I was blessed to watch the movie Soul Surfer this past week. It is one of the best movies I have seen in some time in the secular movie world. God was evident in the movie through Scripture and even praise songs at a church service. I must admit I was moved to tears multiple times. Reflecting on those tears and the movie itself has encouraged me to "surf my soul" and find the reason for those tears. These are my discoveries....
There is a greater purpose for every trial and struggle in life. We may not see it from close up, but in hindsight or when we view the big picture, we will see His hand in it all. Lately I have not been seeing the big picture. I have been confused and in a big struggle with work and relationships. I know when I step back and look that the Lord ordained for me to be here. I need to be the best cupbearer I can be in my job as Nehemiah was in his. I need to have a greater measure of grace with those around me and love them as Christ so loved us. I need to rest in His perfect plan and enjoy the journey and the growth through the struggles and the heartaches.
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord has more for me. This discovery comes with some regret. I know the Lord has another season down the road in which He will greatly use me in other avenues. I await that season with great anticipation for I know it will be one of much joy, growth, and eternal value. It is this current season where the regret is found. I have been given much in the ways of passions, gifts, and opportunities. I must confess I have not made the most of any of those. I have missed opportunities and left my passions and gifts dormant far too many times. I must make the most of every opportunity for the harvest is ripe and as is evident in the deaths around me, life is very fleeting.
I MUST use the gifts God has given me now. I MUST use the passions God has given me now. Will it be hard? Will I be tested and face adversity? Of course, but as was repeated many times in the movie, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!" If Bethany Hamilton can lose an arm and get up again and use her passions and talents to minister to others, why can't I do the same in the face of my minor challenges?
I am convicted to pick up my cross today, to use my every breath, my every fiber, my every idea, and every word to spread the glorious Gospel and edify the church. May my remaining days be a fragrance of great, yet humble, service to the King. I lay my desires, gifts, talents, and passions at your feet Lord. Use them as You will.
I pray this be not only my desire, but the desire of many. The harvest is ready. Our world needs the hope found only in Jesus Christ. May we, like Bethany Hamilton, use our everything for His glory, and His alone. My hand is to the plow...
One Pure and Holy Passion
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me on magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your dicsiple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after you
To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in the truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lord to know and follow hard after you
And to grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
This is my ambition, my passion, and I pray a deepening obsession. Oh Lord may all I desire be to run after the prize of knowing and serving You. May all else fade.
To God be the glory!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Oh To Be Dangerous...
As I contemplate the next season of life, I have been faced with a great question. Am I DANGEROUS? Are my choices and the things I am doing changing the world and ruining the plans and desires of the evil one? Jim Elliot has convicted me greatly through his life and his words. The following quotes seem to be so distant from my life and yet a great desire of my soul.
"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."
How harmless am I? Why am I on the sidelines so often? Get in the game Jason! I greatly desire to be that crisis man, to direct people to the King of Kings, and to change lives for eternity. I know the fear of stepping out in faith has kept me from being the dangerous man I know I should be. Do I not trust Him? The book of Joshua reminds us over and over to "be strong and courageous." Paul says that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2nd Timothy 1:7)
I so often feel inadequate. Why would the God of the universe choose to use me as a crisis man? I am so wretched at times and so impure. How can I yet be considered for His service? It is so easy to become crippled and stagnant when we feel inadequate or incapable. That thinking is all about us and not about Him. It is about my being a sinful man when it should be about His power and might. Oh Lord make me less that You might become more. Change my mindset that I may always look Heavenward! Through His work on the cross we are washed clean and made worthy to be His heirs and to serve Him for eternity. I must grab hold of this truth and rest in it.
I choose to throw off the fear and the feelings of inadequacy that hinder my service in the army of Lord of Lords. TODAY MAKE ME DANGEROUS! May that be said of us as the body of Christ. The harvest is ready and our world needs the hope of Jesus Christ. May we daily say "Here am I, SEND ME!"
Hasten your kingdom Lord! May we be found giving our all and holding nothing back.
I'll Give (Smalltown Poets)
yesterday i lived for me
and i was so alone as i could be
then i saw you and how you give yourself away
and i want to live for you today
i'll give; i'll hold nothing
i'll give and i'll hold nothing back
my love is a lot like me
wanting nothing less than everything
but i know you're the only love that's true
and only giving makes me close to you
my hands are open, so take what you see
and i keep nothing, hold nothing back for me.
"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."
How harmless am I? Why am I on the sidelines so often? Get in the game Jason! I greatly desire to be that crisis man, to direct people to the King of Kings, and to change lives for eternity. I know the fear of stepping out in faith has kept me from being the dangerous man I know I should be. Do I not trust Him? The book of Joshua reminds us over and over to "be strong and courageous." Paul says that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2nd Timothy 1:7)
I so often feel inadequate. Why would the God of the universe choose to use me as a crisis man? I am so wretched at times and so impure. How can I yet be considered for His service? It is so easy to become crippled and stagnant when we feel inadequate or incapable. That thinking is all about us and not about Him. It is about my being a sinful man when it should be about His power and might. Oh Lord make me less that You might become more. Change my mindset that I may always look Heavenward! Through His work on the cross we are washed clean and made worthy to be His heirs and to serve Him for eternity. I must grab hold of this truth and rest in it.
I choose to throw off the fear and the feelings of inadequacy that hinder my service in the army of Lord of Lords. TODAY MAKE ME DANGEROUS! May that be said of us as the body of Christ. The harvest is ready and our world needs the hope of Jesus Christ. May we daily say "Here am I, SEND ME!"
Hasten your kingdom Lord! May we be found giving our all and holding nothing back.
I'll Give (Smalltown Poets)
yesterday i lived for me
and i was so alone as i could be
then i saw you and how you give yourself away
and i want to live for you today
i'll give; i'll hold nothing
i'll give and i'll hold nothing back
my love is a lot like me
wanting nothing less than everything
but i know you're the only love that's true
and only giving makes me close to you
my hands are open, so take what you see
and i keep nothing, hold nothing back for me.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Written In Stone
My mother shared the following story with me this morning through an e-mail that recapped the past year in the life of my father. Their joys, hurts, and struggles have been great in 2011. Death has taken loved ones to Heaven. Their bodies have experienced great pain and aches. Their ministry has had many mountains and valleys. Yet through it all they have maintained that joy and the hope of Romans 5 that does not disappoint. They have never stopped serving and putting others first and those things are written in stone. I pray the wind does blow away the pains and struggles that are written in their sand if it be His will. Perhaps His will is that those things in the sand will lead to more things of eternal value that are written in stone and stored as treasures in Heaven. Lord Thy will be done in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. Our stones are full for we are blessed. Continue to give us the grace and courage to let those winds come and wipe clean the sand. May we be found joyful as we seek and serve You. Lord increase our joys as our wills align with Thine.
WRITTEN IN STONE
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
HE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'
THE FRIEND REPLIED “WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR JOYS IN STONE.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
To God Be the Glory!
WRITTEN IN STONE
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
HE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'
THE FRIEND REPLIED “WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR JOYS IN STONE.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
To God Be the Glory!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Your Grace Is Enough
Sometimes I can't help but laugh at the ways the Lord works. I find myself reading a book and then being immediately challenged numerous times on the very subject the book or the passage dealt with. Only our God has the ability to work such things for His glory. My favorite book of the past year was What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. The main difference between Christianity and other religions is grace in the words of C.S. Lewis. I have been challenged to live out this difference in many ways these past few weeks.
God's grace is evident all around me and in me. It is only by His grace that I am alive. It is by His grace that I have my current job. It is even by His grace that I am single and waiting on the one He has to run the race with me. His grace is sufficient and all I need.
The question then is how do I breathe that same grace into the lives of others? I am far to oft selfish, prideful, and impatient. I like to see the faults in others instead of working on those that exist in my own being. I only like to give grace to those who give it to me. This is the antithesis of Christ's grace. He laid down His life and took up His cross. It was on that very cross as He called to His father to forgive and save the very ones that crucified Him. He forgives over and over no matter how deserving we are. Even more amazing is that He forgets and does not hold those sins over our heads.
The ball is in my court. Romans 12 reminds me that as far as it depends on ME to live at peace with everyone. I can not control the actions of others, but only my own actions and reactions. I can not wait for grace to be given, rather I must give grace and love unconditionally. I must look first to the needs of others. I must humble myself and wait upon the Lord for "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Ecclesiastes 7:8). I must remove the plank from my eye instead of focusing on the specks in the eyes of others. As it is written in John 8:6-8, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
It is for God alone to judge. Only He is righteous, pure, and able. That same pure, holy, just, jealous God shows AMAZING grace. May I be found doing the same as a humble servant, made in His image, and for His glory.
Let It Go - Newsboys
You are waiting on a beach
For a healing word to come
Maybe an apology in a bottle
Maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry."
And the hurting leaves you numb
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You don't understand it
Let it go
You are waiting on a beach
This is where the east meets west
And as another sun sets on your anger
The darkness laughs, as the wound destroys
And it turns your prayers to noise
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
This bitterness you hide
It seeps into your soul
And it steals your joy
'til it's all you know
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
Beneath the cross
You hear His words,
"Father, forgive them,"
And you know
You can't understand it
Let it go
Who do you need to forgive (and forget) today? What bitterness are you holding onto? Forgive, forget, and live by the grace that God lavishes upon us. If grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions and yet we do not live it or give it, are we truly any different? Oh that we might breathe grace into the dark and needing world around us. What a pleasant aroma that would be to others and to the glory of the giver of grace and life. His Grace Is Truly Enough!
God's grace is evident all around me and in me. It is only by His grace that I am alive. It is by His grace that I have my current job. It is even by His grace that I am single and waiting on the one He has to run the race with me. His grace is sufficient and all I need.
The question then is how do I breathe that same grace into the lives of others? I am far to oft selfish, prideful, and impatient. I like to see the faults in others instead of working on those that exist in my own being. I only like to give grace to those who give it to me. This is the antithesis of Christ's grace. He laid down His life and took up His cross. It was on that very cross as He called to His father to forgive and save the very ones that crucified Him. He forgives over and over no matter how deserving we are. Even more amazing is that He forgets and does not hold those sins over our heads.
The ball is in my court. Romans 12 reminds me that as far as it depends on ME to live at peace with everyone. I can not control the actions of others, but only my own actions and reactions. I can not wait for grace to be given, rather I must give grace and love unconditionally. I must look first to the needs of others. I must humble myself and wait upon the Lord for "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Ecclesiastes 7:8). I must remove the plank from my eye instead of focusing on the specks in the eyes of others. As it is written in John 8:6-8, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
It is for God alone to judge. Only He is righteous, pure, and able. That same pure, holy, just, jealous God shows AMAZING grace. May I be found doing the same as a humble servant, made in His image, and for His glory.
Let It Go - Newsboys
You are waiting on a beach
For a healing word to come
Maybe an apology in a bottle
Maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry."
And the hurting leaves you numb
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You don't understand it
Let it go
You are waiting on a beach
This is where the east meets west
And as another sun sets on your anger
The darkness laughs, as the wound destroys
And it turns your prayers to noise
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
This bitterness you hide
It seeps into your soul
And it steals your joy
'til it's all you know
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
Beneath the cross
You hear His words,
"Father, forgive them,"
And you know
You can't understand it
Let it go
Who do you need to forgive (and forget) today? What bitterness are you holding onto? Forgive, forget, and live by the grace that God lavishes upon us. If grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions and yet we do not live it or give it, are we truly any different? Oh that we might breathe grace into the dark and needing world around us. What a pleasant aroma that would be to others and to the glory of the giver of grace and life. His Grace Is Truly Enough!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
My Thanksgiving
As I have sat and enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family and life long friends, I have been reminded again of how truly blessed I am. It is sad that for myself and many Americans it takes a special day to remind us to reminisce and be thankful for all we have and are. The past few months have forced me to take a look at my life; past, present, and future. As I have done so, I can not help but see the hand and providence of a wonderful God woven throughout my life.
After the turkey was gone, the games played, and the friends has said their goodbyes, I was blessed with some time to ponder this day and why I need Thanksgiving. Why should I be thankful today? Why should I be thankful tomorrow?
I am blessed with another day. God has allowed me another day to breath and enjoy the life He has created for me. I may not be able to run right now, but I can walk, sing, and rejoice. My God is greater, stronger, and He is a healer who is awesome in power. He gave the greatest gift of all that I might spend eternity with Him. While I got used to losing a lot in high school and college basketball, it always pained me deeply. It angered me. What a joy to know that no matter what happens here on earth, I have eternal victory over death and the grave through Jesus Christ. That in itself makes Thanksgiving a great day. May each breath of every day be music and worship to His ears.
I am thankful for where the Lord has me. I am truly proud to be an American and thankful for those who daily put their lives in harms way to give me that freedom. I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship and to fellowship. I pray that the Lord sends a revival to this great nation and that we are truly once again One Nation Under GOD. God bless America!
I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has given to me and the passions He has laid on my heart. They have driven me and led to into who I am today. I find true joy as I use them to seek and fulfill His calling on my life. I pray for greater opportunities to use these gifts for His name's sake.
I am thankful for my family. As I hear stories of broken families and of holiday drama in other families I can truly thank the Lord for a family who loves each other and who above all loves the Lord. They are a constant example of God's unconditional and sacrificial love. They daily set an example for me in life. As I see my mom and dad serve I am so proud and so convicted. How often do I serve only when asked and forget to simply look around for need? I must be looking for opportunities to serve rather than waiting to be asked. The need is great and the harvest is ready. Make me a servant like my parents Lord. I see the looks on the faces of neighbors when my parents show up to do a thoughtful deed spur of the moment. Christ is truly seen in my parents and I pray that in these holiday times I become a greater servant. As I serve may He become more as I become less.
I am thankful for the legacy that is being left. As I see my grandpa begin to fade I am saddened. My selfish, human nature longs for him to remain on earth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He has a home in glory and he anxiously awaits the day he will see his Savior face to face for He has that eternal hope. I too long for that day when there will be no more pain and just the glory of the Lord. I think of my grandpa's life (grandma too) and wish I had spent more hours listening to stories. Life is fleeting, but the legacy is forever. The lives that have been touched, mine included, are immeasurable. I hope and pray that I leave that same legacy of service and love for His kingdom. I long to hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."
As this year has passed by quickly I have gone through many things I would not have chosen for myself. I have come to realize that I am thankful for His perfect plan. His plan is to prosper me even though I may not see it in the here and now. I look back on my life and hindsight truly is a thing of beauty. God has woven a beautiful story in my life. I have fallen time and again and made a mess of things quite often. The beauty comes in Him cleaning it up, washing me clean, and loving me as my Abba Father. My job may not be where I see myself, but it is where God has me for this season. My relationship status may not always be how I want, but it is where God wants me right now. Many of my friends have moved and it is not what I desired, but God knows and He has strengthened some of those very friendships through the miles and struggles. One of the songs I loved to hear my grandpa sing was Because He Lives. This song reminds us that because He lives I can face tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His faithful plan for my life to date will continue into the future and for eternity. In that I hope and promise I can truly rest.
The Bible is full of the traits of God though we can never really comprehend His majesty and power for His ways and thoughts are far above ours. He is our God, our Creator, our Healer. He is the beginning and the end. He is the friend of sinners. He loves us unconditionally with more grace and mercy than we can fathom. He is faithful when we are faithless. He pours out blessings on our lives from His immeasurable riches. He is always there and always listens. He knows every part of us even before we were formed. He is our strength, our salvation, and our shield. He gives us livingwater that we may never thirst. Above all He is our eternal Father and we are His children whom He dearly loves.
Today and everyday I choose to be thankful. Thankful despite hardships and pain. Thankful despite my plans falling apart. Thankful despite what the world may say. Thankful simply because He lives, He loves me, and He has a perfect plan. I can truly say from my heart, "THANK YOU!"
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
After the turkey was gone, the games played, and the friends has said their goodbyes, I was blessed with some time to ponder this day and why I need Thanksgiving. Why should I be thankful today? Why should I be thankful tomorrow?
I am blessed with another day. God has allowed me another day to breath and enjoy the life He has created for me. I may not be able to run right now, but I can walk, sing, and rejoice. My God is greater, stronger, and He is a healer who is awesome in power. He gave the greatest gift of all that I might spend eternity with Him. While I got used to losing a lot in high school and college basketball, it always pained me deeply. It angered me. What a joy to know that no matter what happens here on earth, I have eternal victory over death and the grave through Jesus Christ. That in itself makes Thanksgiving a great day. May each breath of every day be music and worship to His ears.
I am thankful for where the Lord has me. I am truly proud to be an American and thankful for those who daily put their lives in harms way to give me that freedom. I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship and to fellowship. I pray that the Lord sends a revival to this great nation and that we are truly once again One Nation Under GOD. God bless America!
I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has given to me and the passions He has laid on my heart. They have driven me and led to into who I am today. I find true joy as I use them to seek and fulfill His calling on my life. I pray for greater opportunities to use these gifts for His name's sake.
I am thankful for my family. As I hear stories of broken families and of holiday drama in other families I can truly thank the Lord for a family who loves each other and who above all loves the Lord. They are a constant example of God's unconditional and sacrificial love. They daily set an example for me in life. As I see my mom and dad serve I am so proud and so convicted. How often do I serve only when asked and forget to simply look around for need? I must be looking for opportunities to serve rather than waiting to be asked. The need is great and the harvest is ready. Make me a servant like my parents Lord. I see the looks on the faces of neighbors when my parents show up to do a thoughtful deed spur of the moment. Christ is truly seen in my parents and I pray that in these holiday times I become a greater servant. As I serve may He become more as I become less.
I am thankful for the legacy that is being left. As I see my grandpa begin to fade I am saddened. My selfish, human nature longs for him to remain on earth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He has a home in glory and he anxiously awaits the day he will see his Savior face to face for He has that eternal hope. I too long for that day when there will be no more pain and just the glory of the Lord. I think of my grandpa's life (grandma too) and wish I had spent more hours listening to stories. Life is fleeting, but the legacy is forever. The lives that have been touched, mine included, are immeasurable. I hope and pray that I leave that same legacy of service and love for His kingdom. I long to hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."
As this year has passed by quickly I have gone through many things I would not have chosen for myself. I have come to realize that I am thankful for His perfect plan. His plan is to prosper me even though I may not see it in the here and now. I look back on my life and hindsight truly is a thing of beauty. God has woven a beautiful story in my life. I have fallen time and again and made a mess of things quite often. The beauty comes in Him cleaning it up, washing me clean, and loving me as my Abba Father. My job may not be where I see myself, but it is where God has me for this season. My relationship status may not always be how I want, but it is where God wants me right now. Many of my friends have moved and it is not what I desired, but God knows and He has strengthened some of those very friendships through the miles and struggles. One of the songs I loved to hear my grandpa sing was Because He Lives. This song reminds us that because He lives I can face tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His faithful plan for my life to date will continue into the future and for eternity. In that I hope and promise I can truly rest.
The Bible is full of the traits of God though we can never really comprehend His majesty and power for His ways and thoughts are far above ours. He is our God, our Creator, our Healer. He is the beginning and the end. He is the friend of sinners. He loves us unconditionally with more grace and mercy than we can fathom. He is faithful when we are faithless. He pours out blessings on our lives from His immeasurable riches. He is always there and always listens. He knows every part of us even before we were formed. He is our strength, our salvation, and our shield. He gives us livingwater that we may never thirst. Above all He is our eternal Father and we are His children whom He dearly loves.
Today and everyday I choose to be thankful. Thankful despite hardships and pain. Thankful despite my plans falling apart. Thankful despite what the world may say. Thankful simply because He lives, He loves me, and He has a perfect plan. I can truly say from my heart, "THANK YOU!"
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
What is my motive?
Today I was challenged to consider my motives for the things I do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 commands us to do all for His glory. What does all include? I oft forget this even includes my growth and my battle for freedom from sin. I fear that I have pursued these for my own desires and glory. I think my pride often gets in the way of His glory. I think I often think "What do I want to be seen as?" instead of seeking to truly live Matthew 5:16. My life, even in growth and battles, must be lived solely for His glory. In the victories, He gets the praise. In the defeats and struggles, I still praise Him. Psalm 79:9 reminds us that He delivers us for His name's sake and that he helps us for His glory.
Why would the God of the universe share His glory? Perhaps this is why our growth is stunted or why we fail at overcoming ensnarement to sin. Perhaps God is waiting for a transformation in our motives before He allows His spirit to transform us. In Judges 7, God trimmed Gideon's army down significantly. He did not want the Israelites to win the battle and take the glory themselves. If they were an army of few then they would see God's hand and the glory would be His. Again Psalm 115:1 says "Not to us, but to your name oh Lord be the glory." We must change our motives if we desire true renewal and transformation.
How can we see God's glory? God's glory was manifested in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-4 paints the picture of Christ as the brightness of God's glory. Our victories will be many when we cling to Christ, seek to be made in His image, and give Him ALL the glory. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 reminds us that true liberty is found where the spirit of the Lord is. When we grab onto to Christ, the veil is lifted and the Spirit brings liberty and transformation.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Our eyes must be fixed solely on Christ and our motives solely for His glory. Then, and only then, will we know and taste true victory and transformation. The victory is ours in Christ. Run the race in such a way!
This is my prayer for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ:
Lord I confess my desires to make myself free and for growth are often so that others can see more of me. My desires have been to find my glory through freedom, growth, new relationships, and who I then would be. I confess that I have not been living Matthew 5:16. Lord I desire this change and this freedom that others might see your power over sin and that Your light alone may shine through me and into the darkness that others may come to you. Lord make that my sole motive and the true desire of my heart.
Why would the God of the universe share His glory? Perhaps this is why our growth is stunted or why we fail at overcoming ensnarement to sin. Perhaps God is waiting for a transformation in our motives before He allows His spirit to transform us. In Judges 7, God trimmed Gideon's army down significantly. He did not want the Israelites to win the battle and take the glory themselves. If they were an army of few then they would see God's hand and the glory would be His. Again Psalm 115:1 says "Not to us, but to your name oh Lord be the glory." We must change our motives if we desire true renewal and transformation.
How can we see God's glory? God's glory was manifested in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-4 paints the picture of Christ as the brightness of God's glory. Our victories will be many when we cling to Christ, seek to be made in His image, and give Him ALL the glory. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 reminds us that true liberty is found where the spirit of the Lord is. When we grab onto to Christ, the veil is lifted and the Spirit brings liberty and transformation.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Our eyes must be fixed solely on Christ and our motives solely for His glory. Then, and only then, will we know and taste true victory and transformation. The victory is ours in Christ. Run the race in such a way!
This is my prayer for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ:
Lord I confess my desires to make myself free and for growth are often so that others can see more of me. My desires have been to find my glory through freedom, growth, new relationships, and who I then would be. I confess that I have not been living Matthew 5:16. Lord I desire this change and this freedom that others might see your power over sin and that Your light alone may shine through me and into the darkness that others may come to you. Lord make that my sole motive and the true desire of my heart.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Approved Workmen Are NOT Ashamed!
I am reminded of my years in Awana as I read through 2 Timothy 2. I can hear myself singing that song in the high, squeaky voice I am sure that I had. It was so easy back then to not be ashamed of anything. As I grew up I was confronted with the norm of trying to fit in. I must confess that too often became my norm as well. Ah to have the faith of a child still, to be ashamed of little, and to not be so content to just go through the motions. That is my goal, my prayer, my cry...
I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions
(The Motions by Matthew West)
The second half of 2nd Timothy 2 is a great Godly "To Do" list. We are to live unashamed and to properly handle the Word of God (vs 15). Paul continually reminds Timothy to guard what is entrusted to him, to fan it into flame, and to unashamedly entrust and teach what he has learned and heard to others. We must treat the Gospel in the same manner. We must read it, memorize it (Psalm 119:11), and take it to the nations: to the ends of the earth.
Furthermore we are called to avoid quarreling and godless chatter. How different would we look to our world if we did not gossip and lived at peace with everyone as best we could (Romans 12)? This includes foolish arguments as well. I so often find myself in arguments where the outcome is of little or no value. I see this in the church as well. We split over things like musical preferences. We split over things we may not even know the answers to like predestination and the end times. Does God look on favor as His church, His bride, His body is divided? Think of the impact we could have on our world if His body, the church came together as one body under one head the Lord Jesus Christ!
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
We must flee the evil desires of youth in the same way Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. He left his cloak and ran. We can't wait around, we must RUN! Our character must have a foundation of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. As we teach we must not be self-righteous, but rather humble, gentle, and gracious. Are we not sinners ourselves? If we take the mindset of Paul when he said in 1 Timothy 1:15 that he was the worst of sinners that Christ came to save, perhaps there will be a different reception to the Gospel. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions. May we be found living as Timothy was instructed; peaceful, unashamed, and studying and teaching the Gospel of Christ properly and with gentleness and grace. What will our legacy be? Righteousness, faith, love, and peace? I pray that it is so in my life.
FIND US FAITHFUL
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Steve Green
FOR HIS GLORY AND HONOR!
I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions
(The Motions by Matthew West)
The second half of 2nd Timothy 2 is a great Godly "To Do" list. We are to live unashamed and to properly handle the Word of God (vs 15). Paul continually reminds Timothy to guard what is entrusted to him, to fan it into flame, and to unashamedly entrust and teach what he has learned and heard to others. We must treat the Gospel in the same manner. We must read it, memorize it (Psalm 119:11), and take it to the nations: to the ends of the earth.
Furthermore we are called to avoid quarreling and godless chatter. How different would we look to our world if we did not gossip and lived at peace with everyone as best we could (Romans 12)? This includes foolish arguments as well. I so often find myself in arguments where the outcome is of little or no value. I see this in the church as well. We split over things like musical preferences. We split over things we may not even know the answers to like predestination and the end times. Does God look on favor as His church, His bride, His body is divided? Think of the impact we could have on our world if His body, the church came together as one body under one head the Lord Jesus Christ!
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
We must flee the evil desires of youth in the same way Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. He left his cloak and ran. We can't wait around, we must RUN! Our character must have a foundation of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. As we teach we must not be self-righteous, but rather humble, gentle, and gracious. Are we not sinners ourselves? If we take the mindset of Paul when he said in 1 Timothy 1:15 that he was the worst of sinners that Christ came to save, perhaps there will be a different reception to the Gospel. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions. May we be found living as Timothy was instructed; peaceful, unashamed, and studying and teaching the Gospel of Christ properly and with gentleness and grace. What will our legacy be? Righteousness, faith, love, and peace? I pray that it is so in my life.
FIND US FAITHFUL
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Steve Green
FOR HIS GLORY AND HONOR!
Soldier, Athlete, and a Farmer? Who am I? Superman?
How can one be a soldier, athlete, and farmer all at once? We are called to live as each of those. We are called to submit to our commander the Lord as a soldier and to not get caught up in the snares life throws our way. How often do I follow the wrong paths and the wrong leaders when I should be following my Lord? We are called to follow the rules to win the prize as an athlete must. How can we properly compete and how can we win if we are not following God's rules in His Word? Even moreso how can we follow the rules if we do not know them? We must become dedicated hearers and doers of the Word so that we can run the course, finish the race, and win the prize. Finally the character of a farmer is desired. No farmer has ever succeeded by sitting around. We must work hard in life and in the fields of His harvest. Our hard work in life sets an example and is our provision. Our hard work for His Kingdom grows in importance as the day approaches when He will return. The harvest is ready!
We must endure all and forsake all for the sake of the Gospel. Paul reminds us that though we are chained the Gospel is never subdued. This is evident in the story of the Philippian jailer and his family. Paul loves to give us "trustworthy sayings." The one he leaves us here in 2nd Timothy is one of great encouragement.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
(vs 11-13)
What a promise we have as heirs of Christ. If we die and endure with Him, we will live and reign with Him. Perhaps the last verse stands out the most. If we are faithless, He remains faithful. I would be lost without this as my faith often seems like a boat on the seas tossed to and fro. He remains faithful throughout because it is who He is. God's character is faithfulness and he cannot disown that or go against it. How blessed we are!
I was reminded of an old(er) song today that blesses me and gives me hope for tomorrow just as Paul's trustworthy sayings.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Words: Bill & Gloria Gaither
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
We must endure all and forsake all for the sake of the Gospel. Paul reminds us that though we are chained the Gospel is never subdued. This is evident in the story of the Philippian jailer and his family. Paul loves to give us "trustworthy sayings." The one he leaves us here in 2nd Timothy is one of great encouragement.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
(vs 11-13)
What a promise we have as heirs of Christ. If we die and endure with Him, we will live and reign with Him. Perhaps the last verse stands out the most. If we are faithless, He remains faithful. I would be lost without this as my faith often seems like a boat on the seas tossed to and fro. He remains faithful throughout because it is who He is. God's character is faithfulness and he cannot disown that or go against it. How blessed we are!
I was reminded of an old(er) song today that blesses me and gives me hope for tomorrow just as Paul's trustworthy sayings.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Words: Bill & Gloria Gaither
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Onesiphorus who?
Onesiphorus? Who is that? That is what I asked myself as I began my study through 2 Timothy. He is mentioned in only 3 verses in chapter 1 and in one verse in chapter 4 (solely in sending of greetings). I love how the Bible is full of people who are only mentioned briefly, but exude such great character.
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:16-18
We see in these verses that O as I will call him showed Paul hospitality ("he often refreshed me"). O was also full of courage. He sought out Paul and was not ashamed of the chains Paul wore. In fact, O even sought out Paul in Rome. Rome was not exactly the place to be searching for a Christian, much less one of Paul's stature. In a time when Christians were lit on fire and used as lamp posts, it was probably not in O's best physical interests to find Paul or ask about him. O did not let that deter him and Paul asked he be blessed with the Lord's mercies.
What if we lived a life of courage in Christ like Onesiphorus? If we were not ashamed of the Gospel, of our friends or relatives who belonged to Him, or even our Christian calling and ministry we could change the world. What if our lives where consumed by hospitality? Would the world not see we are different in a "get mine" society?
May I live daily as Onesiphorus. May the world know I am different because of the hospitality and courage I show in the name of Christ. May I not be afraid, but rather be overflowing with power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Paul's intro in his letter to Timothy also encourages and convicts me. I, like Paul, can think of those I am longing to meet again so I can be full of joy. I can think of those whose sincere faiths have encouraged me greatly. I am challenged to daily and constantly remember them in my prayers. I also long to be a "Timothy" and to be a man that leaves that legacy of faithfulness with people. Timothy is encouraged to fan into flames the gift of God and I must do the same in my life.
Paul exhorts Timothy to not be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul and his status as a prisoner. Paul takes it one step further and asks Timothy to join in his suffering for the Gospel. Are we willing to take up our crosses daily and suffer? Ashamedly I fear I oft am not. Why is this the case? Am I unaware of His grace and what He has done through the death of Jesus Christ who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (vs 10)? Am I not appointed as well to spread the Gospel as commanded in the great commission? I must not be ashamed or afraid to suffer for the glory of God the Father and His Kingdom. No I must find the same joy and assurance that Paul had in knowing in Whom he believed (vs 12). His grace is enough and He will guard what we entrust to Him.
I, like Timothy, must guard this ideal and not be moved.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
LIVE AS SUCH!
My translation of Paul's greeting to Timothy and my prayer for all:
Jason, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
To my dear friends, my brothers and sisters:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which often first lived in your families and friends and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:16-18
We see in these verses that O as I will call him showed Paul hospitality ("he often refreshed me"). O was also full of courage. He sought out Paul and was not ashamed of the chains Paul wore. In fact, O even sought out Paul in Rome. Rome was not exactly the place to be searching for a Christian, much less one of Paul's stature. In a time when Christians were lit on fire and used as lamp posts, it was probably not in O's best physical interests to find Paul or ask about him. O did not let that deter him and Paul asked he be blessed with the Lord's mercies.
What if we lived a life of courage in Christ like Onesiphorus? If we were not ashamed of the Gospel, of our friends or relatives who belonged to Him, or even our Christian calling and ministry we could change the world. What if our lives where consumed by hospitality? Would the world not see we are different in a "get mine" society?
May I live daily as Onesiphorus. May the world know I am different because of the hospitality and courage I show in the name of Christ. May I not be afraid, but rather be overflowing with power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Paul's intro in his letter to Timothy also encourages and convicts me. I, like Paul, can think of those I am longing to meet again so I can be full of joy. I can think of those whose sincere faiths have encouraged me greatly. I am challenged to daily and constantly remember them in my prayers. I also long to be a "Timothy" and to be a man that leaves that legacy of faithfulness with people. Timothy is encouraged to fan into flames the gift of God and I must do the same in my life.
Paul exhorts Timothy to not be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul and his status as a prisoner. Paul takes it one step further and asks Timothy to join in his suffering for the Gospel. Are we willing to take up our crosses daily and suffer? Ashamedly I fear I oft am not. Why is this the case? Am I unaware of His grace and what He has done through the death of Jesus Christ who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (vs 10)? Am I not appointed as well to spread the Gospel as commanded in the great commission? I must not be ashamed or afraid to suffer for the glory of God the Father and His Kingdom. No I must find the same joy and assurance that Paul had in knowing in Whom he believed (vs 12). His grace is enough and He will guard what we entrust to Him.
I, like Timothy, must guard this ideal and not be moved.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
LIVE AS SUCH!
My translation of Paul's greeting to Timothy and my prayer for all:
Jason, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
To my dear friends, my brothers and sisters:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which often first lived in your families and friends and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Blessed!
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
In this season of trials and struggles, I am reminded of the call to persevere. While I have been challenged by Job's testimony, the Lord has used the testimony of my brother Nate even more these past few weeks. Nate is confined to a wheelchair. He can not use his legs and only has partial use of one of his arms. The tasks we find easy are not so simple for Nate. These setbacks can not, and I doubt ever will, stop that guy. Nate drives his wheelchair to almost every church event no matter the weather. Nate works with the youth group. Nate finished college and is now going back to school to be a pastor. Nate is truly blessed and has blessed my life. Every time I want to feel sorry for myself because of my job, my torn achilles, or occasional boredom I am reminded of Nate and his outlook and character. Nate has been the Job in my life and has forever changed my outlook on life and the struggles it brings. Nate is blessed and has been a blessing to myself and so many. I am excited for His eternal blessings and the day when Nate's body will be made new. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that is the day Nate lives for.
The truths of God's character overcome all my wallowing in self pity. It is true that His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful and will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. He continues to prove His faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. His blessings and riches are greater than we can fathom. His strength is perfect when mine has failed. We have the BLESSED assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus. How then can I complain? How then can I give up? How then can I turn to any other source of life, joy, and hope? Are my struggles not temporary while He, His blessings, and His Kingdom are forever? This too shall pass and one day I will be made perfect; the work He began will be completed and I will spend eternity before His throne.
As the weeks have progressed I have seen the Lord bring change. Some of those changes I did not like at the time and some I stil struggle with. I have seen His hand through it all. I strive to daily choose to count my blessings and to take my every need and care to the Lord. I find my confidence in His perfect plan growing daily. Funny how my joy and hope have increased as I persevere and remember my blessings. Is this not evident to others? Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:14-15) What a simple, yet hard way to shine and live Matthew 5:16.
As I daily press on and count my blessings I am reminded of the old hymn:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
May we never lose sight of the riches of His promises in our lives. He is faithful and we are truly blessed to the glory of God the Father. Thank you Lord for lavishing countless blessings on my life. May I never be lacking in thankfulness, hope, perseverance, or love for You who gave it all.
WHAT A BLESSED ASSURANCE AND A BLESSED FUTURE!
In this season of trials and struggles, I am reminded of the call to persevere. While I have been challenged by Job's testimony, the Lord has used the testimony of my brother Nate even more these past few weeks. Nate is confined to a wheelchair. He can not use his legs and only has partial use of one of his arms. The tasks we find easy are not so simple for Nate. These setbacks can not, and I doubt ever will, stop that guy. Nate drives his wheelchair to almost every church event no matter the weather. Nate works with the youth group. Nate finished college and is now going back to school to be a pastor. Nate is truly blessed and has blessed my life. Every time I want to feel sorry for myself because of my job, my torn achilles, or occasional boredom I am reminded of Nate and his outlook and character. Nate has been the Job in my life and has forever changed my outlook on life and the struggles it brings. Nate is blessed and has been a blessing to myself and so many. I am excited for His eternal blessings and the day when Nate's body will be made new. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that is the day Nate lives for.
The truths of God's character overcome all my wallowing in self pity. It is true that His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful and will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. He continues to prove His faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. His blessings and riches are greater than we can fathom. His strength is perfect when mine has failed. We have the BLESSED assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus. How then can I complain? How then can I give up? How then can I turn to any other source of life, joy, and hope? Are my struggles not temporary while He, His blessings, and His Kingdom are forever? This too shall pass and one day I will be made perfect; the work He began will be completed and I will spend eternity before His throne.
As the weeks have progressed I have seen the Lord bring change. Some of those changes I did not like at the time and some I stil struggle with. I have seen His hand through it all. I strive to daily choose to count my blessings and to take my every need and care to the Lord. I find my confidence in His perfect plan growing daily. Funny how my joy and hope have increased as I persevere and remember my blessings. Is this not evident to others? Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:14-15) What a simple, yet hard way to shine and live Matthew 5:16.
As I daily press on and count my blessings I am reminded of the old hymn:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
May we never lose sight of the riches of His promises in our lives. He is faithful and we are truly blessed to the glory of God the Father. Thank you Lord for lavishing countless blessings on my life. May I never be lacking in thankfulness, hope, perseverance, or love for You who gave it all.
WHAT A BLESSED ASSURANCE AND A BLESSED FUTURE!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
To Be an Elder...
Yes I am 30 so getting close to being elderly, but that is not what this post is about. This past week in the tranquility of Lake Superior while hiking through the splendor of Isle Royale, I was challenged to live my life as if I were an elder. Paul gives a list of characteristics, qualities, and morals for someone desiring to be an elder in his first letter to Timothy. While I am not seeking to be an elder in my church at this time, and may never be one, I am convicted to try to live my life to meet those same requirements as given to Timothy.
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
Above reproach - We are called to avoid even the appearance of evil and to flee the evil desires of youth. So many times I put myself in situations where I could get in trouble even though I don't. As my dad once said to me, I should be like an old gun that has to have the triggers set before it fires. Why set the trigger if you do not intend to fire. In other words, why put yourself in bad situations where things could go wrong or be perceived as wrong?
Husband of but one wife - Purity, purity, purity. Such a struggle in our generation and society. Everywhere we turn we are confronted with lust (even on an island like Isle Royale). Though I only intend to marry one woman and divorce is not an option for me, we are reminded that even if you look at a woman with lust you have committed adultery with her (same for women looking at men). We are exhorted to treat "younger women as sisters with ABSOLUTE purity." To me absolute leaves no room for gray or questions. This is an area in my life where I must not rest or give the enemy a foothold.
Respectable (Good reputation with outsiders) - What do others think of me? Do they see Christ in me? Am I living Matthew 5:16?
Not a lover of money - Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek first His kingdom. We are reminded that where our treasure is there our heart will be also. As Randy Alcorn states in the Treasure Principle we are not given more wealth to increase our standard of living, but rather our standard of giving. If we are faithful with little then He will give us much as He knows we will be faithful with that as well. I find myself asking myself where am I fulfilled? It is truly when I am seaking His kingdom first in using my gifts, giving cheerfully and generously, and serving His people. I find even my faith is strengthened when I give and serve. Paul hit the nail on the head when he wrote, "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
The list goes on to include temperate and self controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkeness, gentle, not quarrelsome, manages his own family well, sincere, and tested. Again as I see divisions in the church and between friends, I am reminded of the need for many of these characteristics. So many issues could be avoided if we lived with the above ideals. If grace was on our every breath then we would be so much closer to attaining the character of an elder. I know I am tested daily. I wish I could say that I passed each test in all of these areas. That must be what I strive for. It must be a part of my training in Godliness. I am a masterpiece as God does not create junk. I must allow Him to chisel away the rough edges. The God who created me will finish the work He began. Even when I tire of trying and failing, I am reminded that His strength is perfect when mine is gone.
The final thing that hit me was how Paul includes the wife of the elder/deacon. Note how the wife of the elder is portrayed. "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." The wife of an elder should be a woman of Proverbs 31; a woman of Godly character! Waiting is hard at times, but to find the woman of that stature and character is worth it. To wait for the woman or man who loves the Lord more than you and whose heart is so buried in the Lord that you must seek Him to find it is a great task, yet one of great gain and long lasting satisfaction. That is my prayer and heart's cry for my relationships and my future spouse if God so leads. I pray the same is true for her.
Until that time may I be found waiting, serving, growing as an "elder", and anticipating joyfully with my hand always to the plow!
To "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. " (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
Above reproach - We are called to avoid even the appearance of evil and to flee the evil desires of youth. So many times I put myself in situations where I could get in trouble even though I don't. As my dad once said to me, I should be like an old gun that has to have the triggers set before it fires. Why set the trigger if you do not intend to fire. In other words, why put yourself in bad situations where things could go wrong or be perceived as wrong?
Husband of but one wife - Purity, purity, purity. Such a struggle in our generation and society. Everywhere we turn we are confronted with lust (even on an island like Isle Royale). Though I only intend to marry one woman and divorce is not an option for me, we are reminded that even if you look at a woman with lust you have committed adultery with her (same for women looking at men). We are exhorted to treat "younger women as sisters with ABSOLUTE purity." To me absolute leaves no room for gray or questions. This is an area in my life where I must not rest or give the enemy a foothold.
Respectable (Good reputation with outsiders) - What do others think of me? Do they see Christ in me? Am I living Matthew 5:16?
Not a lover of money - Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek first His kingdom. We are reminded that where our treasure is there our heart will be also. As Randy Alcorn states in the Treasure Principle we are not given more wealth to increase our standard of living, but rather our standard of giving. If we are faithful with little then He will give us much as He knows we will be faithful with that as well. I find myself asking myself where am I fulfilled? It is truly when I am seaking His kingdom first in using my gifts, giving cheerfully and generously, and serving His people. I find even my faith is strengthened when I give and serve. Paul hit the nail on the head when he wrote, "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
The list goes on to include temperate and self controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkeness, gentle, not quarrelsome, manages his own family well, sincere, and tested. Again as I see divisions in the church and between friends, I am reminded of the need for many of these characteristics. So many issues could be avoided if we lived with the above ideals. If grace was on our every breath then we would be so much closer to attaining the character of an elder. I know I am tested daily. I wish I could say that I passed each test in all of these areas. That must be what I strive for. It must be a part of my training in Godliness. I am a masterpiece as God does not create junk. I must allow Him to chisel away the rough edges. The God who created me will finish the work He began. Even when I tire of trying and failing, I am reminded that His strength is perfect when mine is gone.
The final thing that hit me was how Paul includes the wife of the elder/deacon. Note how the wife of the elder is portrayed. "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." The wife of an elder should be a woman of Proverbs 31; a woman of Godly character! Waiting is hard at times, but to find the woman of that stature and character is worth it. To wait for the woman or man who loves the Lord more than you and whose heart is so buried in the Lord that you must seek Him to find it is a great task, yet one of great gain and long lasting satisfaction. That is my prayer and heart's cry for my relationships and my future spouse if God so leads. I pray the same is true for her.
Until that time may I be found waiting, serving, growing as an "elder", and anticipating joyfully with my hand always to the plow!
To "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. " (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
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
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!
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
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"
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.
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
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