Sunday, May 20, 2012    

Proud of Logan – Arrow of Light

Yesterday marked an important milestone for Logan and I couldn’t be more proud! He crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. But that’s only part of the accomplishment (which is awesome all by itself). In addition, he was awarded the Arrow of Light award…meaning that he has completed every rank from Tiger through Webelos II. That’s an elite group and it’s the only Cub Scout badge that he can carry with him to his Boy Scout uniform.

He worked hard for a very long time and it’s an amazing achievement. He couldn’t be more excited to move onto Boy Scouts (Troop 16 for us). We couldn’t be more proud of a young man who achieved his goals and continues to look for bigger and better things! We’re both looking forward to the years ahead of camping, hiking, and learning everything he’s supposed to learn.

We’ve got Eagle in our sight. I have no doubt he’ll accomplish that next big goal. He wants it and he’s shown he’ll keep at it. We couldn’t be more proud of a young boy who’s learning to become a fine young man! Congrats Logan! Love ya boy!

02.01.2011 | Visits: 418 Family 1 Comment

Markers

We need markers in our life (no, not the kind of markers in the picture). We need them in our family life—birthdays, anniversaries, special holidays. We need them in our work life—your hire date, the annual Christmas party, deadlines, open enrollment. We need them in our spiritual life—??? Oops!

Why do we not seem to celebrate key markers in our spiritual life much anymore (or am I just missing them). We have key holidays such as Easter and Christmas, but those are quickly deteriorating into commercial enterprises. We don’t reflect much or spend much time actually celebrating what we’re supposed to be celebrating (they turn more into family markers than markers of our spiritual journey).

We need markers along our spiritual path to remind us of where we’ve come from and where God is taking us. They’re important. God has used them since the very beginning. This morning I was reading about the Exodus from Egypt and guess what we find? Markers…

This annual festival will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the Lord: “With a strong hand, the Lord rescued you from Egypt.” (Exodus 13:9, NLT)

Passover was “like a mark” to the Israelites. It was established to ensure they would always remember what God did for them…where they had been. God established this particular marker because He knew it was important. For them. For us. But we don’t do this much anymore. We need to.

Several years ago when Anita and I took a spiritual retreat together to pray and talk about going back into full-time ministry. We stole away for Winter Park. We prayed. We talked. God showed up. There was healing. There was an answer. We wanted to remember that weekend so we agreed that we would purchase a marker…some tangible, visible reminder of what God started that weekend. And we did. It’s a little silver angel that sits on the mantle in our bedroom. Whenever I see it I know that we’re doing what God asked us to do. It marks an important event. When times get tough, the marker is there to remind.

We need markers in our spiritual journey. What are the markers along your path? What markers do you need set up?

02.01.2011 | Visits: 296 Ministry, New Pastor Journal, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings Add a Comment

What Else…?

I’ve been reading through the gospels since the beginning of the year with the goal of reading with fresh eyes. Hearing and “seeing” what Jesus said and did as if it was the first time. I’m only part of the way through Matthew so far (as part of my One Year program) and it has been incredible.

This morning I read a story I’ve read countless times and have even taught and preached it: The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-30.  (I encourage you to read it for yourself before you continue…with fresh eyes). I was positive I wouldn’t get anything new out of this story (great attitude huh?). I was wrong.

What I saw this morning comes after the rich man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life (not a bad question, if not the best). And it comes after Jesus answers him by telling him to follow the commandments (not the answer you or I would give by the way). What I saw was in the rich man’s response to Jesus’ answer:

“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” (Matthew 19:20, NLT)

What else must I do? Are you kidding me?!?!

Jesus answers this man’s question, and the man says he’s already done what Jesus says he must do. Walk away dude! Mission accomplished! You got what you came for. You got the right answer…why press for more?

Why indeed? Why did this rich man press for more? Why would he ask: “What else must I do?” He obviously saw that something was missing…that the answer was incomplete. I’m not saying that Jesus gave an incomplete answer, but that this man knew there was more for him. And he takes the risk to ask the next question: “What else?”

I typically read the result of that next question and feel sorrow and shame for the rich man because he walked away from Jesus. But he did ask the question…which is more than I do sometimes.

There was something in this man’s soul that yearned for more in his religion. In fact, he wanted more than religion…he wanted something real. He just wasn’t willing to pay the price demanded.

I want more too. I wonder though, am I willing to pay the price?

What else must I do?

01.29.2011 | Visits: 429 Devotional, Discipleship, Jesus, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

The Gospel According to Jesus by Chris Seay

I must admit up front that I got this book to read based solely on the title alone. I mean, who doesn’t want to know what the gospel is according to Jesus? It’s His gospel right? In The Gospel According to Jesus, author Chris Seay practically answers what he says is “the most important question followers of Jesus the Liberating King can ever ask themselves: what is the gospel?” (page 43). This is a question that all Christ followers should answer themselves, but it’s at the core of Seay’s discussion in this refreshing book.

Chris Seay’s writing style is easy to read, full of personal stories that illustrate his message, and challenges many common misconceptions in Christian culture regarding what the gospel of Jesus is (and isn’t). The crux of his message is that the gospel is about relationship. He states that even “sin is about relationship, not about rules” (page 88). We are all living in broken relationship with God and the gospel is about having that relationship restored!

The author uses the term “shalom” to describe this state of restored relationship…with God and with those around us. We are all called to live in shalom and help others find shalom in their own lives (I won’t spoil the fun by telling you exactly what this term means…you’ll need to read the book for that). This teaching resonates as truth for me. God is about relationship. Jesus is about relationship. We should be all about relationship.

My favorite chapter in the book is Chapter 9: “The Ten Commandments of a Shalom Life”. Here the author gives us 10 practical ways we can live out shalom in our lives. He goes beyond the typical “disciplines” (although they are included) and attempts to shake some of our preconceived notions. On example, in number nine he challenges how we treat illegal immigrants as Christians (see page 188). We’re called to something different and it’s time we started acting like it.

Seay concludes each chapter with a prayer and an interview with one or two contemporary authors and/or pastors on the subject he’s just covered. I personally found these sections a bit tedious and unnecessary, but that’s just me—others may find it helpful to get an alternate viewpoint on the subject. It’s usually in these sections that the discussion gets too “postmodern” for my tastes.

Overall, I loved this book and put it in the top 5 books that I’ve read this year. I highly recommend it and will probably try and read it at least one time a year. The author challenged me to think and act out my faith practically. The gospel of Jesus is more than a “good idea”, it’s to be lived and worked out in the real world…with real people.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

12.09.2010 | Visits: 221 Books, Review Add a Comment

Thumbs and Toes

Ever read something in Scripture that makes you say, “HUH?!?” Happened to me this afternoon as I opened my study in the book of Judges. Here’s what I read…

Adoni-bezek escaped, but the Israelites soon captured him and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Adoni-bezek said, “I once had seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off, eating scraps from under my table. Now God has paid me back for what I did to them.” They took him to Jerusalem, and he died there. (Judges 1:6-7, NLT)

First of all…OUCH!! Second, who thinks of doing that? Not me…that would be the last thing on my list of punishments. Third, this had to be one funny looking dude once his punishment was done (yes, that’s how my brain works).

Obviously God had something to do with the punishment since Adoni-bezek had done this to others…but still!

I never cease to be surprised by Scripture. Always something there to get your attention.  ;o)

11.15.2010 | Visits: 184 Humor, Misc Ramblings Add a Comment

A New/Old Command

I started personally reading 1 John yesterday and I’ve been doing some intensive study in Galatians in preparation for a sermon in a few weeks. And a single concept keeps coming up over and over again the past few months. It’ s one of those times when God seems to be trying to get my attention and I’ve only just started to catch on (I know…I’m the only one, right?). So this morning I decided to stop, listen, and do a little digging. And boy was I a little surprised (pleasantly). Here’s the passage that got me started this morning…

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.  (1 John 3:23, NLT)

This simple little concept keeps coming up: We demonstrate our love for God by loving one another. That’s the test for us as Christians. Period. End of story. It’s not about how good we are. It’s not about where or how often we go to church. It’s not about anything else…it’s all about how much we love each other. And John even takes it a step further and calls out bluff on saying that we love each other…

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:18, NLT)

Dang it…we’d he have to step on that toe? Why couldn’t he just leave me alone in my safe little bubble thinking it was okay just to have the right attitude toward others, “Sure, I love the people around me.” John says, “Prove it!” It’s our actions that count here, not our words.

As this started settling in I remembered how often this concept of loving one another has come up lately. So I did a quick search on two different phrases: “Love one another” and “Love each other”. In the New Testament alone these two phrases come up over 100 times! Everyone gets involved. Peter and Paul loved the concepts, but Jesus started it…

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. (John 13:34, NLT)

A new commandment to love each other…pretty simple, but oh so hard. And then He ups the ante in the very next verse…

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:35, NLT)

It’s not our bumper stickers or even our worn Bibles that prove to the world that we’re Christ followers. Only one thing does the job: Our demonstrated love for one another!

Jesus says this a new command, but John says it’s actually not new (at least not anymore since Jesus already gave it to us)…

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (1 John 3:1, NLT)

It’s everywhere…here are a few other passages you can try on for size in case you’re interested: Romans 13:8, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:2, Hebrews 13:1, 1 Peter 4:8and 1 John 4:12 (to name but only a few).

And here’s the question that God laid on my heart as I started getting into this deeper. If this is such an important aspect of my faith, why don’t I focus on it more…and why don’t I DO it more?

11.03.2010 | Visits: 158 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Musings Add a Comment

The Arrogance of Us

This morning I continued my journey through the book of Job. It’s been a challenging read lately as Job and his three friends square off arguing with one another. Job defending his innocence and claiming that God is punishing him unjustly. Job’s friends insisting that Job has obviously sinned and needs to repent. Neither is 100% right or wrong. As is often the case, it’s more complicated than simple black and white.

That’s when a young guy by the name of Elihu steps into the discussion. He’s had enough of listening to both sides and he steps into the discussion to take God’s side instead of Job’s or his friend’s. And in the process he makes some great points that are as important today as they were then.

Point #1: God speaks even when we aren’t tuned in.

God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. (Job 33:14, NLT)

How often have I thought that God simply was speaking to me…and been frustrated by it? The truth is that God is speaking, but I often don’t recognize it because He’s not doing it “my way”. It’s not God that needs to change. It’s me…I need to stop and listen…tune in.

Point #2: God is God and we need Him (not the other way around).

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust. (Job 34:14-15, NLT)

God never leads us astray (or into sin..see Job 34:10). He’s always in the right and we need Him. If He were to withdraw from humanity we’d all die. Just like that. He’s God and we’re not. Sometimes I get that backward and it always causes me trouble. Who do I think I am anyway?

Point #3: Our actions don’t affect God like we think they do.

If you sin, how does that affect God? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have on him? If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him? No, your sins affect only people like yourself, and your good deeds also affect only humans. (Job 35:6-8, NLT)

Neither our sin or our good works have an affect on God. Why? Because we’re not “all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips”. Our sins and good works affect others and they affect us, but they don’t really affect God because He’s, well, God. My sin may grieve God, but it doesn’t cause Him harm the way it harms me. I can’t bring gift to God because He’s God.

Point #4: Our response to all of this should be to glorify Him.

Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, “You have done wrong.” Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise.  (Job 36:22-24, NLT)

Instead of placing the focus on us (even in how small we are compared to God), we should focus on Him. We should praise and glorify God for being God. We should delight in His amazing works. Instead of being arrogant we should gratefully accept that the Almighty God of the Universe has extended to us the most amazing gift we could ever hope for—relationship with Him!!

We need God. And He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to get to know this guy who doesn’t listen very well, thinks too highly of himself, and too often missed the real point. Once again, it’s all about relationship with God. Thanks for the reminder Elihu!

14 For God speaks again and again,
though people do not recognize it.

10.28.2010 | Visits: 171 Devotional, Spiritual Musings Add a Comment

How Do They Know?

A few weeks ago I was fast asleep…in the middle of some amazing dream, I’m sure. I was in a blissful state of calm and relaxation. I was catching some much needed beauty rest (and I need a LOT of it!). It was the middle of the night…something like 4:00 AM. All of the world (at least in our side of the planet) was fast asleep. And then it happened…

I heard the first “beep” and thought nothing of it…pushed it aside. A minute later…another. And another. And another. Finally I had to get up to see what that infernal interruption was! Arrrrgggg! It was one of our smoke detectors notifying us that it needed a new battery! This is a great feature and will likely end up saving our lives at some point (we have two boys…fire is coming at some point, right?). But I have a few questions born out of this frustrating night (and I wish it was my first, and last):

  1. How do smoke detectors know that it’s night-time?
  2. Why do they only start beeping when it’s dark out? I’ve never had one beep during daylight!
  3. Why does the beep happen so infrequently that it takes 20 minutes just to figure out which detector is the culprit?
  4. Why do you never seem to have a 9-volt battery when you really need one (thankfully that wasn’t the case this time)?

This is one of those eternal set of questions that we may never have the answer(s) to. And, no…I won’t be asking Jesus any of them when I see Him face-to-face.  ;o)

10.26.2010 | Visits: 159 Humor, Misc Ramblings, Soap Box Add a Comment

Greater Works

Jesus said it so it’s true.

I know this intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. But I still struggle with His words (just glad I’m not the first). But I don’t want to struggle or wrestle with Him on this point…I want it to be true in my life.

Here’s what He said:

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. (John 12:14, NLT)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read these words and I still struggle with the truth here. Big time.

I struggle with them largely because I honestly don’t think I see the evidence of this in my own spiritual life. I don’t think I’ve done “the same” much less “greater works than Jesus did. I know that only happens as a result of the Spirit’s working in and through me (that’s why Jesus had to leave for this statement to be true), but I still don’t see the evidence of this passage.

Which leads me to a few questions I wrestle with in light of Jesus’ statement and my lack of application:

  1. Does this mean I don’t truly believe in Him (that’s what the evidence seems to be saying)?
  2. Does this mean I don’t have His Spirit at work in me?
  3. Does this mean I’m just not understanding or applying His truth correctly?
  4. Does this mean I’m just missing something?

I’m not sure what the answer is. So I’m praying and seeking God’s face on this. I want it to be true in my life…not for my own glory, but because I don’t want to miss out on any of Jesus’ promises. He obviously said this for a reason. He obviously wants it to be true for His children.

The good news is I know He’ll answer…I just gotta be listening!  ;o)

10.11.2010 | Visits: 220 Devotional, Jesus, Spiritual Musings Add a Comment

Taking the Bad with the Good

In the matter of moments he had lost everything. Not all at once, but slowly…over time. He was a rich man by anyone’s standards. He was a successful business man. He had a great family that loved him and loved one another. He had a great wife and great friends. He had it all…until it was taken away.

First to go was his livelihood. In the blink of an eye he had lost half of his fortune, but he still had the other half to fall back on.

Until it was taken too…just moments later. Stolen. Taken by those who hadn’t earned it. His entire fortune was gone.

But he still had his family.

Then he lost them too. All of his children killed in a freak accident. Every last one of them. They had been together sharing life together. Laughing on moment…gone the next.

But he still had his health.

Then he lost that too. He developed a horrible skin disease that caused him great pain and anguish…on top of what he was already suffering.

In just a short time this successful man went from having everything to having nothing. He went from cloud 9 to the bottom of the barrel.

His wife, seeing all of this calamity, says this:

Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.

Can’t blame her attitude. I would have been tempted to say the same thing (or think it myself). How much is too much? When does the pain end? When will God let up?

Many of us have asked similar questions when faced with far less pain and loss. Why me? Why now? Why this?

But how this man answers is incredible:

But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong. (Job 2:10, NLT)

Wow. I’m not there yet. In fact, I confess I’m a long way from this attitude. But Job asks a great question: “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” My head’s answer is, “YES! That’s the deal…God gives us only good things.” But I know better. Life is full of pain and disappointment. Scripture even says so…very clearly. It’s the result of sin. It’s the price we pay for our disobedience.

So, I’ve got to learn to take the bad with the good and trust God’s heart in the long-term. He wants my best, but sometimes that means going through the pain and suffering. He never promised us a rose garden.  ;o)


10.05.2010 | Visits: 275 Devotional, Faith, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

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