The book of Isaiah, Chapter 7, verse 14 shows us a prophesy that rang true 'til this day and will always be. Matthew confirmed it in the Gospel, Chapter 1, verse 23. We don't just celebrate His birthday...we celebrate the fact that He is with us!
Wonderful, Counselor, the Alpha and Omega, King of kings, Yaweh, Son of God, Son of man, Rabbi, Healer, The Great I AM, Our Father, Creator of Heaven and of Earth, Most High, Redeemer, Savior, Jehovah, Comforter, The Way, The Truth, The Light, and most of all Emmanuel....God with us.
Sing praises to the Lord this day and unto Him be thankful. For, by His Hands, we are fed, we are blessed, we are saved, we are set free from the slavery of sin, and we live eternally. Celebrate and be joyful.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Behind the Scenes, One Week
The phone rang just as he sat down to enjoy one of his favorite meals. It was one of the husbands at church. His wife had just been admitted to the hospital after having been rushed to the hospital emergency room. As was the usual procedure, he finished the conversation and stepped back into the dining area and told his wife he had to miss supper again and head on over to the hospital. It was a long drive and he'd probably not get back home til late. He'd grab a burger on the road.
If she knew, she would not have complained to some other ladies at church that he had not visited her today after she had that elective surgery to have that aggravating wart on her finger removed.
He got home after midnight, tired and worn out not just from driving but from praying with the husband over his wife and consoling bunches of family members. He grabbed a quick glass of milk, brushed his teeth and got down to say his nightly prayers. He dreaded it but tomorrow would be a busy day. It was Wednesday and he had not even started on his weekly sermon.
The course of study was grueling but he was forced to take it in order keep up with what he needed to do to maintain his ministry position. A book to finish reading and a paper to write before Saturday loomed on his horizon. He would finish on time though.....it's just the way it was unfolding.
If they knew, they would not complain about his spending "too much time" at home.
He had just finished reading the last chapter of the assigned reading and was about to start on his paper when the phone rang again. The secretary at church was calling about a man that had showed up at church. Destitute, dirty, hungry and desparate, the man was begging for help. He switched off his computer and got dressed and headed to the church. The man was waiting there and after the usual questioning and consolations, left with fifty dollars he had not had when he arrived. It was from the pastor's pocket. He got to bed after midnight...again.
If they knew, they wouldn't squabble so much about his salary come budget time each year. If they knew, they would not complain behind his back about sermons involving tithing.
Sunday arrived and God as usual had placed wonderful, soothing words into his mouth. As the people were filing out, many of them complimented his words and told him how inspiring they had been. All smiles, all filled with joy. They were looking forward to next Sunday.
If they only knew...............
If she knew, she would not have complained to some other ladies at church that he had not visited her today after she had that elective surgery to have that aggravating wart on her finger removed.
He got home after midnight, tired and worn out not just from driving but from praying with the husband over his wife and consoling bunches of family members. He grabbed a quick glass of milk, brushed his teeth and got down to say his nightly prayers. He dreaded it but tomorrow would be a busy day. It was Wednesday and he had not even started on his weekly sermon.
The course of study was grueling but he was forced to take it in order keep up with what he needed to do to maintain his ministry position. A book to finish reading and a paper to write before Saturday loomed on his horizon. He would finish on time though.....it's just the way it was unfolding.
If they knew, they would not complain about his spending "too much time" at home.
He had just finished reading the last chapter of the assigned reading and was about to start on his paper when the phone rang again. The secretary at church was calling about a man that had showed up at church. Destitute, dirty, hungry and desparate, the man was begging for help. He switched off his computer and got dressed and headed to the church. The man was waiting there and after the usual questioning and consolations, left with fifty dollars he had not had when he arrived. It was from the pastor's pocket. He got to bed after midnight...again.
If they knew, they wouldn't squabble so much about his salary come budget time each year. If they knew, they would not complain behind his back about sermons involving tithing.
Sunday arrived and God as usual had placed wonderful, soothing words into his mouth. As the people were filing out, many of them complimented his words and told him how inspiring they had been. All smiles, all filled with joy. They were looking forward to next Sunday.
If they only knew...............
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dad Hopes
My youngest son has a friend in prison right now. He and his wife are going to visit this friend this Thursday. We were discussing it last night and I told him how proud I was of them deciding to go there and visit. It is, after all, one of the things Jesus told us to do.
Our conversation led to a discussion about where or how did his friend's parents go wrong. I mentioned, that parenting doesn't have a handbook and lots of times, it is not to be blamed on the parents. Sometimes, when a person leaves home, the world just grabs hold of them and won't let go. Sometimes, it's hanging out with the wrong crowd and sometimes it's heartbreaks or fear that leads one further into trouble. My son feels like his friend's parents babied the guy too much. He talked about how the mother even used to call in sick for his buddy so he wouldn't have to go to school or go to work. He mentioned his friend did not have much of a relationship with his dad...it seems that his dad was always working....even though he is a very good man; you know...Christian and all that jazz.
This of course led us to talking about "tough love". You've heard of it before. It's when a parent allows the child to experience the results or consequences of a mistake and enforces that child to take responsibility for their actions. That leads to learning, that leads to character building.
My son wanted to know how a father should learn to administer tough love. Again, no handbook. I told him he has to be very careful to make sure that the situation calls for it. If it's given under the wrong circumstances, it could hurt more than help. God is a lot like that. It's where that old saying probably comes from, you know. It's the one where we say "God will not make me endure more than what He knows I can take." Some of us need to have more tough love than others. I know...I am one.
Pray for my son as his son turns one year old this month. And pray for parents that don't know the consequences of holding back tough love.
Our conversation led to a discussion about where or how did his friend's parents go wrong. I mentioned, that parenting doesn't have a handbook and lots of times, it is not to be blamed on the parents. Sometimes, when a person leaves home, the world just grabs hold of them and won't let go. Sometimes, it's hanging out with the wrong crowd and sometimes it's heartbreaks or fear that leads one further into trouble. My son feels like his friend's parents babied the guy too much. He talked about how the mother even used to call in sick for his buddy so he wouldn't have to go to school or go to work. He mentioned his friend did not have much of a relationship with his dad...it seems that his dad was always working....even though he is a very good man; you know...Christian and all that jazz.
This of course led us to talking about "tough love". You've heard of it before. It's when a parent allows the child to experience the results or consequences of a mistake and enforces that child to take responsibility for their actions. That leads to learning, that leads to character building.
My son wanted to know how a father should learn to administer tough love. Again, no handbook. I told him he has to be very careful to make sure that the situation calls for it. If it's given under the wrong circumstances, it could hurt more than help. God is a lot like that. It's where that old saying probably comes from, you know. It's the one where we say "God will not make me endure more than what He knows I can take." Some of us need to have more tough love than others. I know...I am one.
Pray for my son as his son turns one year old this month. And pray for parents that don't know the consequences of holding back tough love.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Room 6101
It is the last room at the end of a very long corridor on the last floor of one of the two hospital towers at Athens Regional Medical Center. It took forever for me to get there from the parking garage and I was greeted by a list of instructions for entering. "ALL VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO PUT ON GOWN AND GLOVES BEFORE ENTERING. REMOVE GOWN AND GLOVES PRIOR TO EXITING ROOM." The gowns were this bright yellow paper-like substance and the gloves were the typical latex type, blue in color. I wondered what Robert would think of such a thing as I went ahead and "suited up".
My heart broke in two as I quietly walked in. He was laying there asleep and his little ball cap was on his chest. It's probably as old as he is, all dirty and crumpled. He always had it on when I went to his little trailer to deliver his lunch. I had never seen him without it on and his little bald head was shining. He looked cleaner than I remember. The room was dark and quiet and the only sounds were of his labored breathing and an occasional swish sound coming from the IV maching pumping some sort of life fluid into him. He wasn't hooked up to a heart monitor. He did have an oxygen tube on though, much like the one he used at home. I noticed next that his arms (wrists) were restrained, probably more for his safety than that of others.
Robert would have said that his room was ok. He's used to being alone and shut in, out of the way, ya know.
When my tears began, I prayed a now common prayer over him as I thought what to say.
I remember some times when I would leave Mr. McClures' place, I prayed to the Lord to not let it be too long before he gathered Robert into His arms and hugged him. In fact, I prayed it the last time I left his trailer, October 18th. I prayed it once more hoping in faith it was being answered as I spoke.
I will miss him.
My heart broke in two as I quietly walked in. He was laying there asleep and his little ball cap was on his chest. It's probably as old as he is, all dirty and crumpled. He always had it on when I went to his little trailer to deliver his lunch. I had never seen him without it on and his little bald head was shining. He looked cleaner than I remember. The room was dark and quiet and the only sounds were of his labored breathing and an occasional swish sound coming from the IV maching pumping some sort of life fluid into him. He wasn't hooked up to a heart monitor. He did have an oxygen tube on though, much like the one he used at home. I noticed next that his arms (wrists) were restrained, probably more for his safety than that of others.
Robert would have said that his room was ok. He's used to being alone and shut in, out of the way, ya know.
When my tears began, I prayed a now common prayer over him as I thought what to say.
I remember some times when I would leave Mr. McClures' place, I prayed to the Lord to not let it be too long before he gathered Robert into His arms and hugged him. In fact, I prayed it the last time I left his trailer, October 18th. I prayed it once more hoping in faith it was being answered as I spoke.
I will miss him.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
When God Says You're Doing OK
Lately, I've found myself asking for approval a lot in my prayers. For people to say i'm doing ok in my Christian walk, it's not doing the job anymore. I think most of us just want to know whether of not we are doing enough, whether or not we are good enough or will our moment in the judgement seat be the most agonizing thing we will ever experience?
I've come to a few conclusions though. I don't think our Father meant for us to go through life wondering this all the time. He gave us guidelines to follow and if we follow them, we should know (by faith or by fact) that we are doing ok. Second, God has a way of letting us know if we are doing ok. Admit it....the majority of times, when we do something, we automatically know if we are doing ok, don't we? If we are doing ok, we feel it.
Sometimes, I just think, "If someone would just tell me I'm doing ok, things would be so much easier." Then, it's as if the Lord says, "Be still and listen....I'll tell you." It's an ongoing project. I find myself refusing to settle for the way things are. It's part of what keeps me busy and keeps me growing. I love to hear Him tell me that I'm doing ok!
I've come to a few conclusions though. I don't think our Father meant for us to go through life wondering this all the time. He gave us guidelines to follow and if we follow them, we should know (by faith or by fact) that we are doing ok. Second, God has a way of letting us know if we are doing ok. Admit it....the majority of times, when we do something, we automatically know if we are doing ok, don't we? If we are doing ok, we feel it.
Sometimes, I just think, "If someone would just tell me I'm doing ok, things would be so much easier." Then, it's as if the Lord says, "Be still and listen....I'll tell you." It's an ongoing project. I find myself refusing to settle for the way things are. It's part of what keeps me busy and keeps me growing. I love to hear Him tell me that I'm doing ok!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Some Branches Just Won't Bear
With a tinge of guilt, I destroyed my tomato bushes today. I have been told that some tomato varieties will have bushes that are called "duds". Both of mine turned out to be duds. I have babied them both since May by fertilizing, weeding, picking off cut worms...you know the drill. All in all, I think perhaps I reaped 10 tomatoes off two beautiful bushes. Usually, I have so many I end up giving them to friends. The plants were always healthy and grew to over 6 feet high....the only problem was that although many, many flowers were produced, no tomatoes would form.
Jesus told a parable once about a fig tree that would not bear. The master told the worker to cut it down and cast it into flames but the worker talked him into letting him try one more season to encourage the tree to bear. (I would have done this with my tomatoes but they are annuals.....besides, I babied them enough all summer.)
It gets frustrating some times sharing our testimonies and not seeing any fruit. We just have to keep on witnessing and cultivating our faith. The point is you are bearing fruit just by sharing your story. Be patient. Be sympathetic and loving. The person you are sharing with may need a lot of pruning, feeding, and encouraging. In your absence, the Lord will do His work. Remember, Paul said we plant, water, and cultivate....God makes the growing occur.
Jesus told a parable once about a fig tree that would not bear. The master told the worker to cut it down and cast it into flames but the worker talked him into letting him try one more season to encourage the tree to bear. (I would have done this with my tomatoes but they are annuals.....besides, I babied them enough all summer.)
It gets frustrating some times sharing our testimonies and not seeing any fruit. We just have to keep on witnessing and cultivating our faith. The point is you are bearing fruit just by sharing your story. Be patient. Be sympathetic and loving. The person you are sharing with may need a lot of pruning, feeding, and encouraging. In your absence, the Lord will do His work. Remember, Paul said we plant, water, and cultivate....God makes the growing occur.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Forgiving
Our typical approach as counselors is to talk with those coming to ask for food at the food bank to see how they are doing, what's going on in their lives, whether they have questions, and of course witness if permitted. I always make it a point to ask folks how their heart is and try to gauge their spiritual feelings.
Sometimes, I feel like God uses me.
This week, I got used, I think. I had the distinct privilege of counseling Ellen. It was her first time coming in. Ellen is in her mid-thirties but looks like mid-fifties. She is skinny and dried up with dark eyes, long black hair, and gives an appearance of having had a very hard life. After explaining the food bank and gathering certain personal information, I found the opportunity to ask Ellen about her spiritual life, things like whether she had a church home, whether she had ever been saved, what she believed.....you know, typical Christian-type questions.
All the while, I kept sensing she wanted to open up to me and eventually after coaxing her with loving remarks about how much Jesus loves her, she did. As tears began falling from her eyes, she explained to me that she was a "backslider"; that she had fallen back to bad ways after being saved a long time ago, and she was tired...oh so tired. I listened to her story and asked her if she wanted to make a deal. I told Ellen that if she liked, she could walk out the door today and know, without any shadow of doubt, that she was no longer a "backslider". I explained to her that it is the essence of Jesus to forgive and that all she had to do is ask. Bowing our heads together, I took her hands in mine and prayed forgiveness for Ellen as her tears continued to fall.
A little while later, as I noticed her leaving, I caught up with her and told her to hug me goodbye. She did and told me, "You know, I feel so much better about coming here today." I told her to not forget our deal and she said that she wouldn't.
Someone in your life needs forgiving.....find a way to do it.
Sometimes, I feel like God uses me.
This week, I got used, I think. I had the distinct privilege of counseling Ellen. It was her first time coming in. Ellen is in her mid-thirties but looks like mid-fifties. She is skinny and dried up with dark eyes, long black hair, and gives an appearance of having had a very hard life. After explaining the food bank and gathering certain personal information, I found the opportunity to ask Ellen about her spiritual life, things like whether she had a church home, whether she had ever been saved, what she believed.....you know, typical Christian-type questions.
All the while, I kept sensing she wanted to open up to me and eventually after coaxing her with loving remarks about how much Jesus loves her, she did. As tears began falling from her eyes, she explained to me that she was a "backslider"; that she had fallen back to bad ways after being saved a long time ago, and she was tired...oh so tired. I listened to her story and asked her if she wanted to make a deal. I told Ellen that if she liked, she could walk out the door today and know, without any shadow of doubt, that she was no longer a "backslider". I explained to her that it is the essence of Jesus to forgive and that all she had to do is ask. Bowing our heads together, I took her hands in mine and prayed forgiveness for Ellen as her tears continued to fall.
A little while later, as I noticed her leaving, I caught up with her and told her to hug me goodbye. She did and told me, "You know, I feel so much better about coming here today." I told her to not forget our deal and she said that she wouldn't.
Someone in your life needs forgiving.....find a way to do it.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Time to Appologize
I have been thinking a lot lately about how we should appologize to the Lord for this oil spill thing. It's not just BPs' fault, you know.....it's all of ours. We are all equally guilty. All of us contribute daily to the pollution of the planet. I suppose it all adds up to greed. We consume and consume like it is going to buy us more time and instead, the more we consume, the more we pollute. Forgive us Father for we know not what we do.
I think it is time that we as a country ask God to forgive us and appologize for the misuse of the wonderful resources He has bestowed upon us. If we truly, truly repent, He will hear this prayer and intervene. I am embarrassed for us and ashamed of the terrible thing that has happened in the Gulf. And like a child, once again, I ask for His help. Pray with me and be embarrassed with me and ashamed with me. It's the right thing to do. Amen.
I think it is time that we as a country ask God to forgive us and appologize for the misuse of the wonderful resources He has bestowed upon us. If we truly, truly repent, He will hear this prayer and intervene. I am embarrassed for us and ashamed of the terrible thing that has happened in the Gulf. And like a child, once again, I ask for His help. Pray with me and be embarrassed with me and ashamed with me. It's the right thing to do. Amen.
Monday, June 7, 2010
When God Places an Angel In Your Day
I'm not bragging about this but needed to state it as part of background for what I had to tell you. I volunteer as a "Meals On Wheels" driver a couple times a month. It's not a big deal, but occasionally, you meet a special person that you just know God has put into your life. Today was one of those days.
I met Mary Johnson for the first time today. She is 90 years young and most certainly is an Angel from Heaven. Her two overweight chihuahua's met me barking at the head of her dirt drive way. Her trailer is located on property owned by her daughter and is the first house you come to down at the end of a short, winding dirt road. As soon as I got out of my vehicle, the dogs warmed up to me and became instant friends. I knew then that I had arrived at a special house.
I walked up onto the little front porch deck to the front door and before I had hardly time to knock, I heard her tiny voice say, "come in." I knocked anyway though. I opened the door and Mary was standing there behind her walker and I smiled and introduced myself. Mary engaged in conversation without hesitating. She told me about herself and some of her physical ailments and then is when I felt the presence of our Lord. I asked her if she got to go to church and she said she had not been able to go very much lately. That led to her telling me how she had played the piano for years at church and how her husband (who died three years ago) used to love to hear her play "What a Friend We Have In Jesus". It was his favorite, because as she put it, "of the way I play it." I told Mary that my favorite was "Amazing Grace". A gentle whisper in my ear told me to ask her to play What a Friend for me.
The old piano was sitting there taking up most of the room in her little dining area. It looked to me to be around 100. She told me she would be happy to play for me but that the piano was pretty much out of tune. I helped her pull out the bench, she sat down and immediately began playing the most beautiful rendition of that song I have ever heard. Not only that, when she finished that one, she flowed into playing Amazing Grace for me. I could do nothing but stand there with tears listening.
The old piano was an upright style with well-worn, discolored keys. And, yes, it was out of tune. I thanked Mary for playing for me and asked if she would play for me the next time and she just grinned. She would be only too happy to. I left with a larger heart and with a feeling of Love that just doesnt come around often enough.
When I got home, I called a music store and arranged to have a piano tuner go out to Mary's place to tune the old piano. I can't wait to hear her play again. Thanks, Father. Thank you, thank you so much.
I met Mary Johnson for the first time today. She is 90 years young and most certainly is an Angel from Heaven. Her two overweight chihuahua's met me barking at the head of her dirt drive way. Her trailer is located on property owned by her daughter and is the first house you come to down at the end of a short, winding dirt road. As soon as I got out of my vehicle, the dogs warmed up to me and became instant friends. I knew then that I had arrived at a special house.
I walked up onto the little front porch deck to the front door and before I had hardly time to knock, I heard her tiny voice say, "come in." I knocked anyway though. I opened the door and Mary was standing there behind her walker and I smiled and introduced myself. Mary engaged in conversation without hesitating. She told me about herself and some of her physical ailments and then is when I felt the presence of our Lord. I asked her if she got to go to church and she said she had not been able to go very much lately. That led to her telling me how she had played the piano for years at church and how her husband (who died three years ago) used to love to hear her play "What a Friend We Have In Jesus". It was his favorite, because as she put it, "of the way I play it." I told Mary that my favorite was "Amazing Grace". A gentle whisper in my ear told me to ask her to play What a Friend for me.
The old piano was sitting there taking up most of the room in her little dining area. It looked to me to be around 100. She told me she would be happy to play for me but that the piano was pretty much out of tune. I helped her pull out the bench, she sat down and immediately began playing the most beautiful rendition of that song I have ever heard. Not only that, when she finished that one, she flowed into playing Amazing Grace for me. I could do nothing but stand there with tears listening.
The old piano was an upright style with well-worn, discolored keys. And, yes, it was out of tune. I thanked Mary for playing for me and asked if she would play for me the next time and she just grinned. She would be only too happy to. I left with a larger heart and with a feeling of Love that just doesnt come around often enough.
When I got home, I called a music store and arranged to have a piano tuner go out to Mary's place to tune the old piano. I can't wait to hear her play again. Thanks, Father. Thank you, thank you so much.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On Faith and Recognizing It
One of the greatest goals I have set for myself is to continue to grow in my faith. It isn't an easy thing to do. One of the things I look for is to be able to readily recognize that my faith has grown at those times when it is apparent. Obviously, the "mountaintop" experiences enable us to see growth but what about the small, quiet happenings that occur from day to day?
A lot of times, overcoming fear of this or that makes us realize that our faith is stronger. Other times, just praying a heart felt prayer helps us. Our Father in Heaven doen't usually shout at us to make sure we are heard. Usually, it comes as a quiet whisper in a quiet time...you know, the times when you are alone in the morning or late at night on night shift...the times when there can be no interruptions or breaking of the silence. You hear the whisper, it's just that sometimes, you dont know where it's coming from and if you're not careful, you pass it off. Still, other times, you know it when you contribute in an anonymous way and you feel good about it.
We all want, from time to time, to hear someone say, "it's ok" and then hear, "you know what, you are doing just fine". Look for it and listen for it. It can be heard if you just listen. How do YOU really recognize when your faith has grown and is still growing? Ask yourself this question and then listen very carefully for the answer. It is there, ever whispering to you.
A lot of times, overcoming fear of this or that makes us realize that our faith is stronger. Other times, just praying a heart felt prayer helps us. Our Father in Heaven doen't usually shout at us to make sure we are heard. Usually, it comes as a quiet whisper in a quiet time...you know, the times when you are alone in the morning or late at night on night shift...the times when there can be no interruptions or breaking of the silence. You hear the whisper, it's just that sometimes, you dont know where it's coming from and if you're not careful, you pass it off. Still, other times, you know it when you contribute in an anonymous way and you feel good about it.
We all want, from time to time, to hear someone say, "it's ok" and then hear, "you know what, you are doing just fine". Look for it and listen for it. It can be heard if you just listen. How do YOU really recognize when your faith has grown and is still growing? Ask yourself this question and then listen very carefully for the answer. It is there, ever whispering to you.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Of Palm Trees and Weeping
The Book of Luke, Chapter 19:
41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
42 saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace ! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.
On the day Jesus was to enter Jerusalem, His disciples must have been confused.....why was Jesus crying? To my recollection, each time the Bible mentions Jesus crying, it was a situation where Love overcame Him and burned within His heart.
Palm Sunday (as we call it today) was a great day of anticipation for Jesus. The week would be filled with confusion, strife, suffering, prayer, change, betrayal, revelation.....Knowing what was to come, I think Jesus' love that day was what gave Him the strength to go on into the city.
Today, we must look forward to His returning to Jerusalem one day with a different approach....it is then He will be welcomed a different way as every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess Him Lord.
41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
42 saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace ! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.
On the day Jesus was to enter Jerusalem, His disciples must have been confused.....why was Jesus crying? To my recollection, each time the Bible mentions Jesus crying, it was a situation where Love overcame Him and burned within His heart.
Palm Sunday (as we call it today) was a great day of anticipation for Jesus. The week would be filled with confusion, strife, suffering, prayer, change, betrayal, revelation.....Knowing what was to come, I think Jesus' love that day was what gave Him the strength to go on into the city.
Today, we must look forward to His returning to Jerusalem one day with a different approach....it is then He will be welcomed a different way as every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess Him Lord.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
On Golf, Perfection and God
As I watched some of the Phoenix Open today, the thought hit me that golf is a game where striving for perfection is a constant. Then, I realized that I don't always enjoy playing golf with one of my closest friends. In 30 years of playing with him, neither me nor either of the other two guys in our foursome have beat him. Of course, it goes without saying that in his younger days, he carried a PGA pro card.....
I can't figure out whether I am just jealous of his accomplishments or hopeless about ever reaching his level of ability. These days, he probably doesnt play even as often as I do and yet he still beats me every time we get out there together.
I bring this up because it struck me today that a lot of us Christians probably feel somewhat this way about God. Think about it....He is perfect in every way and we can never achieve it. Not only Christians but those that are unchurched or non-believers may be turning their backs because of this very fact. The thing is though that the Lord never "shows off" His perfection. It just IS.
The fact is that there has never been nor will there ever be played a perfect game of golf by anyone. It was once said that nobody would ever want to play golf with a perfect golfer and based on that, the perfect golfer would thus give up the game. My friend loves the game as much as he ever did and has never given it up. Thank God that He hasn't either.
Have a blessed Sunday tomorrow!
I can't figure out whether I am just jealous of his accomplishments or hopeless about ever reaching his level of ability. These days, he probably doesnt play even as often as I do and yet he still beats me every time we get out there together.
I bring this up because it struck me today that a lot of us Christians probably feel somewhat this way about God. Think about it....He is perfect in every way and we can never achieve it. Not only Christians but those that are unchurched or non-believers may be turning their backs because of this very fact. The thing is though that the Lord never "shows off" His perfection. It just IS.
The fact is that there has never been nor will there ever be played a perfect game of golf by anyone. It was once said that nobody would ever want to play golf with a perfect golfer and based on that, the perfect golfer would thus give up the game. My friend loves the game as much as he ever did and has never given it up. Thank God that He hasn't either.
Have a blessed Sunday tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Fat on Fat Tuesday
I was watching the festivities in New Orleans on the morning news and was intrigued by the hooplah that surrounds Fat Tuesday celebrations in New Orleans. I wondered how many of the celebrants knew the meaning and facts behind what they were doing.
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season which begins with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. (Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults.) Lent is the 40 day period, according to the Bible, that Jesus was separated into the desert to fast and pray (during which He was tempted by satan).
Thus, we are called upon to contemplate during Lent our repentance and what that really means in our lives and the lives of others. As Lent ushers in the Easter season, let us all remember that Christianity is based on one single solitary thing....an event. An event that had never occurred before and one that has impacted the world profoundly and eternally unto this day and forever more. That event was not His death, but His RESURRECTION. It repaired and restored what had gone wrong in Eden, so long before. Your repentance and giving up anything for Lent is your acceptance of what happened as the life blood by which you have been saved!
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season which begins with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. (Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults.) Lent is the 40 day period, according to the Bible, that Jesus was separated into the desert to fast and pray (during which He was tempted by satan).
Thus, we are called upon to contemplate during Lent our repentance and what that really means in our lives and the lives of others. As Lent ushers in the Easter season, let us all remember that Christianity is based on one single solitary thing....an event. An event that had never occurred before and one that has impacted the world profoundly and eternally unto this day and forever more. That event was not His death, but His RESURRECTION. It repaired and restored what had gone wrong in Eden, so long before. Your repentance and giving up anything for Lent is your acceptance of what happened as the life blood by which you have been saved!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Trying Out a New Thing
My wife got a belated birthday present yesterday....a new I-Phone. She had been waiting patiently since November until her existing contract with the phone company ran out so she could upgrade at a discount price. She is truly a "gizmo freak" and simply could not wait to get her hands on an I-Phone.
She arrived home and excitedly began showing me it's features and I smiled warmly inside to see her pleased with her new gizmo. Her first chore with it was to download her favorite pics of our grandsons so she could readily have them at her fingertips.....
I remember how I felt when I first decided to try out Jesus Christ as a new thing. I could not wait to learn about Him and to find out if what they all said was true and to discover new things that perhaps no one else had found in Him. Now five years into it, I am still learning and still amazed at His teaching. Here are some wonderful features if you are in the market:
1. He comes with a comprehensive user reference guide called the Bible.
2. His Grace is the most amazing thing in the history of all the world.
3. His kindness and understanding will guide you through the worst of times (even better than a GPS.)
4. His Love can be felt every single day.
Finally, and this is the best part of all....He is FREE! No charge, no fine print, no exceptions, no contract, and 100 percent guarantee.
She arrived home and excitedly began showing me it's features and I smiled warmly inside to see her pleased with her new gizmo. Her first chore with it was to download her favorite pics of our grandsons so she could readily have them at her fingertips.....
I remember how I felt when I first decided to try out Jesus Christ as a new thing. I could not wait to learn about Him and to find out if what they all said was true and to discover new things that perhaps no one else had found in Him. Now five years into it, I am still learning and still amazed at His teaching. Here are some wonderful features if you are in the market:
1. He comes with a comprehensive user reference guide called the Bible.
2. His Grace is the most amazing thing in the history of all the world.
3. His kindness and understanding will guide you through the worst of times (even better than a GPS.)
4. His Love can be felt every single day.
Finally, and this is the best part of all....He is FREE! No charge, no fine print, no exceptions, no contract, and 100 percent guarantee.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Visiting Home Home and Being Homesick
For the past couple weeks, I have had the blessing of visiting my parents and family at home. I had to leave my existing home to go out of town on business and have been able to stay at my "home home" with mom, dad, my sister and my brother in law. Now, I find myself becoming home sick to get back to my immediate family especially since my oldest son and his wife had their new baby this past week and I havent had the chance to hold him.....
I dont get to go "home home" very often though, perhaps 2 or 3 times a year since it's such a long distance. So I am trying to be patient.
It has been said that home is where you hang your hat but I dont find that to be true. It's optimistic but not practical. The Bible has countless stories of homecomings both in the Old and New Testaments and I am trying to relate this experience to any of them. I think what the Lord is tring to tell me is that no matter where you go in the world though, you are always at home in His Kingdom and time and distance are meaningless. Today, Sunday, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
I dont get to go "home home" very often though, perhaps 2 or 3 times a year since it's such a long distance. So I am trying to be patient.
It has been said that home is where you hang your hat but I dont find that to be true. It's optimistic but not practical. The Bible has countless stories of homecomings both in the Old and New Testaments and I am trying to relate this experience to any of them. I think what the Lord is tring to tell me is that no matter where you go in the world though, you are always at home in His Kingdom and time and distance are meaningless. Today, Sunday, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
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