Good morning!
As I write this I am still overjoyed at the fact that my son and his baseball team, which I coach, ended their 6 game losing streak and won last night! I am still celebrating because the team finally put everything together to have a complete win. All year I have been preaching fundamentals and the importance of fundamentals in practice and in the game. There were times I became frustrated because I didn't think they were listening to a thing I said.
A couple of practices ago, I decided to change my approach to coaching (by the way this is my first time to ever coach baseball). I went into practice with the goal of making sure that when each player left, they were tired and worn out from working hard, while at the same time they were better at their skills than when they came into practice. It seems to be paying off! Not because of me, but because the boys have responded to it and put in the hard work.
One of the fundamental skills that was getting us in trouble in the games was fielding ground balls. No matter how many times we went through it and no matter how many times I talked about it, they couldn't remember the three rules: butt down, glove down, hand ready. At our last practice we did a drill they won't forget and we finally saw fruits of it last night. These young boys learned a life lesson - hard work pays off and the pain is worth the reward!
I liken this to our faith, too. It can be easy for us to forget about our fundamentals. The preacher (aka coach) gets up every Sunday to remind us, but it either goes in one ear and out the other, or it rattles around with all of the other advice we've been getting from people, books, magazine articles, and tv personalities. We get so bogged down with daily living that we forget to be living daily for Christ. It's not enough for someone to keep preaching it to us or reading it on a blog somewhere...there comes a time when we have to do it! When we pay attention to live out the fundamentals of our faith, we are able to see fruits from the practice of our faith (James 2).
Keeping with the baseball analogy:
Butt Down: Stay grounded in the Word of God. Get involved in a Bible study or a LIFE group (small group) that is Scripturally focused. Take part in daily devotions that open up God's Word for your life. Worship regularly and fellowship often with other Christians.
Glove Down: Make sure your heart is in the right place to receive God's love into your own life that you may continue to grow in His love and grace. Work toward living a life of prayer as everything you say, do, and think is like an ongoing conversation with God. You cannot give love that you haven't fully received.
Hand Ready: Make sure that your spirit is ready to take hold of the love and grace you have received, so that you can gracefully share it with others as your life delivers the truth of the faith you embrace.
The last part that I didn't mention that is a given in baseball, but it bears repeating...keep your eye on the ball. In other words, stay focused on Christ (Matthew 6:33). If you don't, you'll miss whatever He is trying to send your way.
All of this takes hard work. It takes practice. But as I tell my players, we practice how we play. When we step into the game of life everyday, we can experience victory because we have committed ourselves to living the faith and we don't forget those three simple rules: butt down, glove down, hand ready.
Precious Lord, I have forgotten the fundamentals of my faith. I have forgotten to stay grounded in You. I have failed to be ready to receive Your love for me and Your word for my life. I have failed to deliver Your love in a way that honors You. Forgive me. In the midst of my own errors in life, You still give me new opportunities and You have not given up on me. Thank You Lord! Give me strength to practice what I preach. Give me courage to live my life for You. Help me to see the fruits of my labor as You work through me in the game of life. Remind me daily to not forget the fundamentals of my faith and give me a heart to see the victory that comes through You. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
I Need Water!
Happy Summer!
It is a hot one today and like many hot days I like to take off my shoes, relax in a comfortable chair, and take in the rays of sun - as they shine through my window! I am not one for HOT weather. I get grumpy and can be quite miserable to be around if I get overheated. Therefore, I like to sit in a nice cool house, office, etc. and enjoy the beauty that the sunshine brings.
There are times, however, that I have to go outside. I have to mow the lawn. I have to get into a hot car. I have to go to the baseball diamond to coach baseball (that part is fun!). There are many other reasons of course, but when I know that I am going to be in the hot sun for a long time or that I will be working under the constant barrage of those heavenly heat waves, I make sure I have a nice cold drink with me. It is that cold drink that keeps me from going over the edge and offers me refreshment and nourishment when I need it most.
God does the same for us, too, doesn't He? He is that cold, refreshing drink when we need it most. He is that presence that keeps us from going over the edge of that cliff when we decide to keep Him close when our lives are getting heated and our spirits are weary. Not everyone understands that we have a God that will "satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail" (Isaiah 58:11). People don't know because they don't really give God a try. When people ask me how I get through the heat of life I tell them about God and I encourage them to give God a try as well. Even the psalmist says in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
Just give the Lord a shot. Experience Him for yourself. It's kind of like when Morpheus told Neo in The Matrix, "No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
This is a good reminder for all of us - no matter where we are in our faith journey. Everyday we need to take steps and experience God a little more. When we drink from the living waters every day our spirits are refreshed, the eyes of our souls are awakened, and the lives we live bring life and health to the places we enter and the relationships we build.
When we drink the living water that God provides, we will thirst no more (John 4:10-15). Whatever heat you may be experiencing in your life, remember to keep God at your side and drench yourself in the life-giving water He provides. Go ahead, give it a shot...taste, drink, and see that the Lord is good!
Instead of my normal closing prayer, I invite you to watch this video clip of the song Come to the Water by Matt Maher. May it be your prayer this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJVrZKqKNE&feature=related
Take Care & God Bless,
Don
It is a hot one today and like many hot days I like to take off my shoes, relax in a comfortable chair, and take in the rays of sun - as they shine through my window! I am not one for HOT weather. I get grumpy and can be quite miserable to be around if I get overheated. Therefore, I like to sit in a nice cool house, office, etc. and enjoy the beauty that the sunshine brings.
There are times, however, that I have to go outside. I have to mow the lawn. I have to get into a hot car. I have to go to the baseball diamond to coach baseball (that part is fun!). There are many other reasons of course, but when I know that I am going to be in the hot sun for a long time or that I will be working under the constant barrage of those heavenly heat waves, I make sure I have a nice cold drink with me. It is that cold drink that keeps me from going over the edge and offers me refreshment and nourishment when I need it most.
God does the same for us, too, doesn't He? He is that cold, refreshing drink when we need it most. He is that presence that keeps us from going over the edge of that cliff when we decide to keep Him close when our lives are getting heated and our spirits are weary. Not everyone understands that we have a God that will "satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail" (Isaiah 58:11). People don't know because they don't really give God a try. When people ask me how I get through the heat of life I tell them about God and I encourage them to give God a try as well. Even the psalmist says in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
Just give the Lord a shot. Experience Him for yourself. It's kind of like when Morpheus told Neo in The Matrix, "No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
This is a good reminder for all of us - no matter where we are in our faith journey. Everyday we need to take steps and experience God a little more. When we drink from the living waters every day our spirits are refreshed, the eyes of our souls are awakened, and the lives we live bring life and health to the places we enter and the relationships we build.
When we drink the living water that God provides, we will thirst no more (John 4:10-15). Whatever heat you may be experiencing in your life, remember to keep God at your side and drench yourself in the life-giving water He provides. Go ahead, give it a shot...taste, drink, and see that the Lord is good!
Instead of my normal closing prayer, I invite you to watch this video clip of the song Come to the Water by Matt Maher. May it be your prayer this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJVrZKqKNE&feature=related
Take Care & God Bless,
Don
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sounds of Summer
Hello!
In our crazy and chaotic world where we are running to and fro, always with something to do, every now and then, I NEED silence! When I get in the car, I turn off the radio. When I am at home, I try to sit in silence. There is something about silence that is life-giving for me. My mind, spirit, and body become renewed. I am able to sort out my thoughts, or allow my thoughts to go wherever the Spirit leads. Sometimes, I don't have any thoughts at all. I can honestly say I was thinking of nothing. :)
There is something else that silence adds to my life and that is the ability to really listen to what is most important. Let me give you an example. While at home this week, I was at that place where I needed silence. The problem is that my kids are out of school now and silence is not necessarily in their vocabulary. Luckily for me, the kids were outside playing and I was able to get in some silent moments. What I discovered was a world that I had neglected and had forgotten about.
In the silent moments I was able to truly listen, and fully enjoy, the sounds of summer. I listened to the screams and screeches of children playing outside. I heard the chirps of the robin on fence in the backyard. I even enjoyed the buzzing of the bee by my ear. In that "silent" moment, I was blessed with the voice of God bringing joy through the laughter of children and singing notes of encouragement through a song bird. After this brief, yet simply profound experience, I wanted more.
I became intentional about hearing God this week through the sounds of summer. I find joy in the sound of a ball being struck by a bat or the snap of leather as a ball hits the mit. A reminder to stay young and make sure I take time to play. My spirit sings at night with the crickets that chirp outside my window, or the ones who have found shelter in my garage. A reminder that God is with me, even in the darkest nights. I find comfort in the sound of the breeze rustling the trees or the movement of swift water as it makes it way down the Arkansas River. A reminder of God's gentle power in my life. I love the sound of silence, too. A reminder that God's still small voice continues to whisper to the depths of my soul..."be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) and "this is the Way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).
I know the summer can be filled with a great many things to do. How about taking some time to listen to the sounds of summer? What is God trying to communicate to you?
Holy God, thank You for the seasons of life. Thank You for the moments You give me to listen to Your voice. Forgive me for allowing my life to become noisy and chaotic, shutting out Your voice. I want to listen for You - so keep my spirit still and quiet. Open my ears to hear the many ways You speak to me and help me not take anything for granted. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
In our crazy and chaotic world where we are running to and fro, always with something to do, every now and then, I NEED silence! When I get in the car, I turn off the radio. When I am at home, I try to sit in silence. There is something about silence that is life-giving for me. My mind, spirit, and body become renewed. I am able to sort out my thoughts, or allow my thoughts to go wherever the Spirit leads. Sometimes, I don't have any thoughts at all. I can honestly say I was thinking of nothing. :)
There is something else that silence adds to my life and that is the ability to really listen to what is most important. Let me give you an example. While at home this week, I was at that place where I needed silence. The problem is that my kids are out of school now and silence is not necessarily in their vocabulary. Luckily for me, the kids were outside playing and I was able to get in some silent moments. What I discovered was a world that I had neglected and had forgotten about.
In the silent moments I was able to truly listen, and fully enjoy, the sounds of summer. I listened to the screams and screeches of children playing outside. I heard the chirps of the robin on fence in the backyard. I even enjoyed the buzzing of the bee by my ear. In that "silent" moment, I was blessed with the voice of God bringing joy through the laughter of children and singing notes of encouragement through a song bird. After this brief, yet simply profound experience, I wanted more.
I became intentional about hearing God this week through the sounds of summer. I find joy in the sound of a ball being struck by a bat or the snap of leather as a ball hits the mit. A reminder to stay young and make sure I take time to play. My spirit sings at night with the crickets that chirp outside my window, or the ones who have found shelter in my garage. A reminder that God is with me, even in the darkest nights. I find comfort in the sound of the breeze rustling the trees or the movement of swift water as it makes it way down the Arkansas River. A reminder of God's gentle power in my life. I love the sound of silence, too. A reminder that God's still small voice continues to whisper to the depths of my soul..."be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) and "this is the Way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).
I know the summer can be filled with a great many things to do. How about taking some time to listen to the sounds of summer? What is God trying to communicate to you?
Holy God, thank You for the seasons of life. Thank You for the moments You give me to listen to Your voice. Forgive me for allowing my life to become noisy and chaotic, shutting out Your voice. I want to listen for You - so keep my spirit still and quiet. Open my ears to hear the many ways You speak to me and help me not take anything for granted. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Enough Said
Happy Friday!
I know it is a happy day for my kids as they celebrate the first day of summer vacation. My son still wasn't awake when I left just before 9:00 this morning.
Lately it has been bothering me how much talking we do as a culture. As a man who has only 15,000 words at his disposal on a daily basis (from what the scientists say), I have to use them carefully and wisely! We have to discuss...at length...EVERYTHING.
We need to discuss how many calories are good for a healthy diet, or the reasons for our current weather patterns across the country, or whether taxes should be higher or lower or whether spending should increase or decrease (that is a personal and national debate - from the Bird House to the White House). We have to talk about what a celebrity wore, or didn't wear, at a highfalutin event. We talk about why the Rockies are playing poorly or we talk about the end of the world (if the Rockies don't make the playoffs it will feel that way for me). It seems there is always big talk around who should have won on Survivor, The Biggest Loser, or American Idol.
I'm not saying that these things are not note-worthy or discussion-worthy. They are if they interest you. And, some of the topics really don't make a difference in our lives. They are just fun to talk about and debate. However, when I look at the things that do matter in our lives like government, spirituality, church, personal relationships, etc., we can talk things to death and nothing ever seems to get done. We talk about change, but we don't really change (we just rearrange the chairs on the deck). We talk about reprioritizing our lives, yet we find it difficult to actually do it. We talk about transformation, but we don't fully partner with God to experience it.
Maybe I'm over-reacting, but it feels that we do a lot of talking and we struggle with doing what is really good, right, and true for our lives, for each other, and for God's created world. Don't get me wrong, talking things out and allowing for open discussion is important, but it seems we get stuck in the rut of just talking. Eventually, a decision has to be made and we have to get to the "doing" part of our lives.
There is a common saying that says, "Less is more." So, instead of talking this blog to death, maybe I should say one more thing. When life gets confusing and complicated, it is something I tell myself often and it gets me refocused and back on track...
JESUS
Enough said.
Gracious God, help me to communicate the power and truth of Your Son Jesus as simply and as genuinely as I can...and use words if I have to. In His holy name I pray. Amen.
I know it is a happy day for my kids as they celebrate the first day of summer vacation. My son still wasn't awake when I left just before 9:00 this morning.
Lately it has been bothering me how much talking we do as a culture. As a man who has only 15,000 words at his disposal on a daily basis (from what the scientists say), I have to use them carefully and wisely! We have to discuss...at length...EVERYTHING.
We need to discuss how many calories are good for a healthy diet, or the reasons for our current weather patterns across the country, or whether taxes should be higher or lower or whether spending should increase or decrease (that is a personal and national debate - from the Bird House to the White House). We have to talk about what a celebrity wore, or didn't wear, at a highfalutin event. We talk about why the Rockies are playing poorly or we talk about the end of the world (if the Rockies don't make the playoffs it will feel that way for me). It seems there is always big talk around who should have won on Survivor, The Biggest Loser, or American Idol.
I'm not saying that these things are not note-worthy or discussion-worthy. They are if they interest you. And, some of the topics really don't make a difference in our lives. They are just fun to talk about and debate. However, when I look at the things that do matter in our lives like government, spirituality, church, personal relationships, etc., we can talk things to death and nothing ever seems to get done. We talk about change, but we don't really change (we just rearrange the chairs on the deck). We talk about reprioritizing our lives, yet we find it difficult to actually do it. We talk about transformation, but we don't fully partner with God to experience it.
Maybe I'm over-reacting, but it feels that we do a lot of talking and we struggle with doing what is really good, right, and true for our lives, for each other, and for God's created world. Don't get me wrong, talking things out and allowing for open discussion is important, but it seems we get stuck in the rut of just talking. Eventually, a decision has to be made and we have to get to the "doing" part of our lives.
There is a common saying that says, "Less is more." So, instead of talking this blog to death, maybe I should say one more thing. When life gets confusing and complicated, it is something I tell myself often and it gets me refocused and back on track...
JESUS
Enough said.
Gracious God, help me to communicate the power and truth of Your Son Jesus as simply and as genuinely as I can...and use words if I have to. In His holy name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Get Used To It!
What a wonderful week it has been!
Yesterday was my 39th birthday. I usually don't make too much of a fuss about my birthday. I'm not one to seek out much attention and I don't feel too comfortable with all of the fanfare that usually accompanies such days. While I love doing it for others, it's never really been something that I felt I needed.
However, I was showered this year with so much love, good wishes, and compliments from loved ones that I experienced a greater blessing than I have in years past (at least in recent memory). This is not to say that my family has snubbed me in past birthday celebrations, or that there has failed to be a party of some sort or another. But, with the help of technology (facebook) and being surrounded by a loving family and great friends, my experience left me feeling extremely blessed for the life God has given me and the ability to share it with such wonderful people.
Too often we take our relationships for granted. In times of celebration (birthdays, weddings, baptisms, graduations, etc.), when we gather with our family and friends, we are reminded of how valuable those relationships are and how much joy they bring to our lives. We are reminded of the good those relationships inject into our lives and the love that keeps us going from day-to-day. This week, I was reminded of how many people care and how many people God has placed in my life that have influenced me and formed me.
With all of that said, I received an email this week that I have to share with you. I pray that it brings a smile and joy to your life today and throughout this week. (Thank you Renee Kindell for sending it to me!)
"A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy , 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?' Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.' The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?' 'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.' 'Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?' 'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'"
Are you used to God's goodness and mercy following you? How much different would your life be if you" got used to" God being with you on your journey through life? What a great example for living - with the knowledge of God's grace and goodness surrounding every step we take! May the goodness and mercy of our God follow you in the form of family and friends all the days of your life. Enjoy the journey and just get used to it!
Loving God, may I never tire of Your blessings and may I never take for granted the goodness and mercy You bring into my life. If I forget, O God, remind me of those who love me and surround me with those who bring Your joy! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Yesterday was my 39th birthday. I usually don't make too much of a fuss about my birthday. I'm not one to seek out much attention and I don't feel too comfortable with all of the fanfare that usually accompanies such days. While I love doing it for others, it's never really been something that I felt I needed.
However, I was showered this year with so much love, good wishes, and compliments from loved ones that I experienced a greater blessing than I have in years past (at least in recent memory). This is not to say that my family has snubbed me in past birthday celebrations, or that there has failed to be a party of some sort or another. But, with the help of technology (facebook) and being surrounded by a loving family and great friends, my experience left me feeling extremely blessed for the life God has given me and the ability to share it with such wonderful people.
Too often we take our relationships for granted. In times of celebration (birthdays, weddings, baptisms, graduations, etc.), when we gather with our family and friends, we are reminded of how valuable those relationships are and how much joy they bring to our lives. We are reminded of the good those relationships inject into our lives and the love that keeps us going from day-to-day. This week, I was reminded of how many people care and how many people God has placed in my life that have influenced me and formed me.
With all of that said, I received an email this week that I have to share with you. I pray that it brings a smile and joy to your life today and throughout this week. (Thank you Renee Kindell for sending it to me!)
"A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy , 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?' Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.' The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?' 'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.' 'Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?' 'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'"
Are you used to God's goodness and mercy following you? How much different would your life be if you" got used to" God being with you on your journey through life? What a great example for living - with the knowledge of God's grace and goodness surrounding every step we take! May the goodness and mercy of our God follow you in the form of family and friends all the days of your life. Enjoy the journey and just get used to it!
Loving God, may I never tire of Your blessings and may I never take for granted the goodness and mercy You bring into my life. If I forget, O God, remind me of those who love me and surround me with those who bring Your joy! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Summer Vacation Christians
Good afternoon!
Recently, I had picked-up my daughter from school and we were driving home when I said, rather excitedly, "Only 10 1/2 days left of school!" Of course, I anticipated the "normal" response of "Oh, I can't wait!" or "I wish it was over now!" When I was her age (10 yrs. old), that was my response. When I was 21 and in college, that was my response. When I was 25 and in seminary, that was my response!!! I don't think I have ever had a different response. But, I should have learned a long time ago to expect the unexpected from my daughter. Her first response came in a sound that sprung forth from the depths of her soul. It was deep...almost gutteral...with hints of a high pitched whine. I didn't know if she was getting ready to explode with excitement or stroke out in despair!
After her initial response she said, "Noooooo! I don't want school to be over!" I have to honest, I thought my child was losing it and I started to wonder if my wife had eaten some weird food when she was pregnant that created this odd behavior. (and no, I don't always blame my wife for genetic oddities) I asked her why she wasn't excited for school to be out and she said she likes school, she likes learning, and she likes being around her friends. After my shock wore off, I must say that I am awfully proud that my daughter responded the way she did. Why wouldn't a parent be excited that his/her child loves to learn and loves doing it with her friends?
In reflection, God did not create us to turn off our brains and disengage from the lessons He is trying to teach us. God did not create us to be isolated in our learning and growing. Yet, for so many Christians, we stop growing and we stop doing it together. When we accept Christ or we've done "our time" in the church, we become summer vacation Christians...excited for the time when we can sit back, relax, and tell ourselves we've learned all we need to learn and we've done what we needed to do. At least for our children, they have to go back to school. But, it can be so easy, as Christians, to take a permanent summer vacation.
I want the excitment my daughter has for learning and growing. I don't want to be content with what I already know (or think I know for that matter). I want my faith, my religion, my life to experience the excitement of wondering, "What is God going to teach me next?" While taking the time to relax is good and important for a balanced life...I'd like to find time to relax with my God and allow Him to reveal to me deeper understandings of who He is and how He is working in my life and in the lives of those around me. And, you know what? Like my daughter understands, God grows me by working through other Christians in my life. I need the Body of Christ. You and I cannot grow on our own - neither apart from each other and nor apart from God.
As it says in The Message translation of 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, "Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working."
As summer is quickly approaching, resist the temptation to become a summer vacation Christian. Pray that God would help you become a year-round Christian. One who is excited about the life lessons you learn (good and bad) and one who thirsts for the powerful presence of God in your life. Pray that God would offer you boldness and courage to seek out other Christians with whom you can grow. Pray that God, through Jesus Christ, would renew your mind and conform your heart and life to the likeness of our Lord.
Holy God, thank You for loving me and reminding me that there is more to my life than what I have come to know. Forgive me of my lazy spirit and renew within me a heart that is on fire for you. Help me to joyfully accept the lessons You are teaching and to humbly submit to Your molding of my heart. I desire to live my life for You. Grow me and make me into the person You know I can be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Recently, I had picked-up my daughter from school and we were driving home when I said, rather excitedly, "Only 10 1/2 days left of school!" Of course, I anticipated the "normal" response of "Oh, I can't wait!" or "I wish it was over now!" When I was her age (10 yrs. old), that was my response. When I was 21 and in college, that was my response. When I was 25 and in seminary, that was my response!!! I don't think I have ever had a different response. But, I should have learned a long time ago to expect the unexpected from my daughter. Her first response came in a sound that sprung forth from the depths of her soul. It was deep...almost gutteral...with hints of a high pitched whine. I didn't know if she was getting ready to explode with excitement or stroke out in despair!
After her initial response she said, "Noooooo! I don't want school to be over!" I have to honest, I thought my child was losing it and I started to wonder if my wife had eaten some weird food when she was pregnant that created this odd behavior. (and no, I don't always blame my wife for genetic oddities) I asked her why she wasn't excited for school to be out and she said she likes school, she likes learning, and she likes being around her friends. After my shock wore off, I must say that I am awfully proud that my daughter responded the way she did. Why wouldn't a parent be excited that his/her child loves to learn and loves doing it with her friends?
In reflection, God did not create us to turn off our brains and disengage from the lessons He is trying to teach us. God did not create us to be isolated in our learning and growing. Yet, for so many Christians, we stop growing and we stop doing it together. When we accept Christ or we've done "our time" in the church, we become summer vacation Christians...excited for the time when we can sit back, relax, and tell ourselves we've learned all we need to learn and we've done what we needed to do. At least for our children, they have to go back to school. But, it can be so easy, as Christians, to take a permanent summer vacation.
I want the excitment my daughter has for learning and growing. I don't want to be content with what I already know (or think I know for that matter). I want my faith, my religion, my life to experience the excitement of wondering, "What is God going to teach me next?" While taking the time to relax is good and important for a balanced life...I'd like to find time to relax with my God and allow Him to reveal to me deeper understandings of who He is and how He is working in my life and in the lives of those around me. And, you know what? Like my daughter understands, God grows me by working through other Christians in my life. I need the Body of Christ. You and I cannot grow on our own - neither apart from each other and nor apart from God.
As it says in The Message translation of 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, "Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working."
As summer is quickly approaching, resist the temptation to become a summer vacation Christian. Pray that God would help you become a year-round Christian. One who is excited about the life lessons you learn (good and bad) and one who thirsts for the powerful presence of God in your life. Pray that God would offer you boldness and courage to seek out other Christians with whom you can grow. Pray that God, through Jesus Christ, would renew your mind and conform your heart and life to the likeness of our Lord.
Holy God, thank You for loving me and reminding me that there is more to my life than what I have come to know. Forgive me of my lazy spirit and renew within me a heart that is on fire for you. Help me to joyfully accept the lessons You are teaching and to humbly submit to Your molding of my heart. I desire to live my life for You. Grow me and make me into the person You know I can be. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
In Our Father's Image
Today is the National Day of Prayer and it couldn't have come at a better time, in my opinion. Just four days ago our nation erupted in jubilation over the news that a mass murderer had been hunted down and killed. Justice was served...at least our view of justice this side of heaven. I heard the news after I came home from a wonderful choir concert at our church. Talk about a downer! My first reaction was one of relief that this man could no longer hurt people of all different genders, ages, races, and creeds. My next reaction was in response to the scenes I saw on television of people congregating in the streets to actually celebrate the news.
This form of celebration did not sit right with me and it still doesn't. While I understand the raw human emotion of celebrating that justice had been enacted on this man and the collective sigh of relief that more suffering would not come from his hand, I was reminded of the scenes I saw of people celebrating in the streets at the news of 9/11. I thought to myself, have we stooped that low? Have we become what we say we hate?
My Christian response was not one of joy, but one of sadness. Sadness for the reminder of all who have died under his hand. Sadness of the evil that has spread because of his teachings. Sadness that, as far as we know, he never knew of the powerful grace and love that our God has for him. Sadness that our world could rejoice when another life is taken. Are these the consequences of war and of another person's actions? Yes. Do we need to delight in them? No.
All around facebook the Scripture that keeps coming out from Christian brothers and sisters is from Ezekiel 33:11, "As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live." On this 5th day of May, the National Day of Prayer, that is what I am going to be praying for.
In closing, allow me to share an old devotion that I came across this week that I think speaks to the Christian response for the world today:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45
Max Lucado, in his book The Applause of Heaven, writes about a big, muscle-bound man named Daniel who was swindled by his own brother. He vowed that if he ever saw him again, he would break his neck. A few months later, Daniel became a Christian. Even so, he couldn't forgive his brother. One day, the inevitable encounter took place on a busy avenue. This is how Daniel described what happened:
I saw him, but he didn't see me. I felt my fists clench and my face get hot. My initial impulse was to grab him around the throat and choke the life out of him. But as I looked into his face, my anger began to melt. For as I saw him, I saw the image of my father. I saw my father's eyes. I saw my father's look. I saw my father's expression. And as I saw my father in his face, my enemy once again became my brother.
The brother found himself wrapped in those big arms—but in a hug. The two stood in the middle of the river of people and wept. Daniel's words bear repeating: "When I saw the image of my father in his face, my enemy became my brother."
What do we see when we look at someone who wrongs us or makes our life difficult? Do thoughts of revenge or retribution cloud our view … or can we see the image of our father, our Heavenly Father, in these people? May the Holy Spirit empower us to see our Father’s image in everyone we encounter.
This form of celebration did not sit right with me and it still doesn't. While I understand the raw human emotion of celebrating that justice had been enacted on this man and the collective sigh of relief that more suffering would not come from his hand, I was reminded of the scenes I saw of people celebrating in the streets at the news of 9/11. I thought to myself, have we stooped that low? Have we become what we say we hate?
My Christian response was not one of joy, but one of sadness. Sadness for the reminder of all who have died under his hand. Sadness of the evil that has spread because of his teachings. Sadness that, as far as we know, he never knew of the powerful grace and love that our God has for him. Sadness that our world could rejoice when another life is taken. Are these the consequences of war and of another person's actions? Yes. Do we need to delight in them? No.
All around facebook the Scripture that keeps coming out from Christian brothers and sisters is from Ezekiel 33:11, "As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live." On this 5th day of May, the National Day of Prayer, that is what I am going to be praying for.
In closing, allow me to share an old devotion that I came across this week that I think speaks to the Christian response for the world today:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45
Max Lucado, in his book The Applause of Heaven, writes about a big, muscle-bound man named Daniel who was swindled by his own brother. He vowed that if he ever saw him again, he would break his neck. A few months later, Daniel became a Christian. Even so, he couldn't forgive his brother. One day, the inevitable encounter took place on a busy avenue. This is how Daniel described what happened:
I saw him, but he didn't see me. I felt my fists clench and my face get hot. My initial impulse was to grab him around the throat and choke the life out of him. But as I looked into his face, my anger began to melt. For as I saw him, I saw the image of my father. I saw my father's eyes. I saw my father's look. I saw my father's expression. And as I saw my father in his face, my enemy once again became my brother.
The brother found himself wrapped in those big arms—but in a hug. The two stood in the middle of the river of people and wept. Daniel's words bear repeating: "When I saw the image of my father in his face, my enemy became my brother."
What do we see when we look at someone who wrongs us or makes our life difficult? Do thoughts of revenge or retribution cloud our view … or can we see the image of our father, our Heavenly Father, in these people? May the Holy Spirit empower us to see our Father’s image in everyone we encounter.
Whether that be in a man who is responsible for the killing of many, the coworker we don't get along with, the family member we've grown estranged from, or the person who looks back at us in the mirror everyday. Let's spend our time celebrating the face of God revealed to us in each other!
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for giving me the great gift of forgiveness. Enable me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Give me the vision to see beyond what is in front of me, to see what is inside of every one of your children...You. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)