Posted on June 30, 2008 at 8:50am.
It has been a few days since I have blogged. I think I hit a “blogging wall”, anyway I wanted to at least put some thoughts down. I am in one of those odd seasons of life where the really hard stuff is happening to all those around me - not necessarily to me. What I find interesting is it stirs my heart just as much as if it were happening to me. God’s ways are just as confusing, his timing definitely not mine and the need to do battle over trusting him oh so real. It is a picture of the body of Christ. Whenever someone rejoices we ought to rejoice as well and whenever someone suffers we should join in that suffering with them. I realize that I many times don’t have the ability to “fix” the issues but that doesn’t mean I can’t walk with folks through the hard times. The gift of presence is a powerful reality.
Posted on June 25, 2008 at 6:44am.
In last Sunday’s message about Smyrna I talked about fear being subject to faith when we trust Jesus above all else - I really believe that is true. I also really believe that it is hard to live out. This week has seen several folks who are close to us walking through very difficult times, with no end in sight. It is one thing to trust when I see light at the end of the tunnel and it feels completely different when I look and it is pitch black. I have found myself wondering whether Jesus knew how hard it would be to trust and not worry. When he said: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body…therefore do not worry about tomorrow” did he know we would struggle with living in that manner? I am a worrier. I find myself right now worrying about these folks who are close to us and in my worry I am struggling to trust Jesus - so fear is winning out over faith. Lord here is my prayer, “Help me not to fear, to believe in your goodness, your love and that you have never lost control and that no matter what I will trust you.”
Posted on June 24, 2008 at 5:40am.
The Psalms are filled with wonderful Hebrew poetry. They are expressions of men like David, Asaph and others who express their relationship with God. We encounter their raw emotions and their ups and downs. We are also able to hear the firm conclusions they make about who God is and how he acts toward his people. One such verse that comes from the pen and heart of David is Psalm 138:8. It brings me great encouragement when I think about my own life.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.” Thank you Lord for never giving up on me, for giving my life purpose and for loving me with a love that does not end.
Posted on June 23, 2008 at 6:24am.
We have some friends visiting from Thailand this week. It was a joy to be in their home a few months ago and to now have them in ours. It serves as a great reminder to me of just how big the Kingdom of God is. God is working his plan for the redemption of man in countries all over the world through people who are willing to go. Living out the gospel is a mandate each of us has, wherever God has placed us. The “going” could be overseas or right here in Charlotte. The key is a willingness to be available. It has been wonderful to have my eyes opened to just how big and how diverse the people of God are and even more to see a big God who can use ordinary folks.
Posted on June 22, 2008 at 5:36am.
My grandson is at the age where questions abound. In fact they seem to be an endless stream of “Why Pop?” I love his curiousity and his persistence but it can get old. The truth is I have taht same curiousity with God. “God why did you allow this to happen?” “God what is your purpose behind these events?” My questions must at times seem as endless to God as my grandson’s do to me, vut he listens. God doesn’t always answer my questions except with the reality of his presence and what I long for is for that to be enough.
