Dreams

Today's reading is on dreams. Many of us put our dreams on the back burner to live a safe life or a life of obligation not a life of passion. But, God has called us to live a passionate life. And, a passionate life does not mean on devoid of responsibility. Rather a passionate life is where your passions and talents intersect allowing you to fulfill your responsibilities not out of duty or obligation but out of desire and joy. He says that true dreams of God make a difference in the lives of others. Moreover, he points out that God is not going to hijack your life. On the contrary, when God gives you a passion for something he wants you to go for it because it's incorporated in your being. He doesn't give you a passion for one dream and then call you to fulfill a life plan that's completely unrelated. That's not his character, nor is it good stewardship -- and he never wastes the resources he's created.

Quite a simple concept and yet very direct and impactful. It has challenged me. Ask God today:

-- where do my passions and talents intersect?

-- where can I have the greatest good for others?

Be still. Be open.

Risks

Today's session is about risks. The author talks about how we settle and don't risk for greatness in our lives -- heeding God's call. His point is that the things which we are called to and put off only keep our lives safe, comfortable, and (worst of all) mediocre. He quoted C.S. Lewis who said "too often we're like children who settle for playing in mud puddles when the beauty and immensity of the ocean are just a few feet away." Let that sink in. God has an ocean for us to play in. But, we have to take risks to get to it. He concludes with the thought that if we only had a month to live we wouldn't be worried about failing or wasting time, because regret would outweigh both of them. I would add that in God's economy there is no such thing as failure. God uses all of our experiences to make a mosaic.

Some times we have to let go of our plans to embrace God's plans for us. And, God will never disappoint us.

Take a moment and ask what God would have you risk today.

Time

Time -- we all have the same amount. And, there is no such thing as "Rollover Minutes" for time we "saved" up. In Life you cannot bank hours from one day and move them over to the next. It just doesn't work that way. So, the question for us is what do we do with our time? What is the wisest way to spend it?

It is said about David in Acts 13:36 "David, of course, having completed the work God set out for him, has been in the grave, dust and ashes, a long time now." In the time he was given, he completed the work that God set out for him. How awesome is that!? And David tell us in Psalm 39:4: "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is." And, 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom."

Today, ask God to show you how you spend your time -- the most precious commodity you have. Ask him for a heart of wisdom. David did and the result for him was that he completed the work that God set out for him!

Wrestling

Last night as I tucked JT in he wouldn't let my arm go. He did all he could to hold on. And, he told me to stay there. I pulled and got my arm out, but the message was clear. He was going to hold on as hard as he could. I would move one way and he would put the weight of his body on my arm. I move another, and he was there to counter my "move." He wasn't playing. Neither was I. I wanted out. He wanted me in. So, I continued the inquiry -- physically -- of how bad did he really want me in that bed. And, it was evident -- with all his might. So, I stayed.

In another story -- not mine but the Bible's, we are told of a man named Jacob that had a serious issue to contend with and inside that apparently supreme issue another is revealed. Let me set the stage. Jacob has stolen the birthright and he stole the final blessing of his father Isaac that was supposed to be for Esau. Esau and Jacob went their separate ways with Jacob going to live with his uncle and marrying two women (he himself was tricked into marrying the first wife when he really wanted the second). Now, he has been told by God to go back to the land of his relatives. Of course, the major issue that Jacob realizes is that he brother Esau -- a fierce warrior -- is in that land and won't be happy looking to exact revenge. In fact, Jacob's messengers said that Easu was so "excited" to see him that Esau was on the move with 400 men! So, to appease his brother he sends a series of gifts, and the scene is set for the meeting which is to take place the next morning.

In preparation for the encounter Jacob sends all his family to the other side of the river and is alone in the camp. And, this is where the real lesson begins. While there, he wrestled with a "man" the whole night. When the man realized that he would not win the match he touched Jacob's hip and through it out of socket. My first impression is that it must have been some match. Upon further inquiry you realize just how powerful this man was. When he wanted to, he simply touched Jacob's hip and Jacob was injured for life. But, as we continue, we see that even with this injury Jacob held on and said he would not let go unless this man blessed him. When the man heard this, he asked what Jacob's name was. Why did he ask for Jacob's name? He didn't need to know Jacob's name to bless him. The reality is that he already knew Jacob's name. But, the man wanted Jacob to admit who Jacob was. The text reveals that Jacob was in shock and whispered his name. You see his name meant "supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler." And, to be in a position of blessing, Jacob had to come to face the reality of who he was based on the decision he had made.

Immediately upon hearing Jacob's name, the man told Jacob that "Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed." Jacob was given a new name -- Israel. His encounter with God (not some "man") changed him. But, the change began with a simple confession -- even a whisper of one. God pronounced a blessing on Jacob that day and then left him.

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. To be in a position of blessing we have to be willing to wrestle with God.
2. To be in a position of blessing we have to be willing to admit our shortcomings.
3. Israel ended up limping for the rest of his life and yet he was blessed by God -- the 12 tribes came from him. God can do more with an injured man or woman that he can with a fully healthy one. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Cor. 12:9. You see, God's power rests on those that are dependent on him. Are you willing to let God injure you? I don't think God takes pleasure in our pain. But, he wants to transform our character and sometimes the greatest injuries to us do the greatest good -- tearing down our pride.....
4. Israel thought the issue was Esau. The issue wasn't at all Esau. The issue was Jacob. And, once God dealt with Jacob, the Esau issue was taken care of -- Esau forgave Israel. Are there issues that you see that seem to be too large? Is it possible that God is trying to get you to wrestle with him, to admit to him you actions, to let him change your name? Ask...
5. JT won you know. He wrestled with me and got the blessing -- me to sleep in his bed. Sure, I could have left and said "no." But, seeing how bad he wanted me to stay there I did. How often does God say come on "wrestle" with me, and we just say "no." Oh that we could have the faith of a child like JT believing that if we wrestle long enough God will bless us.

Listening

Many times I will ask JT a question and he has zoned out. And, it's not really that he has zoned out. Rather, my voice is unimportant to him at that time. So, I then say something like this, "OK, I guess I won't tell you the secret." Or, "Never mind, I will give Caitlin the prize." In that instant he normally says, "yes, daddy." Then, my voice becomes important. And, he always knew my voice. He heard it but he wasn't in the mood to listen -- the penguins of madagascar were on :).

Jesus says about himself (the shepherd) in John 10: 3 & 4 "and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." And, in Rev. 3:20 he says, " “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

He knows us by name and we know his voice. But, when we hear his voice, we have to open the door. To put it another way, those of us that are Christ followers can choose to be in a close relationship with Jesus -- sharing a "meal" with him as friends do -- or we can choose to remain luke warm. All Christ followers can hear him. Not all pay close enough attention to listen to him. We fill our days to the brim and have no built in down time. Then, we make decision from the hip instead of from the Shepherd's voice. The choice is mine -- yours. Will you make time to be still -- even five minutes in the morning and five in the afternoon to listen? Or, will we be like JT and to busy watching penguins that we miss the Shepherd?

I Did It My Way

Frank Sinatra has a song "My Way," which elevates the fact that he did life his way. I am amused how often we -- I -- say that we are willing to do whatever we need to do God's way and then do it our way -- my way. Jeremiah had to deal with the remnants of the people of Judah who claimed they wanted to do life God's way. They stated, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God."

And, they wait ten (10) days. Please note that this was not a moral issue. It was whether the remnants should stay in Judah (the others were in captivity in Babylon) or if they should go to Egypt where they wanted to go .

God's reply was simple: "Stay here in this land." But, the reality is that the remnant didn't want God's answer they wanted his blessing on THEIR decision -- Egypt. So, they lashed out at Jeremiah and Baruch (his scribe) saying, "You lie!" And, they went to Egypt.

I am amazed at the decisions that we make and then ask God's blessing (or forgiveness), as the saying goes it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. While it may be easier, the realty is that the consequences are far more reaching and devastating as we sow what we reap. There are areas in which we don't even need to ask, we just need to know his word:

1. Should I get drunk?
2. Should I marry this non-believer?
3. Should I cheat on my spouse?

There are wisdom areas. The Bible -- and proverbs in particular -- has a ton of wisdom in how we should do life (i.e. should I sign this note for a friend? Who should I go into business with?).

Then, there are the areas in which we need to listen and ask of him what is the wisest decision. Most of us, however, get stuck in the first two. And, if we aren't willing to do what God already has made clear (the first two), then how are we in a position to hear him in the last area?

We should be willing to do whatever God had made clear. And, we should be willing to listen on items that involve what is the wisest decision to make.

The story on the issue with the remnants ends with Baruch being upset that he is affected by the others decision (which, by the way, is important for us as leaders of our family or businesses -- we take people with us). God tells him: "I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go." That's it. Nothing else. He and Jeremiah have been faithful and the reward is his life. Of course, that is, his reward on this side of eternity.

When facing an important decision, ask God for guidance and direction, not blessing. And, for a moment today, ask God how you can store up rewards on the other side of eternity, that is where they count!

Jesus on Trial

We all have some recollection of Jesus being captured and being put on trial in front of Pilate. In John 18, we see the story unfold. And, Pilate asks a simple question, "What have you done?" (35). Of course, what had he done? He healed the blind, cured the deaf and lame, cast out demons, raised the dead, calmed the seas, fed the multitudes, allowed the disciples to go into storms....And, I want to stop right there. Storms.

Jesus was on trial for doing nothing but good. And, as I read this verse, I realize that I put him on trial too. It goes something like this with the interrogatories: Why would you allow this financial crisis? Why would you allow that accident to occur? Why wouldn't you just make that go away, you can!? And, his response to Pilate and me are the same: "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” But, here is the kicker, don't we at times respond to Jesus with the same response of Pilate "What is truth?”

Real simple. Truth is the reality of life based on facts, not on emotions or feelings. My feeling: God I feel abandoned, betrayed. His truth, I will never leave you or forsake you. But, I feel.....yes, but feelings are fickle and God is faithful.

God gives hope that is real. An actual promise of a better tomorrow -- maybe in circumstances but certainly in my character and relationship to him -- that will come true. And, so, as I end my interrogatories, I adjust. I realize truth (unlike Pilate) is a person -- Jesus. We all have a little Pilate in us. We all question. But, the real question, is who is truth, not what.

Contentment

Yesterday, we buried my grandmother. She was 92 so she lived a long life. She had very little but she was happy. Quite interesting I think. She was different (we all are to some degree). But, she would paint her own car. And, one day she received a bright orange notice from the city re a violation. Instead of "curing" the violation, she simply cut out a piece of cardboard to match the size of the notice and put it over the notice -- out of sight, out of mind. Really something. While I can't say I agree with all the decisions she made, I think she made one and kept it -- contentment. Song of Songs says, "I slept, but my heart was awake." (5:2). Have you ever been in that situation? You sleep but you really don't. Your mind will not let you sleep? There are times when this can be almost unavoidable, like the night before your wedding. But, for the most part (if not a physical issue), it shouldn't be for us; not if we find contentment.

I Tim 6:6 says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." Paul is addressing those that think that riches bring joy. They don't. He underscores it with the fact that nothing leaves with you. And, Paul was not a poor man. In Phil. 4:11-12, Paul says, "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Paul had much and he had little. But, he focus was not on the what but the WHO. He focused on Christ. And, because of who he focused on and hoped in, he had contentment.

All that being said, if you have the ability to make wealth, make it. But, don't hope in it. Use your gifts for the most good. Don't be lazy. But also, don't hope in something other than Christ. And, if you are not sure if you are hoping in something other than Christ, then ask a simple question: If he took it all away, could you be content? Be honest. He already knows the answer. Ask him to guide you to contentment. It's a process we are all on.

Win the Relationship

I was speaking with my wife recently and we discussed the fact that it is better to win the relationship than to win the debate or discussion. This takes place in two areas of life. want to first examine human relationships and then, briefly, our relationship with God. Let me explain.

There are areas in life that are black and white. In those areas, we need to be crystal clear. But, there are fewer of those areas than we (and I) would like to admit. And, there are areas that are less clear or require deeper thought and exploration to determine what is right.

For example, my friend and I were discussing that a church he attends (not in SOFLA) requires that you agree not to drink alcohol. His perspective is that this requirement is not biblical (and I don't disagree). To be quite honest, I get concerned when a church tries to define God's morality based upon a "yea, but, this is what could happen if....." It takes out the role of the H.S. in the believer's life. But, suffice it to say that I have been a member of a church that did not allow one to drink alcohol. I said to my friend, "if you believe this is the church God wants you at, then go there and be in submission. Then, see if you can begin to speak with those in leadership about the reasons why they have made that rule." My point was that he could win the debate (with the pastor now) or win the relationship.

As I have journeyed in life, I have realized (but make mistakes continually) that winning the relationship is more important. Because, if you win the relationship, you will have the ability to influence those you are in relationship with. If you win the debate, and have no relationship, then what is the benefit? God tells Jeremiah: "you are to influence them..." Now, in this context it was relating to the wayward children of Israel. But, the bigger lesson is clear for all of us -- influence. We are to influence others, but this comes in the context of relationship. This is why I say it is better to win the relationship than the discussion. It is much harder to develop and nurture a relationship. Nonetheless, if you truly want to help people and be helped, choose relationship.

It is much simpler and yet more difficult in our relationship with God. Many times, we have no answers for the "why" and we are left with exercising faith in his promises or his principles, which is difficult. In fact, all God wants us to do is agree with him.

In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus is asked what is the most important commandment, and he responds with the most important commandment(s). What is interesting to me, though, is that after Jesus spoke, the scribe commended Jesus and agreed with what Jesus said simply repeating Jesus' words. Then, this is written, "When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Amazing! The scribe's "wise" answer was to simply agree with Jesus and Jesus gave him the answer! Could it be any simpler? Agree with the answer God has already given on the subject. And, yet, for most of us, the simple is very hard -- not easy. The reality is that many times we don't like the answer -- I know I don't. But, if we want lasting peace in our lives and we want God's best, then in any area of our lives, we will simply agree with him.

Having a challenge with a person or trying to help someone understand an issue from your perspective? Choose relationship, which leads to influence.

Having a challenge deciding what is best to do for your life? Agree with God.