Thursday, August 19, 2010

Chasing the Wild Goose

"It is amazing where God will take you when you are willing to follow. Life is full of surprises when we choose mystery over security." Erwin McManus

Life constantly seems to be pitching me to and fro.  I feel at 30 that more than ever I need to rely on the God of peace to stretch His hand over my life and speak "Peace, be still" into it.  I am upset with my lack of memory.  Have I forgotten how He has granted peace in the past?  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  That same peace that surpasses my understanding is still available today.  I am called to "be anxious in NOTHING!"  Nothing is quite inclusive if you ask me.  Careers, finances, friendships, ministry, and yes even those relationships with someone of the opposite sex are all under the scope of nothing.  More importantly they are all under the umbrella of His peace.

Why did Jesus choose to ride a donkey for His triumphant entry to Jerusalem?  If I had to make the choice I would ride the most beautiful, powerful, magnificent steed I could find.  However, when a king entered the city on stallion at that time it was for a time of war.  The significance of Jesus entering on a donkey was that it symbolized a time of peace.  Here was the Son of God riding in on a donkey to be crucified and bring peace to the world and to our lives.  Has a donkey ever been more beautiful, magnificent, and powerful?

I know following the Holy Spirit can often look like a wild goose chase.  To the world it can seem totally irresponsible, but to the God of peace it is responsible irresponsibility.  To give up the security we have and to step out into the mystery of His love, peace, and calling is our responsibility.  It is then we will find ourselves amazed, most fulfilled, and at peace.  He has, by His grace, given each of us our own unique gifts to be used for the edification of His body, the church.  Will we choose security and comfort or mystery and sacrificial service?  I fear that for too long I have not chosen the latter, but rather looked to my own comfort and thus become stagnant and luke warm of sorts. 

Romans 12 commands the use of our gifts and I know I must step out and put my faith into action.  The harvest is ready. We can not afford to wait any longer.  Opportunities stare us in the face and we allow our busy lives and selfish ambitions to distract us.  Technology has allowed us to reach many, but has also distracted us from so many opportunities to serve and grow.  As it is said "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."  Starting today I must grab those opportunities by the horns and make the most of them for in the twinkling of an eye my time here may be through.  "Not a hoof left behind" is what my grandma and grandpa live for and desire with our family and it must be what we live for and desire for the world around us.

Reach out of your comfort and security, grab that plow of mystery and service, and don't let go.  Let's get to work and change the world for Christ. 

Matthew 5:16

Friday, August 13, 2010

Blessings of a father

Today I am reminded of how blessed I am.  These blessings, while evident in every area of my life, are most clear to me in my family.  Time spent with my father, mother, and sister are some of the best memories I have.  Their unconditional love for me often astounds me.  How my mom and dad put up with some of my stupid, selfish acts is beyond me.  How my sister still loves me despite all arguments and fights (which I won) as kids is amazing.  Even as I write this I know it is not beyond me or really that amazing, but rather God entwined in and directing our family.  The saying about the family that prays together staying together is so true.  The love of the Lord is evident in each of us and thus to each of us through one another.  We leave each family time together with a prayer circle, committing one another to the Lord and looking forward to what He has for each of us.

I have a mother who is one of the most passionate, God fearing, and loving women I know of.  Her love for her God and His word, her husband, her family, and everyone she comes in touch with is truly a testament to His love, grace, and place in her life.  Everyone remembers "Mama Ruth" and the part she played in their life whether through a simple hug, a meal, or time spent in fellowship and learning. 

I have a sister who put up with me for years and even lived with me.  That in itself took more grace than I imagine I have.  Her wisdom and heart extend far beyond her years.  In her humility, I doubt she even realizes her wisdom, her heart, her talents, or the extent of her impact.  She is soft spoken, but when she speaks or steps out in faith it is always an encouragement to those around her.

Though those blessings would be enough for any man, I am blessed far beyond that to have an earthly father who is the best representation of what a Godly man and father should look like.  His dedication and passion for the Word are convicting and encouraging.  He meets every trial and struggle head on with wisdom, grace, understanding, patience, and perseverance.  Through those times His love for the Lord, my mother, his children, and his ministry never ceases.  When he speaks people listen because his character in the Lord has been proven over and over.  He is never too busy to help someone in need and often sacrifices his personal needs and desires to meet those needs. 

Perhaps the thing that means the most to me was that my dad was always there through thick and thin.  No matter the cost and at any time, he would drop whatever he had to for my sake.  Our family was his first ministry.  He traveled to most of my away basketball games, was always home to meet the bus, rarely missed a school event, celebrated every major event and accomplishment in my life, sacrficed many hours making sure my needs were met, taught me so many tools and trades of life, and always found time to impart Godly wisdom and ideals into my life.  If I needed him today, he would be here in a moments' notice.  In all these times he treated me as a man and expected that I act as one.  He would listen to and respect my thoughts and feelings on life, relationships, and the Word.  When needed he would correct me and impart the wisdom that the Spirit blessed him with and go right on loving me.  I am blessed to have a father that is my best friend and who is and will be my best man for life. 

In my desire to have a family someday I hope to be able to mimic my father.  To not spare the rod, to not exasperate, to impart wisdom, to spend time with my family, to sacrifice for them at a moments notice, and above all to love sacrificially and unconditionally.  I want my father to be proud of me as a father and as a grandfather of my children.  I can not wait to tell them about their grandfather, allow him to impart the same wisdom and knowledge to them, and to watch him love them.

If you know and have a relationship with your Heavenly Father you can see the parallels.  However great I feel my father and his love are, I know beyond that shadow of a doubt that my God and his love and grace are greater.  He is always there no matter the place or time of day.  He is a simple prayer, cry, or groan away.  His mercies are new every morning and His forgiveness no one can match or fathom.  While my earthly father will age, my Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  My Heavenly Father also imparts wisdom to me through His words, my earthly father, and so many others.  His riches and blessings are beyond measure.  He knows what is best for me and my growth in Him.  He hurts when I hurt and rejoices when I rejoice.  He yearns to spend every moment with me.  No matter how many times I fall, He still loves me.  He carries me when I can not make it on my own.  He always welcomes me back with open arms.  His love is unconditional, sacrificial, pure, and perfect.  Above all He sacrificed His one and only Son for our redemption that we might spend eternity with Him.

I know that my father strives to be found in the image of his Heavenly Father and I long to do the same.  How great to be an heir in Christ and have the blessing of an eternity with the One who created us, loves us, and gave Himself for us.  Lord hasten your kingdom!  May the crys of my heart and my mouth be ones of adoration and love to my Abba Father.

I love you dad  and thank the Lord for you upon every remembrance.

To God be the glory!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Where is the modern day Paul?

As I sat studying Ephesians 3 with my good friend Bill, I could not help but return to the question of where is the modern day Paul and what would we he look like in our generation?  A man humble enough to say that he is "less than the least of all God's people." (Eph 3:7)  Here is the greatest missionary our world has ever known saying he is less than the least.  That humility brings to mind people like Jim Elliot, Billy Graham, Brother Andrew, and Mother Theresa.

Paul considered himself a servant and prisoner of the Gospel and Jesus Christ.  Paul knew better than anyone the magnitude of God's grace.  Despite the darkness of his past, God chose to love Paul, forgive him, extend to him His hand of grace, and even deem him worthy to be a servant and minister of the very Gospel that saved him.  May I be as aware of what the Gospel has done for me and thus be found on my knees in thanksgiving.  May that thanksgiving overflow to a faith of action and ministry as Paul's did.  May I be so rooted and established in this love and grace that I am able "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  Eph 3:18-19

Paul knew his mission was to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and bring to light the mystery of Christ for them.  Paul was blessed to have studied and to have has so much training even before his conversion.  Even in the times he was persecuting the very people he would later preach to and fellowship with, Paul was being molded and trained by God for the works ahead.  As I reflect on that and this season of my life, I find the need to ask what is my mission and what is God doing to refine me and train me where I am at?  I must have a Kingdom mindset. 

I picture Paul as an amazing speaker and quite the stud in knowledge and stature. Even more so this quote reminds me of Paul.  "A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words." - Phillips Brooks  Paul may have been a great speaker and a great missionary, but where would that have gotten the Gospel without his being a man of integrity and character?  His times in prison, his dealings with churches and fellow believers, and his own convictions attest to the Godliness of his character.  I truly believe Paul could have still made an impact even in silence.  Praise the Lord he also spoke and wrote the Epistles and many more were touched and changed for eternity.

As I seek to grow in my relationship and ministry as Paul, I often ponder how I can make such an impact.  Paul knew his calling was to the Gentiles.  He acknowledged that he was a prisoner of Christ for the sake of the Gentiles in Ephesians 3:1.  I am still unsure who I am a prisoner of Christ for the sake of.  I know in His time and through the passions and desires of my heart He will grant me this knowledge.  When asked how to have an impact like hers, Mother Theresa responded with four simple words, "Find your own Calcutta!"

The season between now and then often seems like winter to me.  I find myself cold to things and just wanting to sit out the time all huddled up doing nothing.  I am convicted by the story of Nehemiah.  Nehemiah had a good and secure job as cupbearer for the king.  He did his work with joy as for the Lord and not for man.  When he God laid it on his heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he was saddened.  This sadness was obvious to the king because of Nehemiahs reputation for being joyful in his work.  I am quite sure that Nehemiah also went above and beyond what his job required and thus enjoyed the favor of the king.  Nehemiah went through his "winter" before his mission doing the best he could in joy right where he was at.  We must do the same and then when called, we step out in faith and with the blessings of those above and around us.  Nehemiah, because of his character and reputation, was able to have favor with the king, and when he stepped out in faith and asked the king for the time and supplies to rebuild Jerusalem, he was given everything he needed and more.  The people I serve, work for, and those who see my character today may very well be those who help me in ministry, or even who I minister to, tomorrow.  I must be faithful and thankful in my today.  He has me here for now!

May the Lord reveal to us our Calcuttas.  Until that time may we be found growing, training, and serving in joy as we, like Nehemiah, seek to be the best cupbearers we can be.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,  for ever and ever! Amen.  Eph 3:20-21

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Thoughts on a Tuesday

Twitter has inspired me in quite a few ways this week.  It is amazing to receive wisdom and inspiration from so few words written or quoted by solid men of God. 

Augustine wrote, “Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.” Acts 20:35

I am so blessed because He is so faithful.  Why do I ever doubt?  He always provides above and beyond.  The glory of it all is that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  His blessings and faithfulness in my life will never change.  I must be cheerfully generous with the abundance.

Joni Eareckson Tada: “I want to stay in the habit of 'glancing' at my problems and 'gazing' at my Lord.” Heb. 12:12

So often it is the other way around in my life.  If only my gaze was to the source of my help.  My soul would then be able to sing it is well.  "I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where comes my help."  Psalm 121

"To grow a mature faith u must learn to trust that God is working in other's lives even when you disagree with them. "

"When offended by others tell God, not gossipers.Take it to the Throne, not the phone!God reduces hurt.Gossips reinforce it. "

"If you're praying about it God's working on it."

I am continually amazed at how the Lord convicts us through His word and through others when we need it.  The past month with all the divisions in my groups of friends and thus in the body of Christ, has reminded of the need to take it daily to the throne.  I can only trust from that point, knowing that He has heard my cry and will answer as His will desires.  In the meantime I must overflow with grace and forgiveness as Christ did.  Luke 6:38 reminds us to be merciful, to not judge or condemn, and to forgive lest we are not given the same.  I must do my part for "so far as it depends on YOU, be at peace with all men."  (Romans 12:18)  This can only come through humbling myself and putting others first.  I can, and will, do my part and leave the rest to Him who is able!

"God doesn’t respond to begging,bargaining,bribing,badgering,or bemoaning our problems.He acts when we BELIEVE." See Heb.11:6

I can not change God's will or His character.  No, I can only strive to conform my life to His desires and to be found growing in His likeness.  God will most definitely honor our belief and faith as it agrees with who He is.  When we are called to delight ourselves in the Lord it is our will conforming to His.  If we desire the same things as our Father, why would He not grant us those very things we so desire?  My prayer is to be found in accordance with His will, to again be acting in faith and belief, and to be in a daily process of refining and transformation that brings me closer to Him whose likeness I was created in. 

The harvest is ready.  It is time to enter the mission field of life.  Of this I am sure, that the Lord has me here for now.  HERE AM I; SEND ME!

"When the time comes to die, make sure that all you have to do is die!"

~Jim Elliot"

Monday, August 9, 2010

Faith and our life here on earth

"You will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth."  I saw that on a tweet from Max Lucado and could not agree more.  What a day that will be when we see His face and spend eternity worshipping Him.

I have been pondering where my faith is at and where it should be.  I feel that I am no where near the faith of Nehemiah stepping out of his great job to rebuild the walls.  Am I even near the faith of the priests that put their feet in the Jordan before the Lord parted it?  I fear not.

The Wild Goose Chase has been utterly convicting.  As was stated there, it is not well thought or well said good and faithful servant, but rather well DONE good and faithful servant.  God wants me to step out in faith and have a faith of action.  Often signs follow faith.  As the Smalltown Poets so aptly put it in their song Hold It Up To The Light (see song at the end of post), if we were given a vision would we ever have reason to use our faith?  The song goes on and on about how there's no choice if we don't make a move, how the signs are in sight once we step out, and how are choice is good when we move in His will.  The time is short and we do not have time to be stopped at the "crossroads."

Where will this faith take me?  How can I have the faith of those in Hebrews 11?  My prayer for this year is to have a faith that is not dead, but a faith of action and boldness.  As I see those around me leaving this world for the glories of Heaven, I am confronted with the desire and need to put that faith into action immediately.

May my hand be always to the plow for His glory!

HOLD IT UP TO THE LIGHT

It's the choice of a lifetime & I'm almost sure

I will not live my life in between anymore

If I can't be certain of all that's in store

This far it feels so right

I will hold it up & hold it up to the light,

Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light



The search for my future has brought me here

This is more than I'd hoped for, but sometimes I fear

That the choice I was made for will someday appear

And I'll be too late for that flight

So hold it up & hold it up to the light,

Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light



I said God, will you bless this decision?

I'm scared. Is my life at stake?

But I know if you gave me a vision

Would I never have reason to use my faith?



Now as soon as I'm moving & my choice is good

This way comes through right where I prayed that it would

If I keep my eyes open and look where I should

Somehow all of the signs are in sight

If I hold up the light



It's too late & to be stopped at the crossroads

Each life here & each a possible way

But wait & and they all will be lost roads

Each path's growing shorter the longer I stay



I was dead with deciding & afraid to choose

I was mourning the loss of the choices I'd lose

But there's no choice at all if I don't make my move

And trust that the timing is right

I will hold it up hold it up to the light

Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog.  I hope to keep this up to date as I keep my hand to the plow.