Last night at 11:00 I got a call to my house. And, normally a call that late is either from a different time zone, great news, or bad news. In my case it was the latter. I was told that my grandma -- at over 90 years old -- had passed away. My parents and sister are out of town in Scotland. And, I told my wife, there is never a good time for death, but could this be worse? Four people that I am relationally connected to have died in the last month. That has never happened before. And, so, I am confronted with the fact that death is real; but so is life. In fact, death is the vehicle to life.
Putting a "physical" death on the side for a second, God wants us to put to death things in our lives. He wants us to put to death anything that interferes with our life with him. It doesn't mean that we can have gifts. In fact, every good and perfect gift is from above and is given for our enjoyment (James 1:17 and I Tim 6:17). But, could God be taking you through a period of death so that you can really live? I pause for now and look at the circumstances in my life and ask for God's wisdom in how to interpret the invents so that I know what he would have me do....and listen....
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
You Are My All in All
I was reflecting today on the fact that God wants to be our all. And the lyrics to this song came to mind:
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Just a few questions:
1. Do you seek him as a treasure?
2. Do you seek him as a precious jewel?
3. When things don't go your way do you ask him to fix them -- primarily -- or do you ask him to draw you closer and to learn what he wants to teach?
He's supposed to be our all in all.
Man, not one of those questions is easy for me....
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Just a few questions:
1. Do you seek him as a treasure?
2. Do you seek him as a precious jewel?
3. When things don't go your way do you ask him to fix them -- primarily -- or do you ask him to draw you closer and to learn what he wants to teach?
He's supposed to be our all in all.
Man, not one of those questions is easy for me....
Friday, July 24, 2009
You're Gonna Miss This
Many of you would find it hard to believe that I like country music (I do too, trust me.....and an old girlfriend's jaw would drop). In any event, Trace Adkins has a song that I would like us to look at a few verses of.
She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby, just slow down.
I am writing to me and the guys like me. I understand that the Bible tells us to consider the ant o sluggard. But, the guys I am speaking to -- including me -- don't have that problem. Our problem is that the ant looks at us and gets tired.....
Well, the Bible has something to say about that to us as well. In Luke 10:38-42, the following takes place:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.
Now, I get the primary point of this passage is relating to the fact that Jesus is what is better. But, there is a principle at work here: We can miss the important because of the urgent. The urgent may be work, a deal, church work, vacation (yes that can be), sporting event, even fishing (that's hard for me to admit). But, the point is that we need to have margin and have freedom to rest and freedom to "Baby, just slow down." Or, we're gonna miss this. You read the rest of the chorus. What I am not saying is that we should neglect responsibilities. Heck, Paul says, if you don't work you don't eat. But, the guys I am talking to don't have that problem. Would you rather have $1,000,000 in the bank or a child that follows God and with whom you have a relationship? Would you rather seal that deal or have your daughter sit in your lap and say, "you're the best?" I'll stop cuz we all know the answer. And, if you think something different ask Madoff if you can talk with him.
Let me say this. The "responsibilities" we have that make us not stop in certain areas are self-imposed many times: $5,000 house payment, $1,500 boat payment, etc. My job to make so much wouldn't be necessary if I didn't "live" so much. Of course, Paul tells us to "take hold of the life that is really life." (I Tim 6:19). So, am I really living "life"?
Here's the really simple (yet hard) question: Are we distracted by all the preparations that had [have] to be made? Are we distracted by the urgent? Have we put "responsibilities" on us that are not real? You figure it out; I aint gonna miss the important because Trace is right when he says one day "you're gonna miss this."
She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby, just slow down.
I am writing to me and the guys like me. I understand that the Bible tells us to consider the ant o sluggard. But, the guys I am speaking to -- including me -- don't have that problem. Our problem is that the ant looks at us and gets tired.....
Well, the Bible has something to say about that to us as well. In Luke 10:38-42, the following takes place:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.
Now, I get the primary point of this passage is relating to the fact that Jesus is what is better. But, there is a principle at work here: We can miss the important because of the urgent. The urgent may be work, a deal, church work, vacation (yes that can be), sporting event, even fishing (that's hard for me to admit). But, the point is that we need to have margin and have freedom to rest and freedom to "Baby, just slow down." Or, we're gonna miss this. You read the rest of the chorus. What I am not saying is that we should neglect responsibilities. Heck, Paul says, if you don't work you don't eat. But, the guys I am talking to don't have that problem. Would you rather have $1,000,000 in the bank or a child that follows God and with whom you have a relationship? Would you rather seal that deal or have your daughter sit in your lap and say, "you're the best?" I'll stop cuz we all know the answer. And, if you think something different ask Madoff if you can talk with him.
Let me say this. The "responsibilities" we have that make us not stop in certain areas are self-imposed many times: $5,000 house payment, $1,500 boat payment, etc. My job to make so much wouldn't be necessary if I didn't "live" so much. Of course, Paul tells us to "take hold of the life that is really life." (I Tim 6:19). So, am I really living "life"?
Here's the really simple (yet hard) question: Are we distracted by all the preparations that had [have] to be made? Are we distracted by the urgent? Have we put "responsibilities" on us that are not real? You figure it out; I aint gonna miss the important because Trace is right when he says one day "you're gonna miss this."
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
All By MySELF
JT and I went swimming yesterday in the pool. And, I asked him to swim under water with me. So, I said, "watch me." And, he began with his correction, "I can do it all by my SELF!" So, we continued to swim and as we did there were times in which he needed my help and he didn't realize it. So, I helped him -- letting him think he was doing it. And, then there were times in which I told him that he couldn't and helped him. But, the point is that I was shadowing him, watching his every move.
Later, I had to put him in time out because of his behavior. He didn't like that much at all. While he was sitting in time out, and after he had behaved correctly, he screamed, "daddy, help." His leg got caught. So, I got up and helped him out of the chair..
Isaiah 30:19 says, "He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries." What is it about cries that make us respond? I think it is the fact that the person crying is saying (and I mean not faking) there is nothing else I can do. I am done! And, I think that we all desire to respond to someone that truly wants help. God will let us wander. And, he won't always stop the natural consequence of our decisions -- unfortunately, many times we reap what we sow. But, He will respond. And, when He does, he will say, "This is the way; turn around and walk here" (21). How cool is that! He will guide you. But, your crying must be real. God doesn't respond to unauthentic cries. And, the easiest way to know if our cries are authentic is the fruit. "Then you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rages. 'Ugh!' you will say to them. Be-gone!" (22).
You see, none of us wants to be played. How much less does God? And, he won't be played. It's real simple, not easy. Do you want God's help? Have you wandered? Do you desire to keep the closeness? Then, cry. Be honest. Be ready and willing to say "Be-gone" to anything.
Later, I had to put him in time out because of his behavior. He didn't like that much at all. While he was sitting in time out, and after he had behaved correctly, he screamed, "daddy, help." His leg got caught. So, I got up and helped him out of the chair..
Isaiah 30:19 says, "He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries." What is it about cries that make us respond? I think it is the fact that the person crying is saying (and I mean not faking) there is nothing else I can do. I am done! And, I think that we all desire to respond to someone that truly wants help. God will let us wander. And, he won't always stop the natural consequence of our decisions -- unfortunately, many times we reap what we sow. But, He will respond. And, when He does, he will say, "This is the way; turn around and walk here" (21). How cool is that! He will guide you. But, your crying must be real. God doesn't respond to unauthentic cries. And, the easiest way to know if our cries are authentic is the fruit. "Then you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rages. 'Ugh!' you will say to them. Be-gone!" (22).
You see, none of us wants to be played. How much less does God? And, he won't be played. It's real simple, not easy. Do you want God's help? Have you wandered? Do you desire to keep the closeness? Then, cry. Be honest. Be ready and willing to say "Be-gone" to anything.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Rumblings of Discontent
I was drawn to Acts 6 today and read over a passage that I really love because it deals with effective leadership -- in this instance spiritual leadership. Many times in churches we are told to "follow the leadership." I think that submission is completely necessary. But, the Bible does not say that we are to not have opinions and perspectives and that they shouldn't be shared. In these passages we see that effective leadership doesn't squash opinions it listens and is influenced by them. Let me share a caveat to this. Many of these thoughts are not original as I have heard a great sermon on this from a former pastor a long time ago. So, some of the thoughts are his. Some are mine.
The Setting: The first point to note is that the church is growing! This is a great "problem" to have. So, if we are in churches that are being effective in reaching those that do not know Christ, this will be a great passage to learn from. The second thing to note is that there was "rumbling" or murmuring about an issue. The next point is that there were two distinct cultures (Hebrew and Greek) inside the community -- so different contexts for doing life.
The Response: Effective leaders have their ear to the ground. They have a pulse beat of where their followers are. They want constant feedback and are not defensive because they realize that many times innovation occurs as a result of an outsider, not an insider (see information on paradigm shift in the business world for data on that if you would like). And, they understand the paralyzing and detrimental effect that groupthink can have on an organization (google groupthink for information on that term, if desired). The apostles knew there was an issue and were open to finding a way to solve the issue -- they were servants. They also knew that (a) their highest use was not serving food and (b) for commitment you need involvement. So, the apostles called together a meeting of all the believers (please note that this could have been well over 20,000 people) asking them to select seven men with certain qualities to serve (on a side note, I would bet the apostles had veto power if the people's perception about the seven wasn't accurate with what the apostles knew about qualities needed).
The Result: The people agreed and selected seven GREEK men to serve. Remember, it was the Greek believers that were "rumbling." And, God's word spread and the number of believers greatly increased.
Thoughts: We are all leaders and followers. As a leader, do you foster an environment in your home, office, or church where people can raise their concerns? Are you open to a paradigm shift? Do you watch our for groupthink?
As a follower, do you respectfully tell your parent, spouse, boss, or pastor what your perspectives are? Do you allow your leaders to lead? Do you show submission to their decisions when made as if your own?
The Setting: The first point to note is that the church is growing! This is a great "problem" to have. So, if we are in churches that are being effective in reaching those that do not know Christ, this will be a great passage to learn from. The second thing to note is that there was "rumbling" or murmuring about an issue. The next point is that there were two distinct cultures (Hebrew and Greek) inside the community -- so different contexts for doing life.
The Response: Effective leaders have their ear to the ground. They have a pulse beat of where their followers are. They want constant feedback and are not defensive because they realize that many times innovation occurs as a result of an outsider, not an insider (see information on paradigm shift in the business world for data on that if you would like). And, they understand the paralyzing and detrimental effect that groupthink can have on an organization (google groupthink for information on that term, if desired). The apostles knew there was an issue and were open to finding a way to solve the issue -- they were servants. They also knew that (a) their highest use was not serving food and (b) for commitment you need involvement. So, the apostles called together a meeting of all the believers (please note that this could have been well over 20,000 people) asking them to select seven men with certain qualities to serve (on a side note, I would bet the apostles had veto power if the people's perception about the seven wasn't accurate with what the apostles knew about qualities needed).
The Result: The people agreed and selected seven GREEK men to serve. Remember, it was the Greek believers that were "rumbling." And, God's word spread and the number of believers greatly increased.
Thoughts: We are all leaders and followers. As a leader, do you foster an environment in your home, office, or church where people can raise their concerns? Are you open to a paradigm shift? Do you watch our for groupthink?
As a follower, do you respectfully tell your parent, spouse, boss, or pastor what your perspectives are? Do you allow your leaders to lead? Do you show submission to their decisions when made as if your own?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Storm Shelter
When a hurricane hits Sofla, storm shelters open. And, when a tornado is barreling down the midwest, people go to the shelter. Storm shelters are not the most comfortable place, but they do meet the most important need at that time -- shelter from the storm (safety).
In Isaiah 25:4, it is said about God that "to the needy in distress you are a shelter ..." No one appreciates -- totally -- a shelter until it is needed. And, when it is needed it is the greatest gift that you could ever receive. Just ask the people from Hurricane Andrew or those from the more recent Hurricane Katrina. While those shelters didn't even resemble home, they provided the greatest need those people had. You see shelters are most appreciated in a storm.
Applying that to our walk, if we think of God as only a shelter, I think we've missed the point. God has much more for us than a shelter, but HE IS a shelter when needed. In fact, we are told to abide in him and he will abide in us. But, there are times in which even the abiding isn't enough for us to receive what we need -- a continued transformation into Christlikness. Paul tells us to "work out our salvation." You work out something you have already so he's not talking about earning our salvation. Rather, he is talking about our continued transformation. Sometimes, we need a shock to grow. For example, when working out, our muscles become "used" to the training and begin to plateau. Because of this, you will change your routine -- varying the amount of weight, the repetitions, frequency, and exercises -- all in the hopes of shocking the muscle into growth. In fact, the muscle growth is a result of being torn down and rebuilt.
Sometimes, the only way for transformation is shock -- we call it a trial. In the moment of a trial we learn something about ourselves and something about God that we didn't know before or not to such depth. And, as we abide in him, he takes us to a "shelter" we've never known -- never needed. But, in taking us to that shelter, our faith muscles are torn down. And, then, the muscles are rebuilt stronger than before -- they are shocked into growth.
Anyone need a shelter? I know I do. It's always open. But, I have to go; I can't stay where I am and use the shelter.
In Isaiah 25:4, it is said about God that "to the needy in distress you are a shelter ..." No one appreciates -- totally -- a shelter until it is needed. And, when it is needed it is the greatest gift that you could ever receive. Just ask the people from Hurricane Andrew or those from the more recent Hurricane Katrina. While those shelters didn't even resemble home, they provided the greatest need those people had. You see shelters are most appreciated in a storm.
Applying that to our walk, if we think of God as only a shelter, I think we've missed the point. God has much more for us than a shelter, but HE IS a shelter when needed. In fact, we are told to abide in him and he will abide in us. But, there are times in which even the abiding isn't enough for us to receive what we need -- a continued transformation into Christlikness. Paul tells us to "work out our salvation." You work out something you have already so he's not talking about earning our salvation. Rather, he is talking about our continued transformation. Sometimes, we need a shock to grow. For example, when working out, our muscles become "used" to the training and begin to plateau. Because of this, you will change your routine -- varying the amount of weight, the repetitions, frequency, and exercises -- all in the hopes of shocking the muscle into growth. In fact, the muscle growth is a result of being torn down and rebuilt.
Sometimes, the only way for transformation is shock -- we call it a trial. In the moment of a trial we learn something about ourselves and something about God that we didn't know before or not to such depth. And, as we abide in him, he takes us to a "shelter" we've never known -- never needed. But, in taking us to that shelter, our faith muscles are torn down. And, then, the muscles are rebuilt stronger than before -- they are shocked into growth.
Anyone need a shelter? I know I do. It's always open. But, I have to go; I can't stay where I am and use the shelter.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
It's a Jungle Some Times It Makes Me Wonder How I Keep From Going Under
I know, I know, this song is old skool but it epitomizes the thoughts I have at times. I am sure that many of us wonder why in the world does it feel like a jungle.....cuz it is. At times, there is calm. And, I am lured into a mistaken belief that we are not in a jungle. Of course, this is when the battle begins. The Bible says that in I Peter 5:8 ,"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
I wanted to see how lion hunts as the devil's strategy is to hunt like that. And, here are some common elements of his style: opportunistic, in poor light conditions, stalking, short charges, often fails.
Taking those elements and applying them to our lives, we must know that he is stalking us, being opportunistic he waits to suggest "can you really trust God? or that person?" He attacks in poor light conditions. May I suggest that he attacks us when it appears that there is no hope? Light is often associated with good in the Bible. So, perhaps, he also seeks to mount an attack when we are distancing ourselves from fellowship (just thoughts). His attacks are short charges. I am not trying to diminish them. In fact, a short charge from a lion is very intense.....he tries to overwhelm his prey. Ever feel overwhelmed? And, he often fails. That's the good news. The devil always fails with believers! But, perhaps, we can learn to cage the lion. Below, I took an excerpt of how a lion is tamed.
"When Clyde Beatty made his debut about a century later, he used a whip, a gun and a chair to command his cats. You might be wondering why a chair would intimidate an animal as powerful as a lion. It's not that the lion is afraid of the chair -- it's that the lion is confused by the chair. Cats are single-minded, and the points of the chair's four legs bobbing around confuse the lion enough that it loses its train of thought. Casually put, the chair distracts the lion from wanting to claw the lion tamer's face off."
Cool to think that the lion can be tamed with a chair because of its single-mindedness. Well, the devil is single-minded too. His singular desire is to be God. It's that simple. You, I, we are part of the collateral damage if you will. But, make no mistake he wants to be God and lead a revolution in eternity past to get it. If he weren't the embodiment evil you might even fell sorry for this self-deluded being.
We are in jungle warfare -- the worst kind. And, God has given us amor to fend off attacks. They are found in Ephesians 6:10:
the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit. We don't have to tame the devil we can cage -- defeat -- him because "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." He takes care of you (provision) and he cares for you (affection). Today, take time with me and actively cast your anxieties, see the devil's attacks for what they are, put on the amor, and go to war....we're already in it.
I wanted to see how lion hunts as the devil's strategy is to hunt like that. And, here are some common elements of his style: opportunistic, in poor light conditions, stalking, short charges, often fails.
Taking those elements and applying them to our lives, we must know that he is stalking us, being opportunistic he waits to suggest "can you really trust God? or that person?" He attacks in poor light conditions. May I suggest that he attacks us when it appears that there is no hope? Light is often associated with good in the Bible. So, perhaps, he also seeks to mount an attack when we are distancing ourselves from fellowship (just thoughts). His attacks are short charges. I am not trying to diminish them. In fact, a short charge from a lion is very intense.....he tries to overwhelm his prey. Ever feel overwhelmed? And, he often fails. That's the good news. The devil always fails with believers! But, perhaps, we can learn to cage the lion. Below, I took an excerpt of how a lion is tamed.
"When Clyde Beatty made his debut about a century later, he used a whip, a gun and a chair to command his cats. You might be wondering why a chair would intimidate an animal as powerful as a lion. It's not that the lion is afraid of the chair -- it's that the lion is confused by the chair. Cats are single-minded, and the points of the chair's four legs bobbing around confuse the lion enough that it loses its train of thought. Casually put, the chair distracts the lion from wanting to claw the lion tamer's face off."
Cool to think that the lion can be tamed with a chair because of its single-mindedness. Well, the devil is single-minded too. His singular desire is to be God. It's that simple. You, I, we are part of the collateral damage if you will. But, make no mistake he wants to be God and lead a revolution in eternity past to get it. If he weren't the embodiment evil you might even fell sorry for this self-deluded being.
We are in jungle warfare -- the worst kind. And, God has given us amor to fend off attacks. They are found in Ephesians 6:10:
the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the spirit. We don't have to tame the devil we can cage -- defeat -- him because "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." He takes care of you (provision) and he cares for you (affection). Today, take time with me and actively cast your anxieties, see the devil's attacks for what they are, put on the amor, and go to war....we're already in it.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hand Holding
Last night JT asked me to sleep in the cabin room with him. And, I knew that the sleep would not be great. It never is. But, I also realized that there will be a time in which I want to sleep in the same bed and he doesn't. So I oblige. While in bed, he said, "daddy, will you hold my hand?" Wow! Even now it brings tears. He wanted to know I was there and it was all ok.
It got me thinking. If I am his daddy and I am willing to miss sleep and hold his hand to make him feel safe, what will our Daddy in heaven do if we just ask him? Luke says it this way, "Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This speaks of the Holy Spirit. In other places, the Bible tells us we don't have because we don't ask. But, I want to focus for a minute on the Holy Spirit -- the paraclete, which means he walks (clete) along side us (para -- parallel). Where was I with JT? Along side of him. God tells us that if we ask, he will send the one that will walk along side of us to do some hand holding. What could be a better gift? It was the best gift for JT.
We all need hand holding. But, it is done in the context of relationship. I do it with JT because he is my son and he is fostering a relationship with me. Tell God you want to foster a relationship with him....that you will be still and give him undivided attention. Then, ask him to hold your hand. We all need it!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Joy and the Battle
I have been going through the study guide of "Walking with God." One of his core assumptions is that God wants us to have joy and yet we don't have it because we make "agreements" in subtle ways that we will not have joy. As I was praying, I have come to realize that for some reason, I have agreed with the devil that there is a tragedy in my life or practice waiting to happen and that will rob my joy. So, why try. And, then, yesterday, a client communicated to me that he believed that I did not do something correctly. And, there it is....the devil coming to rob my joy. Only this time, I didn't make the agreement. I see the opportunity that God is giving me. He can still lead me to joy. So, this time I commit to joy. I ask Jesus to take the devil's control in this area of my life away. And, for now, I stop typing knowing that Jesus will be present in my meeting....I will pick up in a few...
So, I finish the meeting with the client and it went well. Then, the client comes back 3 hours later and says they want to continue with me. Praise God. Joy.....we all want it.....the devil steals it....and God delivers it...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Seeing Ahead
We've all been there before. We have been on one side or the other of a conversation in which it is said, "and then _____ happened right?" And, depending on which side you are on you either say, "man, how did I miss that?" or, "how did he miss that?"
And, of course, there are times when we are driving and we see a driver that is driving erratically, and we become "defensive" drivers. This can mean even getting off the interstate so as to no be in the person's path. We do it to avoid danger. It seems like for me it is easier to see "danger" coming in the physical realm involving driving or something like that.
For a moment, allow me to use some poetic license and define "danger" as the likely "bad" outcome if continuing on the same path or not making the wisest decision. We call something dangerous because it can or does have an adverse effect on us. So, then, not making the wisest decision can lead to "danger" or be dangerous.
I wrote about Acts 2:42 a few posts ago and the theme comes up again. Proverbs 24:26 says, "An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship." As I read that this morning, I thought this is how a prudent man sees danger. He sees it in community. He sees it with the "eyes" of friends committed to his success with whom he knows that an "honest answer is like a kiss of friendship."
So, I am reminded how necessary it is to be in deep community with friends pointed in the same direction to do life with....even when the "honest answer" hurts. The point of this passage isn't that the friend gives an encouraging or positive answer (though it may be one). Rather, it is that the friend gives an "honest" answer. And, then we must choose to receive it as a "kiss of friendship." That doesn't mean that the friend should be callous. Paul tell us to speak the truth in love. But, a true friend speaks the truth.
I want to see danger and seek refuge. And, I realize the need to have friends "seeing" for me and my being open to the honest answer. God, help me to develop and foster these relationships.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Aftermath
Many of you saw the pictures of JT and his cut under his eye. Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about how JT was injured. He disobeyed his dad and when he did it he ran. And, running, he slipped, and slipping he hit the corner of the bed frame requiring stitches.
My initial thoughts on this had been, what a great example of what occurs when we do not obey our dad's voice and his principles for living. That is, to violate those almost always results in a "bad" consequence. But, now I am convinced there was a greater message for me to see: How a dad responds when a child is hurting.
When JT hit that bed frame and cried, I didn't scold, spank, reprimand, reason, or scream. I called for mom and immediately put my finger over the wound. He was hurting and I wanted to heal him -- to restore him. I took him to the hospital. They put him in a device in which he couldn't move (mom said he was a "cheese roll"). They cleaned. He screamed. They stitched. He wanted out. But, I knew that to heal the wound and restore him, it needed to be done. And, now it hits me, God wants to heal and restore me. So, I ask....what needs to be healed, restored.....and, I choose to embrace it....
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sunrises
I assume that most of us have seen sunrises. I have had the opportunity to see many sunrises while on the boat getting ready to do some fishing. And, there is an anticipation that I always have with it when I am on the water. I just look towards the east hoping that there will be just enough clouds so that when the dawn breaks it lights up the clouds with red, gold, violet, and rays. And, when it happens, it is a sight to behold.
Proverbs 4:18 says, "the way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." I got to thinking, when people know I am coming or I am a part of their team, do they get excited? Do they think, this will be awesome? I can't wait to see what takes place? Do they think, we know his integrity, we know his character, we know his great attitude? I want my "way" to be like that first gleam of dawn in which people say, we can't wait to see, like I do when I am on the water and I see that first gleam of dawn and say, man I can't wait to see this sunrise.....
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