Well, I told someone last week that I would get a post up by last Friday.
Sorry, for disappointing you, but better late than never, right? Isn't that how the phrase goes? Who makes up those phrases anyway? I'm sure it was some procrastinator somewhere. That one never seemed to work with any of my teachers in school, so why did it stick around?
Then, I thought about it for a few more moments. I mean, I know it's not in God's heavenly nature to utter those words, but did it maybe pass through Jesus' mind a few times on Earth? Perhaps when the disciples saw Jesus with the little children, after they had tried to hold them back. Or maybe after Jesus healed the demon-possessed boy that they were unable to drive out and they asked him about it privately. He responded in Mark 9:29 by saying, "This kind of spirit can be forced out only by prayer." Of course a few verses later he told them about his death and resurrection and they didn't get it. Maybe he thought, just wait, Pentecost is coming.
Last night, we remembered to do our dinner activity, which consists of a little flip-book called, Love Talks - 101 Questions to Stimulate Interaction with Your Family, by Dr. Gary Chapman. Last night it was #31.
"Give each member of your family an imaginary gift certificate to a favorite store, for a favorite or wished-for product or special event."
You can probably guess some of the gifts tossed around the table. I'll try to accurately retell a few (I'm getting old and the memory is fading). I was given everything from private lessons with Tiger Woods to a new car every year. Zachary received a go-kart track in his backyard and private baseball instruction from Derek Jeter. Jo had a whole new wardrobe, spa treatments, and 100 pairs of shoes by the time we finished. Noah had a Pirate Ship bed and all the Power Rangers imaginable by the end of the roundtable. It was a lot of fun to imagine, if cost was not an issue, the gifts we would give our family.
This morning I was awakened with the thought of lasting gifts for my family and what I really would want to give each family member around the table. As I thought, I recalled a verse from
James 1:17 (NIV)
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
For my wife, I suppose it's those simple things, mentioned in passing that would really mean a lot to her. Having some time to do the things she enjoys, like heading out to the mall for a few minutes, or surprisingly enough, shopping for groceries as a way of unloading everything from the work day that just transpired. Just that hour of sanity from a crazy day at the office, means much more that a weekly massage. {(and she actually did this last night, God (1) Devil (0)}
For my oldest son, Zachary, it would be to protect his heart for people from the onslaughts that Satan would want to bring against him. As much as I loved watching him yesterday, happy, smiling at basketball camp, it was so much better seeing him cheer a teammate on as they drilled the skill for that station. If he keeps that sensitivity to others, no matter what he grows up to become, he'll be using his gift to honor God. Math facts can always be conquered by a calculator, if needed.
For my younger son, Noah, even though he is only four, to continue to nurture his boldness of character. He is a matter-of-fact person, much like his mother, and I love that about both of them. If he can keep that part of his personality, imagine the witness he can have to those around him.
For me, yeah hitting some balls with Tiger would be nice, but it would be just a moment to relive by telling others a story. How much more though would I get out of a life totally sold out to Christ? Sure, I'm a good person, yada, yada. I am a believer and have stepped out in faith before, but the end of that verse is what gets me. "...who does not change like shifting shadows." Sometimes, I am a shifting shadow, going along with the crowd, not speaking up when I know it's the right time or right thing.
God has blessed me, every time I ask, or even when I don't. He has put people in my path who live out their gifts every day, even those with different political ideologies. It is not for me to vicariously live off of those other people, like a leach, along for as much as I can get out of it. I am here to live out my gifts, within my family first, and to those I am privileged to worship with each week.
So, what good gifts have you received lately? Are you anticipating any coming your way? Not just as an individual, although that is necessary, but for your fellowship of believers, in whatever form. I'm sure it will be more than even Hazael brought to Elisha in 2 Kings 8:9(a).
Check it out, interesting reading from my devotions yesterday.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Digging Trenches
trench: A long, narrow ditch or hole dug in the ground...Wikipedia
I used to love english class and language arts. Don't get me wrong I hated diagramming sentences in high school as much as the next guy. Now that Zachary is getting beyond some of the basics in school they are looking at parts of speech, prefixes and suffixes, etc...
While traveling from the airport last Friday the road construction in Jamaica seemed to be everywhere. When we were here 2 years ago they said the highway should be finished within 8-12 months.. I guess everything really does move on island time here, usually a good thing - but not when it comes to roads. As we rode the two hours to our resort, I kept noticing these orange. signs that read - WARNING OPEN TRENCH. It usually resulted in seeing a 2ft. wide concrete gulley on the berm of the road that was probably 4ft. deep.
It made me think of a few things.
First, I thought of King Hezekiah's Tunnel in the Old Testament. I had the chance to visit it about 20 years ago - the water was much cooler than here in the Caribbean. While larger than just a trench it had a very specific purpose. To aid the movement and supply of water in the city. The trench in Jamaica serves a specific and practical purpose as well: to keep the roads from flooding. To me, these types of trenches or tunnels seem all right.
Now - back to the english analogy. Add the prefix -en to the word and it takes on a whole new meaning or sense of purpose. From an Army General's perspective you don't want your soldiers to use a trench for an entire war, let alone an entire battle. You want them on the offensive. If they remain in the trench, they only ever gain one perspective on the situation. They rely on the General's vantage point to aid them. (Those MENSA members reading this probably already know where I'm headed with this.)
As I walked around the resort this week, played golf with different folks, even met parents who grew up one town over from my wife, I saw people very similar to me. Zach made friends with kids just like him, and Noah had his face painted like Spider-Man(I'll post a pic once Caryn teaches me.). What makes these folks different from me? From merely outward appearance - nothing (if you overlook my lack of 6-pack abs.). So why in the Army are these folks not flocking to us. Is it our calling?
Many things have haunted me for years with the Army I love. For one - our outward appearance. Whether our own people term us "The Most Effective Organization..." or Forbes Magazine rates us near the top each year for being "fiscally responsible with donors money" - we don't exist for good PR. While some may say it's a necessary evil in today's society, it's not why God has blessed this church.
Is it possible that we have become entrenched? This could bring a feeling of comfort and safety. Is it because experiences of the past have caused us to build our own trenches, rather than risking the danger that comes with stepping beyond the trench. Building our own trenches has a compounding effect on the church. Things can quickly become stagnant, like with still water. Bad habits become routine and after a while numbness sets in. How do we battle this?
Thinking back to the people like me I saw this week. Church growth happens for a myriad of reasons. Charismatic preacher, influx of new residents, crisis that brings unity, etc... Now, I don't think we are called to be a mega-church in today's context, but how do we sustain growth in this post-modern generation and for future generations?
Well, I think I've gone on for longer than normal and I'll leave it for another time. Like one of my favorite Arsenio Hall segments used to say, "things that make you go hhmmmm...
I used to love english class and language arts. Don't get me wrong I hated diagramming sentences in high school as much as the next guy. Now that Zachary is getting beyond some of the basics in school they are looking at parts of speech, prefixes and suffixes, etc...
While traveling from the airport last Friday the road construction in Jamaica seemed to be everywhere. When we were here 2 years ago they said the highway should be finished within 8-12 months.. I guess everything really does move on island time here, usually a good thing - but not when it comes to roads. As we rode the two hours to our resort, I kept noticing these orange. signs that read - WARNING OPEN TRENCH. It usually resulted in seeing a 2ft. wide concrete gulley on the berm of the road that was probably 4ft. deep.
It made me think of a few things.
First, I thought of King Hezekiah's Tunnel in the Old Testament. I had the chance to visit it about 20 years ago - the water was much cooler than here in the Caribbean. While larger than just a trench it had a very specific purpose. To aid the movement and supply of water in the city. The trench in Jamaica serves a specific and practical purpose as well: to keep the roads from flooding. To me, these types of trenches or tunnels seem all right.
Now - back to the english analogy. Add the prefix -en to the word and it takes on a whole new meaning or sense of purpose. From an Army General's perspective you don't want your soldiers to use a trench for an entire war, let alone an entire battle. You want them on the offensive. If they remain in the trench, they only ever gain one perspective on the situation. They rely on the General's vantage point to aid them. (Those MENSA members reading this probably already know where I'm headed with this.)
As I walked around the resort this week, played golf with different folks, even met parents who grew up one town over from my wife, I saw people very similar to me. Zach made friends with kids just like him, and Noah had his face painted like Spider-Man(I'll post a pic once Caryn teaches me.). What makes these folks different from me? From merely outward appearance - nothing (if you overlook my lack of 6-pack abs.). So why in the Army are these folks not flocking to us. Is it our calling?
Many things have haunted me for years with the Army I love. For one - our outward appearance. Whether our own people term us "The Most Effective Organization..." or Forbes Magazine rates us near the top each year for being "fiscally responsible with donors money" - we don't exist for good PR. While some may say it's a necessary evil in today's society, it's not why God has blessed this church.
Is it possible that we have become entrenched? This could bring a feeling of comfort and safety. Is it because experiences of the past have caused us to build our own trenches, rather than risking the danger that comes with stepping beyond the trench. Building our own trenches has a compounding effect on the church. Things can quickly become stagnant, like with still water. Bad habits become routine and after a while numbness sets in. How do we battle this?
Thinking back to the people like me I saw this week. Church growth happens for a myriad of reasons. Charismatic preacher, influx of new residents, crisis that brings unity, etc... Now, I don't think we are called to be a mega-church in today's context, but how do we sustain growth in this post-modern generation and for future generations?
Well, I think I've gone on for longer than normal and I'll leave it for another time. Like one of my favorite Arsenio Hall segments used to say, "things that make you go hhmmmm...
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Permanent Faith
It never ceases to amaze me how God works (I know that is nothing profound). Over the last few months I've had a few different people ask me about my future plans. It is honestly something that has been on my mind as well. One conversation took place at the docotor's office, another in my home, and even one inside a bathroom. When I took this job, I always said I would give it two years and then reevaluate, but I never thought of the anxiety that reevaluation would cause.
Every Wednesday I get a chance to go over to our feeding program and share a short devotional thought. Sometimes this comes very easily and there is something God has laid on my heart to share, other weeks I scour the books on my shelf in the office for an idea. The last two weeks have been like that, and it is amazing how it related to the topic above.
Jo picked up Noah's kindergarten registration a few weeks ago, and I guess this prompted our discussion at home. I had already been making certain all my teaching paperwork was in order and scheduled my exam for my principal's certification. Last Tuesday night, I started thinking of all the possible scenarios. With kindergarten only being offered as a half-day in Bloomfield, we knew we needed to have something in place for Noah the other part of the day. I began to reminisce to the days when I worked from home, played with Noah, and dictated my daily schedule. Now that would be nice (Jo wasn't so sure:). A few other scenarios played out in my mind and in other conversations with different people.
Anyway, I came across Oswald Chambers last week. Here's what he said:
"I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God."
Over the weekend, at the NJYB retreat, it was great. I felt right in my element. I was upfront, facilitating the discussion and games, gettting to teach and interact with young people. And the pros and cons began to play out in my head again. If I stay at the corps, then.... If I go back in the classroom, x y and z.
This week it talked about Permanent Faith.
"Indeed the hour is coming...that you will be scattered..." John 16:32
It goes on to talk about the disciples interests in following Jesus. Some thought that he would usher in a new government to overthrow the Romans. Others wanted to be at his right and left in heaven. All their hopes were scattered as Jesus foretold.
" Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent."
When I took this job, logically it made no sense from the district I was teaching in. I knew for certain though that it was what God wanted me to do. Now, as I think about whether to stay or go, I'm unsure. I see all the possibilities where I am now, because the new building makes those open-ended and infinite. Going to a new school district, having different colleagues, more unknown.
Pray that God helps me to have that permanent faith and know with certainty what I am supposed to do next.
Every Wednesday I get a chance to go over to our feeding program and share a short devotional thought. Sometimes this comes very easily and there is something God has laid on my heart to share, other weeks I scour the books on my shelf in the office for an idea. The last two weeks have been like that, and it is amazing how it related to the topic above.
Jo picked up Noah's kindergarten registration a few weeks ago, and I guess this prompted our discussion at home. I had already been making certain all my teaching paperwork was in order and scheduled my exam for my principal's certification. Last Tuesday night, I started thinking of all the possible scenarios. With kindergarten only being offered as a half-day in Bloomfield, we knew we needed to have something in place for Noah the other part of the day. I began to reminisce to the days when I worked from home, played with Noah, and dictated my daily schedule. Now that would be nice (Jo wasn't so sure:). A few other scenarios played out in my mind and in other conversations with different people.
Anyway, I came across Oswald Chambers last week. Here's what he said:
"I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God."
Over the weekend, at the NJYB retreat, it was great. I felt right in my element. I was upfront, facilitating the discussion and games, gettting to teach and interact with young people. And the pros and cons began to play out in my head again. If I stay at the corps, then.... If I go back in the classroom, x y and z.
This week it talked about Permanent Faith.
"Indeed the hour is coming...that you will be scattered..." John 16:32
It goes on to talk about the disciples interests in following Jesus. Some thought that he would usher in a new government to overthrow the Romans. Others wanted to be at his right and left in heaven. All their hopes were scattered as Jesus foretold.
" Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent."
When I took this job, logically it made no sense from the district I was teaching in. I knew for certain though that it was what God wanted me to do. Now, as I think about whether to stay or go, I'm unsure. I see all the possibilities where I am now, because the new building makes those open-ended and infinite. Going to a new school district, having different colleagues, more unknown.
Pray that God helps me to have that permanent faith and know with certainty what I am supposed to do next.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Feeling cared for...
Isn't is nice when someone sends you a note of encouragement? Or when someone pulls you aside to ask how things are going? I don't mean the normal, how are you doing and expect the "I'm OK" response and don't really even break stride as you continue walking past the person. Well, today I had both happen to me, and at first I didn't think much of it. However, after arriving home from church, a soccer game, and then lunch, I sat down to read Oswald Chambers for the day - and it all came together. It made me glad that I did not forget to read my devotions today, which happens from time to time (or more often than I like to admit).
A good friend pulled me aside at church this morning and asked, truly, how are you doing? You don't seem yourself as of late. At first, I must admit, I was a little taken back. However, after pausing to think, and having to cut the conversation short for Sunday School to begin (great job today, Heather:), I thought about it a little more. As I read through Chambers thought for the day, a few sentences struck a chord. "As I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be...?" "Does everything in my life fill his heart with gladness?" Finally, "Does he ever find me pondering the time I only cared for Him?"
Tough questions, if I am honest with myself. Something in my demeanor, and the working of the Holy Spirit, caused this friend to notice I was not myself. Have I become so busy "doing his work" that I have forgotten to find joy in it all? It's given me a lot to pray about today, and it never ceases to amaze me how God knows what we need to hear, when we need to hear, and who we need to hear it from.
Another friend e-mailed me a nice comment about my first blog posting, and it blessed me today. Even though she is halfway around the world, missing home, prayer for her husband's safety, she took the time to encourage me. God is Good!
Now, I'm done rambling, see you next time.
A good friend pulled me aside at church this morning and asked, truly, how are you doing? You don't seem yourself as of late. At first, I must admit, I was a little taken back. However, after pausing to think, and having to cut the conversation short for Sunday School to begin (great job today, Heather:), I thought about it a little more. As I read through Chambers thought for the day, a few sentences struck a chord. "As I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be...?" "Does everything in my life fill his heart with gladness?" Finally, "Does he ever find me pondering the time I only cared for Him?"
Tough questions, if I am honest with myself. Something in my demeanor, and the working of the Holy Spirit, caused this friend to notice I was not myself. Have I become so busy "doing his work" that I have forgotten to find joy in it all? It's given me a lot to pray about today, and it never ceases to amaze me how God knows what we need to hear, when we need to hear, and who we need to hear it from.
Another friend e-mailed me a nice comment about my first blog posting, and it blessed me today. Even though she is halfway around the world, missing home, prayer for her husband's safety, she took the time to encourage me. God is Good!
Now, I'm done rambling, see you next time.
Monday, January 15, 2007
A day off work - the simple blessings!
Have you ever just sat in the quietness of a new day? I mean really taken it in. I love a day off work, I mean who doesn’t. This particular morning I am thankful for Dr. MLK, not just because I get a day off work, but for a myriad of reasons. As I sat reading my devotions, from a Year with Dietrich Bonheoffer, it talked about community. “A community which permits within itself members who do nothing will be destroyed by them.”
Next, my eye caught a sight I have seen thousands of times since moving into our house. I love to see those pictures in art galleries of a country lane with snow covered trees, where it creates a tunnel effect with snow. Since it has been so warm this winter, we still have rain, not snow. On the tree in front of our house, the newly fallen raindrops were still clinging to the berries on the tree. I could clearly see it from 25 feet, the drops holding on for dear life, before they are blown to the ground, and the Holy Spirit hit me with a spiritual lesson.
First – WHY? Why do the berries need the raindrops to stick to them for a time? I mean Biology 101 teaches that, in nature, everything has a purpose. Wouldn’t the tree survive if the rain just passed on by to the ground? Then another quote from my devotions hit me, “Every Christian community must know that not only do the weak need the strong, but also that the strong cannot exist without the weak.” Even though the trunk, branches, and fruit are what we think of as the purpose and the strength of that tree, it needs those tiny raindrops. The tree is collecting them nearby, so that when they fall they will nourish the roots of that tree. Multiply those tiny drops by a few hundred and you’ve nourished that tree for the day. In our church, we need those who are spiritually strong and those who may need more substantial growth in their walk. WHY? In the New Testament Jesus tells us that the church is a body, where each member has its’ function, you cannot say to a part, you are no longer useful be gone. Bonheoffer states it like this, “The elimination of the weak is the death of the (spiritual) community.” In our disposable-minded society, the weak are often seen as acceptable to cast off. The strong are needed to teach, lead the church, and learn from those around them. By doing that, they are renewed, and the “weak” become the new generation of believers that nourish the strong’s spirit, drink it all in , and rise up to assume those same roles.
So, are we the rain drops clinging to the tree, or the branches growing out producing new fruit? In the Kingdom, our place should not matter to others. The maker of that tree is the source we should all cling to, and he has given us each other to help in that journey.
Next, my eye caught a sight I have seen thousands of times since moving into our house. I love to see those pictures in art galleries of a country lane with snow covered trees, where it creates a tunnel effect with snow. Since it has been so warm this winter, we still have rain, not snow. On the tree in front of our house, the newly fallen raindrops were still clinging to the berries on the tree. I could clearly see it from 25 feet, the drops holding on for dear life, before they are blown to the ground, and the Holy Spirit hit me with a spiritual lesson.
First – WHY? Why do the berries need the raindrops to stick to them for a time? I mean Biology 101 teaches that, in nature, everything has a purpose. Wouldn’t the tree survive if the rain just passed on by to the ground? Then another quote from my devotions hit me, “Every Christian community must know that not only do the weak need the strong, but also that the strong cannot exist without the weak.” Even though the trunk, branches, and fruit are what we think of as the purpose and the strength of that tree, it needs those tiny raindrops. The tree is collecting them nearby, so that when they fall they will nourish the roots of that tree. Multiply those tiny drops by a few hundred and you’ve nourished that tree for the day. In our church, we need those who are spiritually strong and those who may need more substantial growth in their walk. WHY? In the New Testament Jesus tells us that the church is a body, where each member has its’ function, you cannot say to a part, you are no longer useful be gone. Bonheoffer states it like this, “The elimination of the weak is the death of the (spiritual) community.” In our disposable-minded society, the weak are often seen as acceptable to cast off. The strong are needed to teach, lead the church, and learn from those around them. By doing that, they are renewed, and the “weak” become the new generation of believers that nourish the strong’s spirit, drink it all in , and rise up to assume those same roles.
So, are we the rain drops clinging to the tree, or the branches growing out producing new fruit? In the Kingdom, our place should not matter to others. The maker of that tree is the source we should all cling to, and he has given us each other to help in that journey.
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