I googled the word “lonely” today and it shows 328 million hits. Gallup’s research shows that at any given moment 4 of 10 Americans are suffering from feelings of loneliness. Research shows that feelings of loneliness are not healthy. Loneliness is no respecter of persons and each person processes loneliness differently. Some turn to food or drugs, while others turn to wrong relationships. Some become work-a-holics while others become recluses. I started thinking today of all the songs written about these feelings. Whether it’s Paul McCartney asking “Where do all the lonely people come from?” or Elvis singing about the hotel at the “end of lonely street called Heartbreak Hotel”, it’s obvious these feelings abound. It was Albert Einstein that said “It is strange to be known so universally & yet to be so lonely.”
I think there are 4 types of friends. We all have “contact” friends that we say hello to when we pass in the hallway. We have “casual” friends that we share common interests with and can talk about those interests. We have those we call “close” friends that we feel we can be somewhat open with. But if we are really fortunate we have a few that we can call “committed” friends; those who will stand by your side no matter what.
Committed friendships differ from others because of a willingness to sacrifice. When you love someone this way you will sacrifice for their best interests. Friendship that’s not willing to sacrifice for the other is not much a friendship. I love the story I read a few years ago from just outside St. Louis. In April 2004, 9 year old Mak Shulist battled brain cancer. It was deemed “incurable” and it quickly robbed young Mak of his eyesight. The Make-A-Wish foundation decided they would do something for Mak and asked him what he would like. Typically kids request from them things like meeting their favorite celebrity or a trip to Disney World. But nothing prepared them for Mak’s request.
Mak attended Ellisville Elementary school even after his diagnosis. Despite receiving chemotherapy and radiation, little Mak started the 3rd grade that Fall with his friends. So when his health finally failed and the Make-A-Wish Foundation got involved, they were stunned when all Mak asked for was for them to build a rock-climbing wall at his school for his friends. Will Randall, one of his classmates said, “I thought he was going to wish that there was a medicine or something, and he just wished for that and I was like whoa, he's nice.” As Mak’s condition worsened the Foundation hurried to finish the 7 foot wall. From the time they granted his request to the time kids climbed on the wall, only 2 weeks had passed. Thursday April 9, 2004, Ellisville’s principle videotaped students climbing on the wall. Students described on the video what it was like to climb the wall. The video was rushed to Mak’s house and his parents turned the volume up high so they could be assured Mak heard it. The next day, Friday April 9, 2004 Mak died. Michael Stafford, one of Mak's friends said, “'Every time I get on this wall I will think about him and what he did for us.”
The next time you are feeling lonely, remember there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Remember His friendship is not extended to us because we are worthy of that kind of friendship. In spite of the way we treat Him by our propensity to willingly sin, He loves us and remains committed to His relationship with us. I’m thankful today for the friend I find in Jesus!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Have courage today
Courage is a middle English word dating back to around 1300. It’s French and Latin derivatives are both rooted in the word “heart”. It’s defined on www.dictionary.com as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery”.
Courage is a quality normally reserved for soldiers, firefighters, and police officers. From our earliest days, we are often taught, under the very real guise of caution, to not be courageous. We’re told things like “don't take unnecessary risks… Don't draw attention to yourself in public… Don't talk to strangers… Keep an eye out for suspicious people… Stay safe.” Not that any of those are invalid concerns, but they tend to work against the idea of courage. But as I sit here thinking this afternoon I’m confronted with the thought that being a disciple, a Christ-follower, takes courage, especially in the times in which we live.
Everyone wants courage as evidenced by a wikihow article I found entitled “How to have courage: 5 steps”. The article states these 5 principles lead to courage:
1. Do one little thing outside your comfort zone every day
2. Believe in yourself
3. Create some goals for each day
4. Have a good attitude
5. Don’t hesitate
While these are positive steps that might make you a better person, I’m not sure they get at the idea that God had in mind when in Joshua 1 He told Joshua to “be of good courage”. I like John Piper’s definition of Christian courage. He states, “Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost”. The bible is filled with saints that serve as examples of this type courage.
• Noah – it took courage to build a boat when no one had ever seen rain and he was nowhere near water. It took courage for him to faithfully proclaim God’s coming judgment to a society that mocked him.
• David – it took courage to face a giant named Goliath with no visible weapon save a sling and 5 stones. But knowing that God was with him gave him the courage to do so.
• Gideon – it took courage to face as Judges 7 says an army “as numerous as locusts … as the sand by the seashore in multitude” with only 300 men and no weapons. Gideon did have the knowledge that “If God is for us, who shall be against us.”
• Daniel – it took courage to refuse to eat of the kings table even though “everyone was doing it”.
• Esther – it took courage to go before the king without an invitation. To do so was risking sudden death. But she knew God had raised her up “for such a time as this”
So here’s what I’m getting at for you and me. Like Noah let us faithfully do whatever God has called us to, even if that means being ridiculed by those of the world. Like David, whatever “giant” you are facing today, be of good courage for God has said that He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Like Gideon some of you face huge odds that seemingly are against you today. Remember that God does His best work when we get to the end of ourselves and simply say “God if this is going to happen, it’s going to take You doing it.” Like Daniel, some of you need to stand strong today against the temptation to give in to societal pressures. Do what is right, not necessarily what is popular. Like Esther, some of you need to have the courage today to come before the “King” … not that it takes courage to come to God as He openly invites us into His presence. But you need the courage to come clean with Him and then accept His making you clean through forgiveness. Be courageous today!
Courage is a quality normally reserved for soldiers, firefighters, and police officers. From our earliest days, we are often taught, under the very real guise of caution, to not be courageous. We’re told things like “don't take unnecessary risks… Don't draw attention to yourself in public… Don't talk to strangers… Keep an eye out for suspicious people… Stay safe.” Not that any of those are invalid concerns, but they tend to work against the idea of courage. But as I sit here thinking this afternoon I’m confronted with the thought that being a disciple, a Christ-follower, takes courage, especially in the times in which we live.
Everyone wants courage as evidenced by a wikihow article I found entitled “How to have courage: 5 steps”. The article states these 5 principles lead to courage:
1. Do one little thing outside your comfort zone every day
2. Believe in yourself
3. Create some goals for each day
4. Have a good attitude
5. Don’t hesitate
While these are positive steps that might make you a better person, I’m not sure they get at the idea that God had in mind when in Joshua 1 He told Joshua to “be of good courage”. I like John Piper’s definition of Christian courage. He states, “Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost”. The bible is filled with saints that serve as examples of this type courage.
• Noah – it took courage to build a boat when no one had ever seen rain and he was nowhere near water. It took courage for him to faithfully proclaim God’s coming judgment to a society that mocked him.
• David – it took courage to face a giant named Goliath with no visible weapon save a sling and 5 stones. But knowing that God was with him gave him the courage to do so.
• Gideon – it took courage to face as Judges 7 says an army “as numerous as locusts … as the sand by the seashore in multitude” with only 300 men and no weapons. Gideon did have the knowledge that “If God is for us, who shall be against us.”
• Daniel – it took courage to refuse to eat of the kings table even though “everyone was doing it”.
• Esther – it took courage to go before the king without an invitation. To do so was risking sudden death. But she knew God had raised her up “for such a time as this”
So here’s what I’m getting at for you and me. Like Noah let us faithfully do whatever God has called us to, even if that means being ridiculed by those of the world. Like David, whatever “giant” you are facing today, be of good courage for God has said that He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Like Gideon some of you face huge odds that seemingly are against you today. Remember that God does His best work when we get to the end of ourselves and simply say “God if this is going to happen, it’s going to take You doing it.” Like Daniel, some of you need to stand strong today against the temptation to give in to societal pressures. Do what is right, not necessarily what is popular. Like Esther, some of you need to have the courage today to come before the “King” … not that it takes courage to come to God as He openly invites us into His presence. But you need the courage to come clean with Him and then accept His making you clean through forgiveness. Be courageous today!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Fear of failure
Most of us are afraid of failure. If I think there’s a chance we might fail at something, I have to fight the temptation to not even try. If I asked you to name a great baseball player who would you name? Many might say Hank Aaron for hitting 755 home runs. But Hank also struck out 1,383 times. What about a great NFL quarterback? Joe Montana played in 8 pro bowls and won 4 Super Bowls. But did you realize he threw 1,982 incomplete passes and 139 interceptions … failure.
In the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-ff we read of three servants entrusted with “talents” from their master. One of the three became so paralyzed by fear, he buried the talent until the master returned. He’d rather return only what he’d been given than run the risk of losing that talent.
Maybe today you are afraid of failing. You watch people around you succeed and yet you are crippled at the thought of failing to the point you don’t even try. If that describes you, I want to share 4 things with you that will hopefully allow you to move forward from fear; to take risks that honor God.
First, you need to discover that everyone fails … yes everyone! James 3:2 says “For we all stumble in many things.” In his book The Incomplete Book of Failures Stephen Pile shares some things that make this point. Michael Jordan was cut from his middle school basketball team for “lacking talent” and when he played in the NBA he missed 51% of his shots. Albert Einstein had a teacher who said about him, “He is mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams.” How many great men of the bible failed? Abraham lied and failed to have faith in God and His Word. David, well we don’t even need to go there other than to say the name Bathsheba. Here’s the point … everyone fails.
Second, we need to recognize that failure is not final. Psalm 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” History is filled with people who failed yet got up and kept going. George Washington lost 2/3 of the battles he fought during the Revolutionary War. Billy Graham when asked to preach his first sermon said he actually prepared 4 sermons and preached them all in less than 10 minutes. When it was over he thought “I’m not cut out for this.” Listen, failure is not the worst thing that can happen to a person. In fact God often uses it in our lives to make us more like Him. John Mark who deserted Paul later became useful to Paul in his ministry. How? Because failure was not final.
Third, we should recognize there are some benefits to failure. Romans 8:28 says that “ALL things work together for the good to them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Peter failed at just about everything he tried, from walking on the water to denying Jesus. But through it all he found there are benefits in failure. Here are the benefits I find: 1. Failure educates us. Thomas Edison had 10,000 failures before inventing the light bulb. 2. Failure develops our skills. How do you learn to ride a bike? You likely fell but you got back up and on that bike. 3. Failure tends to make us less judgmental. Without our own failures, it becomes easy to look down our noses at those who fail.
Finally, in regards to failure we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. Our society has become so competitive. But I believe success can be defined as doing your best. God defines success by obedience. Failure is when you don’t even try.
So what are you “failing” at right now? Your marriage? Your parenting? Some spiritual or moral failure? Whatever it is I don’t believe that it has to be final, or even the 1 thing that defines your life! Friend, there’s only one failure that is final … failing to respond to God’s offer of forgiveness through His Son. So you’ve fallen … get up, bandage the hurts, and go on with your life learning from your mistakes. Walk faithfully with your God!
In the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-ff we read of three servants entrusted with “talents” from their master. One of the three became so paralyzed by fear, he buried the talent until the master returned. He’d rather return only what he’d been given than run the risk of losing that talent.
Maybe today you are afraid of failing. You watch people around you succeed and yet you are crippled at the thought of failing to the point you don’t even try. If that describes you, I want to share 4 things with you that will hopefully allow you to move forward from fear; to take risks that honor God.
First, you need to discover that everyone fails … yes everyone! James 3:2 says “For we all stumble in many things.” In his book The Incomplete Book of Failures Stephen Pile shares some things that make this point. Michael Jordan was cut from his middle school basketball team for “lacking talent” and when he played in the NBA he missed 51% of his shots. Albert Einstein had a teacher who said about him, “He is mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams.” How many great men of the bible failed? Abraham lied and failed to have faith in God and His Word. David, well we don’t even need to go there other than to say the name Bathsheba. Here’s the point … everyone fails.
Second, we need to recognize that failure is not final. Psalm 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” History is filled with people who failed yet got up and kept going. George Washington lost 2/3 of the battles he fought during the Revolutionary War. Billy Graham when asked to preach his first sermon said he actually prepared 4 sermons and preached them all in less than 10 minutes. When it was over he thought “I’m not cut out for this.” Listen, failure is not the worst thing that can happen to a person. In fact God often uses it in our lives to make us more like Him. John Mark who deserted Paul later became useful to Paul in his ministry. How? Because failure was not final.
Third, we should recognize there are some benefits to failure. Romans 8:28 says that “ALL things work together for the good to them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Peter failed at just about everything he tried, from walking on the water to denying Jesus. But through it all he found there are benefits in failure. Here are the benefits I find: 1. Failure educates us. Thomas Edison had 10,000 failures before inventing the light bulb. 2. Failure develops our skills. How do you learn to ride a bike? You likely fell but you got back up and on that bike. 3. Failure tends to make us less judgmental. Without our own failures, it becomes easy to look down our noses at those who fail.
Finally, in regards to failure we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. Our society has become so competitive. But I believe success can be defined as doing your best. God defines success by obedience. Failure is when you don’t even try.
So what are you “failing” at right now? Your marriage? Your parenting? Some spiritual or moral failure? Whatever it is I don’t believe that it has to be final, or even the 1 thing that defines your life! Friend, there’s only one failure that is final … failing to respond to God’s offer of forgiveness through His Son. So you’ve fallen … get up, bandage the hurts, and go on with your life learning from your mistakes. Walk faithfully with your God!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Faith in the middle of the storm
The 30th President of the United States was Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge was known as a man of few words and when he spoke he was often blunt and to the point. On one occasion a female journalist told the President, "Mr. President, I made a $100 bet with another journalist that I could get you to say more than 3 words. Would you care to comment?" Coolidge smiled at the young lady and coolly said, "You lose". That's how he got the nickname he carried with him to his death ... “Silent Cal”.
I tell you that because there are times in our lives when we think of God as “Silent God”. Amidst painful trials I know I’ve often cried out “Why, God? Why me? Where are you?” and to my dismay heaven often seems to be silent.
If there was ever a poster child for suffering and heartache it would have to be Job in the Old Testament. Job was a healthy wealthy family man with 10 children and a load of livestock. He was also a righteous man; the most righteous on earth. Satan goes to God and accuses Him of buying Job’s worship. Satan says if Job was not blessed so much he’d turn on God. God allows Satan to do anything to Job except take his life. In a short period of time Jobs children all die in a storm, all of his livestock is stolen, his wife tells him to “curse God and die”, and his 3 best friends ask him what great sin is in his life that he hasn’t repented of yet. Through it all Job’s faith BENT but it never BROKE.
I think there are 4 insights that we can learn from the life of Job when our life is in turmoil.
#1 – There’s more going on around us than we can see. Job had no idea of the conversation that took place in heaven but as readers of the scriptures we get the benefit of seeing both scenes unfold. It’s kind of like when we are watching a movie, we are only seeing a small slice of what all is happening. The directors make sure we don’t see things like the lights, assistants holding microphones, the studio. What we are seeing is mere snippets of our life. We see some of the present and remember some of the past but God sees the future and what He’s doing in our life.
#2 – God’s desire is for us to have a personal relationship with Him. I love the fact that in the conversation with Satan it’s God who brings up the name of Job. God loves Job and is proud of His creation. I get the sense it’s almost like a grandparent asking if they’ve showed you a picture recently of their grandchild. God knew not only Job’s name but knew his heart as well. When God looks at you or me he doesn’t see us as a social security number or taxpayer id # … He sees us personally and loves us all the same.
#3 – We need to remember that Satan actively assaults God’s servants. When God asks Satan where he’s been he says he’s been “walking to and fro on the earth.” Peter equated him as a lion seeking those he may devour. Satan actively, aggressively, and continually works to get people to doubt there is a God and that He loves them.
#4 – Genuine faith will sustain you through times of trouble. The bible affirms the fact that our faith is often tested. During these times of trials in our lives the type of faith we have is revealed. I think there are 3 types of faith and I’d be less than honest if I didn’t admit that at times each type has been found in my life. First there’s what I call “fair weather faith”. This faith functions best when the sun is shining and everything in life is going the way you think it should. Those with fair weather faith typically turn on and question God at the first sign of trouble. The second type of faith is what I call “foul weather faith.” It’s the opposite of fair weather faith. Rather than praise God only when the sun is signing, they only turn to God when things go south. Here we tend to try and bargain with God, “God if you will do ______, then I will serve You.” Then when things start to go better we forget about the Lord until the next time things go bad. After 9/11 we saw a lot of “foul weather faithers”. They were in church for a few weeks and when things settled down they were gone again. Finally there is “all weather faith.” This faith says “I will praise the Lord no matter what comes my way.” That’s not where Job started but it is where he ended up. In Job 13:15 we read, “Though He (God) slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
So is the sun shining in your life? Are the storm clouds gathering? What kind of faith do you think you have right now? I wish I could tell you mine was always “all weather faith” but alas my faith is a work in progress.
I tell you that because there are times in our lives when we think of God as “Silent God”. Amidst painful trials I know I’ve often cried out “Why, God? Why me? Where are you?” and to my dismay heaven often seems to be silent.
If there was ever a poster child for suffering and heartache it would have to be Job in the Old Testament. Job was a healthy wealthy family man with 10 children and a load of livestock. He was also a righteous man; the most righteous on earth. Satan goes to God and accuses Him of buying Job’s worship. Satan says if Job was not blessed so much he’d turn on God. God allows Satan to do anything to Job except take his life. In a short period of time Jobs children all die in a storm, all of his livestock is stolen, his wife tells him to “curse God and die”, and his 3 best friends ask him what great sin is in his life that he hasn’t repented of yet. Through it all Job’s faith BENT but it never BROKE.
I think there are 4 insights that we can learn from the life of Job when our life is in turmoil.
#1 – There’s more going on around us than we can see. Job had no idea of the conversation that took place in heaven but as readers of the scriptures we get the benefit of seeing both scenes unfold. It’s kind of like when we are watching a movie, we are only seeing a small slice of what all is happening. The directors make sure we don’t see things like the lights, assistants holding microphones, the studio. What we are seeing is mere snippets of our life. We see some of the present and remember some of the past but God sees the future and what He’s doing in our life.
#2 – God’s desire is for us to have a personal relationship with Him. I love the fact that in the conversation with Satan it’s God who brings up the name of Job. God loves Job and is proud of His creation. I get the sense it’s almost like a grandparent asking if they’ve showed you a picture recently of their grandchild. God knew not only Job’s name but knew his heart as well. When God looks at you or me he doesn’t see us as a social security number or taxpayer id # … He sees us personally and loves us all the same.
#3 – We need to remember that Satan actively assaults God’s servants. When God asks Satan where he’s been he says he’s been “walking to and fro on the earth.” Peter equated him as a lion seeking those he may devour. Satan actively, aggressively, and continually works to get people to doubt there is a God and that He loves them.
#4 – Genuine faith will sustain you through times of trouble. The bible affirms the fact that our faith is often tested. During these times of trials in our lives the type of faith we have is revealed. I think there are 3 types of faith and I’d be less than honest if I didn’t admit that at times each type has been found in my life. First there’s what I call “fair weather faith”. This faith functions best when the sun is shining and everything in life is going the way you think it should. Those with fair weather faith typically turn on and question God at the first sign of trouble. The second type of faith is what I call “foul weather faith.” It’s the opposite of fair weather faith. Rather than praise God only when the sun is signing, they only turn to God when things go south. Here we tend to try and bargain with God, “God if you will do ______, then I will serve You.” Then when things start to go better we forget about the Lord until the next time things go bad. After 9/11 we saw a lot of “foul weather faithers”. They were in church for a few weeks and when things settled down they were gone again. Finally there is “all weather faith.” This faith says “I will praise the Lord no matter what comes my way.” That’s not where Job started but it is where he ended up. In Job 13:15 we read, “Though He (God) slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
So is the sun shining in your life? Are the storm clouds gathering? What kind of faith do you think you have right now? I wish I could tell you mine was always “all weather faith” but alas my faith is a work in progress.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Craziness and what is Christmas!
Does anyone feel “stressed” because of the pace of Christmas? It seems like I get stuck on “fast forward” every Christmas and the closer I get to “the day” the more hectic things get for me and the more frazzled I get. Also, is it just me or do you find people do the craziest things at this time of year? I was reading about a department store Santa getting fired in Thousand Oaks, California because when an “elf” called him a name (obviously something other than St. Nick) he pulled a handgun and drew down on said elf. Or how’s this one for crazy: there was a Seattle charity event for meat-cutters where a volleyball game was played. They used frozen meats as “volleyballs” (yes, you read that correctly). It seemed as the game was stopped when one of the “players” was hit in the head with an 11 pound frozen turkey. Even churches are not immune to the craziness. In Miami, a woman was arrested for assaulting her husband with an umbrella shaft after church. His crime? It seems he fell asleep during the service.
In trying to get past some of the craziness this Christmas I pondered what Christmas means. Now I realize it means a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some it is a time of shopping and spending. To others it is a time for drinking and parties. For others Christmas involves traveling and entertaining. I’m sure for many it means a combination of these and other things. Today is Sunday and I’m sitting in my office pondering the real meaning of Christmas?
I came up with a short list of what Christmas means to me:
1. Christmas is about love – For God so “loved the world” that He sent us His Son. We should never forget that symbolism of Christmas in seeing how much God loves us. So as I reflect on the meaning of Christmas I realize that it’s about us sharing His love with so many who never open a bible or attend a church service. That leads to the second thing I believe about Christmas …
2. Christmas is about remembering – taking the time to remember those whom we have loved and been loved by through the years. This time of year is often difficult as we are forced to face the holidays without someone we have spent much of our life with. I hope that when I go through a period of great loss God will help me remember not to focus on what I feel I’ve lost but rather what I had in that person in the first place and to celebrate that.
3. Obviously Christmas is a time of giving – “For God so loved the world He gave”. As a child Christmas was always about what am I “getting” this year but the older I have gotten I have found it much more pleasurable to give. I often say it in sermons but I’m convinced of the truth that we are never more like Jesus than when we give.
4. Christmas is a time of forgiving (or at least it should be) – God was willing to forgive us without stipulations. Oh that I were more like Jesus in this regard. Too often I’m quick to be judgmental and look down on others less fortunate or maybe more fortunate and not realizing just how blessed they are. I have been forgiven so much in my life. I also have been had some very difficult experiences in my life. But I’m reminded that no one has ever done anything worse to me than that which I’ve done to Christ. After all, it was my sin that held Him to that cross.
5. Christmas is a time of change – we often set resolutions right after Christmas as we “resolve” to change some things for the better. So I’m pondering what the Lord would have me to change for the better this year.
6. Finally Christmas is a time of rejoicing – We can rejoice in God’s unmerited grace. We can rejoice in the fact we’ve been forgiven. We can rejoice that God has a purpose for our life. We can rejoice that no matter how far we stray, we never get so far that the arm of God cannot bring us back. Know you are loved this Christmas.
In trying to get past some of the craziness this Christmas I pondered what Christmas means. Now I realize it means a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some it is a time of shopping and spending. To others it is a time for drinking and parties. For others Christmas involves traveling and entertaining. I’m sure for many it means a combination of these and other things. Today is Sunday and I’m sitting in my office pondering the real meaning of Christmas?
I came up with a short list of what Christmas means to me:
1. Christmas is about love – For God so “loved the world” that He sent us His Son. We should never forget that symbolism of Christmas in seeing how much God loves us. So as I reflect on the meaning of Christmas I realize that it’s about us sharing His love with so many who never open a bible or attend a church service. That leads to the second thing I believe about Christmas …
2. Christmas is about remembering – taking the time to remember those whom we have loved and been loved by through the years. This time of year is often difficult as we are forced to face the holidays without someone we have spent much of our life with. I hope that when I go through a period of great loss God will help me remember not to focus on what I feel I’ve lost but rather what I had in that person in the first place and to celebrate that.
3. Obviously Christmas is a time of giving – “For God so loved the world He gave”. As a child Christmas was always about what am I “getting” this year but the older I have gotten I have found it much more pleasurable to give. I often say it in sermons but I’m convinced of the truth that we are never more like Jesus than when we give.
4. Christmas is a time of forgiving (or at least it should be) – God was willing to forgive us without stipulations. Oh that I were more like Jesus in this regard. Too often I’m quick to be judgmental and look down on others less fortunate or maybe more fortunate and not realizing just how blessed they are. I have been forgiven so much in my life. I also have been had some very difficult experiences in my life. But I’m reminded that no one has ever done anything worse to me than that which I’ve done to Christ. After all, it was my sin that held Him to that cross.
5. Christmas is a time of change – we often set resolutions right after Christmas as we “resolve” to change some things for the better. So I’m pondering what the Lord would have me to change for the better this year.
6. Finally Christmas is a time of rejoicing – We can rejoice in God’s unmerited grace. We can rejoice in the fact we’ve been forgiven. We can rejoice that God has a purpose for our life. We can rejoice that no matter how far we stray, we never get so far that the arm of God cannot bring us back. Know you are loved this Christmas.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
3 lessons from Joseph
Are you ready for Christmas? Have all your cards been mailed? Are all your decorations out and up? What about your shopping; finished yet? Many call this part of December the “Christmas rush”. As we hurry trying to get everything “done” we are prone to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas. When I ask the question, “Are you ready for Christmas?” I’m not concerned with all the trappings. I’m asking about your attitudes, because every once in a while I hear someone say, “I just can’t get into the Christmas spirit!” Likely some of you have said it too.
Outside of Jesus, Joseph is one of my favorite characters of the Christmas story yet he often goes unnoticed. He's not in the spotlight very long, and we know little about his life. But Joseph can teach us a lot about attitudes. What we learn from Joseph can change our attitude and make Christmas more meaningful this year.
There are three simple things we learn from Joseph that help us understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Lesson #1 – We need to be ready to accept God’s will no matter what. imagine you are Joseph. He had his life pretty well mapped out. He was pledged to be married, the arrangements had been made, and the wedding would soon be upon them. He and Mary would settle down in Nazareth, he’d run his carpentry business, they'd have some children and live happily ever after. But then Mary dropped a bomb on him with the words, “Joseph, I’m pregnant”. Joseph knew the child was not his and came to the same conclusion we’d have, namely that Mary must have been unfaithful. As Joseph considered his “options”, an angel came to him in a dream and basically told him he needed to “trust God” Even though Joseph got few of his questions answered, he chose to trust God and believe His will to be best.
So that leads me to ask what is it God’s been speaking to your heart about that you are wrestling to understand? What is it that you want answers from Him before you decide to obey? From that first Christmas we learn from Joseph that we need to be ready to accept God’s will with no reservations. It’s okay to ask questions but sometimes God chooses not to answer. And getting no answer is no excuse for disobedience.
Lesson #2 – Joseph teaches us that we need to care for others. When children’s groups put on Christmas plays, kids do not typically line up asking for the role of Joseph. Mary is always front and center portrayed either holding Jesus or looking over and after Him. In the manger scene of our minds we also see some excited shepherds. There are also typically wise men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (though we know their arrival would have been weeks, even months later). But look closely, there, over in the corner of our manger scene stands Joseph. His role is not that of “star” and at times he’s treated as rather insignificant. But Joseph’s role was actually critical to that first Christmas. God had simply told him to take care of Mary and Jesus. Joseph had the important task of caring for the needs of others.
Maybe this Christmas you are feeling a bit frustrated about spending all of your time and resources meeting the needs of others. Joseph reminds us that Christmas is really not about us; it wasn’t about he and Mary and it’s certainly not about us. The focal point of Christmas is Jesus! And with Jesus serving as the center of this season, Joseph reminds us to care for the needs of others.
Lesson #3 – Joseph reminds us that we need to be willing to give whatever we have. He didn’t know that after Jesus was born that he would have to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect them. Joseph didn’t know that he would be separated from his business, home town, and family for a long period of time. He didn’t know all the demands that would be made on his life because of the birth of Christ. But here’s the key, whatever God asked of him, Joseph freely gave.
Isn’t that really what Christmas is all about? When God chose to give Himself as a gift to mankind, Christmas came. Joseph simply followed the pattern of the Lord when he gave of himself. What are you holding back from God? Is it your resources? Is it your time? Joseph reminds us to be willing to give whatever we have.
So, are you “ready” for Christmas? I don’t know if you will be able to get all your shopping done (if you're like me you probably be numbered among the thousands shopping on the 23rd and 24th). I can't tell you if you will get all your cards mailed or be able to attend all the Christmas functions you want to. But here’s what I do know … God has a will for our lives and we are wise to accept it no matter what. I know God has a desire that we extend to others the care that He first extended to us. I know that we are never more like Jesus than when we give! after all, it was He who said He came to “give his life a ransom for the many” (Mark 10:45).
Outside of Jesus, Joseph is one of my favorite characters of the Christmas story yet he often goes unnoticed. He's not in the spotlight very long, and we know little about his life. But Joseph can teach us a lot about attitudes. What we learn from Joseph can change our attitude and make Christmas more meaningful this year.
There are three simple things we learn from Joseph that help us understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Lesson #1 – We need to be ready to accept God’s will no matter what. imagine you are Joseph. He had his life pretty well mapped out. He was pledged to be married, the arrangements had been made, and the wedding would soon be upon them. He and Mary would settle down in Nazareth, he’d run his carpentry business, they'd have some children and live happily ever after. But then Mary dropped a bomb on him with the words, “Joseph, I’m pregnant”. Joseph knew the child was not his and came to the same conclusion we’d have, namely that Mary must have been unfaithful. As Joseph considered his “options”, an angel came to him in a dream and basically told him he needed to “trust God” Even though Joseph got few of his questions answered, he chose to trust God and believe His will to be best.
So that leads me to ask what is it God’s been speaking to your heart about that you are wrestling to understand? What is it that you want answers from Him before you decide to obey? From that first Christmas we learn from Joseph that we need to be ready to accept God’s will with no reservations. It’s okay to ask questions but sometimes God chooses not to answer. And getting no answer is no excuse for disobedience.
Lesson #2 – Joseph teaches us that we need to care for others. When children’s groups put on Christmas plays, kids do not typically line up asking for the role of Joseph. Mary is always front and center portrayed either holding Jesus or looking over and after Him. In the manger scene of our minds we also see some excited shepherds. There are also typically wise men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (though we know their arrival would have been weeks, even months later). But look closely, there, over in the corner of our manger scene stands Joseph. His role is not that of “star” and at times he’s treated as rather insignificant. But Joseph’s role was actually critical to that first Christmas. God had simply told him to take care of Mary and Jesus. Joseph had the important task of caring for the needs of others.
Maybe this Christmas you are feeling a bit frustrated about spending all of your time and resources meeting the needs of others. Joseph reminds us that Christmas is really not about us; it wasn’t about he and Mary and it’s certainly not about us. The focal point of Christmas is Jesus! And with Jesus serving as the center of this season, Joseph reminds us to care for the needs of others.
Lesson #3 – Joseph reminds us that we need to be willing to give whatever we have. He didn’t know that after Jesus was born that he would have to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect them. Joseph didn’t know that he would be separated from his business, home town, and family for a long period of time. He didn’t know all the demands that would be made on his life because of the birth of Christ. But here’s the key, whatever God asked of him, Joseph freely gave.
Isn’t that really what Christmas is all about? When God chose to give Himself as a gift to mankind, Christmas came. Joseph simply followed the pattern of the Lord when he gave of himself. What are you holding back from God? Is it your resources? Is it your time? Joseph reminds us to be willing to give whatever we have.
So, are you “ready” for Christmas? I don’t know if you will be able to get all your shopping done (if you're like me you probably be numbered among the thousands shopping on the 23rd and 24th). I can't tell you if you will get all your cards mailed or be able to attend all the Christmas functions you want to. But here’s what I do know … God has a will for our lives and we are wise to accept it no matter what. I know God has a desire that we extend to others the care that He first extended to us. I know that we are never more like Jesus than when we give! after all, it was He who said He came to “give his life a ransom for the many” (Mark 10:45).
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Satan, temptation, and Pin fish
On our recent Fall Break trip to Florida, one of the things the boys and I like doing the most is going fishing down at one of the piers. We go to this place where all of the deep sea boats are docked for the night. In large trash cans are the remains of the fish they caught that day and we will take one of the carcasses out and use pieces of it for bait. Some nights it seems like every cast we are catching either a salt water catfish, white grunt, or small pinfish. Typically there are some cranes that hang out on the pier with us. Occasionally we will toss them one of these pinfish and they, as quick as lightning, peck the fish with their beak to kill it and then quickly swallow it. This year the cranes were pretty aggressive in coming up to us trying to get us to give them a fish.
So I’m sitting at my desk today thinking about this Sunday’s message and a particular verse caused my mind to drift back to our pier fishing. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. Peter reminds us as Christians we have to keep our “guard” up because there’s an enemy seeking to “devour” us. The open door he’s looking for is our giving in to temptation and sin. Most of our sin is not done alone; there’s someone else who’s either complicit in the sin or a victim of the sin, but sin typically is not a one person thing.
Here’s the point I’m making here. Those pin fish are partially to blame for their own demise. Had they not given in to the temptation of the bait we used they never would have ended up on the pier, a place where they were not created to be, and thus we never would have had opportunity to give them to the cranes to devour. In order for Satan to “devour” us I believe we first let our guard down. Typically this involves a temptation to sin that we give in to, often involving other people (s). Then the next thing we know we are far from the will of God for our life, in a place He never intended us to be, and we are easily devoured by Satan. So what’s the key to not being devoured? Peter answers that in the first part of 1 Peter 5:8 when he says, “Be sober (alert) and be vigilant”. As a child of God the devil has you in his crosshairs and would love nothing more than to take you down. So no matter how alluring the temptation seems today, don’t give in.
So I’m sitting at my desk today thinking about this Sunday’s message and a particular verse caused my mind to drift back to our pier fishing. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. Peter reminds us as Christians we have to keep our “guard” up because there’s an enemy seeking to “devour” us. The open door he’s looking for is our giving in to temptation and sin. Most of our sin is not done alone; there’s someone else who’s either complicit in the sin or a victim of the sin, but sin typically is not a one person thing.
Here’s the point I’m making here. Those pin fish are partially to blame for their own demise. Had they not given in to the temptation of the bait we used they never would have ended up on the pier, a place where they were not created to be, and thus we never would have had opportunity to give them to the cranes to devour. In order for Satan to “devour” us I believe we first let our guard down. Typically this involves a temptation to sin that we give in to, often involving other people (s). Then the next thing we know we are far from the will of God for our life, in a place He never intended us to be, and we are easily devoured by Satan. So what’s the key to not being devoured? Peter answers that in the first part of 1 Peter 5:8 when he says, “Be sober (alert) and be vigilant”. As a child of God the devil has you in his crosshairs and would love nothing more than to take you down. So no matter how alluring the temptation seems today, don’t give in.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Life lessons I've learned from my dog
Well we learned a life lesson last week … dying is a part of living. Our beloved “Annie”, our 7 year old Golden Retriever had to be put down a couple weeks ago with kidney disease. We mourned for about a week then went out Friday night and bought a chocolate lab puppy whom we named Lexi. She’s a bundle of fun and playfulness and every day we see more of her personality come out. If you have ever had a dog then you know what it’s like to lose one; they literally become part of the family. But you know, “man’s best friend” can teach us many lessons about life if we will only pay attention. Here are some things I’ve learned from Annie and even Lexi the few short days we’ve had her.
• Wake up happy, play hard & rest when it’s time – I don’t think Annie ever woke up in a “foul mood.” When Lexi is up and out of her kennel for the most part it’s play time . Life is so “serious” that I think I often forget to take time to “play” and I certainly don’t rest like I should. I’m learning more and more that attitude is a choice and not a result of my circumstances.
• No such thing as a stranger – I brought Lexi to the office yesterday and she played with everyone as though they were long lost friends. She didn’t care how they looked, she simply saw them as a potential friend. You know when I meet folks I will often “size them up”. People often make judgments based on appearance using that as the criteria for whether someone will be liked and accepted or not. If I’m out somewhere, how often do I avert making eye contact with others so I don’t have to engage them in any way. I need to be more like Lexi and reach out to all, seeing a potential friend in everyone I meet.
• Unconditional love – Annie never held a grudge. If I did something wrong she didn’t hold it against me and “wash her paws” of me. She’d simply forget whatever it was and move on. Annie would always greet me at the door with her tail wagging. It was like I’d been on a long journey and she was so glad I was now home. And now Lexi is starting to do the same thing.
• Sharing toys is more fun – It used to drive me crazy playing fetch with Annie. I’d throw the tennis ball and she loved running after it to get it, but then she’d not bring it back to me. She loved the keep-away part but it drove me nuts. When I’d finally get the ball from her and launch it again, she loved it and off she’d go to fetch. If only Annie could have learned how much more fun it is to give share the ball so the game could continue. How often do I cling tightly to what’s “mine”, whether it be my ideas, my time, whatever and miss the opportunity to “play” with someone who simply wants to be a friend.
• Be loyal - Dogs are so loyal and loving to their owners. They show gratitude by their affection and sloppy kisses. So I learn from that the need to be loyal and kind to others and show my gratitude and affection.
• Stop eating when you have had enough – hmmmm, I wish maybe I’d learned this lesson 30 pounds ago.
I’m sure are other lessons Annie taught me and lessons still to be learned from Lexi. Sometimes I’m a “slow learner” … thankfully Annie and now Lexi are patient in their training.
• Wake up happy, play hard & rest when it’s time – I don’t think Annie ever woke up in a “foul mood.” When Lexi is up and out of her kennel for the most part it’s play time . Life is so “serious” that I think I often forget to take time to “play” and I certainly don’t rest like I should. I’m learning more and more that attitude is a choice and not a result of my circumstances.
• No such thing as a stranger – I brought Lexi to the office yesterday and she played with everyone as though they were long lost friends. She didn’t care how they looked, she simply saw them as a potential friend. You know when I meet folks I will often “size them up”. People often make judgments based on appearance using that as the criteria for whether someone will be liked and accepted or not. If I’m out somewhere, how often do I avert making eye contact with others so I don’t have to engage them in any way. I need to be more like Lexi and reach out to all, seeing a potential friend in everyone I meet.
• Unconditional love – Annie never held a grudge. If I did something wrong she didn’t hold it against me and “wash her paws” of me. She’d simply forget whatever it was and move on. Annie would always greet me at the door with her tail wagging. It was like I’d been on a long journey and she was so glad I was now home. And now Lexi is starting to do the same thing.
• Sharing toys is more fun – It used to drive me crazy playing fetch with Annie. I’d throw the tennis ball and she loved running after it to get it, but then she’d not bring it back to me. She loved the keep-away part but it drove me nuts. When I’d finally get the ball from her and launch it again, she loved it and off she’d go to fetch. If only Annie could have learned how much more fun it is to give share the ball so the game could continue. How often do I cling tightly to what’s “mine”, whether it be my ideas, my time, whatever and miss the opportunity to “play” with someone who simply wants to be a friend.
• Be loyal - Dogs are so loyal and loving to their owners. They show gratitude by their affection and sloppy kisses. So I learn from that the need to be loyal and kind to others and show my gratitude and affection.
• Stop eating when you have had enough – hmmmm, I wish maybe I’d learned this lesson 30 pounds ago.
I’m sure are other lessons Annie taught me and lessons still to be learned from Lexi. Sometimes I’m a “slow learner” … thankfully Annie and now Lexi are patient in their training.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
"re-learning" a lesson
Is it just me or do you find yourself needing to have lessons “re-taught” to you occasionally in order for them to sink in? I know that somewhere, either a newsletter piece or early in my blog I wrote about the same lesson I’m re-learning tonight. To be gut-level honest I am a bit irritated. I’m a huge Texas Rangers fan and this is the 2nd year they have made it to the World Series and it feels like it’s slipping away again. To top it off, the umpires have blown key calls in two of the three games, both going against the Rangers in critical situations. In game #1, losing by a run and the Rangers best home run hitter at the plate, it’s the last inning and he fouls a pitch off his foot that the umpires all missed, calling it a fair ball and he was “out” at first. Then tonight in a 1-0 game there’s a blown call at first base where the Ranger clearly tagged the Cardinal runner a good step before 1st base, and somehow the umpire missed it and the Cardinals go on to score four runs that inning.
So here’s the lesson I’m learning … or shall I say “re-learning” … are you ready for it? I’m all upset … and this is JUST a game. I doubt we will stand around in heaven talking about blown calls in the 2011 World Series. I told Jan, out of frustration really, I was going to leave the game for a few minutes and write a blog since I’d not written one recently. As I sat wondering what to write about and really still stewing over the game, it came to me.
• I doubt the family who I helped bury their beloved uncle today is worried too much about any missed calls.
• I doubt the deacon who I visited in the hospital this week as he watched his dear mother leave this life is too consumed with umpires, runs, and scores.
• I doubt the faithful member I visited in the hospital this week, who’s wife is dying from cancer and he had to listen to her as she planned her funeral with me is too concerned about who wins this game … he has bigger “fish to fry”.
• I doubt the man who is at the Medical Center right now with his wife of many years who had a heart attack today is worried whether the umpires are getting their “calls” right.
• I doubt the family in another state that a friend told me about that lost two children in a car wreck this week is even watching the game.
• I doubt the missionary friend who serves single in a closed north Africa country that is predominantly Muslim, who literally risks his life for the cause of Christ is even able to watch the game, much less worry about blown calls.
I wish I could tell you I will never again have to be reminded of this lesson. I also wish I was able to say that when this game is over and the Rangers likely lose, that it won’t cause me any angst. But the bottom line is I’m an imperfect human still learning what it means to live out my faith in a world that desperately needs to know Christ; a man doing his best. Though failing at times, often really, but doing his best, to live “right” in a “wrong” world.
So here’s the lesson I’m learning … or shall I say “re-learning” … are you ready for it? I’m all upset … and this is JUST a game. I doubt we will stand around in heaven talking about blown calls in the 2011 World Series. I told Jan, out of frustration really, I was going to leave the game for a few minutes and write a blog since I’d not written one recently. As I sat wondering what to write about and really still stewing over the game, it came to me.
• I doubt the family who I helped bury their beloved uncle today is worried too much about any missed calls.
• I doubt the deacon who I visited in the hospital this week as he watched his dear mother leave this life is too consumed with umpires, runs, and scores.
• I doubt the faithful member I visited in the hospital this week, who’s wife is dying from cancer and he had to listen to her as she planned her funeral with me is too concerned about who wins this game … he has bigger “fish to fry”.
• I doubt the man who is at the Medical Center right now with his wife of many years who had a heart attack today is worried whether the umpires are getting their “calls” right.
• I doubt the family in another state that a friend told me about that lost two children in a car wreck this week is even watching the game.
• I doubt the missionary friend who serves single in a closed north Africa country that is predominantly Muslim, who literally risks his life for the cause of Christ is even able to watch the game, much less worry about blown calls.
I wish I could tell you I will never again have to be reminded of this lesson. I also wish I was able to say that when this game is over and the Rangers likely lose, that it won’t cause me any angst. But the bottom line is I’m an imperfect human still learning what it means to live out my faith in a world that desperately needs to know Christ; a man doing his best. Though failing at times, often really, but doing his best, to live “right” in a “wrong” world.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Passion of a pastor
One of the blogs I like to read is by a guy named Perry Noble. Perry is the pastor of Newspring Baptist Church in Anderson, SC. Newspring didn’t even exist when I pastored in Anderson about 20 years ago and now they have multiple campuses and gave an average attendance well up into the thousands. Today I read a post about “7 Things A Pastor Should Never Apologize For.” I think he nailed it!
1. Never apologize for dreaming big – How true this is. So often we pastors place in front of our congregations budgets and ministry plans that with a little work and faithfulness can be accomplished without divine intervention. We serve such a big and awesome God; a God that nothing is too difficult for. Should we not challenge our people to exercise a little faith and attempt great things for God; things that when done, only He can get the credit for? Too often we focus on our limitations rather his possibilities.
2. Never apologize for your passion – My passion is seeing people come to Christ. I get fired up seeing people go “on mission” with God. Whether that’s across the street or around the world, nothing fires me up more than seeing the church be the church outside the walls of 500 Eastwood Street or Plano Elementary.
3. Never apologize for wanting to lead – If a pastor is called of God to pastor than leading is simply part of the deal. I remember a lady at my last church saying after I left, “Well the dictator is gone.” Looking back, and also after asking some laymen I served with and trust about my leadership style there, I’m convinced I was not being a dictator but simply being the pastor God called me to be. If a pastor cannot lead than he might want to consider another profession.
4. Never apologize for not embracing someone else’s agenda – This is tricky because as a pastor I never want to squelch what God might be doing in someone else’s heart. But at the same time I can’t embrace an idea without God also birthing that in my own heart. And as pastor, for me there’s only one agenda that I want to embrace and follow and no it is not “Tom’s”. I want to discern what the Lord on His agenda for our church and embrace that.
5. Never apologize for expecting the best from others – I cannot get to the place where I expect perfection from anyone, even myself. But at the same time I don’t think it’s wrong to expect people to give their very best to the Lord.
6. Never apologize for wanting to reach more people – Occasionally people have accused me of only being concerned about “the numbers”. Know what? They are absolutely right! Because behind every “number” in Sunday bible study is a soul that is being taught the priceless perfect Word of God. Behind every baptism is a soul that has been snatched from hell and is now heaven bound.
7. Never apologize for saying “No” to what you need to say “No” to – Of the 7 things listed here, I confess this is the most difficult for me. I struggle to build in proper boundaries and saying “No” to people. I think I’m getting better at this, but honestly I wish I’d learned this lesson while my children were still young.
Just a glimpse today of what the Lord has said to my heart through a great man of God, Perry Noble.
Tom
1. Never apologize for dreaming big – How true this is. So often we pastors place in front of our congregations budgets and ministry plans that with a little work and faithfulness can be accomplished without divine intervention. We serve such a big and awesome God; a God that nothing is too difficult for. Should we not challenge our people to exercise a little faith and attempt great things for God; things that when done, only He can get the credit for? Too often we focus on our limitations rather his possibilities.
2. Never apologize for your passion – My passion is seeing people come to Christ. I get fired up seeing people go “on mission” with God. Whether that’s across the street or around the world, nothing fires me up more than seeing the church be the church outside the walls of 500 Eastwood Street or Plano Elementary.
3. Never apologize for wanting to lead – If a pastor is called of God to pastor than leading is simply part of the deal. I remember a lady at my last church saying after I left, “Well the dictator is gone.” Looking back, and also after asking some laymen I served with and trust about my leadership style there, I’m convinced I was not being a dictator but simply being the pastor God called me to be. If a pastor cannot lead than he might want to consider another profession.
4. Never apologize for not embracing someone else’s agenda – This is tricky because as a pastor I never want to squelch what God might be doing in someone else’s heart. But at the same time I can’t embrace an idea without God also birthing that in my own heart. And as pastor, for me there’s only one agenda that I want to embrace and follow and no it is not “Tom’s”. I want to discern what the Lord on His agenda for our church and embrace that.
5. Never apologize for expecting the best from others – I cannot get to the place where I expect perfection from anyone, even myself. But at the same time I don’t think it’s wrong to expect people to give their very best to the Lord.
6. Never apologize for wanting to reach more people – Occasionally people have accused me of only being concerned about “the numbers”. Know what? They are absolutely right! Because behind every “number” in Sunday bible study is a soul that is being taught the priceless perfect Word of God. Behind every baptism is a soul that has been snatched from hell and is now heaven bound.
7. Never apologize for saying “No” to what you need to say “No” to – Of the 7 things listed here, I confess this is the most difficult for me. I struggle to build in proper boundaries and saying “No” to people. I think I’m getting better at this, but honestly I wish I’d learned this lesson while my children were still young.
Just a glimpse today of what the Lord has said to my heart through a great man of God, Perry Noble.
Tom
Friday, September 16, 2011
Phsyicals and spiritual check-ups
Having hit the BIG 5-0 this year has had few side effects … in fact I don’t feel a day over 49 most days (grin). One thing I decided to do though was to go to the doctor and get a physical. I hadn’t had one in about 7 years and so it was time. Most everything went well and many things were exceptional. I have a couple of follow-up things to do based on some lab work and simply my age but all in all it was good.
But after this physical I sat at my desk contemplating … when was the last time I had a “spiritual physical”? Just as my doctor today asked a lot of diagnostic questions, what are the diagnostic questions that would help the Great Physician reveal to me how I’m doing and what I need to work on?
First I think the Great Physician would establish my “case history”. I’m reminded of where I’ve come from (how lost I was and unable to save myself … truth is not even desiring to be saved) and where I am today. The Physician would also then talk about where I want to be 6 months or a year from now and what steps need to be taken to get there.
Next we would probably review what “medicines” I’m taking and what they were for. This would be the Physician reminding me of “problem areas” in my life where I am prone to run into sin or trouble. He’d likely remind me of the “medicine” (my quiet time with Him, avoiding certain places and temptations, etc…) and how I need to regularly take this medicine to avoid future trouble.
Just as my earthly doctor asked how I’d been eating and if I’d been exercising, I think the Great Physician would ask about my spiritual appetite. Have I been desiring the meat of the Word? Have I been feasting on it? Having I been exercising the spiritual gifts He’s given to me? Have I been faithfully serving Him the way I was designed to?
The doctor today pointed out a couple of “pre-cancerous” spots that needed to be removed and we scheduled that. Likewise the Great Physician would likely point out some “pre-cancerous” attitudes or actions that if I don’t remove them likely would lead to much greater trouble down the road.
Finally when you turn 50 the doctor typically wants to schedule a routine colonoscopy. This is where they look on your “insides” to make sure there’s nothing there that needs to be removed … it is preventive as much as anything, so we scheduled that. This reminds me that the Great Physician looks at more than just my outside appearance but gazes into my heart. I know I need to listen to Him as He describes what He sees. If there’s anything going on inside of me, than He certainly knows the remedy and so as I listen I then must confess, repent, pray up, mend relationships, really do whatever the Physician prescribes so that I can be all I’m created to be.
What about you? When was the last time you had a physical? When was the last time you allowed the Great Physician to give you a thorough examination?
But after this physical I sat at my desk contemplating … when was the last time I had a “spiritual physical”? Just as my doctor today asked a lot of diagnostic questions, what are the diagnostic questions that would help the Great Physician reveal to me how I’m doing and what I need to work on?
First I think the Great Physician would establish my “case history”. I’m reminded of where I’ve come from (how lost I was and unable to save myself … truth is not even desiring to be saved) and where I am today. The Physician would also then talk about where I want to be 6 months or a year from now and what steps need to be taken to get there.
Next we would probably review what “medicines” I’m taking and what they were for. This would be the Physician reminding me of “problem areas” in my life where I am prone to run into sin or trouble. He’d likely remind me of the “medicine” (my quiet time with Him, avoiding certain places and temptations, etc…) and how I need to regularly take this medicine to avoid future trouble.
Just as my earthly doctor asked how I’d been eating and if I’d been exercising, I think the Great Physician would ask about my spiritual appetite. Have I been desiring the meat of the Word? Have I been feasting on it? Having I been exercising the spiritual gifts He’s given to me? Have I been faithfully serving Him the way I was designed to?
The doctor today pointed out a couple of “pre-cancerous” spots that needed to be removed and we scheduled that. Likewise the Great Physician would likely point out some “pre-cancerous” attitudes or actions that if I don’t remove them likely would lead to much greater trouble down the road.
Finally when you turn 50 the doctor typically wants to schedule a routine colonoscopy. This is where they look on your “insides” to make sure there’s nothing there that needs to be removed … it is preventive as much as anything, so we scheduled that. This reminds me that the Great Physician looks at more than just my outside appearance but gazes into my heart. I know I need to listen to Him as He describes what He sees. If there’s anything going on inside of me, than He certainly knows the remedy and so as I listen I then must confess, repent, pray up, mend relationships, really do whatever the Physician prescribes so that I can be all I’m created to be.
What about you? When was the last time you had a physical? When was the last time you allowed the Great Physician to give you a thorough examination?
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I watched with dismay just now about fifteen minutes of Sports Center on ESPN and learned about the players union decertifying their union i...
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Most have read or at least heard cited horrible “facts” about the number of ministers leaving the ministry. While it has been prove...
