Posted on June 14, 2008 at 4:59am.
Finding the will of God always seems confusing to me. Do you move on something or do you wait? Is it looking for open doors or ones that shut? Will there be clarity or am I to walk into chaos? There is a fascinating story in I Samuel that I believe sheds some light. Jonathan, Saul’s son, is with his armor-bearer and is looking to do battle with the enemy. His makes what is to me a curious statement. “come let us go over…perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.” Perhaps? I think of the three young friends of Daniel about to be thrown into the fiery furnace and they respond that God can save them but “even if he doesn’t” we won’t back down. Seeking God’s will is having the courage to walk into the chaos trusting in a God you believe in.
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 6:22am.
Paul says: “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed…” Knowing Jesus is a wonderful reality and it should produce a life that is never embarrassed by the association. I know that there were times when the girls were teenagers that Suzi and I embarrassed them. “Dad could you please not walk next to me” or “Mom your not going to say that to my friends, are you?” It is all normal and natural and they grow out of it (I think). In my relationship with Christ I have to ask if I am ever ashamed of knowing him - I pray that the answer is no.
Posted on June 12, 2008 at 5:56am.
How great was that rain last night! We needed it and I also enjoyed the power of the storm that delivered it. Every time there is a thunderstorm I am reminded again as to the awesome power of God. I think of Jesus who not only created the wind and the rain but also controlled it. Now that is some real power. David said in Psalm 63: “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.” His next response was to affirm God’s love is better than life. There is something about seeing God that changes everything about life. That’s why we need to see him fresh everyday.
Posted on June 11, 2008 at 9:23am.
All of us like to get the last word in any conversation want to prove my point or sway someones opinion so I jockey around to be able to say one more thing. The last word is a great description of the book of Revelation. God brings to us his Last Word on so many subjects. The last word on scripture, on Christ, on worship, on evil, on prayer, on heaven and the list goes on. Beginning this week it is looking at his last word on the church. Seven messages to seven churches that have Jesus evaluating their walk with him. These literal churches that John pastored give us not only a picture of what their discipleship looked like but they are a mirror for us to look into to see how God views us. This weekend we want to hear God’s last word and not try to squeeze in our own.
Posted on June 9, 2008 at 9:31am.
I have started back running. Let me apologize to those of you with slight builds who are real runners, what I do and call running would probably offend you. Why do I do it? It certainly isn’t because I enjoy it. I am sure at some level it is because it is good for me. But my primary reason is so I can do what I really enjoy - eating. Discipline is a funny word. To some people it is a way of life and to others it is the elusive dream. It has always been a struggle for me and that includes my personal time with the Lord. I need to have the discipline to be alone with the Lord and I want to do this because I enjoy him.
