Thanks Kyle. Like I needed something else to do.
This is where I am as of this weekend.
This is what I have to look forward too.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Wrestling with God
Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty
You can't live,
This way too long,
There's more than this,
More than this
Have you been standing on your own feet too long
Have you been looking for a place where you belong
You can rest,
You will find rest
You can rest,
You will find rest
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade,
Let this new life offered be your saving grace,
Let this old life crumble let it fade,
Let it fade
Have you been holding on to what this world has offered
Have you been giving in to all these masquerades
It will be gone, forever gone
It will be gone
It will be gone
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade,
Let this new life offered be your saving grace,
Let this old life crumble, let it fade,
Let it fade
Let it fade
Are you carrying the weight too much,
Are you running from the call
Let it fade
You can rest,
You will find rest
You can rest,
You will find rest
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade,
Let this new life offered be your saving grace,
Let this old life crumble, let it fade,
Let it fade
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade,
Have you been standing on your own feet too long
Have you been looking for a place where you belong
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Who's the Boss
Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life has sold millions of copies and continues to be a national bestseller. Why? Because he dares to ask the obvious question that most of us dodge for most of our lives: Do you know why you’re alive?
Nobody who has ever lived was more certain about his purpose on earth than Jesus. He articulated it several times. Here is my favorite summary of His life, found in Mark 10:45 – “I came not to be served but to serve others.” That was a radical statement. It still is.
1st century Romans wanted to be in charge, not to help out. Nobody wanted to be a slave; everybody wanted to be a master.
21st century Americans still want to be in charge, not to help out. Nobody wants to be a slave; everybody wants to be a master. Servants are looked down upon.
Yet Jesus tells us that serving others is the best way to be like him. After washing the smelly feet of his disciples the night before his death – a job reserved for the lowliest of slaves – Jesus said, “Since I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)
When the Apostle Paul wanted a quarreling church to get along, he told them to “serve one another in love.” And Simon Peter advised those in the church to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” Clearly God wants us to serve others in His name!
Being in charge is the world’s game plan for success in life. Helping others is Jesus’ game plan. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) My hope is that every one of us becomes truly great in life … by serving others. What a radical idea. What a unique game plan. Only Jesus …
* courtesy of Preston Trail CC - Pastor Paul Basden
Nobody who has ever lived was more certain about his purpose on earth than Jesus. He articulated it several times. Here is my favorite summary of His life, found in Mark 10:45 – “I came not to be served but to serve others.” That was a radical statement. It still is.
1st century Romans wanted to be in charge, not to help out. Nobody wanted to be a slave; everybody wanted to be a master.
21st century Americans still want to be in charge, not to help out. Nobody wants to be a slave; everybody wants to be a master. Servants are looked down upon.
Yet Jesus tells us that serving others is the best way to be like him. After washing the smelly feet of his disciples the night before his death – a job reserved for the lowliest of slaves – Jesus said, “Since I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)
When the Apostle Paul wanted a quarreling church to get along, he told them to “serve one another in love.” And Simon Peter advised those in the church to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” Clearly God wants us to serve others in His name!
Being in charge is the world’s game plan for success in life. Helping others is Jesus’ game plan. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) My hope is that every one of us becomes truly great in life … by serving others. What a radical idea. What a unique game plan. Only Jesus …
* courtesy of Preston Trail CC - Pastor Paul Basden
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Becoming Victimless
The other day I blogged about our society's need to be a victim. It was not my intent to fully cover the subject, but rather to show that God's perspective seems to be different when it comes to our daily outlook on life. I think there are many things He desires us to change our perspective on. Many things that we feel are even fine in our lives. The Parable of the Vineyard Workers in Matthew 20:1-15 is one of those passages that help us better understand this whole idea of becoming victimless.
The parable is interesting because those who agreed to go to work in the vineyard early in the day were paid the same wage as those who went to work late in the day. Yes, the amount of labor was quite a bit different, yet the vineyard owner paid the agreed upon wage to each of the workers at the end of the day. Many of us understand God's message here that anyone who accepts God's Son as Lord and Saviour earns the right to eternal life. This happens whether it is early or late in our lives. But I think there is another lesson at work here. You see, those who worked longer hours during the day felt victimized by the owner. Yet, the owner paid them what they agreed too. I don't think for a second we Christians get upset when another individual comes into the knowledge of Christ, rather we rejoice. But for some reason, these workers didn't see it this way. This happens when we turn inward and get caught up with "what have you done for me lately" thinking. This is what happens when we choose to become victims of our circumstances.
This idea of jealousy is very in tune with self-victimization. It says, because I've done more, I am owed more, or because of what I've been through, I deserve more. It's almost like today's NFL football where one player agrees to a contract and goes out and performs. Then another player agrees to a bigger contract and the previous player throws a tantrum because he thinks his deal is now unjust. He wants more. And the ugly cycle repeats itself over and over.
But let's get a little more personal than that. I've experienced and seen many people get upset when family or friends don't respond to them for certain reasons. They set an expectation up to themselves that says, you know, I'm going through a hard time right now and someone should call me. Someone should send me a card. Someone should reach out to me. Or maybe we think our pastors should be in our living rooms every waking moment of the day filling us in with the latest details of what's going on. Of course we all feel this way, but the difference between becoming victimless and wallowing in self-pity is our ability to change our assumptions. Yes, we should reach out to others in times of need. But many times we expect more than what reality tends to give us. Many times, we choose to turn inward rather than turning outward.
My point is this. We must get to a point in our spiritual walk where we understand that we are owed nothing. If we do, we rid ourselves of the worldly pursuit of reward based ideology. And when this happens, we begin to live and serve people without need for worldly recognition and understand why we work to serve the Lord in the first place. This separates us from the world and enables us to accomplish more for the kingdom of God. But our hope and reward is in the very gift of eternal life itself. Isn't that enough? What do you think?
The parable is interesting because those who agreed to go to work in the vineyard early in the day were paid the same wage as those who went to work late in the day. Yes, the amount of labor was quite a bit different, yet the vineyard owner paid the agreed upon wage to each of the workers at the end of the day. Many of us understand God's message here that anyone who accepts God's Son as Lord and Saviour earns the right to eternal life. This happens whether it is early or late in our lives. But I think there is another lesson at work here. You see, those who worked longer hours during the day felt victimized by the owner. Yet, the owner paid them what they agreed too. I don't think for a second we Christians get upset when another individual comes into the knowledge of Christ, rather we rejoice. But for some reason, these workers didn't see it this way. This happens when we turn inward and get caught up with "what have you done for me lately" thinking. This is what happens when we choose to become victims of our circumstances.
This idea of jealousy is very in tune with self-victimization. It says, because I've done more, I am owed more, or because of what I've been through, I deserve more. It's almost like today's NFL football where one player agrees to a contract and goes out and performs. Then another player agrees to a bigger contract and the previous player throws a tantrum because he thinks his deal is now unjust. He wants more. And the ugly cycle repeats itself over and over.
But let's get a little more personal than that. I've experienced and seen many people get upset when family or friends don't respond to them for certain reasons. They set an expectation up to themselves that says, you know, I'm going through a hard time right now and someone should call me. Someone should send me a card. Someone should reach out to me. Or maybe we think our pastors should be in our living rooms every waking moment of the day filling us in with the latest details of what's going on. Of course we all feel this way, but the difference between becoming victimless and wallowing in self-pity is our ability to change our assumptions. Yes, we should reach out to others in times of need. But many times we expect more than what reality tends to give us. Many times, we choose to turn inward rather than turning outward.
My point is this. We must get to a point in our spiritual walk where we understand that we are owed nothing. If we do, we rid ourselves of the worldly pursuit of reward based ideology. And when this happens, we begin to live and serve people without need for worldly recognition and understand why we work to serve the Lord in the first place. This separates us from the world and enables us to accomplish more for the kingdom of God. But our hope and reward is in the very gift of eternal life itself. Isn't that enough? What do you think?
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Land of Entitlement
Our world is a very interesting place. It's a world that values victim's rights, and to be a victim we are owed something. We are owed money, compensation, justice, and payback for the transgressions made against us. And many of us take it a step further and say, we deserve it just because. Just because of what we grew up facing. Just because we never got a fair shot. Just because we were passed over. And on, and on.
Have you ever stopped and wondered how God sees our world? Does his perspective ever cause you to rethink many of these feelings of entitlement and retribution for the difficulties you have faced in your life. Maybe someone did something very bad to you as a child. Maybe as an adult. Whatever it may be, I know you desire justice to be done, and things to be made right.
But what if the feelings of being made whole are merely feelings of wanting to be important? Wanting someone to recognize and respond to the pain you face. I can't imagine that the deepest desires of our souls are more concerned about receiving a million dollars to make something right, but that's what many people are striving for today. You hear of so many big settlements and lawsuits resulting in big monetary rewards for the plaintiffs. But is that what they are really after? Is that what is really going to satisfy one's spirit?
The Bible makes clear what each man is due for his life. There's no talk about being a victim. No talk of what we are owed for the transgressions of what someone did to us. Only talk of what we must give to settle the debt of sin. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The only thing we are owed for life is death. That's harsh my friend. But, God provided a way to conquer what we are truly owed. He provided Christ to stand in our place so that we may received the opposite, eternal life.
You are not a victim! You are not entitled to anything this world has to offer. But God offers something greater than any lawsuit could ever provide and something that you don't have to leave behind when you leave this world....Eternity.
Have you ever stopped and wondered how God sees our world? Does his perspective ever cause you to rethink many of these feelings of entitlement and retribution for the difficulties you have faced in your life. Maybe someone did something very bad to you as a child. Maybe as an adult. Whatever it may be, I know you desire justice to be done, and things to be made right.
But what if the feelings of being made whole are merely feelings of wanting to be important? Wanting someone to recognize and respond to the pain you face. I can't imagine that the deepest desires of our souls are more concerned about receiving a million dollars to make something right, but that's what many people are striving for today. You hear of so many big settlements and lawsuits resulting in big monetary rewards for the plaintiffs. But is that what they are really after? Is that what is really going to satisfy one's spirit?
The Bible makes clear what each man is due for his life. There's no talk about being a victim. No talk of what we are owed for the transgressions of what someone did to us. Only talk of what we must give to settle the debt of sin. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The only thing we are owed for life is death. That's harsh my friend. But, God provided a way to conquer what we are truly owed. He provided Christ to stand in our place so that we may received the opposite, eternal life.
You are not a victim! You are not entitled to anything this world has to offer. But God offers something greater than any lawsuit could ever provide and something that you don't have to leave behind when you leave this world....Eternity.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Philosophically Speaking
I've never had a moment in life where I've been confronted with a question like the one I encountered today. A question I can totally visualize popping up in a philosophy or ethics class. A question you could probably write a book about. A question that just makes you kind of shutter at. I've had to think and write about some interesting questions during my time in school, but to be honest, I've never been face to face with a philosophical question before.
Over the last couple of months, Kristi's grandmother (Grammy), has been going downhill physically. Two years ago she had a stroke and was never quite the same, but still managed to live on her own and live a normal life. Then a month ago that all changed. After experiencing a growing pain in her hip that was thought to be bone degeneration since December, she was taken to the hospital only to find out she had cancer which had caused a fracturing of her hip.
Two weeks ago, the doctors determined that treating the cancer just wasn't a viable option considering her age. Instead, she was given radiation treatments in hopes to control the pain rather than fix it all together. But this seemed to be unsuccessful as the pain has just been unbearable without any sign of improvement. Subsequently, she has deteriorated dramatically to a place where only managed drugs are constantly given so she doesn't feel anything.
Today, Kristi and I visited her in a hospice facility she was transferred to 2 days ago. She didn't know we where there. She didn't open her eyes. She hasn't eaten or drank anything in days. And she lays there waiting for her body to shut down to end this thing called life. So the question hit me like a ton of bricks. Is it ok to wish someone would die?
Never in a million years would I have ever thought about this question and found myself saying "YES" emphatically. Then again, I've never stood looking at a person on the cusp of not knowing whether I was watching them take their last breath. During this process, I've found myself consciously sensitive of the feelings of her immediate family not knowing what they might think or how they might react if I were the first one to say, "You know, she's better off if the Lord would just take her home."
But what I found was something totally different. Yes, we all are selfish and want to keep our loved ones as close to us for as long as possible. But, maybe, just maybe, in this situation and many like it, it is better to just grasp the reality that she is better off not suffering. Better off receiving the reward of heaven for a diligent life lived here on earth. Better off beginning eternity reunited with the love of her life Grampy whom she's direly missed for the last 8 years. Better off meeting and praising the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Better off with no pain, no drugs, no slurred speech, no life. It's sad, but we rejoice knowing that it's ok to let go. It's ok to say goodbye. It's ok to tell them they can go and be with the ones who have blazed the trail before them.
So, today we said goodbye, knowing that even as painful as it was, we would cross paths again in a much more glorious place than what we woke up to today. Today we say, goodbye Grammy. We love you. We've cherished all of the wonderful moments we've had together, and we eagerly look toward the moments we will spend together in eternity. Now it's time to go to Grampy and finally return home to the reward that has been waiting for many years. And most importantly, tell Jesus we said "hello". :)
Praise be to God for the gift of our salvation and the promise of eternal life to those who know him. Amen.
Over the last couple of months, Kristi's grandmother (Grammy), has been going downhill physically. Two years ago she had a stroke and was never quite the same, but still managed to live on her own and live a normal life. Then a month ago that all changed. After experiencing a growing pain in her hip that was thought to be bone degeneration since December, she was taken to the hospital only to find out she had cancer which had caused a fracturing of her hip.
Two weeks ago, the doctors determined that treating the cancer just wasn't a viable option considering her age. Instead, she was given radiation treatments in hopes to control the pain rather than fix it all together. But this seemed to be unsuccessful as the pain has just been unbearable without any sign of improvement. Subsequently, she has deteriorated dramatically to a place where only managed drugs are constantly given so she doesn't feel anything.
Today, Kristi and I visited her in a hospice facility she was transferred to 2 days ago. She didn't know we where there. She didn't open her eyes. She hasn't eaten or drank anything in days. And she lays there waiting for her body to shut down to end this thing called life. So the question hit me like a ton of bricks. Is it ok to wish someone would die?
Never in a million years would I have ever thought about this question and found myself saying "YES" emphatically. Then again, I've never stood looking at a person on the cusp of not knowing whether I was watching them take their last breath. During this process, I've found myself consciously sensitive of the feelings of her immediate family not knowing what they might think or how they might react if I were the first one to say, "You know, she's better off if the Lord would just take her home."
But what I found was something totally different. Yes, we all are selfish and want to keep our loved ones as close to us for as long as possible. But, maybe, just maybe, in this situation and many like it, it is better to just grasp the reality that she is better off not suffering. Better off receiving the reward of heaven for a diligent life lived here on earth. Better off beginning eternity reunited with the love of her life Grampy whom she's direly missed for the last 8 years. Better off meeting and praising the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Better off with no pain, no drugs, no slurred speech, no life. It's sad, but we rejoice knowing that it's ok to let go. It's ok to say goodbye. It's ok to tell them they can go and be with the ones who have blazed the trail before them.
So, today we said goodbye, knowing that even as painful as it was, we would cross paths again in a much more glorious place than what we woke up to today. Today we say, goodbye Grammy. We love you. We've cherished all of the wonderful moments we've had together, and we eagerly look toward the moments we will spend together in eternity. Now it's time to go to Grampy and finally return home to the reward that has been waiting for many years. And most importantly, tell Jesus we said "hello". :)
Praise be to God for the gift of our salvation and the promise of eternal life to those who know him. Amen.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thank you
Thank you to everyone of our friends for your thoughts and prayers. Kristi's surgery went well and she is home and resting. Now, we will just wait for the test results. Blessings.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Robin Williams Peace Plan
Caution...please sense the sarcasim before you read. :)
I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan:
1. The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega, Milosovich and the rest of those good ol' boys: We will never "interfere" again.
2. We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one sneaking through holes in the fence.
3. All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would welcome them.
4. All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone.
5. No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" (for "deport") and it's back home baby.
6. The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non-polluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7. Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8. If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides, most of what we give them is stolen or given to some Army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9. Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10. All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The language we speak is ENGLISH.....learn it...or LEAVE...
Now, ain't that a winner of a plan.
The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying "Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses." She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, "You want a piece of me?"
I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan:
1. The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega, Milosovich and the rest of those good ol' boys: We will never "interfere" again.
2. We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one sneaking through holes in the fence.
3. All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France would welcome them.
4. All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone.
5. No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" (for "deport") and it's back home baby.
6. The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non-polluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7. Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8. If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides, most of what we give them is stolen or given to some Army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9. Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10. All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The language we speak is ENGLISH.....learn it...or LEAVE...
Now, ain't that a winner of a plan.
The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying "Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses." She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, "You want a piece of me?"
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Atheist and The Marine
A college professor, an avowed Atheist, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated he was going to prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" The lecture room fell silent. You could have heard a pin fall.
Ten minutes went by. Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." His count-down got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine just released from active duty and newly registered in the class - walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him tumbling from his lofty platform.
The professor was out cold! At first, the students were shocked and babbled in confusion. The young Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell silent...waiting. Eventually, the professor came to, shaken. He looked at the young Marine in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked: "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
"God was busy. He sent me."
Ten minutes went by. Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." His count-down got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine just released from active duty and newly registered in the class - walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him tumbling from his lofty platform.
The professor was out cold! At first, the students were shocked and babbled in confusion. The young Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell silent...waiting. Eventually, the professor came to, shaken. He looked at the young Marine in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked: "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
"God was busy. He sent me."
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
My Hope
I love the words of Psalm 25. Words like, "I lift up my soul", "in you I trust", "whose hope is in you", "guide me in your truth", "your great mercy and love", "ways of the LORD are loving and faithful", and "for I take refuge in you". These words have a great meaning to those who have placed their life in the hands of Christ. And some days, these words have a meaning to which all you can do is cling to when there are no answers to be found in this world. For Kristi and I, today is one of those days.
A few weeks ago, I was joyfully sharing with all of you the expectation of a new baby was coming into our lives. A play companion for Nathan and another miracle of God's gift to us. However, today we found out in our sonogram Kristi seems to have miscarried again. I am writing to seek your prayers for us and especially Kristi. She will need to have a D&C on Friday with pathology and chromosomal tests following. Hopefully, we will get some answers as to why this pregnancy was aborted in the coming months.
But overall, we place our trust in the best gift we receive and cling too...God's love.
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
A few weeks ago, I was joyfully sharing with all of you the expectation of a new baby was coming into our lives. A play companion for Nathan and another miracle of God's gift to us. However, today we found out in our sonogram Kristi seems to have miscarried again. I am writing to seek your prayers for us and especially Kristi. She will need to have a D&C on Friday with pathology and chromosomal tests following. Hopefully, we will get some answers as to why this pregnancy was aborted in the coming months.
But overall, we place our trust in the best gift we receive and cling too...God's love.
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Disturbing or Not?
Yesterday, the Senate allowed a Hindu chaplain to open the day in prayer. Interesting enough, only two senators appeared. One, Henry Reid, who opened this opportunity to the chaplain, and one other senator because he had the first speech of the day. What do you think about this?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Getting It
Have you ever had a conversation with a person who just gets it? You intently listen to what they are saying while finding your internal voice saying, "Yes, yes, that's it!" The other day a friend of mine, who isn't a believer was sharing some tough stuff with me. The conversation steered towards faith and God and he made the statement, "If you are going to believe in God for the sake of having an afterlife, shouldn't there be more than that to even believe in Him in the first place? Like, doesn't God want you to live a good life now, not just accepting him so you can go to heaven and it have no impact on you today?". I know these things were being said out of frustration, but it's true.
Sometimes you hear people who are searching totally understand what God is trying to teach us all along. We are called to live a life worthy of our salvation that makes a difference today. It leads us to a different way of living from the world. It leads us to being more self-controlled and gracious than those around us. It leads us to recognizing everything we do is a witness to those around us. Everything we do affects others! Let me repeat that, everything we do affects others. Even the things done is secret. Even the thing no one knows about. Why? Because when we know what we are doing, it affects our lives, and our lives spill over into the lives of others. And, if the skeletons affect others, just think about the things we do in public.
Your life is a reflection of your hope. Think about it.
Sometimes you hear people who are searching totally understand what God is trying to teach us all along. We are called to live a life worthy of our salvation that makes a difference today. It leads us to a different way of living from the world. It leads us to being more self-controlled and gracious than those around us. It leads us to recognizing everything we do is a witness to those around us. Everything we do affects others! Let me repeat that, everything we do affects others. Even the things done is secret. Even the thing no one knows about. Why? Because when we know what we are doing, it affects our lives, and our lives spill over into the lives of others. And, if the skeletons affect others, just think about the things we do in public.
Your life is a reflection of your hope. Think about it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Bizz, Bizz, Bizz
Ah, the sound of a busy telephone. You don't hear this sound much anymore now that we have voicemail and call waiting. I remember a time way back when, when these luxuries weren't around. But now, since they are, you never seem to get a busy signal. The phone goes straight to voicemail or just keeps ringing.
But something hit me today. Technology is great, but a lot of times we Christians walk around with busy signals stamped on our lives. We're not available. Oh yea, we say we are, and we pray that God would use us, but when it comes down to it, we might as well wear a big busy signal sign that says "the doctor's not in." Of course, if you an super-spiritual Christian, you're reading this and thinking to yourself, "I'm never too busy." Well, maybe you are, and maybe you aren't. The only point I want to make is, people are hurting today and just need someone to talk too. You never know when it will happen or whether it will be when your busy or not. But you are given an opportunity to turn off the voicemail and turn on your compassionate heart.
For anyone who hurts today, this is for you.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." 2 Corinthians 3-7
Lord, let us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and never to busy to be your hands in this world.
But something hit me today. Technology is great, but a lot of times we Christians walk around with busy signals stamped on our lives. We're not available. Oh yea, we say we are, and we pray that God would use us, but when it comes down to it, we might as well wear a big busy signal sign that says "the doctor's not in." Of course, if you an super-spiritual Christian, you're reading this and thinking to yourself, "I'm never too busy." Well, maybe you are, and maybe you aren't. The only point I want to make is, people are hurting today and just need someone to talk too. You never know when it will happen or whether it will be when your busy or not. But you are given an opportunity to turn off the voicemail and turn on your compassionate heart.
For anyone who hurts today, this is for you.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." 2 Corinthians 3-7
Lord, let us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and never to busy to be your hands in this world.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
I'm back
So I've been out of town for the last week in the nation's murder capitol, Newark, New Jersey. Or at least, that's what I was told when I was there. "If you get lost, don't go anywhere, just call me!" That's what I was told by a native and co-worker if something were to happen. Made me feel really peaceful inside....NOT!
I'm glad to be home. I missed Kristi and Nathan dearly. I was greeted with a "Welcome Home Daddy" sign. What a great feeling. Family is so wonderful and I'm so glad to be part of a loving and caring one.
Blessing to you today.
I'm glad to be home. I missed Kristi and Nathan dearly. I was greeted with a "Welcome Home Daddy" sign. What a great feeling. Family is so wonderful and I'm so glad to be part of a loving and caring one.
Blessing to you today.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Our Daily Bread for Today
I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, white-knuckle experience! And then, suddenly, it was over. The guide in the back of the raft had navigated us through. I was safe—at least until the next set of rapids.
Transitions in our lives are like whitewater. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, singleness to marriage, career to retirement, marriage to widowhood—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with “white-knuckle” uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; . . . for the LORD God—my God—will be with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
You’ll have your fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in your raft you’re not alone. Keep your eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids. He’s taken lots of others through before. Smooth waters are just ahead. —Joe Stowell
For more devotionals from Our Daily Bread click here.
Transitions in our lives are like whitewater. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, singleness to marriage, career to retirement, marriage to widowhood—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with “white-knuckle” uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; . . . for the LORD God—my God—will be with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
You’ll have your fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in your raft you’re not alone. Keep your eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids. He’s taken lots of others through before. Smooth waters are just ahead. —Joe Stowell
For more devotionals from Our Daily Bread click here.
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