God loves you so much that He was willing to come to your own messy, smelly stable to be with you. Take it all in. Take in JESUS.
What does His birth mean to you? How does His life affect your own? Have you been taking all of Him in, or just the parts you're comfortable with? Friends, take all of Jesus this Christmas!
Loving God, forgive me for letting a part of You into my life. Forgive me for showing a part of you to the world. Redeem me. Transform me. Make me whole again this Christmas so that ALL of You will come into my heart and my life. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Invest in Goodness
Hello!
As we approach Thanksgiving it is common for us to reflect more on our lives and on our faith. I know the holidays cause me to pause and think about my life and the fruits of it. Am I living a life that is full of gratitude? Do I strive to live a humble life, putting the interests of others before my own (Philippians 2)? Do I recognize every day the depths that God went to (becoming man) to have a relationship with me? Would I do the same for Him? Is my life planted in the good soil to produce good fruits, or are their some sour apples in my soul?
Some may think I am a bit too serious when it comes to my faith and my own introspection. On some levels they may be right. But, I cannot help but reflect on these things and on the way my Christian walk manifests itself in me. In my personal faith pursuits, I came across this quote below. It has me thinking even deeper now. Maybe it will do the same for you.
"Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world. It is not an idea in the air but feet on the ground going God's way. It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty is its root and branch. Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will. We may cry out about the beauty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted breath and a rootless hope unless we plow and plant in His kingdom here and now. To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities. There is no substitute for plain, every-day goodness." - Maltbie Davenport (Mattie D) Babcock, Short Biography
I strive to invest in the goodness of our God and Savior. That is where my true security lies. In that goodness, my treasure is found. I pray that I will continue to invest - not for the return I will get, but for the return others will experience because of Christ living IN me and THROUGH me.
Gracious God, I am grateful for how far you were willing to go to be in a relationship with me. I thank you for your goodness and I pray that Your goodness will live in me in such a way that others may say, "taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8)
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
As we approach Thanksgiving it is common for us to reflect more on our lives and on our faith. I know the holidays cause me to pause and think about my life and the fruits of it. Am I living a life that is full of gratitude? Do I strive to live a humble life, putting the interests of others before my own (Philippians 2)? Do I recognize every day the depths that God went to (becoming man) to have a relationship with me? Would I do the same for Him? Is my life planted in the good soil to produce good fruits, or are their some sour apples in my soul?
Some may think I am a bit too serious when it comes to my faith and my own introspection. On some levels they may be right. But, I cannot help but reflect on these things and on the way my Christian walk manifests itself in me. In my personal faith pursuits, I came across this quote below. It has me thinking even deeper now. Maybe it will do the same for you.
"Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world. It is not an idea in the air but feet on the ground going God's way. It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty is its root and branch. Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will. We may cry out about the beauty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted breath and a rootless hope unless we plow and plant in His kingdom here and now. To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities. There is no substitute for plain, every-day goodness." - Maltbie Davenport (Mattie D) Babcock, Short Biography
I strive to invest in the goodness of our God and Savior. That is where my true security lies. In that goodness, my treasure is found. I pray that I will continue to invest - not for the return I will get, but for the return others will experience because of Christ living IN me and THROUGH me.
Gracious God, I am grateful for how far you were willing to go to be in a relationship with me. I thank you for your goodness and I pray that Your goodness will live in me in such a way that others may say, "taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8)
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Let Freedom Ring
This week our nation celebrates and remembers the veterans of our military service. We recognize the sacrifices they have made and continue to make on our behalf and on behalf of countless others who live in tyranny and oppression.
I grew up in an Air Force family and was raised with a deep respect for God and country. Every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner I get goosebumps and pride wells up from deep inside. My grandfather served in the Army and in WWII. My father is a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and still teaches at the Air Force Academy. I have a brother that is active duty Army and has served one 15-month tour in Iraq and will be leaving again very soon.
While I have not experienced any type of deployment, I do understand the waves of emotions (from pride to worry/fear) that can overwhelm family members who have loved ones in violent areas of our world. Whenever I hear of a soldier who has died, I am reminded of how fragile life is and how my own family stands on the threshold of such news when my brother is deployed. I thank God for these men and women who willingly put themselves in harms-way to let freedom ring.
Our world also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall on Monday. On November 9, 1989, our world experienced the destruction of a wall that had kept freedom out and had silenced the voices of those contained within its stone-cold barriers. I grew up in the Cold War era, always aware of the Berlin Wall. It seemed so solid, so impenetrable, so eternal. I never thought I'd see the day when that wall would come down. As a 17 year-old youth, that moment had a deep impact on me, as it reminded me of the preciousness of freedom and also its delicate nature.
Freedom in the world is a fragile thing. It can be granted and taken away before you know it. One day you are able to move freely, talk freely, worship freely, and make your own choices freely, and the next day a wall can be built that limits your freedom and liberty and you find that you are fighting for your right to survive as a free person. Freedom in the world is not a certainty. Men and women valiantly and courageously fight for it, some giving their life for it. For that, they deserve our respect, our honor, and our rememberance.
As a Christian, I understand the fragility of freedom in our world, while fully understanding the true freedom that comes from our Savior. In John 8 beginning in verse 31 "Jesus said...'If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
God's freedom refers to the spiritual freedom we have in His Kingdom, not to the physical or earthly freedoms of the world. Walking with Jesus, we may experience rejection, persecution, alienation, even death, but such struggles do not infringe on the freedom we enjoy in Christ! Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Friends, whether we are able to experience the freedoms of this world or not, we can give all praise and glory for the true freedom that exists in Christ and the promise that our souls and our spirits do not have to live in a yoke of bondage. May we never forget that true freedom does not exist apart from Christ. May we, like the veterans we celebrate this week, fully commit our lives to telling others about the freedom that is found in Christ. May we risk our reputations, our emotions, our relationships, our treasures, and our lives so that others may live in true freedom. LET FREEDOM RING!
God of grace and mercy, You have created me with freedom...freedom to choose life over death...freedom to choose love over hatred...freedom to choose joy over despair and hope over fear...freedom to choose You. Guide me with Your wisdom to choose wisely with the freedom You have so graciously given that through my life Your freedom may ring!
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
I grew up in an Air Force family and was raised with a deep respect for God and country. Every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner I get goosebumps and pride wells up from deep inside. My grandfather served in the Army and in WWII. My father is a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and still teaches at the Air Force Academy. I have a brother that is active duty Army and has served one 15-month tour in Iraq and will be leaving again very soon.
While I have not experienced any type of deployment, I do understand the waves of emotions (from pride to worry/fear) that can overwhelm family members who have loved ones in violent areas of our world. Whenever I hear of a soldier who has died, I am reminded of how fragile life is and how my own family stands on the threshold of such news when my brother is deployed. I thank God for these men and women who willingly put themselves in harms-way to let freedom ring.
Our world also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall on Monday. On November 9, 1989, our world experienced the destruction of a wall that had kept freedom out and had silenced the voices of those contained within its stone-cold barriers. I grew up in the Cold War era, always aware of the Berlin Wall. It seemed so solid, so impenetrable, so eternal. I never thought I'd see the day when that wall would come down. As a 17 year-old youth, that moment had a deep impact on me, as it reminded me of the preciousness of freedom and also its delicate nature.
Freedom in the world is a fragile thing. It can be granted and taken away before you know it. One day you are able to move freely, talk freely, worship freely, and make your own choices freely, and the next day a wall can be built that limits your freedom and liberty and you find that you are fighting for your right to survive as a free person. Freedom in the world is not a certainty. Men and women valiantly and courageously fight for it, some giving their life for it. For that, they deserve our respect, our honor, and our rememberance.
As a Christian, I understand the fragility of freedom in our world, while fully understanding the true freedom that comes from our Savior. In John 8 beginning in verse 31 "Jesus said...'If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
God's freedom refers to the spiritual freedom we have in His Kingdom, not to the physical or earthly freedoms of the world. Walking with Jesus, we may experience rejection, persecution, alienation, even death, but such struggles do not infringe on the freedom we enjoy in Christ! Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Friends, whether we are able to experience the freedoms of this world or not, we can give all praise and glory for the true freedom that exists in Christ and the promise that our souls and our spirits do not have to live in a yoke of bondage. May we never forget that true freedom does not exist apart from Christ. May we, like the veterans we celebrate this week, fully commit our lives to telling others about the freedom that is found in Christ. May we risk our reputations, our emotions, our relationships, our treasures, and our lives so that others may live in true freedom. LET FREEDOM RING!
God of grace and mercy, You have created me with freedom...freedom to choose life over death...freedom to choose love over hatred...freedom to choose joy over despair and hope over fear...freedom to choose You. Guide me with Your wisdom to choose wisely with the freedom You have so graciously given that through my life Your freedom may ring!
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Increasing Our Chances
Good afternoon!
Another beautiful day in Canon City, Colorado. You would never know that we are in November with the temperatures in the mid-70s, people wearing shorts and driving around with their windows down. It truly is beautiful weather and we can give the glory to our Creator for offering us this blessing today.
I want to share another blessing that happened two nights ago. My wife and I took our kids out for a celebration dinner at El Caporal to celebrate their good reports from our parent-teacher conferences.
As we were eating dinner my daughter was talking to us about how some of the girls in her class are boy crazy. She said that she looks at them and says, "What are you thinking? We're kids and we don't need to be doing that stuff. We're kids and we're supposed to party and have fun because when you get older you don't get too many chances to do that!"
My wife and I about died. I am making the assumption that I am at the age where I don't get much of a chance to party and have fun. What can I say, these semi-old bones and this withered spirit are running out of the fun chances life has to offer!!!
It did make me think, however, of the importance of demonstrating the joy and fun in life with my children. If they think that growing up is full of seriousness, pain, discouragement, stress, etc. - then growing up and, eventually, adulthood will lose it's joy and excitement as well. No doubt, there is more that we deal with as adults, but I wonder how much different our lives would be if we dealt with it from the perspective of a child.
When that stressor comes into our lives, or that situation at work, or that gutteral reaction to things going on around us, we say, "Hey, we don't need to get worried and bogged down by that stuff! We're God's children and we're supposed to experience His joy and revel in the strength and peace only He offers! If we don't, our spirits grow old and worn and we lose our chances at joy!"
I wonder what impact that would have on my life? On the life of my family? On the relationships God blesses me with?
In this Thanksgiving month, we are reminded that there is so much to be thankful for. Living with a grateful heart will open up a whole new world to us and it may even help us to come to Jesus with the spirit and awe of a child.
In the words of George Herbert, "Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing - a grateful heart!" May that be our prayer...no matter what happens around us. With a grateful heart, our own spirits and the lives of those around us, will be able to see that there is joy to be experienced in this world and in the God we choose to serve! Maybe that will increase our chances at having some fun with this life!
O God, give us grateful hearts, that our lives may be full of thanksgiving and joy. Give us eyes to see your blessings, great and small, and may our spirits be lifted by Your presence with us. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Another beautiful day in Canon City, Colorado. You would never know that we are in November with the temperatures in the mid-70s, people wearing shorts and driving around with their windows down. It truly is beautiful weather and we can give the glory to our Creator for offering us this blessing today.
I want to share another blessing that happened two nights ago. My wife and I took our kids out for a celebration dinner at El Caporal to celebrate their good reports from our parent-teacher conferences.
As we were eating dinner my daughter was talking to us about how some of the girls in her class are boy crazy. She said that she looks at them and says, "What are you thinking? We're kids and we don't need to be doing that stuff. We're kids and we're supposed to party and have fun because when you get older you don't get too many chances to do that!"
My wife and I about died. I am making the assumption that I am at the age where I don't get much of a chance to party and have fun. What can I say, these semi-old bones and this withered spirit are running out of the fun chances life has to offer!!!
It did make me think, however, of the importance of demonstrating the joy and fun in life with my children. If they think that growing up is full of seriousness, pain, discouragement, stress, etc. - then growing up and, eventually, adulthood will lose it's joy and excitement as well. No doubt, there is more that we deal with as adults, but I wonder how much different our lives would be if we dealt with it from the perspective of a child.
When that stressor comes into our lives, or that situation at work, or that gutteral reaction to things going on around us, we say, "Hey, we don't need to get worried and bogged down by that stuff! We're God's children and we're supposed to experience His joy and revel in the strength and peace only He offers! If we don't, our spirits grow old and worn and we lose our chances at joy!"
I wonder what impact that would have on my life? On the life of my family? On the relationships God blesses me with?
In this Thanksgiving month, we are reminded that there is so much to be thankful for. Living with a grateful heart will open up a whole new world to us and it may even help us to come to Jesus with the spirit and awe of a child.
In the words of George Herbert, "Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing - a grateful heart!" May that be our prayer...no matter what happens around us. With a grateful heart, our own spirits and the lives of those around us, will be able to see that there is joy to be experienced in this world and in the God we choose to serve! Maybe that will increase our chances at having some fun with this life!
O God, give us grateful hearts, that our lives may be full of thanksgiving and joy. Give us eyes to see your blessings, great and small, and may our spirits be lifted by Your presence with us. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Busted Smiles
Greetings Friends,
I pray you are all doing spiritually well, even if the circumstances of your lives have been difficult (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).
There was a boy who was reprimanded for laughing out loud during school (ever happen to you?). The boy responded to the teacher by saying, "Teacher, I didn't mean to. I was smiling, and the smile busted."
Have you ever experienced such joy, humor, laughter in your life that you just couldn't contain it? I know I have. I believe all of us have at one time or another. We laugh until we cry. We let loose and experience the joy of life and we don't want it to stop. We smile so much and laugh so hard that our faces hurt. There is a reason why they say that laughter is the best medecine. It is a cleansing of the soul - a releasing of pent up frustration, anger, and negativity. It lightens our lives and frees our souls.
So many times in life, we lose that joy. We are like the teacher telling the boy to stop laughing. Or like the little girl who looked at her grandmother and asked her how she felt. The grandmother said that she felt fine. The little girl then asked, "Well, if you feel good, why don't you tell your face?"
Take it from someone who has been there lately...it can be easy to lose our joy. We forget to tell ourselves that there is reason to be joy-full in our living. We forget because we focus on the wrong things. We focus on the economy, the political fights in our country, the gossip that surrounds us in the workplace, etc. etc. etc. We focus on our scarcity instead of our abundance. We focus on what isn't being done for us (no job, less money, kids not obeying, spouse not meeting our needs), instead of what has been done for us! Jesus went to the cross, in obedience to God, and died for us so that we may be able to experience the fullness of life and joy with Him!
I know that there are things in this world that concern us - and quite frankly they should. We are not to be apathetic towards injustices and wrongs that are being done. However, if our energies are focused on everything that is wrong, we forget what is right and what has been done to set us and the world right with God.
Friends, if you are struggling with joy, you've lost your focus, just like I had. And all it takes is to turn around and see that God is right there, with open hands and an open heart, to offer you the joy that you've been missing. Today, I choose joy! I choose to let my smile bust! How about you?
God of love and joy, fill me today with a joy that is beyond understanding, so that when I confront the struggles and challenges before me, I can do so with the fullness of your Spirit within me. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
I pray you are all doing spiritually well, even if the circumstances of your lives have been difficult (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).
There was a boy who was reprimanded for laughing out loud during school (ever happen to you?). The boy responded to the teacher by saying, "Teacher, I didn't mean to. I was smiling, and the smile busted."
Have you ever experienced such joy, humor, laughter in your life that you just couldn't contain it? I know I have. I believe all of us have at one time or another. We laugh until we cry. We let loose and experience the joy of life and we don't want it to stop. We smile so much and laugh so hard that our faces hurt. There is a reason why they say that laughter is the best medecine. It is a cleansing of the soul - a releasing of pent up frustration, anger, and negativity. It lightens our lives and frees our souls.
So many times in life, we lose that joy. We are like the teacher telling the boy to stop laughing. Or like the little girl who looked at her grandmother and asked her how she felt. The grandmother said that she felt fine. The little girl then asked, "Well, if you feel good, why don't you tell your face?"
Take it from someone who has been there lately...it can be easy to lose our joy. We forget to tell ourselves that there is reason to be joy-full in our living. We forget because we focus on the wrong things. We focus on the economy, the political fights in our country, the gossip that surrounds us in the workplace, etc. etc. etc. We focus on our scarcity instead of our abundance. We focus on what isn't being done for us (no job, less money, kids not obeying, spouse not meeting our needs), instead of what has been done for us! Jesus went to the cross, in obedience to God, and died for us so that we may be able to experience the fullness of life and joy with Him!
I know that there are things in this world that concern us - and quite frankly they should. We are not to be apathetic towards injustices and wrongs that are being done. However, if our energies are focused on everything that is wrong, we forget what is right and what has been done to set us and the world right with God.
Friends, if you are struggling with joy, you've lost your focus, just like I had. And all it takes is to turn around and see that God is right there, with open hands and an open heart, to offer you the joy that you've been missing. Today, I choose joy! I choose to let my smile bust! How about you?
God of love and joy, fill me today with a joy that is beyond understanding, so that when I confront the struggles and challenges before me, I can do so with the fullness of your Spirit within me. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.
Take Care & God Bless,
Pastor Don
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Home Alone
Do you remember the first time your parents let you stay home alone when you were a kid? I don't quite remember the first time I stayed home alone, but I do remember the first time my parents took my three younger siblings out of town for the weekend and my older sister and I were able to stay at home by ourselves.
We thought we were all grown up. We understood the rules (Mom and Dad made sure we understood the rules if you know what I mean). We knew what was expected of us. What we didn't expect, however, was that our first night at home, the police ended up at our house!
Before your imagination runs wild with crazy parties and out-of-control teens, let me explain. You see, my sister's best friend from Kansas was coming into town that night. So, Lisa and I got in the car and I drove us to the airport to pick up Shelly. When we got home, I pulled into the garage as the girls were still engaged in conversation (actually, I don't think they ever took a breath the whole trip home). I was ready to let them go off and reconnect. I couldn't wait to have a thought to myself. Listening to that banter had been driving me crazy!
As we walked into the house, I was carrying the bags. We only got about 7 feet into the doorway when I sensed something was wrong. I had turned on the light and, almost in slow motion, I noted that the sliding glass door was open, the curtain was moving with the breeze. I looked to my left and noticed our VCR was gone. I looked to the right and noticed that my dad's computer was missing. I determined rather quickly we either had been robbed or were in the process of being robbed.
I told the girls to be quiet. They didn't listen at first until I pointed out to my sister that someone had been or was in the house. Like teenage girls do, they freaked out. We dropped the bags, got back in the car, and drove about 10 blocks to the nearest grocery store to call the police. Why we didn't go to a next door neighbor, I will never know.
To make a long story short, the police showed up, did a walk-thru of the house, and showed us where the robber had broken in. They fingerprinted the window and made sure we were doing okay. As the police were there, the phone rang. Wouldn't you know, it was my parents. They asked me how we were doing. I said, "Well, the cops are here." My mom thought I was joking. I assured her I wasn't. The police got on the phone with my parents and assured them we would be okay. They went on their way and my sister and I were never left home alone again.
I thought of that story when I read an email devotion this week from Rich Reich of life-group devotions. He quoted Kristin Armstrong who said, "Just as parents arriving home from a vacation do not want to find their teenager hosting a raging party, Jesus doesn't want to return to a disrespectful mess either. How will he feel if he comes back to collect his beloved people, the ones he gave his life for, only to discover that we have let our families and churches fall apart, made idols of money and worldly success, and allowed sin to pollute us? Like the parents of the teenager, I imagine he will not be amused."
Luke 12:37 reads, "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant upon his arrival." As Rich shared his story, I was reminded of my own. But, I am reminded every day of how my spiritual home (my body, my mind, my spirit) is doing. Am I being vigilant in my prayer life, my study of His word, my practice of my faith, my love for all His children? Is my house in need of repair? When Jesus comes, will He be pleased to see how I have taken care of myself and His body? How am I, how are we, being vigilant in being His hands and feet in this world?
It is something I have to ask myself everyday.
Gracious God, help me to be vigilant in my faith. Remind me everyday of your deep love for me, so that I may be vigilant in sharing it with others. In Jesus's holy name. Amen.
We thought we were all grown up. We understood the rules (Mom and Dad made sure we understood the rules if you know what I mean). We knew what was expected of us. What we didn't expect, however, was that our first night at home, the police ended up at our house!
Before your imagination runs wild with crazy parties and out-of-control teens, let me explain. You see, my sister's best friend from Kansas was coming into town that night. So, Lisa and I got in the car and I drove us to the airport to pick up Shelly. When we got home, I pulled into the garage as the girls were still engaged in conversation (actually, I don't think they ever took a breath the whole trip home). I was ready to let them go off and reconnect. I couldn't wait to have a thought to myself. Listening to that banter had been driving me crazy!
As we walked into the house, I was carrying the bags. We only got about 7 feet into the doorway when I sensed something was wrong. I had turned on the light and, almost in slow motion, I noted that the sliding glass door was open, the curtain was moving with the breeze. I looked to my left and noticed our VCR was gone. I looked to the right and noticed that my dad's computer was missing. I determined rather quickly we either had been robbed or were in the process of being robbed.
I told the girls to be quiet. They didn't listen at first until I pointed out to my sister that someone had been or was in the house. Like teenage girls do, they freaked out. We dropped the bags, got back in the car, and drove about 10 blocks to the nearest grocery store to call the police. Why we didn't go to a next door neighbor, I will never know.
To make a long story short, the police showed up, did a walk-thru of the house, and showed us where the robber had broken in. They fingerprinted the window and made sure we were doing okay. As the police were there, the phone rang. Wouldn't you know, it was my parents. They asked me how we were doing. I said, "Well, the cops are here." My mom thought I was joking. I assured her I wasn't. The police got on the phone with my parents and assured them we would be okay. They went on their way and my sister and I were never left home alone again.
I thought of that story when I read an email devotion this week from Rich Reich of life-group devotions. He quoted Kristin Armstrong who said, "Just as parents arriving home from a vacation do not want to find their teenager hosting a raging party, Jesus doesn't want to return to a disrespectful mess either. How will he feel if he comes back to collect his beloved people, the ones he gave his life for, only to discover that we have let our families and churches fall apart, made idols of money and worldly success, and allowed sin to pollute us? Like the parents of the teenager, I imagine he will not be amused."
Luke 12:37 reads, "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant upon his arrival." As Rich shared his story, I was reminded of my own. But, I am reminded every day of how my spiritual home (my body, my mind, my spirit) is doing. Am I being vigilant in my prayer life, my study of His word, my practice of my faith, my love for all His children? Is my house in need of repair? When Jesus comes, will He be pleased to see how I have taken care of myself and His body? How am I, how are we, being vigilant in being His hands and feet in this world?
It is something I have to ask myself everyday.
Gracious God, help me to be vigilant in my faith. Remind me everyday of your deep love for me, so that I may be vigilant in sharing it with others. In Jesus's holy name. Amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Let There Be Light
I pray this finds all of you living into your God-given potential and purpose and that you have experienced the warmth of our Lord's embrace this week.
Last night, after returning home from the church, I walked into one of the rooms in our house where a candle was lit. It was just one of those small candles sitting on a counter, flickering a small flame of light into the midst of the darkness.
A little background on me. I am one of those people who has a pet peeve about lights. To conserve energy, I am always going around the house turning off lights that have been left on after someone has left the room. If there is natural light streaming into the room, I am less likely to turn on a light. I get a kick out of people that automatically turn lights on when they enter a room, whether they need to or not! It doesn't make much sense to me.
In light of this information, I was delighted to see the candle lit. Had it not been, the room would have been pitch black and I would have had to flip the switch. Since there was candlelight, I didn't have to use electricity to do what I needed to do. As I remained in the room, I stopped what I was doing to take in the atmosphere.
I know that there are many people that enjoy the ambience of a candlelit room. For me, it brings a sense of calm and peace. I enjoyed watching how the light danced along the walls and ceiling of the room. I delighted in the spiritual experience as well.
I was reminded again that no matter how thick the darkness in the rooms of our lives, a small, singular light can break through it all. No need for a floodlight or a spotlight to break through the darkness. We only need a single flame.
We all experience darkness in our lives. We often hear it referred to as "the dark night of the soul". The darkness can envelope us at any time. It can come in the form of depression, a lost job, increasing stressors at home or work, an argument, growing feelings of bitterness and resentment, a busy schedule, a loss of purpose, an accident, a physical struggle, or emotional or spiritual pain. The darkness becomes an enemy to our spiritual well-being and health. We almost become comfortable in it and we forget that there is a light ready to shine into the darkness if we are willing to let it. This is how the enemy wins.
In the midst of whatever darkness you are experiencing, remember that there is a light wanting to shine and dance into your life. In Micah 7:8 it says, "Do not gloat over me my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." May that be our confidence as well!
When we allow Him, even a small part of Him, into the dark areas of our lives, the darkness scatters and we begin to see the ways He is dancing through our lives...even in the midst of the darkest night. Because when the Light comes into our lives, the darkness is not dark to Him. His nature does not consist of any darkness...only light (reference to Psalm 139:11-12). Hold on to the Light...let it shine in the darkest area of your life and watch it dance. Watch it bring peace and calm. Experience the joy that the Light offers. Let it guide you and let it direct your paths. (Psalm 119:105).
Loving God, may your light shine in our darkness. Scatter the darkness that reigns in our hearts and our world. May your light overcome the depths of our despair, confusion, doubt, and fear. May your light dance in our hearts and burn brightly in our lives. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.
Last night, after returning home from the church, I walked into one of the rooms in our house where a candle was lit. It was just one of those small candles sitting on a counter, flickering a small flame of light into the midst of the darkness.
A little background on me. I am one of those people who has a pet peeve about lights. To conserve energy, I am always going around the house turning off lights that have been left on after someone has left the room. If there is natural light streaming into the room, I am less likely to turn on a light. I get a kick out of people that automatically turn lights on when they enter a room, whether they need to or not! It doesn't make much sense to me.
In light of this information, I was delighted to see the candle lit. Had it not been, the room would have been pitch black and I would have had to flip the switch. Since there was candlelight, I didn't have to use electricity to do what I needed to do. As I remained in the room, I stopped what I was doing to take in the atmosphere.
I know that there are many people that enjoy the ambience of a candlelit room. For me, it brings a sense of calm and peace. I enjoyed watching how the light danced along the walls and ceiling of the room. I delighted in the spiritual experience as well.
I was reminded again that no matter how thick the darkness in the rooms of our lives, a small, singular light can break through it all. No need for a floodlight or a spotlight to break through the darkness. We only need a single flame.
We all experience darkness in our lives. We often hear it referred to as "the dark night of the soul". The darkness can envelope us at any time. It can come in the form of depression, a lost job, increasing stressors at home or work, an argument, growing feelings of bitterness and resentment, a busy schedule, a loss of purpose, an accident, a physical struggle, or emotional or spiritual pain. The darkness becomes an enemy to our spiritual well-being and health. We almost become comfortable in it and we forget that there is a light ready to shine into the darkness if we are willing to let it. This is how the enemy wins.
In the midst of whatever darkness you are experiencing, remember that there is a light wanting to shine and dance into your life. In Micah 7:8 it says, "Do not gloat over me my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." May that be our confidence as well!
When we allow Him, even a small part of Him, into the dark areas of our lives, the darkness scatters and we begin to see the ways He is dancing through our lives...even in the midst of the darkest night. Because when the Light comes into our lives, the darkness is not dark to Him. His nature does not consist of any darkness...only light (reference to Psalm 139:11-12). Hold on to the Light...let it shine in the darkest area of your life and watch it dance. Watch it bring peace and calm. Experience the joy that the Light offers. Let it guide you and let it direct your paths. (Psalm 119:105).
Loving God, may your light shine in our darkness. Scatter the darkness that reigns in our hearts and our world. May your light overcome the depths of our despair, confusion, doubt, and fear. May your light dance in our hearts and burn brightly in our lives. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
God's Push
May you experience the power and joy of walking with our Lord today!
Allow me to share with you a powerful revelation that God placed before me today. A couple of weeks ago I shared with you in my sermon All You Really Need that I have been in a spiritual funk lately and, that in the midst of that time, God shared with me to keep holding on in the midst of the storm and to turn my focus back on Jesus. It's in times of great distress that Jesus is coming to us (sometimes in unexpected ways) to calm the storms in our lives. As I have clung to the boat of my life, spiritually tossed to and fro, I have tried my best to look for Jesus and see Him in the midst of chaotic times.
Friends, I am happy to share with you that Jesus came walking upon the waters of my life today! He has placed Himself in the midst of this broken vessel. He has calmed the waters. He has restored my soul!!!!!!!!
I went to a leadership event at the Vineyard church for lunch today and as I was listening to the speaker (who was Pastor Cory Sondrol's sister), God answered some questions and affirmed some decisions I have made, or am in the process of making. That was all nice and good...but then God really brought me to my knees. He got me good.
We watched a video from a book by David McNally, Even Eagles Need a Push. The book isn't even out yet, but there was a part of the video that spoke to me where I was at. The quote said, "Why does the thrill of soaring have to start with the fear of falling?"
I thought to myself, "That's it! That is where I am right now! I know that God is pushing me towards the edge, but I'm afraid of falling." Then God spoke, "Those who hope in Me will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). What I failed to remember is that when we are pushed to the edge spiritually, personally, emotionally, professionally, relationally, God is there. While we fall we may experience our stomachs in our throats, but we won't stay there. In the midst of the falling, God has created it within us (just as He created it within the eagle) to spread our wings...trust in Him...and His Spirit will surround us and help us experience the thrill of soaring.
I got to thinking that so many times in my life I have just huddled at the edge, looking over and being too fearful to make the jump. In doing so, I am unfaithful. I display a lack of trust in God. I stay in my fear and I rob myself of the thrill of flying with our Lord.
Are you huddled at the edge? Are you afraid of what the journey may hold? Are you feeling God nudge you to a new place in your life? If you are - take the jump. Go over the edge. The fall doesn't last long - but the soaring will open up a whole new world with the Lord at your side.
Let's stop letting the fear of falling keep us from experiencing the thrill of soaring with Him. May God break through our huddled masses, nudge us over the edge, and lift us up on the strength of His wings. It is then that we soar and become ALIVE again!
Heavenly Father, I have been huddled in fear far too long, afraid of what the future holds. Afraid of exploring new territory in my life. Afraid of falling and the pain it may bring. Help me to trust in You today. Give me a gentle nudge so that I can experience what it's like to soar with You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Allow me to share with you a powerful revelation that God placed before me today. A couple of weeks ago I shared with you in my sermon All You Really Need that I have been in a spiritual funk lately and, that in the midst of that time, God shared with me to keep holding on in the midst of the storm and to turn my focus back on Jesus. It's in times of great distress that Jesus is coming to us (sometimes in unexpected ways) to calm the storms in our lives. As I have clung to the boat of my life, spiritually tossed to and fro, I have tried my best to look for Jesus and see Him in the midst of chaotic times.
Friends, I am happy to share with you that Jesus came walking upon the waters of my life today! He has placed Himself in the midst of this broken vessel. He has calmed the waters. He has restored my soul!!!!!!!!
I went to a leadership event at the Vineyard church for lunch today and as I was listening to the speaker (who was Pastor Cory Sondrol's sister), God answered some questions and affirmed some decisions I have made, or am in the process of making. That was all nice and good...but then God really brought me to my knees. He got me good.
We watched a video from a book by David McNally, Even Eagles Need a Push. The book isn't even out yet, but there was a part of the video that spoke to me where I was at. The quote said, "Why does the thrill of soaring have to start with the fear of falling?"
I thought to myself, "That's it! That is where I am right now! I know that God is pushing me towards the edge, but I'm afraid of falling." Then God spoke, "Those who hope in Me will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). What I failed to remember is that when we are pushed to the edge spiritually, personally, emotionally, professionally, relationally, God is there. While we fall we may experience our stomachs in our throats, but we won't stay there. In the midst of the falling, God has created it within us (just as He created it within the eagle) to spread our wings...trust in Him...and His Spirit will surround us and help us experience the thrill of soaring.
I got to thinking that so many times in my life I have just huddled at the edge, looking over and being too fearful to make the jump. In doing so, I am unfaithful. I display a lack of trust in God. I stay in my fear and I rob myself of the thrill of flying with our Lord.
Are you huddled at the edge? Are you afraid of what the journey may hold? Are you feeling God nudge you to a new place in your life? If you are - take the jump. Go over the edge. The fall doesn't last long - but the soaring will open up a whole new world with the Lord at your side.
Let's stop letting the fear of falling keep us from experiencing the thrill of soaring with Him. May God break through our huddled masses, nudge us over the edge, and lift us up on the strength of His wings. It is then that we soar and become ALIVE again!
Heavenly Father, I have been huddled in fear far too long, afraid of what the future holds. Afraid of exploring new territory in my life. Afraid of falling and the pain it may bring. Help me to trust in You today. Give me a gentle nudge so that I can experience what it's like to soar with You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Squirrely Faith
Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
In the midst of your busy week and busy schedule, I pray that you have been able to find rest and peace in our Lord's presence this week. If you have - Praise be to the Lord! If you haven't - I encourage you to find that time and not put it off any longer.
In life I am always amused about the many ways in which God teaches us some very simple, yet profound, life lessons. I try to commit myself every day to being open to the multitude of ways God is speaking in my life. Sometimes it is my children who are God's vessels. Sometimes it is my wife. Sometimes it is my church family. Sometimes it is a thought or reflection. Sometimes it is God's Word. Sometimes it is something I hear on the radio. And, sometimes, it is God's very own creation.
I would like to speak to the latter. As I was driving through a neighborhood in Canon today, I noticed a little squirrel that was waiting along the side of the road trying to decide when to make the journey to the other side (I could make a joke here, but I will refrain from the temptation). The squirrel had a big nut in his mouth and I was immediately reminded of one of my Dad's sayings, "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then." Again, I digress.
As I slowly made my way toward the squirrel, he thought it in his best interest to go for it. He held onto his treasure tightly and darted across the road. Watching this, I slowed my vehicle down, not wanting to bring injury to one of God's creatures. As I slowed, I intently watched the antics of my squirrely friend as he danced in the road.
When he started his journey, he did so with gusto and good intentions. He put all of his energy into making it across the road. But then, only a few feet from safety, he stopped. I believe it is because he sensed he was in peril due to this bucket of bolts approaching him. In the midst of his fear, he became indecisive. He darted back from where he came. He stopped. He changed directions and pointed himself toward his original destination. Then, he stopped again. He went back toward the side of the road from which he came, but he didn't get all the way there. He just sat in the road as I approached. He made me go around him.
I watched him in my rear view mirror as he went back to his original starting place. He probably took a few deep breaths. Gave himself another pep talk and mustered up the strength to make the journey once again. But, wouldn't you know it, another obstacle came barreling towards him.
I don't know how the journey turned out for my fuzzy friend. I saw the break lights of the truck heading towards him and I tell myself that he made it to the other side safely. Whether he did or not, only God knows. However, I immediately wondered if that is how God sees me as I journey through life. Maybe God looks upon me and my squirrely faith.
I gather my strength to make it across the seemingly perilous paths of life. I pray. I give myself a pep talk and I go for it. As I journey forward, somehow I lose my focus on where I am heading. I see the possible dangers in front of me, I freeze in fear, and figure it is best to go back to where I started. For all I know, I may be close to my goal...close to the realization of my dream...close to the end of my struggle...close to the promised land...close to safety...yet, I freeze in fear, doubt, and confusion and find myself right back where I started. Except this time...I am more tired, weary, and exhausted.
It reminds me of so many stories in the Bible of how our journey starts off with great intentions, with power and strength and courage. But, how quickly we lose it because our journey loses focus. I am reminded of the Israelites on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land and how they wanted to go back to Egypt (at least they knew what slavery was like...the unknown was too much for them.) - Numbers 14.
Why do you think there are many Scriptures that remind us to keep our focus on God, to persevere, and continue on in the faith? Don't take my word for it, check these stories out for yourself - Matthew 6:33, 2 Peter 1:5-8, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 3:14, 1 Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:23-27, Philippians 3: 12-14. These are just to name a few.
Whatever road of life you are trying to cross today - keep your focus. Don't turn back. In the midst of the journey you will find God. In the midst of the dangers, you will find safety. In the midst of your weariness, you will find strength. For all you know - you may almost be there!
Take Care & God Bless,
Don
In the midst of your busy week and busy schedule, I pray that you have been able to find rest and peace in our Lord's presence this week. If you have - Praise be to the Lord! If you haven't - I encourage you to find that time and not put it off any longer.
In life I am always amused about the many ways in which God teaches us some very simple, yet profound, life lessons. I try to commit myself every day to being open to the multitude of ways God is speaking in my life. Sometimes it is my children who are God's vessels. Sometimes it is my wife. Sometimes it is my church family. Sometimes it is a thought or reflection. Sometimes it is God's Word. Sometimes it is something I hear on the radio. And, sometimes, it is God's very own creation.
I would like to speak to the latter. As I was driving through a neighborhood in Canon today, I noticed a little squirrel that was waiting along the side of the road trying to decide when to make the journey to the other side (I could make a joke here, but I will refrain from the temptation). The squirrel had a big nut in his mouth and I was immediately reminded of one of my Dad's sayings, "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then." Again, I digress.
As I slowly made my way toward the squirrel, he thought it in his best interest to go for it. He held onto his treasure tightly and darted across the road. Watching this, I slowed my vehicle down, not wanting to bring injury to one of God's creatures. As I slowed, I intently watched the antics of my squirrely friend as he danced in the road.
When he started his journey, he did so with gusto and good intentions. He put all of his energy into making it across the road. But then, only a few feet from safety, he stopped. I believe it is because he sensed he was in peril due to this bucket of bolts approaching him. In the midst of his fear, he became indecisive. He darted back from where he came. He stopped. He changed directions and pointed himself toward his original destination. Then, he stopped again. He went back toward the side of the road from which he came, but he didn't get all the way there. He just sat in the road as I approached. He made me go around him.
I watched him in my rear view mirror as he went back to his original starting place. He probably took a few deep breaths. Gave himself another pep talk and mustered up the strength to make the journey once again. But, wouldn't you know it, another obstacle came barreling towards him.
I don't know how the journey turned out for my fuzzy friend. I saw the break lights of the truck heading towards him and I tell myself that he made it to the other side safely. Whether he did or not, only God knows. However, I immediately wondered if that is how God sees me as I journey through life. Maybe God looks upon me and my squirrely faith.
I gather my strength to make it across the seemingly perilous paths of life. I pray. I give myself a pep talk and I go for it. As I journey forward, somehow I lose my focus on where I am heading. I see the possible dangers in front of me, I freeze in fear, and figure it is best to go back to where I started. For all I know, I may be close to my goal...close to the realization of my dream...close to the end of my struggle...close to the promised land...close to safety...yet, I freeze in fear, doubt, and confusion and find myself right back where I started. Except this time...I am more tired, weary, and exhausted.
It reminds me of so many stories in the Bible of how our journey starts off with great intentions, with power and strength and courage. But, how quickly we lose it because our journey loses focus. I am reminded of the Israelites on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land and how they wanted to go back to Egypt (at least they knew what slavery was like...the unknown was too much for them.) - Numbers 14.
Why do you think there are many Scriptures that remind us to keep our focus on God, to persevere, and continue on in the faith? Don't take my word for it, check these stories out for yourself - Matthew 6:33, 2 Peter 1:5-8, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 3:14, 1 Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:23-27, Philippians 3: 12-14. These are just to name a few.
Whatever road of life you are trying to cross today - keep your focus. Don't turn back. In the midst of the journey you will find God. In the midst of the dangers, you will find safety. In the midst of your weariness, you will find strength. For all you know - you may almost be there!
Take Care & God Bless,
Don
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