Revelation

I look beyond the surface.
The truths are resting softly
just beyond my sight.

I peer deeply, but
the images of confusion
color the waters with their reflection.

I strive to see beyond the glare,
still busyness stirs the flow;
concentric circles of disturbance
distorts all that lies beneath.

Persistence is the virtue.
Patience wins this day.
When finally the chaos clears,
revelation will be worth it.

Multitasking?

Yesterday, while I was out with my family, we passed a man reading the sports section of the newspaper while he was waiting for the light to change. We all laughed and I began thinking about our growing passion to attempt to fit more into our busy schedules. We hurry from place to place, working as we go thanks to our Bluetooth headsets, voice recorders, and similar electronics. Then we enjoy meals that are unhealthy, but can be purchased and consumed while on our way to our next appointment. Time formerly spent relaxing and reflecting in quiet or conversing with family and friends is now filled with other activities.

And then some people add even more. Like the gentleman we passed, people try to read the paper, put on makeup, and study for exams. Texting while driving is commonplace even when the police cite those who do and in spite of the news reports of people losing their lives or taking those of others.

I confess that I am stunned by our compulsive need to keep doing more. We make it look nice by calling the results of our efforts, "increased productivity," and naming our addiction, "multitasking." Is this what we were made for? How can we be fully present to the people and the activities we are doing if we are trying to do more than one activity at a time?

Jesus had time for people, even though he accomplished quite a bit in his thee years of ministry. As full as his agenda may have been, we never get the sense that he would be checking his Blackberry while the Samaritan woman was coming for water, nor interrupting his teaching of the disciples because he needed to, "take this one, it will just be a minute."

I sit in meetings and at lunch with people who have become cyborgs, refusing to remove their earpiece while they try to convince me that they are truly present and listing to me and others around them. Friends take call after call while we are trying to share a cup of coffee together. It is frustrating, and I am just as guilty.

Recently, my daughter asked me if I could please not be on the computer so much and if I would be willing to stop checking my phone every few minutes to see if I had texts or emails coming in. She asked, "Could you just leave those things alone for a while? I would really like to spend time with you."

Ouch! It hurt, but mostly because she was right. I too was embracing the value of multitasking over living with focus. I was choosing to be partially connected to several instead of being fully present to one. I promised to change, and gave her, and her mother, permission to hold me accountable.

It is difficult to avoid what is so commonly embraced and what is increasingly expected of us. It is hard to say that we are choosing a different way of life that enjoys and affirms the usefulness of technology without allowing it to direct our lives.

I am sure the man driving with the sports page is busy and wants to make the most of his time, but maybe there is a better way to live that really does get the most out of each moment, but not trying to do more than the moment allows. I would hate to think that I am missing opportune moments in order to see what spam came in within the past two minutes.

If God has our heart and what is at hand, our attention, then we can live powerful lives full of meaning, and what is most important will be accomplished, most likely with a lot less stress. Oh, and if you see me with that ubiquitous blue flashing in my ear, or checking my Blackberry once again when I should be engaging the people I am with, feel free to hold me accountable too.

Home With God

I remember the excitement I felt prior to my wedding. After several years of dating including a two year engagement, the day we waited for was about to arrive. Our wedding day was even postponed one year due to an unexpected illness, so as the time approached, we were both ready to celebrate.

More than anything, I could not wait to make our new home where I would be able to share my life with my bride. While it has become increasingly more common for couples to live together prior to their marriage, we wanted to take things in their proper order and wait until we were married. So, I could not wait for the precious moments of waking up together, sharing time at home with one another, and ending our day together.

Now, 25 years later, I still celebrate those wonderful little moments that make up being home with my wife. Whether it is sharing coffee on the porch, eating dinner together or just waking up in the middle of the night to the presence of the one I love next to me, being home with her is one of the greatest blessings of my life.

In John's gospel, we hear the words of Jesus, ""If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (14:23) Think of that. Jesus is saying that when we walk with him in the light of his teaching, God chooses to make his home with us.

Now, I remain amazed at the beauty of sharing my life with my wife, but the thought of the Creator of the world choosing to share that same intimacy with me is truly awesome. God wants to be in relationship with humanity - a close relationship. God loves us so much that he wants to make his home with us.

God called Abraham, "friend," and he wants that deep relationship with us as well. That is an awesome and beautiful thing, and it is a reason to celebrate our life with God. Right here, right now, Jesus Christ is making his home with all those who will choose to obey his teaching and enjoy the relationship that follows.

Slow-Roasted Faith in a Mircowave Age

“Hurry up!”


“How fast can you get that done.”

“Is there an abridged version?”

Speed is the order of the day. We travel faster, read faster and work faster. Slow traffic annoys us. We prefer television programs where the plot is introduced, developed and resolved all within 30 minutes (including commercial breaks). An entire business market has developed to help us grasp great works of literature by only reading the notes and outline. We even order our food fast and complain if it takes more than a few minutes to complete our order. The world we live in is on the move and we are in a hurry to get things done.

In the midst of all this busyness, it is easy to wonder what we are all so busy rushing for. Do we really want to get to the places we are speeding to reach, or are we in a hurry to get to someplace we will rush to leave? What does all this hyperactivity say about us and our values and are we losing something important in the flurry of activity we’ve become accustomed to?

We watch as families and relationships weaken. We listen to the pain of people with desires and dreams that are lost in the undertow of their schedules. We even see our most profound relationship, the one with our Lord and Savior; struggle to grow under the weight of all of our activity. What can we do?

We must begin by understanding that some things, especially those that are very valuable, cannot be rushed. Relationships and faith cannot be nurtured into maturity overnight. There is no shortcut… no set of three easy steps to a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. Something so important requires and investment, especially of the priceless commodity, time.

We may live in a world that has become comfortable with microwaving everything, but the truly delicious meals require some slow cooking. Others may be satisfied with a superficial spirituality developed at high speeds, but God continues to call us make the sacrifice and spend some regular, quality time with Him. Only then can we, “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

We will need to address our priorities and decide if we can do without another rerun, or, another trip to the mall. We must ask ourselves if our schedules reflect our convictions and if not, make some changes. We might even find that our calling is to live in a way that demonstrates to our culture that there is something more… something deeper than appointments and crossing off items on our “to do” lists.

There will always be important things for us to do and the Word of God encourages us to, “redeem the time,” but maybe it is time for us to stop, look at our lives and ask if we can join the Psalmist when he says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more that anything on earth.” It is something to consider when you have a little time.

Let Me See the Beautiful

Lord, let me see the beautiful
In the midst of all that's wrong
When my fears would hold me captive
Let me sing faith's triumph song
In the moment now before me
May I grasp eternal sight
In spite of all that's threatening
Help me hold to what is right
And should the darkness cover me
With plans to bring crushing blows
I will put my faith in the One
Whose strength and love I now know
So let me glimpse Your holiness
And believe in what is true
I stand and wait for miracles
For all my hope is in you

What's the Answer?

I confess, I am one of those people who loves logic puzzles. I think it goes back to my childhood when my father would use them to get me to go to sleep, or to be quiet in the car. He would say, “Charlie, I will give you 50 cents if you can answer this,” and then there would be some mental puzzle about two trains leaving different cities at different speeds with the question of when they would pass each other. I found this an interesting way to make money and would work hard to get the right answer, however, I would often fall asleep as I thought about it on my bed, and it certainly kept me quiet on long rides.


I know not everyone enjoys these puzzles, and for good reason, finding solutions can be more work than fun and it can take a considerable amount of time. But there are other problems that demand a solution. Situations and issues in our lives that are not puzzles or games, but real concerns that need real answers. These problems can be deeply personal, affecting our lives and the lives of those we love. They can also be profoundly systemic, rooted in the structures of our culture. Either way, there are issues, serious issues, that need a solution.

At the root of all this brokenness is the impact of sin on our lives and on the world. We live as people who experience the deep pain of broken relationships with God and with one another. We see all too often the results of evil in the world as gunmen enter schools and injure students and teachers; as people are persecuted for their race or beliefs; as nations war against one another. There is no doubt that we live in a broken and hurting world that desperately needs an answer to sin’s grip and influence.

Praise God, there is an answer and His name is Jesus. His death and resurrection make all the difference in, and to, the world. This is what we celebrate in the Easter season. Easter is God’s answer to the problem of sin and death. Through the power of the resurrection, God declares, “sin shall not have dominion over you.” There truly is victory in Jesus. We may not see the fullness of God’s redemption, but the doorway is open to a transformed live, and the power of the Holy Spirit is present to enable us to live a life of victory.

Each of us has the power of God, the power of the resurrection, in us to overcome the power of sin and death in our lives. As we yield our lives to God, and to His purposes for us, we reap a harvest of victory, and as we move further in the Spirit’s leading, we begin to see that God is using us to impact the lives of others as well. Our faithfulness, linked to the victory and power of Christ Himself, brings forth the biblical promise of, “ever increasing glory.” The Word of God tells us that, “of His kingdom there shall be no end.” When we walk in obedience, when we walk in victory, we begin to see God’s answer for a broken and hurting world revealed, and the transforming, redeeming power of the resurrection begins to flow even into the darkest and driest places.

We may be approaching the end of August, but it is still the perfect time to let the reality of Easter come forth in our lives. We are not bound by the season, but every day is Easter day for us, and we should share its liberation with the world.

Living From Your Purpose

Why are you here? I know that is the question of the ages, the ingredients of all philosophy and theology, but seriously, have you considered your life-purpose? What is your unique place in the kingdom of God? Make no mistake you have one. God designed you to be in relationship with Him and He gifted you for specific works of ministry to make His praise glorious.


Some people never realize their potential in Christ. Carrying wounds and lies from the past, they hold fast to the belief that they have nothing special to offer to God or to the world. They pass through life filling the time, but avoiding the deep questions of purpose and meaning. Meanwhile, others grab hold of a personal mission that serves them well, but ignores the call of God on their lives. They invest deeply in themselves and their success, yet opportunities to make a deposit in the lives around them go unnoticed, leaving their true success hidden of buried.

God knows that we are counting on Him, but He is also counting on us. We have a special part to play in His plan. We are coworkers with Him in the process of bringing His purposes to fruition. Even more exciting is God’s desire to grow fruit within us, to make us more than we ever thought we could be. God wants us to connect with the purpose He placed within us so that we can, “have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) And that is the promise that accompanies our living out of our purpose. When we connect with this God-given destiny, we find meaning and fulfillment we never dreamed possible. We experience greater clarity in decision making and planning for the future. We see the power of God at work to produce miraculous results in our families, work and relationships. We are blessed and we become a blessing to others.

What has God made you to do, that no one else can do like you? Who has God called you to be that makes a mark that represents Him in and to the world? These are questions worthy of a quest, for when the answers are found, a destiny is formed. You are not your job, your church, or your linage. You are more than your pedigree or any list of accomplishments. You are a child of the living God with a special place in Christ that only you can fill. It is a place that has meaning at home, at work and at play. Everywhere you go, your purpose goes with you. It is greater than titles and positions. It is not affected by retraining or relocation. It supersedes all other job descriptions, yet it seasons every facet of your life.

Above all, knowing and living from your purpose leads to fulfillment and meaning, wonder and blessing, and in levels you never imagined before. God wants you blessed and alive in Him. God wants you to have His wisdom and insight and we are encouraged to ask for it because He promises to give it liberally. Today, will you seek God for your life purpose? Will you call upon God to reveal your unique place in the kingdom and then order your life around His vision for you? Will you embark on the quest whose treasure is beyond measure? I pray you will and that God will reward you as you diligently seek Him.

A Passion for Compassion

“Attitude is everything!” You’ve heard it said, maybe even said it yourself, but have you grasped the power of its truth? Our attitudes shape our perception of the present and our feelings about the future. They will chart our destiny and have the potential to affect multitudes of people within our sphere of influence.

Popular Christian author and speaker Chuck Swindoll, writing on attitude said, “Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.”

There are many things that we cannot control or change, but we have all the power in the world to choose our attitudes. We can decide how we will use the experiences, resources and opportunities that are before us. We can act from the mind of Christ, or we can be out of our right mind.

One of the key characteristics of Jesus’ attitude was a deep commitment to an attitude of compassion. Repeatedly, we find the Scripture affirming this attitude of God’s heart. Consider the following:

• “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” (Mark 1:41)
• When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them.” (Mark 6:34)
• "Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes” (Matt. 20:34)
• “I have compassion for these people” (Mark 8:2)

The Bible even tells us He is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and later we are enjoined to “be kind and compassionate to one another.” (Ephesians 4:32) In short, God is all about comfort and He wants us to be like Him.

In a world of debate and conflict, it is easy to become judgmental and harsh, and often that is exactly how Christians are perceived because… well… because that is how we act. We lose sight of the line that separates, “speaking the truth in love,” and self-righteous judgment.

Jesus loved people and had compassion on them. He still does, and if anyone had the right and position to offer harsh judgment, it is the perfect Son of God, yet he demonstrates the heart of compassion even toward those who persecute him.

We are not called to agree with everything or to approve of every behavior, but we are meant to be people who can be concerned about important issues while living out of the compassion of Christ. We are recipients of that compassion in our own lives and should seek to sow it into the lives of others. Compassion is an attitude worth being passionate about.

The GOOD News

The Good News is meant to be "good news." The Gospel is meant to inspire and encourage. Even when it challenges and rebukes, the purpose of the message is good. God gave us a precious gift when he entrusted the stewardship of this message to us because how we share His Word affects the way it is received and as with anything holy, it must be respected and used in holiness. Ultimately, the message is meant to connect people with God and we are invited to share in that process, but is that what we see happening in Christ’s church today?


It seems like there is an increasing number of Christians who are well versed in talking about what they are against, but what about what they are for. Why is it that we seem to be so negative? I recognize that there are numerous social ills that need correction and current culture is not necessarily pro-Christian, but similar ethical dilemmas and cultural biases existed in Jesus' day, yet His message remained one of hope, joy, peace and love. He pointed, not to the problems, but to the solution. His words were (and remain) words of life, not death.

Certainly, we need to speak out against injustices, but our faith goes so much further than that. We have so much more to offer than merely pointing out other people’s sins. Sure, we can show people that their passions are misplaced, but wouldn't it be interesting to see what would happen if we pointed them toward the Passion of passions? Jesus said, "I came that they might have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) As the body of Christ, doesn't it make sense to follow in His footsteps?

In short, it seems that we have become quite good at condemnation, yet Romans reminds us that, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) And the Apostle Paul made it clear that it was not our place to judge those outside of the faith. So, maybe we can be those who will be committed to moving from condemnation to revelation. Maybe, instead of speaking about the brokenness around us, we can start bringing the healing of Christ. Maybe, instead of pointing people's attention toward their sin, we could point them to the One who takes away the sins of the world.

All of us want our physicians to be able to diagnose our ailments, but we also want them to suggest a plan for moving toward wholeness. We would never continue visiting a doctor who only told us everything that is wrong with us, while never treating us. Likewise, we have a responsibility to speak the truth in love, and while that includes humbly pointing out areas in need of transformation, it also involves leading the broken and hurting to the power of the cross in order for them to receive the wholeness God purchased in Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to be witness of God’s transforming power as you serve as God’s ministers of revelation and, as we work for the kingdom, let us keep praying that revelation abounds to and through us all.

Training for Gold

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

In our family, the Olympics are something special to us. Every two years, we make time to be together and to watch as much of these special events as our schedules will allow. Many precious memories were made while watching the international spectacle.

It is absolutely amazing to consider the investment these young athletes make to master their sport and to get to the Olympics. Time, money, pain and countless other challenges need to be overcome in order to reach the competition. Already, in the first week of the Vancouver Games, we watched people demonstrate their skill and push through injury and competition to come forward with the gold medal. Their commitment, training and passion to succeed are evident in their performance.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians that, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” He and his readers understood the effort and commitment it took for the competitors to compete and to win. The need for focus and training were as clear to the Corinthians as they are to us. It was also clear was that all of that effort was expended to earn a crown, or medal, that doesn’t last.

Just like an athlete preparing for competition, we too, must prepare ourselves for the race that is set before us. While we do not compete for a medal, we, “do it to get a crown that will last forever.” You and I are enmeshed in a contest of eternal significance. Success in the race that we run does not come without an investment and commitment equal to any competitor. We need to discipline our lives in order to live a life worthy of the prize that is ours in Christ Jesus. One of the reasons we practice Christian disciplines is to help us bring our bodies and the whole of our lives into the place where we can live as Christ calls us to live; to live so that we will not, “be disqualified from the prize.”

Disciplines are not just about keeping tradition or sharing in a common experience, but they are meant to help us train our lives to live in Christ. When we surrender time, finances, even our very selves, we consciously make the choice to focus on Christ in our lives and to train our bodies to submit to our spirits. Self-denial is not pious asceticism; it is training, equal to that of an athlete, so that we win the gold, the medal that lasts forever.

Let’s not run aimlessly or merely beat the air. Instead, let us train our bodies and our lives to be the success that God made them to be. Let us allow Jesus Christ to coach, train, and equip us for all that He has designed for us. Let us make ourselves ready to run the race that is set before us, and run it in such a way as to win.

Treasures Old and New

We love the familiar: the broken in shoes, our favorite chair, the worn-out sweatshirt we continue to wear. We follow routine paths in our driving and our actions. We eat our favorite foods and enjoy our favorite television programs. There is simply something comforting about the things and places we know well that make us feel secure amid the changes around us.

At the same time, there is something exciting about the new: a new outfit, a different vacation destination, the latest technology. We take the scenic route to discover new sights and places. We visit new restaurants to follow-up on the recommendations of friends. We look forward to the differences that make life interesting and enjoyable; that create variety amid the routine tasks of daily life.

Our lives are lived in the balance between the familiar and the fresh, the common and the creative, the known and new. We hold on to the things of meaning from the past, while joyfully embracing the possibilities of our future. We celebrate where we have been and anticipate where we are going.

Jesus said, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old." (Matthew 13:52) Indeed, even in our faith journey, there is a place for what God has done and what God is about to do. “See, I am doing a new thing!”, God says, “Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)

Recently, our church went through an exciting change. Although very little of that change has been felt at the moment, a part of our identity and ministry is new. The former Western New York Annual Conference concluded its business as we said goodbye to a Annual Conference that we’ve known for over a century. At the same time, the Upper New York Annual Conference was created and is now giving birth to our mission and vision for the future.

As I attended these two historic Annual Conference sessions, I found that I did so with mixed emotions. I confess that I found it challenging to let go of the familiar things I have known since I began attending Annual Conference nearly 25 years ago. During that time I’ve become accustomed to knowing the people and procedures. In short, I was comfortable.

At the same time, it was exciting to begin to envision the new thing that God is doing in our midst. The opportunity for new friendships, new opportunities for ministry, and the possibility of breaking free of the trappings of former routines is exhilarating. What might tomorrow hold in this new vision God is revealing.

So it is with the Annual Conference, our church and our lives. Changes come that call us forward into the new thing God is doing, while carrying the treasures of our past. We must not cling to what has been, but, trusting in God, step faithfully into the destiny that awaits us. With wisdom we share our treasures old and new, we embrace the new thing God is doing in our generation, and we let our hearts joyfully, “sing a new song unto the Lord.”

As we continue to discover God’s plan for us in this season, we unite our hearts with him, and with one another and share the journey to our future together.

Daring Adventure

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller




I must admit, I love the idea of life as a daring adventure. There is so much wonder and excitement to be experienced and I want to be sure to enjoy all that God gives to me. I know there is a great deal of pain as well. I have experienced some myself, but I do not want those moments to become tools of the enemy to steal my joy and the life that Jesus gives.

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” There is no doubt that our story has a villain… an adversary who seeks the destruction of our life. He wants to steal our joy because he knows that the, “joy of the Lord is our strength.” When challenges arise in our lives, it is easy to think that is we who failed, or even to question God’s intention toward us. However, when we realize that we have an enemy, we begin to see that there is more to the story than we first thought.

If you’ve read John Eldrich, you’ve likely come across his teaching on the problem of evil. He suggests, and I believe rightly so, that when Lucifer rebelled in heaven, he posed a challenge to the heart of God. In essence, he asked, “Can you trust the heart of God to be good?” That is not a question that can be answered by force. God could simply eradicate evil, but the question would remain.

God’s answer was and is to consistently demonstrate His love. He shows it in the ultimate expression: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He also demonstrates it in our lives in so many ways. Daily, He puts flesh to the words of Jesus. Yes, the enemy does come to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus brings us life, not just salvation, but the fullness of life.

Life is a daring adventure, lived out in the presence of Christ. I often think of the disciples as they found themselves in a boat in the midst of the storm of their lives. I am amazed and comforted to remember Jesus’ willingness to speak to the storm and calm it. I also wonder what their experience would have been if they’d said, “Jesus, the Son of God is in the boat with us. Hang on. This is going to be one amazing ride!”

I read of a sign posted near the raft entrance to white-water rapids that reads: “You came for the adventure, so enjoy it.” That is exactly what I am aiming to do. I hope you are too.

Abiding in the Light of Love

Not long ago I shared an interesting conversation with a man at Starbucks. He apparently overheard a portion of my conversation and realized that I was a pastor. After asking me if that was true and a few things about the church I served, he went on to share a bit of his faith and how much he liked his church. Of course, I was very interested to know what he enjoyed about his house of worship, especially since it was a larger, growing church in our area. His answer amazed me.


“I like that I can be anonymous,” he said, “It is nice to be able to slip and out on Sunday morning and not really be noticed.”

I must admit that his response was very unexpected and gave me much to think about. I wondered if that level of isolation was really what God intended. Either way, it was clear that this gentleman chose to worship in a place where the DNA allowed anonymity.

The church I serve is not that church. In fact, our DNA is significantly different. We are a church that embraces the opportunity to be family and to connect with each other and our community. As our current slogan declares, we are a place where you can, “Come in and be loved.”

Last year, I met with a couple who was considering attending our church. They shared some of their interests and asked many questions about our beliefs and activities. Near the end of our time together, the husband said, “Well, I think we will just slip in a few times and check things out before we make a decision. Will that be okay?”

I said, “No.” I could tell my response shocked him and after he recovered, he asked if I meant they could not visit before they made a decision. I smiled and explained, “Oh no, you can visit as soon and as much as you desire. What you cannot do is just slip in. Not because it is unacceptable, but rather because it is impossible to do. You see, this is a very loving church and you will not make it to your seat without someone visiting with you and bye the time you leave, many of our people will celebrate the opportunity to simply love on you. There is no way to just slip in here.” After their first visit, they made a point to tell me I was right.

Now I know, like a parent with their children, I am more than a little biased, and I also know that the congregation I serve has its own areas for growth. Yet, I celebrate that our church family makes a point of sharing the love of God actively with one another and with those who visit us. I continually remind them not to let go of this gift, but to nurture it and help it to grow even more.

The Church of Jesus Christ should be a place where everyone experiences the love of God. That involves more than hearing about God and God's love and it is certainly more than just being nice. Sharing the love of God involves receiving his love; celebrating that love in our own lives, and then giving that same love away to others. People do not need cool programs, the best PowerPoint presentation, or the biggest building. People need a personal experience with the transforming love of Jesus, and we can help them have that experience when we live authentic, loving and grace-filled lives.

We are challenged to live our lives in such a way that others will see us and give glory to God. It is a challenge worth accepting and the results are worth our commitment to it.

Night

Our family spent the last two nights relaxing by a small fire in the backyard. It was a wonderful time together and a great way to unwind. Our home has a significant amount of undeveloped property around it, giving us ability to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. As I reflected on last night's experience and the wonder of all God's creation, I was reminded of a poem I wrote a couple of years ago following a similar experience. It is amazing how all that God made has the ability to capture our attention and to reveal his touch.

Night

Cicadas call across the night,

As the moon's fiery glow burns the horizon.
The haunting beauty of their unison song,
Invites the evening's stillness.

The gentle wind, now damp and cold,
Embraces all within its touch, and
Reveals the texture of night's dark fabric.

I remain a foreigner to this time,
A visitor welcome, but not belonging,
yet I feel strangely at home.

Where Are You Looking?

Dr. Samuel P. Langley was a respected former professor of mathematics and astronomy who became the director of the Smithsonian Institution. He was an accomplished thinker, scientist, and inventor who published several important works on aerodynamic. He also possessed a vision for achieving manned flight.


In 1898, Langley approached the U.S. War Department for funding to design and build and airplane to carry a man aloft. The Department gave him a commission of $50,000 and he went right to work Enlisting the help of Charles Manley, Langley expected his years of work to bear fruit.

On October 8, 1903, Manley climbed into the pilot’s seat of a craft called the Great Aerodrome. The full-sized, motorized device was perched atop a specially built catapult designed to launch the craft into the air. When they attempted the launch, part of the Aerodrome got caught and the biplane was flung into the water fifty yards away. The criticism was brutal.

Langley pressed on, made modifications and eight weeks later, prepared to attempt flight again. This time the cable supports to the wings snapped as the plane was launched. The craft caught again in the launch rail and it plunged into the river upside down. Manley almost died.

Defeated and demoralized, Langley gave up. He abandoned his decades-long pursuit of flight without ever having seen one of his planes piloted to success. Just days later, Orville and Wilber Wright – uneducated, unknown, and unfounded – flew their plane “Flyer I” over the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Langley focused on a moment of disaster, which made him think it was the end. He abandoned his experiments. Two years later he suffered a stroke, and a year later he died. He took his eyes off the goal and began to focus on failure. That decision changed history and his destiny.

What happened in the life of Samuel Langley occurs in the lives of too many people today. They allow failure to get the better of them and it stops them from achieving their destiny. For the Christian, this should never be our story. We are children of the Most High God who lift their vision higher.

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 121, “ I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” We need to look up! If we focus on failure and frustration, if we fill our field of vision with the molehills of life, we will never see the future that awaits us and we will never know the help of the One who waits to move on our behalf. We are called to be overcomers and that begins with where we fix our eyes.

My grandfather used to say, “What gets your attention gets you.” What has your attention? Is it the media’s prophets of fear and anxiety, the preachers of frustration at the office, and the teachers of distrust that surround us all? Or, is your vision focused on something higher? Are you catching glimpses of God’s presence around you and within you? What are you looking at?

I want to invite and encourage you to join me in training our eyes – physical and spiritual – to look for glimpses of God. The world around us may proclaim doom and gloom, but we have the Good News. The storm may be raging, but our anchor grips and holds the Solid Rock. Today is a perfect time to lift your eyes to where your help comes from. It is the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. I’m thinking that’s a pretty awesome place to trust.

Accepting the Awesome Adventure

When I was four years old, I loved when my mom would walk me down to the local shopping plaza. It was not the walk or the shopping that attracted me. Instead, I looked forward to placing my dime into the coin slot that would bring the mechanical horse or boat to life. On a good day, I would actually get a ride on both.


I thought those rides were amazing, but it was not long before I realized that, although they were animated, they really went nowhere. All the dimes I could muster would still leave me sitting atop a fake horse or inside a fake boat right in front of the store where I began. I quickly realized that while there was activity, there was really no adventure.

Years later, I would get the opportunity to ride a real horse and, yes, experience the pain of being thrown to the ground. My head still aches when I think of it. I would also enjoy the rush of the wind in my face as I took my first speed boat ride, hanging on for dear life as the boat made its way across the water. These experiences were not nearly as safe as my coin operated rides, but they were real and even the fears, bruises and white knuckles were signs of the adventure.

Jesus’ disciples knew similar adventures and like many of us let their fears restrict the awesome power of their experience. On one occasion, they were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee and Jesus was sleeping in the back. As they were making their way across, a storm formed and soon they were battling to keep their world in order. Chaos was all around them and they feared for their very lives, yet their leader was resting peacefully in the stern.

When the situation finally became too overwhelming, they woke Jesus asking him, “Don’t you care that we’re about to die?” Jesus saw their fear and the storm that was raging on the water. He stood, challenged them to strengthen their faith, and then spoke to the storm. “Peace, be still,” he said, and immediately the storm subsided. The disciples were in awe and wondered just who he was that even the wind and the waves obeyed him.

It is true that the disciples witnessed an amazing miracle as Jesus calmed the storm, but they missed out on the adventure of riding out the storm knowing that the Savior was with them in the boat. There was a great story to tell, but just imagine the greater story of living through the adventure of a lifetime with faith in the power of the Son of God to see them through.

Sometimes, we would rather settle for fake experience, rather than face the fear of the real thing, but when we do, we end up going nowhere and missing the adventure. Life with Jesus is an amazing adventure and we are invited to join him on a faith-filled ride that will rival any other experience. It will require us to set aside the safety of our predictable experiences and step into the unknown. It will call on us to risk in ways we never expected, and it will cause us to stir up all of our faith in the One whom we call, “Lord,” in order to see it through to the end. But, white-knuckled and faith-filled, we will have an amazing adventure with the One who will see us through. We are being extended the opportunity to accept the awesome adventure of a disciple of Jesus. The experience will be worth it, and oh, the stories we will have to tell as we share the experience with the risen Christ.

Will you say, “yes,” to his invitation to go with him?

Good Medicine

I just finished watching Christian comedian Tim Hawkins in his video "I'm No Rockstar" with my family.

What a wonderful experience. The comedy was extremely funny and left all of us crying from laughter at least once during the performance. It was wonderful to laugh with the family and enjoy something positive together.

I am glad to see an example of someone who can offer a quality experience without the need to be rude and base. So often it seems that the entertainers of our time feel the need to compete to see who can be the rudest, foulest, and most inappropriate. After a while, the culture begins to believe that such expressions are what are truly humorous and entertaining. I appreciate Tim's willingness to avoid such cheap humor and to offer instead, something thoughtful and respectful.

Humor is such an important part of our lives. Recently, I wrote a post on the joy of the Lord being our strength. We take this too lightly. Joy, humor and laughter can make a great difference in our lives. The Bible even says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)

I remember a time nearly 18 years ago when I was recovering from surgery. My wife and I were in a hotel room near the hospital waiting for me to strengthen before I could make the drive home. The procedure came with some complications and I had a very difficult time in my recovery. I remember being afraid that I would never be able to make the trip home.

It was in the midst of my pain, and my fear, that my wife took action to help me. She knew that part of my challenge was how I saw my circumstances, so she rented a couple of humorous videos to watch in the room. It was about an hour into the first movie that I began to laugh, and once that started it was difficult to stop. To this day, I still mark that laughter as the moment things began to change. There was still a great deal of physical recovery to go, but my laughter began to change my attitude, helping me to receive my healing.

Don't neglect laughter in your life, even in sober and challenging times. A little humor can give you fresh perspective and help you take the next steps you need to take. It can also help you bond with your family, which is what I am going to go back and continue to do.

Abide in Love

If you are struggling to find victory in your life, you may want to take a look at your relationships. You may be battling a persistent sin, or trying to make it through a challenging time. You may even feel like your relationship with God has reached a plateau and you desire a deeper more powerful walk of faith. If this is you, have you let the Holy Spirit search your relationship with others?

As hard as it is for us to grasp, God designed us to be in relationship with others and the quality of those relationships can affect other areas of our physical and spiritual lives. When we harbor unforgiveness and bitterness, we can find our bodies suffering and our faith flailing. Some studies have even linked these powerful internalized emotions to health issues, including severe arthritis.

Now no one would suggest that everyone suffering with a physical illness is suffering because of unforgiveness or hatred, but these attitudes do influence our lives in ways we do not expect. They certainly have profound influence on our spiritual lives. The Scripture declares that love in our relationships leads to our abiding in the light, and destructive attitudes in relationships can lead to spiritual blindness that will prevent us from moving forward on our faith journey.

God wants us to walk in the light, because God wants us to prosper and be in health. He wants us to tap into the awesome power of right relationships and appropriate attitudes. Just as we desire the best for those we love, so God desires the best for us because His love for us is perfect. God also takes the first step in modeling the heart of love and forgiveness by loving us into right relationship with Him. We are reminded that God proves His love toward us in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

God took action to restore our relationship with Him while we were still living in opposition to Him. He made the way for us to receive full forgiveness, and now He asks us to be like Him and offer love and forgiveness to others, even before they have earned our forgiveness. When we are obedient to this call of God on our lives, we receive His pleasure and we receive His blessing. Our willingness to love as God loves and to forgive as we have been forgiven turns on the light of heaven in our lives and removes the cause of stumbling.

If you honestly desire God-given victory in you life, take the first step and be sure that you are protected from spiritual blindness. Don't let someone else keep you from your blessing and potentially your destiny. Make a decision to let healthy God-led relationships be the norm in your life. Refuse to let offense settle in, or allow wounds to fester. Follow God's steps in Matthew 18 to heal damaged relationships and allow the Holy Spirit to search you and lead you into the wholeness God has for.

There truly is an awesome power to be found in unity and love. Let the Lord lead you into His very best for you and trust Him to give you the power to release past hurts and struggles, all for the purpose of experiencing the beauty of a life lived in the light of love.

More Lovers, Less Haters

This morning, I am using the following video clip as the close of the message. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa9JE_ZVL88&feature=related

In the clip, Penn Jillette, an outspoken atheist, tells the story of receiving a Bible from a gentleman following his performance. Jillette has been active in proclaiming that there is no god, Christian or otherwise, and even went so far as to take the "Blasphemy Challenge" offered by the Rational Response Squad and publicly deny the existence of a holy spirit.

The two pieces of the clip I find so fascinating are first, the obvious impact that this man and his testimony had on Jillette (clearly he was touched by the experience) and second, the reason I am using the clip) is the his point, "How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them?"

What a wake-up call for Christians. Many choose to sit quietly by while they watch the people around them go through life without God's great revelation. We worry more about being nice and politically correct than we do about the condition of people's souls. We would rather let them miss out on eternity than risk offending them.

I know this clip seriously challenged me when I saw it. Here I am, a person committed to the work of God's kingdom, and I find that I all too easily succumb to the temptation to be quiet and likable.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of a youth speaker I once heard who asked his audience this question, "We say we love people to death. Are you willing to love people to life? He went on say ask if we were willing to take the risk of offense and embarrassment in order to lead people to the eternal life God offers.

Looking at the brokenness of the world, isn't time for the Church to have boldness? People are waiting on the other side of our obedience. They are waiting for us to love them enough to tell them the truth. Spiritually, we need more lovers and a lot less haters. Are you willing to love people to life?

I pray the Spirit of God will help us all be the witnesses to the world we were called to be.

The Skies Speak

Last night our church youth and friends joined for an overnight camp-out on the church lawn. After an eventful time setting up tents and a few rounds of capture the flag, we gathered for devotions and communion around the fire. Our youth leader spoke for a few minutes, then it was my turn to share devotions and the gifts of bread and a little grape juice. One of our former youth even shared a short skit. It was after all these words were spoken and symbols shared, that the most significant testimony to God occurred - we looked up.

Our region was blessed with a night with one of the clearest skies in quite a while. Even with the parking lot lights on, the stars were numerous and vibrant. If you stepped away from the fire and shielded your eyes from the glare, you could even see the cloudy light that is the Milky Way Galaxy. It was stunning.

One of the adults, a retired Navy officer began to share his experiences with the stars throughout his life. He told us of the first time he saw the night sky from the darkness of a ship upon the sea. He went on to share how their beauty spoke to him many times during his service and even how he learned to navigate by those same stars we were enjoying together.

A 16 year old girl, who has great passion for God, came up to me and said, "Pastor, how can anyone look at the vastness of the sky and its beauty and not know that there is a God?" I smiled and confessed, "I have no idea."

The revelation was not new. The Psalmist wrote:
          "The heavens declare the glory of God;
                the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
          Day after day they pour forth speech;
                 night after night they display knowledge.
          There is no speech or language
                 where there voice is not heard." (Psalm 19:1-3 NIV)

The skies do speak. They witness to their Creator. They tell of order and beauty; function and creativity. Something of the vastness of the heavens speaks to the greatness of God. As we stand gazing into those skies we resonate with what we see, knowing that we too are a part of God's great creation and instead of feeling insignificant, we know that in the wonder of it all, God knows us by name.

Tonight, I invite you to pause long enough to look at the skies and let them speak truth to you. Even if they are overcast, even if storms hide the rest of the heavens for a season, even then the heavens declare the majesty, wonder and creativity of God.

What did the skies say to me last night, you may ask. Just this simple, yet profound truth - it is a good thing to turn off, or look beyond the lights of this world to see the light of God.

The Joy of the Lord

Our church youth leader shared a quick devotional at our youth event yesterday reminding us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. He asked us to consider how the community we share with one another makes us strong and encouraged us to find joy in the event we were at. As I reflected on his comments, I realized that I had already been blessed with joy in our gathering. One simple way was through a piece of chalk art on our parking lot.

The youth were having fun drawing on the blacktop, when several of them decided they all needed flower faces. Soon the parking lot was full of these drawings.

The group was cleaning up to prepare for a heated game of capture the flag, when one of our youth said, "Wait, Pastor Chuck needs one." She looked at me and began to draw. She even captured my head wear when she drew my "bandanna flower face."

There was, and is, a big smile on my face. It turns out, there is a great deal of strength to be found in joy, especially the joy that comes from God. Soon the rain will wash the drawings from the parking lot, but mark on my heart will be there for quite a while.

Pastor Chuck's Bandanna Flower Face

Understanding Our Times

The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. - 1 Chron. 12:32

The sons of Issachar understood the times. What a powerful declaration. Not only did they have a grasp on the season in which they lived, but they also knew what Israel ought to do. Talk about the power of wisdom and revelation of the Lord. God downloaded necessary skill and knowledge to those who would steward it for the good of the whole nation of Israel.

This is such a powerful word for us in this season. God is downloading revelation to His people so that they can impart wisdom and understanding to the world around them. Many people are lost, and in this season, they know that they are. Multitudes are looking for understanding and direction. It is a wonderful opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ to shine. When we hear from heaven we can speak something important to the world around us.

People don't need more empty human reason, even from Christians. They need to hear a word from the Lord and God is offering us a multitude of opportunities to speak His word to the world.

It is such an awesome season to be alive and to be in ministry. It is not easy, but what a wonderful time to have the King of Kings walking through the chaos of the world with you. What a great time to declare by word and action that there is peace to be found in Jesus Christ. I am so excited about what God is doing.

All around me, there is the same struggles that are around others. There are still issues and concerns. There is still political unrest, poverty and fear, but if you look deeper you can see that a new thing is happening. God is raising up His church and revival is being birthed in our midst. God is so good!

I hope that the excitement is contagious. Keep looking to Jesus to transform your circumstances. This is a season of extreme favor. I believe it, not just because He wants to bless us, but because God wants to provide us with all that we need to accomplish His purposes for this time. So it is my prayer that you and I will understand our times and know what needs to be done.

7 Ways to Hear from God - Right Now

Do you wish that you could have God's perspective on your life and your circumstances? Do you want to know God's heart and thoughts about you and your life? Some of us might jump at the chance, while others might be hesitant because they believe that God's view of them would be painful to hear. The truth, however, is that God is deeply in love with you and wants to share that love, along with his heart, with you and all creation.

So, how do you hear what God is saying to you? Here are seven ways you can begin to hear from God right now. (Actually, six ways and one to grow on, but you will see, they all work together.)

1. Read the Word - It may seem obvious, but many people neglect this powerful step. God clearly wants to communicate with us and has shared so much through the gift of the Scripture. Recently, a number of my Facebook friends have posted a "like" that reads, "It turns out life does come with an instruction manual - it's called the Bible." This may seem simplistic, but there is great truth in these words. God does want to talk to you through his Word, and this is a great place to start. Even if the passages you read do not directly connect to your circumstances, you are opening the doorway to spiritually connect with God and you will be blessed as you do.

2. Pray - Okay, another obvious choice, but also another commonly neglected one. If we truly desire to hear from God then we need to do our part to come into the conversation. Instead of merely listing the things we need or asking God to "bail us out," making time to share our heart with God and to listen for a reply deepens our sensitivity to the Spirit's leading. God is interested in you and your life, and wants to hear your thoughts along with your needs. Every good relationship needs communication. Take time to talk with God.

3. Worship - Choose some music that speaks to your spirit. Praise worship, hymns and choruses create an atmosphere where we hear with greater clarity. Sometimes we will receive something from the words of our song, but more importantly, we lift our thoughts toward God so that we can see and hear him with greater clarity. Visual symbols and places can also be great tools in our worship. Even the position of our body (seated, standing, kneeling, eyes closed or open, etc.) can help center our thoughts on God and his voice.

4. Meditate - Ponder a Bible verse. Think about an attribute of God. Remember a previous word or blessing. Pray a reflective prayer like the Jesus Prayer, "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me." All of these are ways to quiet our mind and sensitize our spirit to the moving of God in our midst. Important things cannot always be rushed, and hearing from God may require an investment of time, even if we must keep our focus while doing other things.

5. Open Your Ears and Eyes - Frequently, God's greatest communication goes on all around us, but our gaze is somewhere else and we miss the message we are being shown. The voice of a child, the sounds of nature, the pulse of the city can all lead us to what God is saying. Likewise, watching the sunset, smelling the flower, even truly tasting the coffee can allow God to speak to us through our senses. When we become attentive to what is around us, we also become attentive to God.

6. Share with Someone - God's voice can also be heard in the voice of someone else. It may be a spouse, a child or a friend. It may be a pastor, teacher, or a stranger. When we engage others, we have the opportunity to meet God in the process. When St. Benedict created his Rule for monastic communities, he encouraged his disciples to welcome everyone as if they were Jesus Christ. Not only did this make them good and humble servants, it also allowed them to be attentive to what God was saying in their encounters.

7. Keep a Journal - Writing the words we think and hear can help give us clarity and these written words can become doorway to hearing in the future when we revisit what we've written. Looking back over how we heard in the past, and what God said, helps us to hear the fresh things God is saying. This has become a vital part of my spiritual journey. I now take time in all of my devotions to pray, "Lord, what would you say to me today?" I then wait in silence and write any impressions or thoughts that come in that time. When I connect these reflections with others throughout the day, I am amazed at the discoveries I find waiting for me.

I pray these seven steps will help you in hearing from God. May you be richly blessed as you seek the Lord.

Reborn

Your tender hand caught the heart,
Of all who watched to see,
The gentle touch of innocence,
Take hold of the one nearby.
Here, in foreign arms, you felt
Secure to rest and wait,
Till curiosity and comfort met.
Bravely you reached out,
For the face of him who held you.
From that face, I saw you
As you brushed my chin.
We stood as one together,
Declaring eternal truth;
By water and the Spirit,
Be reborn.

(Penned in reflection folowing Baptism)

Tenacious Faith

How far are you willing to go with God?


Jesus, nearing his crucifixion, asked the disciples if they were able to drink from the cup that He would drink from. Would they be willing to pursue the path that they were on, even if the end was not pleasant? The disciples were sure that they could do it. In His presence and the passion of the moment it seemed they could do anything. In the end, they were able, but it was more difficult than they ever expected.

We all want to be finishers in the race. We want to experience and achieve all that God plans for us, but to do that, we will need to develop a tenacity of faith that refuses to be satisfied with anything less that God's best. We must allow God to grow a faith within us that presses on even when the way seems impossible.

Mark, the Gospel writer, tells the story of a woman who pressed through the crowds and through the standards of the day to touch Jesus. In fact, she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” (Mark 5:28) She knew that the power to heal her body was in Jesus. He was her answer, and if she would keep pressing toward Him, she would be healed. She knew that her illness marked her as unclean and that she was not to touch anyone, and certainly not a holy man. Yet, she was undaunted in her pursuit. She simply would not leave until she was whole. That is tenacious faith.

This is the kind of faith God wants to build in you. It is not stubbornness or some form of hostility toward change. It is a deep assurance of the promises of God that well up within us until we say, “I will not be satisfied with anything less than all that God has for me. I will not be deterred. I will not give up. I will not let go of God or His promises."

This was also the attitude of Jacob's heart when he wrestled with God. In the book of Genesis we find the story of a man accustomed to deception and avoidance, who ultimately decides to passionately hold onto God, whatever the cost. As he wrestles with the Lord, he boldly declares, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” This is not selfishness, nor foolishness; it is the heart cry of a person of tenacious faith. It is the declaration of trust in the promises and character of God that inspires an undaunted commitment to lay hold of God and never let go.

A nameless woman pressed on, through physical and social barriers. Jacob held on until he received God's blessing. What about you? Are you going part of the way, or are you going all the way to the end? Will you commit yourself to developing a tenacity of faith that refuses to be satisfied with anything less than God's very best? Will you let God build within you a radical, unrelenting, uncompromising, no-retreating faith that will carry you across the finish line? Will you respond to the question, "How far are you willing to go with God," with the tenacious faith that says, "All the way. All the way!"

May God bless you with an abundance of tenacious faith.

The Power of a Thankful Life

It is not difficult to find fault. Every moment, just like every person, has the potential to fail us, and it seems as if those failings and challenges campaign for our attention. If our circumstances dictate our emotions, it takes very little to steal our joy and leave us frustrated, hurt and wishing for something else.

But, what if our circumstances do not really have the power to force us to adopt certain attitudes and responses? What if we have a choice in every moment to retain a spirit of thankfulness? Where would we be then?

In the book of Revelation, we are given an insight into the atmosphere of the throne room of heaven. We catch a glimpse of the power of God's presence changing attitudes as the beauty of His holiness leads everyone in attitudes and actions of praise and thanksgiving. When God is present, even the dark moments are illuminated by His glory.

If that is God's plan and purpose for eternity, then those of us who have eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ, have at our disposal the ability to receive and embrace the power of that glory here and now. We can choose to respond to life with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving that not only sees God in all our circumstances, but also celebrates victory because of His presence. We can rejoice by choice, celebrating the power of God to move mountains into the sea, to walk thought the dark valley with us, and to protect us in the face of fear.

Such an attitude of thanksgiving is not blind to difficult circumstances or painful experiences. Instead, a true thankful spirit chooses to celebrate God in spite of those struggles. Rather than rehearse a litany of failings and frustrations, focusing on the greener grass somewhere else, thanksgiving calls us to center on God's goodness and love. We are drawn to believe that indeed all things do work together for good for those who love God and called according to His purpose. We do not foolishly say all things are good, but instead, all things lead to good when they are in the hands of God.

This is one of the great truths of the resurrection. In the midst of one of the most evil, painful, horrendous acts in human history, God moved to demonstrate the greatest love. If God moved that way in Jesus' life, we know that He is moving that way in our lives as well. We can praise the Lord for what He has done and what He is doing. We can even praise Him for what He will do because we know God is faithful.

Thanksgiving is not just about family gatherings, pilgrims and turkey. Thanksgiving is a celebration of life and of God in our lives. Moreover, it is a way of living that leads to life. When we live thankful lives, the power of God moves to give us more reasons for praise and thanksgiving. Our eyes are opened to more of God's mighty acts and more of His presence. We gain new vision and greater strength.

So today, decide to be thankful. Say, “I am a child of the living God, and I rejoice by choice. I am thankful! Praise the Lord! Amen!

Finding God in the Ordinary

I suppose it is only human nature to assume that we expect to find the presence of the Almighty in the miraculous and the elaborate parts of our lives, but we miss many of the most precious moments when we fail to see God's presence in the ordinary moments of our lives. In fact, since the majority of our time is easily classified as ordinary, we relegate God's activity in our lives to only a small portion of our experience when we miss his presence in average, mundane parts of our lives.

I frequently have people who ask me if it is okay for them to ask God for help in their jobs, or with the details of their life at home. These precious people express a concern that God is, "busy with more important things," and they feel they should not bother him with their trivial issues. The underlying assumption is that their concerns are not important enough to be worthy of God's attention, and while such concerns are understandable, they miss the great reality of who God is, and just how important the ordinary parts of our lives actually are.

God is deeply concerned about the ordinary parts of our lives, for every part of our experience matters to him and since time creates no boundary on God's ability, there is never a moment when he is too busy to be involved in any detail of our lives. So, maybe it is best for us to open our eyes to the countless small miracles in our day and give praise to God for those precious divine touches in our lives.