I still remember our first Christmas with our children. It was an awesome season filled with a special wonder and joy. Our long season of prayerful expectation was now replaced with three precious lives come to share life with us. What a wonderful Christmas that was and what wonderful gifts from God they were and continue to be. We are so blessed.
There was a time when we wondered if we would ever see the blessing of children in our marriage. We had no doubts in God, but our human nature grew weary in waiting. It seemed like we were stuck in a season of expectation that had no end. We were not alone, and we were not the first.
The nation of Israel felt stuck in a similar season. For centuries they waited for God to fulfill the promise of a savior. They heard and received the prophecies with great hope and faith, but they too began to wonder, “How long, O Lord? How long?” Generation after generation waited for the day when God would fulfill the promise and life would be forever changed. That is why the Gospel writer Matthew wrote, “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophets…” (Mt. 1:22)
Matthew had the joy of declaring the prophecy fulfilled. Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, was the living promise awaited for so long. In this precious life was God Himself, come in human form that we might be saved through Him. Jesus was Immanuel, for He was, God with us. The expectation of multitudes was replaced by elation. The time of fulfillment was come.
Many of us come to this special season knowing that behind all of the parties and presents, there is an inner heart of expectation that cries, “How long?” We are seeking the fulfillment of God’s promise in our lives and we wonder if it will ever be more that a dream. At times the celebrations may even make it worse. We wait and we hope, wondering what when God will remember His promise in us.
Take heart! In this season of miracles is the evidence that God keeps His word. God never failed to fulfill the promise and He never will. There is no vision He placed within you that He will not bring to completion. There is no Word of God written that He will not fulfill. Here, in the season of Christmas, we remember that God brings great gifts is small packages. These are more than pretty presents, they are treasures that bring life. Here, looking into the face of Jesus we see the promise and the answer, and we know that God keeps His word.
This is a season of celebration. For some it is the celebration of promises fulfilled, for others, the celebration comes from knowing the answers are on the way. God has given us the deposit of His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance in Him. Lift your eyes and gaze into the face of the one who is here to declare that fulfillment of the promise in on its way. You have a destiny in Jesus Christ, and God is not about to keep you from ever reaching your destiny.
May your Advent and Christmas season be blessed with the fullness of Christ and may you see in Him the heart of God to lead you to the place of blessing.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Holiday Traditions
One of our family's favorite traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. Like everyone else who has a tree for the holidays, we like to make it look pretty, but it is the activities that surround this traditional event that make it so special.
When we first married, my wife and I had no ornaments for the tree, and we also lacked the finances to purchase fancy decorations. One evening, while shopping at the mall, we found some simple ornaments we liked at Sears and we brought them home. We covered our first tree with Styrofoam apples and strawberries, bows and gold thread balls. It was simple, but very attractive. We loved it because it was ours and it represented the new life that we would share together.
In addition to these basic ornaments, a small knitted duck and some mini taper candles that we purchased on our honeymoon in Williamsburg, Virginia, hung on that first tree. Since then, we add new decorations each year, and every one has a story. Some are gifts from friends, clients and coworkers. Others are purchases made at special occasions. As we place these ornaments on the tree, we remember the stories associated with them, and give thanks for the blessings they represent.
Twelve years ago, when we adopted our three children, the decorations took on new meaning. New ornaments for each child became a holiday tradition, but something more important happened in the process of adorning the tree. The stories of our past became the stories of our children's past. We watched in awe as our three precious gifts: six, eight, and ten years old, took each ornament along with its history and made it a part of their life story.
Now, each year as we decorate the tree, the children take the ornaments and ask about their stories. Sometimes, they even tell us the now familiar tales. We laugh and smile as once again we celebrate the joy of being a family. There is time to show off for the video camera, then we all sit and watch the video of what we just accomplished. It never gets old, and our shelves display a series of videotapes that share the same memories over again, but with new life and joy. Together, the children, the ornament memories, my wife and I all grow closer together and we find a deeper blessing in sharing the holidays as family.
Traditions, when used correctly, strenthen relationships to our past and the people in our present. They give us a sense of place and connection, providing stability to envision our future. Traditions are not rules we are bound to, but opportunities to share our common journey. In our families, churches and communities, we make our way in unison for the joy of being together.
As we journey through this Advent season together, what traditions make this season special to you and your family?
When we first married, my wife and I had no ornaments for the tree, and we also lacked the finances to purchase fancy decorations. One evening, while shopping at the mall, we found some simple ornaments we liked at Sears and we brought them home. We covered our first tree with Styrofoam apples and strawberries, bows and gold thread balls. It was simple, but very attractive. We loved it because it was ours and it represented the new life that we would share together.
In addition to these basic ornaments, a small knitted duck and some mini taper candles that we purchased on our honeymoon in Williamsburg, Virginia, hung on that first tree. Since then, we add new decorations each year, and every one has a story. Some are gifts from friends, clients and coworkers. Others are purchases made at special occasions. As we place these ornaments on the tree, we remember the stories associated with them, and give thanks for the blessings they represent.
Twelve years ago, when we adopted our three children, the decorations took on new meaning. New ornaments for each child became a holiday tradition, but something more important happened in the process of adorning the tree. The stories of our past became the stories of our children's past. We watched in awe as our three precious gifts: six, eight, and ten years old, took each ornament along with its history and made it a part of their life story.
Now, each year as we decorate the tree, the children take the ornaments and ask about their stories. Sometimes, they even tell us the now familiar tales. We laugh and smile as once again we celebrate the joy of being a family. There is time to show off for the video camera, then we all sit and watch the video of what we just accomplished. It never gets old, and our shelves display a series of videotapes that share the same memories over again, but with new life and joy. Together, the children, the ornament memories, my wife and I all grow closer together and we find a deeper blessing in sharing the holidays as family.
Traditions, when used correctly, strenthen relationships to our past and the people in our present. They give us a sense of place and connection, providing stability to envision our future. Traditions are not rules we are bound to, but opportunities to share our common journey. In our families, churches and communities, we make our way in unison for the joy of being together.
As we journey through this Advent season together, what traditions make this season special to you and your family?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Here is Our King
Thanksgiving is over and the leftovers enjoyed, now we prepare to enter the Advent season and make our way to the great celebration of Christmas. In just four weeks, we will prepare ourselves to experience the power of the greatest gift of God, given two millennia ago, and we make our hearts and spirits ready to welcome the presence of Jesus afresh in our lives once again.
In a season this busy, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the celebration. Television Christmas specials, Christmas carols on the radio and the push to help us spend more and more on decorations and presents can easily ease out the deeper, more significant reality of this holy season. Much more than a chance to go to parties, eat special food and share a multitude of presents, Christmas is our opportunity to celebrate to gift of Jesus’ presence in our lives and in the world.
All around us people will be busy shopping and rushing as they fill their lives with activity. Much like that evening in Bethlehem, the chaos of the crowds remains a reality even in our time. People still pass by each other so caught up in their own concerns that the easily miss the needs of those around them, and even more easily miss the presence of the King of kings in their lives.
While the temptation will be for us to enter into the crazy pace of the holidays, a great opportunity exists for us to encounter the wonder of the Savior, and to share the joy of His presence with others. You and I can make the most of this season to pause to thank God for Christ’s presence in our lives and to share the story of God’s love with the world around us.
I remember growing up with Charles Shultz’s “Charlie Brown Christmas.” In the television special, Charlie Brown is being drawn into all of the typical holiday drama by Lucy and her friends. The harder he looks for the true meaning of Christmas, the more it seems to elude him. However, at a pivotal point in the 30 minute special, Linus takes center stage and as the spotlight falls upon him, he begins to tell the story from Luke Chapter 2, “And there were in that same country, shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night….” In just two minutes, he tells the Gospel story of how God loved the world so much that he sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into that world to reveal God’s love.
Like Linus, you and I have a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas and then to declare the wonder of God’s amazing love to the world. We too, can find the opportune moments when we can tell the story and show people what Christmas is really about.
This year, remember… Jesus is the reason for Christmas, and the reason we can declare the wondrous love of God. As we journey through this season together, let us boldly declare, “Here is our King!”
May your Advent and Christmas be greatly blessed!
In a season this busy, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the celebration. Television Christmas specials, Christmas carols on the radio and the push to help us spend more and more on decorations and presents can easily ease out the deeper, more significant reality of this holy season. Much more than a chance to go to parties, eat special food and share a multitude of presents, Christmas is our opportunity to celebrate to gift of Jesus’ presence in our lives and in the world.
All around us people will be busy shopping and rushing as they fill their lives with activity. Much like that evening in Bethlehem, the chaos of the crowds remains a reality even in our time. People still pass by each other so caught up in their own concerns that the easily miss the needs of those around them, and even more easily miss the presence of the King of kings in their lives.
While the temptation will be for us to enter into the crazy pace of the holidays, a great opportunity exists for us to encounter the wonder of the Savior, and to share the joy of His presence with others. You and I can make the most of this season to pause to thank God for Christ’s presence in our lives and to share the story of God’s love with the world around us.
I remember growing up with Charles Shultz’s “Charlie Brown Christmas.” In the television special, Charlie Brown is being drawn into all of the typical holiday drama by Lucy and her friends. The harder he looks for the true meaning of Christmas, the more it seems to elude him. However, at a pivotal point in the 30 minute special, Linus takes center stage and as the spotlight falls upon him, he begins to tell the story from Luke Chapter 2, “And there were in that same country, shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night….” In just two minutes, he tells the Gospel story of how God loved the world so much that he sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into that world to reveal God’s love.
Like Linus, you and I have a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas and then to declare the wonder of God’s amazing love to the world. We too, can find the opportune moments when we can tell the story and show people what Christmas is really about.
This year, remember… Jesus is the reason for Christmas, and the reason we can declare the wondrous love of God. As we journey through this season together, let us boldly declare, “Here is our King!”
May your Advent and Christmas be greatly blessed!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Let It Snow
The snow is falling for the first time this year. Some would say that the dreaded day arrived, but for our family we celebrate that it is finally here. In fact, we make a point each year to celebrate first day of snow as a very special day.
Typically, when I share my love for snow and all of the winter activity, people, even my friends, groan and offer all sorts of disdain for the cold weather/ They remind me of the problems associated with shoveling, driving and dressing. They point out the problems some people have getting out to do basic tasks, and the health challenges it creates for others. They hate the snow and they want me to share their feelings.
People mean well and thankfully, they are honest, but I do not see this part of the world the same way as they do. I love the beauty of snowflakes falling, coating everything from rooftops to lawns with a crisp, clean coating of fresh snow. I see the possibility of snowmen and snow angels. Skiing, snowmobiling and skating become choices on the entertainment list.
I like living in an area where I can experience all four seasons, and of he possible weather related concerns, I would gladly choose cold and snow over some of the more devastating options. In fact, my wife and I chose to live where we do and, just as someone chooses the south or the beach to enjoy the warm days of summer, we chose here to enjoy the beauty of winter.
These differences of opinion, or preference, only serve to illustrate the great diversity that surrounds us. Each of us has our own likes and dislikes, our own dreams and visions, and our own way of appreciating the world. God created us with these differences and, when we see them for what they are, they add beauty and flavor to life. It is easy to let our differences separate us, but we can, with the right attitude, allow them to complete us.
It is appropriate for me to ponder these concerns at this time of year because, one of the moments that powerfully revealed to me the importance of diversity came during the Thanksgiving holiday. For many years, my whole family would gather in Pittsburgh to celebrate Thanksgiving with each other. It was always a very special time, and a great joy to have everyone together for a few days. We all lived in different parts of the country, but it was good to be home and be together.
Of course, Thanksgiving dinner was one of the high points of our time together, and I can remember how amazed I was by the efforts everyone made to include the tastes and preferences of the others. We served turkey and ham, Coke and Pepsi, and even made arrangements to have dinner ready over a period of time to allow people to arrive when they could. Everything was done to make sure everyone was welcome and valued.
To this day, that is the definition I carry of what the Church should look like - a place where everyone is welcome and valued. Our difference should be celebrated, rather than becoming points of animosity and division. I recognize that real community helps us to grow and challenges us to become who God made us to be, but all too often we contend over our differences rather than celebrating them.
So, as the snow falls outside, I look forward to enjoying every minute of it. I also celebrate that others are looking forward to the warm days of summer. Together, we appreciate the fullness and beauty of creation, and in doing so, we celebrate the beauty and creativity of God.
Typically, when I share my love for snow and all of the winter activity, people, even my friends, groan and offer all sorts of disdain for the cold weather/ They remind me of the problems associated with shoveling, driving and dressing. They point out the problems some people have getting out to do basic tasks, and the health challenges it creates for others. They hate the snow and they want me to share their feelings.
People mean well and thankfully, they are honest, but I do not see this part of the world the same way as they do. I love the beauty of snowflakes falling, coating everything from rooftops to lawns with a crisp, clean coating of fresh snow. I see the possibility of snowmen and snow angels. Skiing, snowmobiling and skating become choices on the entertainment list.
I like living in an area where I can experience all four seasons, and of he possible weather related concerns, I would gladly choose cold and snow over some of the more devastating options. In fact, my wife and I chose to live where we do and, just as someone chooses the south or the beach to enjoy the warm days of summer, we chose here to enjoy the beauty of winter.
These differences of opinion, or preference, only serve to illustrate the great diversity that surrounds us. Each of us has our own likes and dislikes, our own dreams and visions, and our own way of appreciating the world. God created us with these differences and, when we see them for what they are, they add beauty and flavor to life. It is easy to let our differences separate us, but we can, with the right attitude, allow them to complete us.
It is appropriate for me to ponder these concerns at this time of year because, one of the moments that powerfully revealed to me the importance of diversity came during the Thanksgiving holiday. For many years, my whole family would gather in Pittsburgh to celebrate Thanksgiving with each other. It was always a very special time, and a great joy to have everyone together for a few days. We all lived in different parts of the country, but it was good to be home and be together.
Of course, Thanksgiving dinner was one of the high points of our time together, and I can remember how amazed I was by the efforts everyone made to include the tastes and preferences of the others. We served turkey and ham, Coke and Pepsi, and even made arrangements to have dinner ready over a period of time to allow people to arrive when they could. Everything was done to make sure everyone was welcome and valued.
To this day, that is the definition I carry of what the Church should look like - a place where everyone is welcome and valued. Our difference should be celebrated, rather than becoming points of animosity and division. I recognize that real community helps us to grow and challenges us to become who God made us to be, but all too often we contend over our differences rather than celebrating them.
So, as the snow falls outside, I look forward to enjoying every minute of it. I also celebrate that others are looking forward to the warm days of summer. Together, we appreciate the fullness and beauty of creation, and in doing so, we celebrate the beauty and creativity of God.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Advent - Don't Miss It
There is just something wrong with finding the Halloween candy and the candy canes next to each other," was the quote posted by a good friend of our family as she lamented the advance celebration of the holidays. Most of us have probably had similar feelings as we watched the Christmas decorations come out near the beginning of October, and most recently the Black Friday sales available a week before Thanksgiving.
We enjoy our celebrations, but we do not want to miss them, or the space between them in a mad rush to get to the next one. There is something special about taking the time to fully enjoy the celebration that is before us, before moving on to something new. The frantic pace of business and culture makes savoring these moments more difficult and it has even made its way into the church.
November 28th, we enter the season of Advent, a season of preparation and expectation. It is the time when we anticipate the celebration of our Savior's birth and look forward to his return. It is a season meant to increase our sense of wonder and our excitement over what is yet to come. In four simple, yet special weeks, we prepare ourselves, our families and our community for the joy of Christmas. Meanwhile, the world around us is already celebrating Christmas. The baby is already in the manger surrounded by shepherds and the wise men have already come. By the time Christmas arrives, the celebration is nearly over, when it should be just beginning.
We cannot stop the world from celebrating too soon, but we can be sure to take our time. We can be patient, allowing the expectation to build, and like Mary, ponder these things in our heart. This Advent season, I encourage you not to rush too quickly to Christmas, but enjoy this time of preparation and anticipation. It is only four weeks and will be gone before you know it. So before I wish you Merry Christmas, I say to you, "Have a blessed Advent!" It is a great season - don't miss it.
We enjoy our celebrations, but we do not want to miss them, or the space between them in a mad rush to get to the next one. There is something special about taking the time to fully enjoy the celebration that is before us, before moving on to something new. The frantic pace of business and culture makes savoring these moments more difficult and it has even made its way into the church.
November 28th, we enter the season of Advent, a season of preparation and expectation. It is the time when we anticipate the celebration of our Savior's birth and look forward to his return. It is a season meant to increase our sense of wonder and our excitement over what is yet to come. In four simple, yet special weeks, we prepare ourselves, our families and our community for the joy of Christmas. Meanwhile, the world around us is already celebrating Christmas. The baby is already in the manger surrounded by shepherds and the wise men have already come. By the time Christmas arrives, the celebration is nearly over, when it should be just beginning.
We cannot stop the world from celebrating too soon, but we can be sure to take our time. We can be patient, allowing the expectation to build, and like Mary, ponder these things in our heart. This Advent season, I encourage you not to rush too quickly to Christmas, but enjoy this time of preparation and anticipation. It is only four weeks and will be gone before you know it. So before I wish you Merry Christmas, I say to you, "Have a blessed Advent!" It is a great season - don't miss it.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Giving Thanks
Have you ever pondered what it means to, “give thanks?” We frequently use that expression to refer to offering a prayer before we eat our meal. Numerous times, I’ve been asked to, “say grace,” or, “return thanks,” before we share in a meal. I imagine that this afternoon, as we gather with friends to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal, I may be called upon to offer a similar prayer, but I wonder, is giving thanks merely asking God to bless our food and our fellowship, or is there something much deeper at work in these moments.
A dear friend invited me to a meal with his wife and her family. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and yes, I was asked to pray before the meal. The most amazing memory of that day, however, was the conversation I shared with my friend’s brother-in-law.
As we sat across from each other eating our food, he began to share his own thoughts on giving thanks. He said, “So often, I see people saying, ‘thank you,’ to God for their food, yet they never enjoy their meal. They pause for a moment before they begin and then rush to be finished.”
“What do you think they should do,” I asked, to which he replied, “I can tell you what I do. Say I am having fish for dinner. I give thanks to God for providing me with the fish to eat and for the fish that has given its life for me, then, I really enjoy the fish. I believe the greatest act of thanksgiving I can offer is to truly appreciate and savor the gift I am given.”
I was speechless and convicted. I thought of how frequently I offered a quick word of thanks for my food and then ate so quickly I barely remembered the taste of the food. I could not think of the last time I ate something, savoring each bite as a gift.
As I recall his words, I am still convicted, though I do make a greater effort to slow down and appreciate what I am given. I realize that thanksgiving is so much more that the words of thanks we share, and I recognize that savoring our blessings applies to so much more than food. Every gift, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks by fully enjoying the gift I am given.
Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is my goal to take one more step toward appreciating the gift of life and the life-giving gifts that are shared with me. I plan to savor every bite of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and pie. I also anticipate relishing each conversation, each person around the table, each story, laugh and smile. I want to climb into bed tonight knowing that I blessed God for the many blessings of this day with my words, with my attentiveness, and with my life.
Will you join me in truly giving thanks by living thanks? May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed, and may you be blessed in your thanksgiving.
A dear friend invited me to a meal with his wife and her family. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and yes, I was asked to pray before the meal. The most amazing memory of that day, however, was the conversation I shared with my friend’s brother-in-law.
As we sat across from each other eating our food, he began to share his own thoughts on giving thanks. He said, “So often, I see people saying, ‘thank you,’ to God for their food, yet they never enjoy their meal. They pause for a moment before they begin and then rush to be finished.”
“What do you think they should do,” I asked, to which he replied, “I can tell you what I do. Say I am having fish for dinner. I give thanks to God for providing me with the fish to eat and for the fish that has given its life for me, then, I really enjoy the fish. I believe the greatest act of thanksgiving I can offer is to truly appreciate and savor the gift I am given.”
I was speechless and convicted. I thought of how frequently I offered a quick word of thanks for my food and then ate so quickly I barely remembered the taste of the food. I could not think of the last time I ate something, savoring each bite as a gift.
As I recall his words, I am still convicted, though I do make a greater effort to slow down and appreciate what I am given. I realize that thanksgiving is so much more that the words of thanks we share, and I recognize that savoring our blessings applies to so much more than food. Every gift, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks by fully enjoying the gift I am given.
Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is my goal to take one more step toward appreciating the gift of life and the life-giving gifts that are shared with me. I plan to savor every bite of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and pie. I also anticipate relishing each conversation, each person around the table, each story, laugh and smile. I want to climb into bed tonight knowing that I blessed God for the many blessings of this day with my words, with my attentiveness, and with my life.
Will you join me in truly giving thanks by living thanks? May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed, and may you be blessed in your thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Key of Thanksgiving
The church is full of people who want to experience the power of God’s presence in their lives. They love Him and they want to know Him more. Yet many of those people live with an awareness that something is still missing. The key to unlocking that deep relationship with their Savior seems to constantly elude them. “Just what does it take,” they ask, “to open the floodgates of heaven that the presence of God might fill our lives.”
As with all relationships, the answer usually involves several facets. However, there is one primary key that can open the door to more of God and that is the Key of Thanksgiving. The Scripture tell us that we are to, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” If we want to enter into the place where the glory of God dwells, then we will need the key that God gives us in His word, and He says that the key is thanksgiving.
We might be tempted to think that some demanding spiritual exercise is necessary, or maybe we have to achieve a certain level of spirituality before we can have a deeper experience of God’s presence. God, however, does not put those demands upon us, instead, He calls us to people of thanksgiving and praise. There is no achievement required, only a willingness to declare God’s goodness.
“Why thanksgiving,” you may ask. Well, because thanksgiving changes us. It moves us from negativity and toward something positive. It calls us away from being caught up in ourselves and to connect with God. It gets our minds and our spirits in harmony with God and His Spirit. It lifts our eyes off of our circumstances and onto the One who holds all life in His hands. As we begin declaring our thanksgiving and praise, we remember all that God has already done and we recall His unchanging faithfulness. We strengthen our faith to believe that God will continue to care for us as he always has.
The more we thank and praise, the more we magnify our heavenly Father. The more we magnify Him, the greater He becomes in our eyes and the more we can trust Him. We open our eyes to more of His presence in our midst and we anticipate what He will do next. We look for the blessing that is all around us and we see more of His wonders in our lives.
Thanks and praise leads us to become Ephesians 3:20 people… those who look for God to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think. We find ourselves excited about the opportunities God is creating to show His glory in our lives and that lead us to a greater, more meaningful relationship with Him.
Thanksgiving is so much more than a holiday or a turkey dinner. It is more than something we offer at times of harvest and blessing. It is a key to living in the presence of God. It opens the door to viewing all of our life as a great blessing from God and it multiplies the opportunities for us to experience God’s glory in the land of the living.
This year, make thanksgiving a way of life and look for the encounters with God that will follow.
As with all relationships, the answer usually involves several facets. However, there is one primary key that can open the door to more of God and that is the Key of Thanksgiving. The Scripture tell us that we are to, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” If we want to enter into the place where the glory of God dwells, then we will need the key that God gives us in His word, and He says that the key is thanksgiving.
We might be tempted to think that some demanding spiritual exercise is necessary, or maybe we have to achieve a certain level of spirituality before we can have a deeper experience of God’s presence. God, however, does not put those demands upon us, instead, He calls us to people of thanksgiving and praise. There is no achievement required, only a willingness to declare God’s goodness.
“Why thanksgiving,” you may ask. Well, because thanksgiving changes us. It moves us from negativity and toward something positive. It calls us away from being caught up in ourselves and to connect with God. It gets our minds and our spirits in harmony with God and His Spirit. It lifts our eyes off of our circumstances and onto the One who holds all life in His hands. As we begin declaring our thanksgiving and praise, we remember all that God has already done and we recall His unchanging faithfulness. We strengthen our faith to believe that God will continue to care for us as he always has.
The more we thank and praise, the more we magnify our heavenly Father. The more we magnify Him, the greater He becomes in our eyes and the more we can trust Him. We open our eyes to more of His presence in our midst and we anticipate what He will do next. We look for the blessing that is all around us and we see more of His wonders in our lives.
Thanks and praise leads us to become Ephesians 3:20 people… those who look for God to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think. We find ourselves excited about the opportunities God is creating to show His glory in our lives and that lead us to a greater, more meaningful relationship with Him.
Thanksgiving is so much more than a holiday or a turkey dinner. It is more than something we offer at times of harvest and blessing. It is a key to living in the presence of God. It opens the door to viewing all of our life as a great blessing from God and it multiplies the opportunities for us to experience God’s glory in the land of the living.
This year, make thanksgiving a way of life and look for the encounters with God that will follow.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Frustration to Faith
Have you ever had a day that simply did not go in the direction you expected? We all have, and sometimes it can feel like the world is actually working against you. Typically, those feelings come from our disappointment and frustration, but occasionally, we really are on the receiving end of the world's animosity, or experiencing the results of sin in the world.
It is not because we are necessarily bad people, or because we have done something to deserve the negativity coming our way. In fact, like the biblical figure Job, we be completely righteous, yet still experience obstacles and attacks we do not deserve.
As people of faith, we make a decision to align ourselves with God and the principles of his kingdom. In that decision, we open ourselves to the blessings God has in store for those who love him and seek to grow into his likeness. At the same time, by our choice, we set ourselves in opposition to that which opposes God, which often means that our direction will be different from the world around us and we may, in fact, end up swimming upstream against the flow of the world.
So, when we find ourselves working through a day that seems to be working against us, we should ask ourselves, "Are the challenges of this day the result of the way in which I chose to live when I chose to follow God?"
Other days, our struggle is the result of the brokenness that exists in our world. The fractured systems that surround us open doorways for us to experience injustice and inequity, often having nothing to do with what we've done, or left undone. We simply feel the painful result of sin in the world.
While these moments can be frustrating, even painful, they are also wonderful opportunities for us to turn to God for strength and direction, to identify with others in the world who experience such pain and injustice as a part of daily life, and to be challenged to become agents of grace and change in the world. We can allow ourselves to be moved by our own circumstances to make a positive, holy change in the circumstances of others.
For those other times, when we are simply disappointed that life went a direction we did not expect. We can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us virtues through our challenges. We can deepen patience and humility when we are forced to wait longer than we expected. We can heighten our compassion when we feel slighted by others. We can look for blessings in new places when our plans do not work out. In each and every moment, we can discover something new and, if we maintain a teachable spirit, we can grow through our experiences.
Such awareness is not easy. I know that I frequently chafe when things do not go the way I expect, when I lose my free time or when my plans are uprooted. I struggle when I am on the receiving end of hurtful, unfair actions, and I do not enjoy struggling against the flow of the world when I would like to be like everyone else.
However, I know that I love God and that God loves me. I know that I want to become the person I was created to be and embrace the fullness of my destiny. I know that I want to make a difference in the world and to make my life a blessing. This is where I seek to keep my focus, even in the midst of chaos. I still fail many times, but I keep pressing forward because the goal is worth it.
As you embrace the day God gives you, I invite you to put your whole trust in his grace and look to him to give you the strength to face whatever is before you. The Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and you can too. Be strong in the Lord. Trust in him and he will direct your paths, even if they go through the dark and challenging valley.
It is not because we are necessarily bad people, or because we have done something to deserve the negativity coming our way. In fact, like the biblical figure Job, we be completely righteous, yet still experience obstacles and attacks we do not deserve.
As people of faith, we make a decision to align ourselves with God and the principles of his kingdom. In that decision, we open ourselves to the blessings God has in store for those who love him and seek to grow into his likeness. At the same time, by our choice, we set ourselves in opposition to that which opposes God, which often means that our direction will be different from the world around us and we may, in fact, end up swimming upstream against the flow of the world.
So, when we find ourselves working through a day that seems to be working against us, we should ask ourselves, "Are the challenges of this day the result of the way in which I chose to live when I chose to follow God?"
Other days, our struggle is the result of the brokenness that exists in our world. The fractured systems that surround us open doorways for us to experience injustice and inequity, often having nothing to do with what we've done, or left undone. We simply feel the painful result of sin in the world.
While these moments can be frustrating, even painful, they are also wonderful opportunities for us to turn to God for strength and direction, to identify with others in the world who experience such pain and injustice as a part of daily life, and to be challenged to become agents of grace and change in the world. We can allow ourselves to be moved by our own circumstances to make a positive, holy change in the circumstances of others.
For those other times, when we are simply disappointed that life went a direction we did not expect. We can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us virtues through our challenges. We can deepen patience and humility when we are forced to wait longer than we expected. We can heighten our compassion when we feel slighted by others. We can look for blessings in new places when our plans do not work out. In each and every moment, we can discover something new and, if we maintain a teachable spirit, we can grow through our experiences.
Such awareness is not easy. I know that I frequently chafe when things do not go the way I expect, when I lose my free time or when my plans are uprooted. I struggle when I am on the receiving end of hurtful, unfair actions, and I do not enjoy struggling against the flow of the world when I would like to be like everyone else.
However, I know that I love God and that God loves me. I know that I want to become the person I was created to be and embrace the fullness of my destiny. I know that I want to make a difference in the world and to make my life a blessing. This is where I seek to keep my focus, even in the midst of chaos. I still fail many times, but I keep pressing forward because the goal is worth it.
As you embrace the day God gives you, I invite you to put your whole trust in his grace and look to him to give you the strength to face whatever is before you. The Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and you can too. Be strong in the Lord. Trust in him and he will direct your paths, even if they go through the dark and challenging valley.
Monday, November 22, 2010
In the Storm
The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!"
(Psalm 29:3-9)
I awoke earlier this morning aware of something going on outside, but as my head cleared, I could not tell what it was. I turned over in bed to rest for a few minutes and thought I saw a light flashing in the room, yet when I opened my eyes, nothing was there. I thought to myself, "I am having some wild dreams this morning." Barely had the thought crossed my mind, when I heard the loud crash of thunder. I smiled, waiting to enjoy more of the show as the words of Psalm 29 came to mind.
I love this Psalm, possibly because I love thunderstorms. I recognized that these powerful weather events cause great damage and sometimes, even death. I know that their power must be respected, but I cannot help but be awestruck by their majesty. I am always impressed, and strangely comforted in the storm.
I credit my mother with my feelings about thunderstorms. She always enjoyed them, and when I was very young, she wanted to be sure that I was not afraid as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared around our home. She would open the curtains of our large front window and hold me in her arms as we watched the glorious show nature was providing. Since then, I've always equated thunderstorms with a sense of wonder and of peace. The simple act my mother took, gave me the ability to rest comfortably in the midst of the storm around me.
I cannot help but think that the Psalmist must have had some similar feelings as he watched the storm form over the water and make its way toward him. I can hear the wonder in his words as he reveled in the "voice of the Lord." He too respected the power that was in the storm, but he also saw God there as well, and it was ultimately God's power that captivated him.
My experience with the storm this morning started me thinking about other storms in my life, the personal ones that seem so hard to pass through. I began to wonder if I could not learn something from my feelings in the physical storms that could strengthen me in the personal ones. Could it be, that just like in the times of lightning and thunder, God is present in the midst of my personal storms and that they might be moments designed to open my eyes to his presence in my life? Could God be calling me to stand at the window of my life and be awed by the storm around me while affirming my safety at the same time? Could it be, that in the midst of my greatest storms, God, like my mother, is holding on to me to comfort me, remove my fear, and assure me that everything is in his hands?
As I continue to ponder what the Holy Spirit is saying to me out of my experience, I believe that the answer to all three of these questions is a resounding, "Yes!" God is in the midst of the storm. God is calling me to trust. God is holding on to me so that the storm will not overtake me. I doubt that I will ever come to a point where I will anticipate storms in my personal life quite the way I look forward to a good thunderstorm, but I do believe that God can give me new eyes to see those storms in a new way; a way based upon God's awesome power and my trust in God.
All of us face storms in our lives. Maybe the question before us is, can we see God in the midst of our storm? I've often thought about the disciples facing the storm as they tried to keep their boat afloat, while Jesus slept in the back. Of course, the story ends with them waking him and his word calming the storm, but I wonder, was this the opportunity for them to ride out the storm of their lives knowing they were safe with the Son of God in the midst of the storm with them.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said on his deathbed, "the best is God is with us." Maybe that is all we need to know to be strong in the face of our storms.
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!"
(Psalm 29:3-9)
I awoke earlier this morning aware of something going on outside, but as my head cleared, I could not tell what it was. I turned over in bed to rest for a few minutes and thought I saw a light flashing in the room, yet when I opened my eyes, nothing was there. I thought to myself, "I am having some wild dreams this morning." Barely had the thought crossed my mind, when I heard the loud crash of thunder. I smiled, waiting to enjoy more of the show as the words of Psalm 29 came to mind.
I love this Psalm, possibly because I love thunderstorms. I recognized that these powerful weather events cause great damage and sometimes, even death. I know that their power must be respected, but I cannot help but be awestruck by their majesty. I am always impressed, and strangely comforted in the storm.
I credit my mother with my feelings about thunderstorms. She always enjoyed them, and when I was very young, she wanted to be sure that I was not afraid as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared around our home. She would open the curtains of our large front window and hold me in her arms as we watched the glorious show nature was providing. Since then, I've always equated thunderstorms with a sense of wonder and of peace. The simple act my mother took, gave me the ability to rest comfortably in the midst of the storm around me.
I cannot help but think that the Psalmist must have had some similar feelings as he watched the storm form over the water and make its way toward him. I can hear the wonder in his words as he reveled in the "voice of the Lord." He too respected the power that was in the storm, but he also saw God there as well, and it was ultimately God's power that captivated him.
My experience with the storm this morning started me thinking about other storms in my life, the personal ones that seem so hard to pass through. I began to wonder if I could not learn something from my feelings in the physical storms that could strengthen me in the personal ones. Could it be, that just like in the times of lightning and thunder, God is present in the midst of my personal storms and that they might be moments designed to open my eyes to his presence in my life? Could God be calling me to stand at the window of my life and be awed by the storm around me while affirming my safety at the same time? Could it be, that in the midst of my greatest storms, God, like my mother, is holding on to me to comfort me, remove my fear, and assure me that everything is in his hands?
As I continue to ponder what the Holy Spirit is saying to me out of my experience, I believe that the answer to all three of these questions is a resounding, "Yes!" God is in the midst of the storm. God is calling me to trust. God is holding on to me so that the storm will not overtake me. I doubt that I will ever come to a point where I will anticipate storms in my personal life quite the way I look forward to a good thunderstorm, but I do believe that God can give me new eyes to see those storms in a new way; a way based upon God's awesome power and my trust in God.
All of us face storms in our lives. Maybe the question before us is, can we see God in the midst of our storm? I've often thought about the disciples facing the storm as they tried to keep their boat afloat, while Jesus slept in the back. Of course, the story ends with them waking him and his word calming the storm, but I wonder, was this the opportunity for them to ride out the storm of their lives knowing they were safe with the Son of God in the midst of the storm with them.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said on his deathbed, "the best is God is with us." Maybe that is all we need to know to be strong in the face of our storms.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Patient Grace
Earlier today, I was pondering what attribute of God's character had the greatest impact on my life. Now, I know that it is impossible to narrow it to one and that I am in need of all that God is in my life. I also realize that, like a favorite passage of scripture, choosing one favorite part of God's character is likely to change depending on the season of my life.
With all of those considerations in mind, I still believe that the most meaningful part of God's character to my life is the abundance of patient grace. I look back over my life and I am amazed how overwhelmingly patient God was, and is, with me. I am struck by what a slow learner I can be, and by how easily I am distracted from what I've been taught by God. I wonder if I have even a portion of that patience with the people in my life.
I am struck by how that patient grace shapes my life as God gently, and sometimes not so gently, guides me along the right path and brings me back to it from my occasional departures. It would be so easy for God to grow weary with me, yet that never happens. In fact, it seems like the more I chafe, wander and struggle, the more God steps in to remind me of his love, forgive me of my sins, and empower me to take the right, next step.
Often others, the devil and even I, speak words of judgement and defeat over my life, yet God, like a gentle, loving parent, chooses a different path - the path of patient grace. His words are filled with compassion, hope and promise. God sees what I cannot always see in myself and calls it forth from within me.
I can only speak for my own journey, but I know that I will be forever grateful for the blessing of that grace. I know that when I am aware of it working in my life, I feel God's divine strength enabling me to become who I was made to be in him. Many people I know struggle with their past and their failures, but I thank God that we are not defined by them.
God said, and says, "Behold, I make all things new." The Holy Spirit working in us can overcome our past and our present and lead us into the future we were destined to live. Won't you join my in confessing with so many others like us, "I may not be where I want to be, but I'm sure not where I used to be! Thanks be to God!"
With all of those considerations in mind, I still believe that the most meaningful part of God's character to my life is the abundance of patient grace. I look back over my life and I am amazed how overwhelmingly patient God was, and is, with me. I am struck by what a slow learner I can be, and by how easily I am distracted from what I've been taught by God. I wonder if I have even a portion of that patience with the people in my life.
I am struck by how that patient grace shapes my life as God gently, and sometimes not so gently, guides me along the right path and brings me back to it from my occasional departures. It would be so easy for God to grow weary with me, yet that never happens. In fact, it seems like the more I chafe, wander and struggle, the more God steps in to remind me of his love, forgive me of my sins, and empower me to take the right, next step.
Often others, the devil and even I, speak words of judgement and defeat over my life, yet God, like a gentle, loving parent, chooses a different path - the path of patient grace. His words are filled with compassion, hope and promise. God sees what I cannot always see in myself and calls it forth from within me.
I can only speak for my own journey, but I know that I will be forever grateful for the blessing of that grace. I know that when I am aware of it working in my life, I feel God's divine strength enabling me to become who I was made to be in him. Many people I know struggle with their past and their failures, but I thank God that we are not defined by them.
God said, and says, "Behold, I make all things new." The Holy Spirit working in us can overcome our past and our present and lead us into the future we were destined to live. Won't you join my in confessing with so many others like us, "I may not be where I want to be, but I'm sure not where I used to be! Thanks be to God!"
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Who We Are
"Who am I?" It was a simple question asked by the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, to which he answered, "I am one loved by Christ."
All of us wrestle with our identity and would that it were only though our teenage years of self discovery. Many of us are haunted by the question of who we are and what our place is in the world. If the question is left unanswered, we will pursue a myriad of paths to fill the inner void, many of which will lead to pain and destruction.
The glorious truth is, that no matter what the world around us may say, our identity and worth is not determined by what we possess, by where we've come from or by what others think of us. Instead, it is fixed in knowledge that we are created in the image of God. We bear God's mark upon us and, even more affirming, we are loved by the One whose image we bear.
Our craving to understand who we really are is satisfied by drawing near to God and allowing God to draw near to us. It is when we cease from our striving to find validation in temporal things or the affirmation of others, and accept the awesome love of the Creator, that we can discover the answer we long to find. It is God, the One who calls us by name, who declares that we are of infinite worth.
Sometimes, amid the many voices around me that tempt me to embrace another reality, I need reminded that my hope, my identity is is God. Maybe, you too wrestle to know who you are. Maybe, you too are tempted to look in places that can never satisfy. Today, we can together make a decision to celebrate who we are and like Brother Thomas declare, "I am one loved by Christ."
All of us wrestle with our identity and would that it were only though our teenage years of self discovery. Many of us are haunted by the question of who we are and what our place is in the world. If the question is left unanswered, we will pursue a myriad of paths to fill the inner void, many of which will lead to pain and destruction.
The glorious truth is, that no matter what the world around us may say, our identity and worth is not determined by what we possess, by where we've come from or by what others think of us. Instead, it is fixed in knowledge that we are created in the image of God. We bear God's mark upon us and, even more affirming, we are loved by the One whose image we bear.
Our craving to understand who we really are is satisfied by drawing near to God and allowing God to draw near to us. It is when we cease from our striving to find validation in temporal things or the affirmation of others, and accept the awesome love of the Creator, that we can discover the answer we long to find. It is God, the One who calls us by name, who declares that we are of infinite worth.
Sometimes, amid the many voices around me that tempt me to embrace another reality, I need reminded that my hope, my identity is is God. Maybe, you too wrestle to know who you are. Maybe, you too are tempted to look in places that can never satisfy. Today, we can together make a decision to celebrate who we are and like Brother Thomas declare, "I am one loved by Christ."
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Learning My Own Lesson
Have you ever come face to face with a truth about yourself that wasn't pretty? Moments like these are never particularly enjoyable, but many times they can be very valuable times.
Yesterday, while shopping at a local store, I had the opportunity to visit with a couple of friends. We were busy sharing laughs and a few stories, when one of my friends asked the simple question, "How is everything going?"
Caught up in the flow of conversation, I responded quickly by affirming things were good and sharing a few short anecdotes about how busy things were as I approached Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. I went on to talk about the paperwork I was facing and the all-day meeting that was upcoming. My friend smiled, told me how sorry he was about the fullness of my schedule and offered to keep me in prayer.
It was not until several hours later that I paused long enough for God to get my attention. Ever so gently I was reminded that my friend, and those who were around us, were also living lives with full schedules. I was so caught up in the challenges of my schedule that I never thought to consider the impact of my words on those around me.
I've preached, spoken and written about positive attitudes and the importance of not sharing a critical or complaining spirit, and here I was faced to see that I was doing the very thing I did not want to do. I was stunned at how easily I took a normal challenge of life and made it a challenge I then passed on to others when I could have used that same time to speak words of grace that would build them up.
God lovingly reminded me that my calling was not to bemoan my challenges, but to equip and encourage others on their way. The Bible tells us that we will, "give an accounting of every idle word," and while I do not see that text as evoking guilt and fear, it is a sobering reality that I am responsible for the seeds I sow in the lives of others.
I do not know where you are in your own journey, but I do pray that together, we can learn from what God is teaching me, that we can take greater responsibility for what we say, how we say it, and the impact we make for God in everything we do.
Life is busy, but God is great and good. Let us encourage one another even now.
Yesterday, while shopping at a local store, I had the opportunity to visit with a couple of friends. We were busy sharing laughs and a few stories, when one of my friends asked the simple question, "How is everything going?"
Caught up in the flow of conversation, I responded quickly by affirming things were good and sharing a few short anecdotes about how busy things were as I approached Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. I went on to talk about the paperwork I was facing and the all-day meeting that was upcoming. My friend smiled, told me how sorry he was about the fullness of my schedule and offered to keep me in prayer.
It was not until several hours later that I paused long enough for God to get my attention. Ever so gently I was reminded that my friend, and those who were around us, were also living lives with full schedules. I was so caught up in the challenges of my schedule that I never thought to consider the impact of my words on those around me.
I've preached, spoken and written about positive attitudes and the importance of not sharing a critical or complaining spirit, and here I was faced to see that I was doing the very thing I did not want to do. I was stunned at how easily I took a normal challenge of life and made it a challenge I then passed on to others when I could have used that same time to speak words of grace that would build them up.
God lovingly reminded me that my calling was not to bemoan my challenges, but to equip and encourage others on their way. The Bible tells us that we will, "give an accounting of every idle word," and while I do not see that text as evoking guilt and fear, it is a sobering reality that I am responsible for the seeds I sow in the lives of others.
I do not know where you are in your own journey, but I do pray that together, we can learn from what God is teaching me, that we can take greater responsibility for what we say, how we say it, and the impact we make for God in everything we do.
Life is busy, but God is great and good. Let us encourage one another even now.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Helping Others Grieve
If you have ever been called upon to stand beside a good friend during the loss of someone they loved, then you know what an awesome gift and responsibility it is. As a pastor, I receive many opportunities to share this journey with members of my church family and others who need someone to help them through this challenging part of their journey. During these times, I am able to observe how people share their support with others.
Over the years I’ve seen some friends and family members be a tremendous source of strength and compassion. I’ve watched as they share God’s love in tangible ways that help those overcome with grief find courage and hope. It is a precious thing to touch someone’s life with these gifts.
I’ve also observed people trying to offer compassion and support actually make the experience more challenging. Sometimes, it is difficult to know what to do or say, and our best efforts seem to do more harm than good.
From what I’ve experienced, here are a few tips to help you be the compassionate source of strength you long to be
1. Watch what you say. Often, in our desperate attempt to be helpful, we succumb to the temptation to say anything that sounds good to us, but our words can bring more pain if we do not carefully weigh them first. Statements like, “He is in a better place,” and, “God needed her more,” sound like they would be comforting, but, in fact, they rarely are. The one grieving is typically thinking, “No, the best place for them to be is with me and how could God possibly need them more than I do. God can have anything he wants. I just want the person I love back with me.” If we really love and care about the person we are with, we will think about the impact of our words before we say them.
2. You don’t have all the answers. When someone we love begins asking, “Why?” instinctively, we want to give them an answer, something that will bring them some peace. The trouble is, we rarely have the answer. We simply do not know why things are the way they are and we cannot fully know the mind of God. The truth is, even if we did know the answer, chances are it would not be good enough. I’ve often shared that sentiment in the funeral service. I’ve asked, “what answer could I give to your questions of pain, that would be enough to make it go away?” There is no good answer to the “Why” question. All we can offer is our support and understanding while they work through their pain.
3. Your best gift is being there. You may not be able to answer difficult questions. You may not even know what to say, but you have the ability to offer exactly what is needed most – yourself. The most valuable thing you can offer is your presence, your tangible gift of support. You can demonstrate the support of God by simply being there, even if you wait in silence, or merely sit nearby. The fact that you care enough to be there will be more than enough support.
These are, in my opinion, the three most important things anyone should know when they are trying to minister grace in a time of grief. You want to bless those you care about. Be their friend. Let them grieve. Pray for them and be there for them. By these simple acts you can lend them your strength and help them find God’s strength to take the next step on a long journey.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"I Know You!"
Today, I went to the funeral home to visit with friends and family of one of my church members who went to be with God a few days ago. She was a precious saint with a youthful and joyful spirit. She lived with challenges that affected her mental and physical capabilities, but everyone who knew her, knew how easily she transcended her circumstances.
As I visited with her sister, I shared my one of my favorite memories. While she was still able to attend Sunday Worship, our precious friend blessed me every week. At the close of each service, she would make her way out the center isle with her sister, her face would show that she was deep in thought. As she reached the back of the Sanctuary, where I was greeting, she would look up at me, her face would break out in a huge smile. "I know you!" she would shout, and then she would embrace me with a giant hug. She would laugh, tell me something special for that day, and then be on her way.
Her exuberant love was always such a blessing. In recent years, her challenges restricted more of her activities. She was no longer able to attend services and it finally came to a point where she needed the help of a skilled nursing center. Even so, her love and joy were not diminished. She continued to bless those around her with the precious gifts God gave to her.
As I reflect on her life today, and pray for the ability to help others do the same tomorrow, I cannot help but ponder how she is blessing all of heaven with that smile and those hugs. I can just see her as she meets her Lord, looking up with a beaming smile and shouting, "I know you!" as she embraces him and enters into the joy of her new life with God.
I pray that I can leave similar footprints of joy and grace. It is a good goal for us all, as we seek to share God's great love with the world around us.
As I visited with her sister, I shared my one of my favorite memories. While she was still able to attend Sunday Worship, our precious friend blessed me every week. At the close of each service, she would make her way out the center isle with her sister, her face would show that she was deep in thought. As she reached the back of the Sanctuary, where I was greeting, she would look up at me, her face would break out in a huge smile. "I know you!" she would shout, and then she would embrace me with a giant hug. She would laugh, tell me something special for that day, and then be on her way.
Her exuberant love was always such a blessing. In recent years, her challenges restricted more of her activities. She was no longer able to attend services and it finally came to a point where she needed the help of a skilled nursing center. Even so, her love and joy were not diminished. She continued to bless those around her with the precious gifts God gave to her.
As I reflect on her life today, and pray for the ability to help others do the same tomorrow, I cannot help but ponder how she is blessing all of heaven with that smile and those hugs. I can just see her as she meets her Lord, looking up with a beaming smile and shouting, "I know you!" as she embraces him and enters into the joy of her new life with God.
I pray that I can leave similar footprints of joy and grace. It is a good goal for us all, as we seek to share God's great love with the world around us.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thank God
I am always amazed at how God can weave even our mistakes into something meaningful, and today was no exception.
I awoke this morning well rested, especially since we were able to gain an hour last night as we set our clocks back. I was equally well prepared for this morning's events after spending a fair amount of time in final preparations last night. It was bound to ba a great day.
I came downstairs to find that there was an issue that needed my immediate attention and that was far more complicated than I expected. A little flustered by the surprise, I gathered my things and went to church. Before long I was ready to begin my class. I opened my teaching notes I so diligently wrote the night before, to discover I'd prepared the materials for the wrong week and now had no info for the subject of the day. I was able to gather a resource that allowed me to continue the class and in the end we enjoyed a great discussion, and I learned some humility.
The change began as we entered Worship. Slowly the day seemed to take a new course and the earlier craziness and mistakes began to reveal their connection to what God designed for the service. Before long, I found that, what had earlier seemed like frustration, was now becoming a blessing. Even the way the class conversation developed dovetailed into the focus of the worship experience.
At the end of the morning, I felt much better. One of my folk even commented on how amazing it is that everything ends up connected. Looking back, I amazed how God can work with our simple, sometimes flawed, efforts and produce something of value. I still believe in solid preparation and a commitment to excellence, but it is comforting to know that having God in the mix opens the door to success even when we accidentally tried to close it.
I thank God I am not on my own, left to my own abilities. I thank God that the Holy Spirit can work though my flaws. I thank God that he can take what little I have and make much from it. I thank God... maybe we all should.
I awoke this morning well rested, especially since we were able to gain an hour last night as we set our clocks back. I was equally well prepared for this morning's events after spending a fair amount of time in final preparations last night. It was bound to ba a great day.
I came downstairs to find that there was an issue that needed my immediate attention and that was far more complicated than I expected. A little flustered by the surprise, I gathered my things and went to church. Before long I was ready to begin my class. I opened my teaching notes I so diligently wrote the night before, to discover I'd prepared the materials for the wrong week and now had no info for the subject of the day. I was able to gather a resource that allowed me to continue the class and in the end we enjoyed a great discussion, and I learned some humility.
The change began as we entered Worship. Slowly the day seemed to take a new course and the earlier craziness and mistakes began to reveal their connection to what God designed for the service. Before long, I found that, what had earlier seemed like frustration, was now becoming a blessing. Even the way the class conversation developed dovetailed into the focus of the worship experience.
At the end of the morning, I felt much better. One of my folk even commented on how amazing it is that everything ends up connected. Looking back, I amazed how God can work with our simple, sometimes flawed, efforts and produce something of value. I still believe in solid preparation and a commitment to excellence, but it is comforting to know that having God in the mix opens the door to success even when we accidentally tried to close it.
I thank God I am not on my own, left to my own abilities. I thank God that the Holy Spirit can work though my flaws. I thank God that he can take what little I have and make much from it. I thank God... maybe we all should.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Priorities
In our family, we celebrate special days over a period of time. So birthdays become birthday weeks and anniversaries become week, even month, long celebrations. This anniversary is no different. My wife and I began to celebrate our special day nearly a week before the actual day, and we continue to celebrate even now.
As we enjoyed our memories and our time together, I began to think about all of the things that helped us get to this point. Lots of advice and lots of mistakes mingled with a load of grace worked to guide us to today.
One of the pieces of counsel that we received, one that made a great impact, was to be sure that we kept our priorities in order. We were told, "remember, God always comes first, then your family and then whatever ministry God calls you to." We smiled and offered our thanks, but really had no idea how important those words were.
Putting God first truly has made a tremendous difference in our marriage and in our personal lives. Each of us makes time to care for our individual spiritual lives so that we can be in step with God and so that we can have something of value to offer to the other and the marriage. We also seek to make God the head, not only of our lives, but of our life together. God truly is the center of the three-fold cord of our marriage.
One of the greatest challenges to keeping our priorities straight was keeping our relationship and the ministry in their proper order. It is so easy to become caught up with doing the work of God, that you forget that your first calling is not to the ministry, but to your spouse. There is so much important work to do for the kingdom, but if it comes at the sacrifice of the relationships you steward, the point is lost.
Pastor, or not, we are all responsible to be good stewards of all God entrusts to us. God must hold first place, then those we are given to love, and then the work that we are assigned. There is always someone else who can do the work, but there is no one else who can provide the love and care that we give to others.
As you look at your life, maybe even your marriage, can you allow God to direct your priorities? Are you willing to put the most important things first, even if that means sacrifice? If you are, there will be blessing upon blessing in your life. It may not be what you expected, but it will be what God most desires for you.
I am so thankful for all God has given me. I pray I can always care for these blessings in the way God intended. May you also find your joy in following God and sharing life with others, especially those given to share life with you.
As we enjoyed our memories and our time together, I began to think about all of the things that helped us get to this point. Lots of advice and lots of mistakes mingled with a load of grace worked to guide us to today.
One of the pieces of counsel that we received, one that made a great impact, was to be sure that we kept our priorities in order. We were told, "remember, God always comes first, then your family and then whatever ministry God calls you to." We smiled and offered our thanks, but really had no idea how important those words were.
Putting God first truly has made a tremendous difference in our marriage and in our personal lives. Each of us makes time to care for our individual spiritual lives so that we can be in step with God and so that we can have something of value to offer to the other and the marriage. We also seek to make God the head, not only of our lives, but of our life together. God truly is the center of the three-fold cord of our marriage.
One of the greatest challenges to keeping our priorities straight was keeping our relationship and the ministry in their proper order. It is so easy to become caught up with doing the work of God, that you forget that your first calling is not to the ministry, but to your spouse. There is so much important work to do for the kingdom, but if it comes at the sacrifice of the relationships you steward, the point is lost.
Pastor, or not, we are all responsible to be good stewards of all God entrusts to us. God must hold first place, then those we are given to love, and then the work that we are assigned. There is always someone else who can do the work, but there is no one else who can provide the love and care that we give to others.
As you look at your life, maybe even your marriage, can you allow God to direct your priorities? Are you willing to put the most important things first, even if that means sacrifice? If you are, there will be blessing upon blessing in your life. It may not be what you expected, but it will be what God most desires for you.
I am so thankful for all God has given me. I pray I can always care for these blessings in the way God intended. May you also find your joy in following God and sharing life with others, especially those given to share life with you.
Friday, November 5, 2010
A Prayer For Harvest
My devotional reading for today was based upon Jesus' words about the harvest. He told his followers that, "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray the lord of the harvest that he may send laborers into the harvest."
Reflecting on those words, I penned this prayer:
The blessing of abundance is upon us,
But who will be there to gather it in?
God, send us workers to receive your promise for this season.
You, O Lord, have called your people
For such a time as this.
A time to gather
A time to share
A time to celebrate
May the joyful noise of your people declare your goodness to the nations.
May the poor and the broken,
The hurting and the lost be welcomed.
May healing come bringing life in it's wake.
May your promise be fulfilled
As we lift our eyes to the hills and declare,
"Our help comes from God!
Our help is in the Lord's name!
Blessed be God!
Blessed be the name of the Lord"
Reflecting on those words, I penned this prayer:
The blessing of abundance is upon us,
But who will be there to gather it in?
God, send us workers to receive your promise for this season.
You, O Lord, have called your people
For such a time as this.
A time to gather
A time to share
A time to celebrate
May the joyful noise of your people declare your goodness to the nations.
May the poor and the broken,
The hurting and the lost be welcomed.
May healing come bringing life in it's wake.
May your promise be fulfilled
As we lift our eyes to the hills and declare,
"Our help comes from God!
Our help is in the Lord's name!
Blessed be God!
Blessed be the name of the Lord"
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Make Me Holy
Have you ever stumbled upon a quote, a scripture, a hymn or prayer that suddenly exploded with significance to you? It is amazing how amid all of the words and images of each day, something of deep meaning can break through. It is one thing to find those treasures while on retreat or in a time of intense reflection. It is something even more amazing to me, when they are found in the midst the busyness of daily life.
Recently, during my preparations for the new class I am teaching, I happened upon a website with a rich deposit of ancient prayers of the saints. I was pleased because I was looking for prayers to include with the study guides I was creating for the participants. As I browsed, I found these simple, yet profound words to God, offered by the 4th century Christian, Augustine.
Holiness is not an easy task. Maintaining a life of personal and social holiness requires an awareness of the pervasive needs around me and within me. It demands a deep commitment to go beyond acknowledgement of concerns to actions that bring the transforming power of God to work in our circumstances. Holiness of heart and life is a daily discipline that molds our life and the world around us. It is so challenging, that it cannot be accomplished on our own. We need God to enable us to live a life of holiness.
This is where I find Augustine's prayer so powerful. In simple words, he asks that God would make his inner life holy, and then do the same to his life and work with others. From there, he asks to grow in love of holiness, protecting the ground he already gained while experiencing an even deeper passion for more, until he is completely holy.
John Wesley reminds us that we are God's people, "going on to perfection." We are on a journey where the destination is not just heaven, but perfection and holiness in God. Every day, every moment, we can take another step in that direction. Will you join me in praying this ancient prayer and allow God to make us holy inside and out until the light of Christ within us can shine fully and brightly into all the world?
Recently, during my preparations for the new class I am teaching, I happened upon a website with a rich deposit of ancient prayers of the saints. I was pleased because I was looking for prayers to include with the study guides I was creating for the participants. As I browsed, I found these simple, yet profound words to God, offered by the 4th century Christian, Augustine.
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy.I was, and remain, deeply touched by these unassuming words that link my relationship with the Holy Spirit to my ability to live and act as one who is holy, set apart to God.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.
Holiness is not an easy task. Maintaining a life of personal and social holiness requires an awareness of the pervasive needs around me and within me. It demands a deep commitment to go beyond acknowledgement of concerns to actions that bring the transforming power of God to work in our circumstances. Holiness of heart and life is a daily discipline that molds our life and the world around us. It is so challenging, that it cannot be accomplished on our own. We need God to enable us to live a life of holiness.
This is where I find Augustine's prayer so powerful. In simple words, he asks that God would make his inner life holy, and then do the same to his life and work with others. From there, he asks to grow in love of holiness, protecting the ground he already gained while experiencing an even deeper passion for more, until he is completely holy.
John Wesley reminds us that we are God's people, "going on to perfection." We are on a journey where the destination is not just heaven, but perfection and holiness in God. Every day, every moment, we can take another step in that direction. Will you join me in praying this ancient prayer and allow God to make us holy inside and out until the light of Christ within us can shine fully and brightly into all the world?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Our Journey
A poem written for my wife. Today we celebrate 26 years of sharing our married journey together.
Her eyes still reflect the light
Of the candle we lit together.
Her touch still speaks
It's language of intimacy and love.
The path we've shared
Resembles the one we charted.
While the destination first embraced,
Is still our journey's goal.
Her love for me grows deeper
As does mine for her,
As our hearts are drawn together
By Love's unseen hand.
With tomorrow's dawning, will come,
Yet another moment to see,
The beauty of this life with her,
Embodied in our love
Her eyes still reflect the light
Of the candle we lit together.
Her touch still speaks
It's language of intimacy and love.
The path we've shared
Resembles the one we charted.
While the destination first embraced,
Is still our journey's goal.
Her love for me grows deeper
As does mine for her,
As our hearts are drawn together
By Love's unseen hand.
With tomorrow's dawning, will come,
Yet another moment to see,
The beauty of this life with her,
Embodied in our love
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Take a Look
Have you ever noticed how easily some things go unnoticed? All too often we grow comfortable with what we know and what we see. Before long, we are blinded to things that are amazingly visible to others. Without an awakening or some intervention that causes us to look afresh at our lives and our environment we remain unaware.
In one way, this is a gift. If we tried to focus on everything, all the time, we would soon become overwhelmed with details and ultimately unable to find any focus at all. However it is also a challenge and a potential problem.
In a former church we experienced this first-hand. Over the years, deterioration of the roof opened a way for water to leak in where it was not wanted. That water traveled into the Sanctuary walls and began to stain and destroy the plaster. There were numerous signs of the damage, yet few noticed – few of the members noticed that is. Our visitors and guests saw it clearly, but for the rest of us, we became acclimated to the way things were and lost sight of what was quite literally, right under our nose. The stunning revelation came when the Trustees showed us all pictures of the damage and most of us did not know where they were taken. It was quite a shock when we discovered they were taken only feet away from where we were sitting.
We, all of us, need fresh eyes to look at our lives. We need God to shine light on our lives to show us our weak places, our growing edges, and the opportunities that are at our doorstep. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me into the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) He knew that he needed God to reveal the deeper parts of his life, so that he could see what was right under his nose, and then do something about it.
God wants to help us get a real look at where we are. It is God’s greatest desire to see us become all that we should be, to help us “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,” so that we can run the race set before us. It is God’s heart, not to remind us of our faults, but to expose our weaknesses so that we can allow God to heal them.
As with the water damaged walls of that Sanctuary, we need to open our eyes to what is before us and then take action to repair damage and restore beauty. We need to let God reveal areas of need, and then take action to strengthen our lives and our ministries.
This is a great time to allow God to help in your re-creation. Would you be willing to pray the prayer David prayed? Will you ask God to shine on your life and on our life together, so that we can hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church in our day? Will you use this time to grow deeper in your relationship with God and in your ministry to others?
I believe… rather, I know that God has some awesome things He wants to do in and through us. May God bless you as you make yourself available to Him.
In one way, this is a gift. If we tried to focus on everything, all the time, we would soon become overwhelmed with details and ultimately unable to find any focus at all. However it is also a challenge and a potential problem.
In a former church we experienced this first-hand. Over the years, deterioration of the roof opened a way for water to leak in where it was not wanted. That water traveled into the Sanctuary walls and began to stain and destroy the plaster. There were numerous signs of the damage, yet few noticed – few of the members noticed that is. Our visitors and guests saw it clearly, but for the rest of us, we became acclimated to the way things were and lost sight of what was quite literally, right under our nose. The stunning revelation came when the Trustees showed us all pictures of the damage and most of us did not know where they were taken. It was quite a shock when we discovered they were taken only feet away from where we were sitting.
We, all of us, need fresh eyes to look at our lives. We need God to shine light on our lives to show us our weak places, our growing edges, and the opportunities that are at our doorstep. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me into the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) He knew that he needed God to reveal the deeper parts of his life, so that he could see what was right under his nose, and then do something about it.
God wants to help us get a real look at where we are. It is God’s greatest desire to see us become all that we should be, to help us “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,” so that we can run the race set before us. It is God’s heart, not to remind us of our faults, but to expose our weaknesses so that we can allow God to heal them.
As with the water damaged walls of that Sanctuary, we need to open our eyes to what is before us and then take action to repair damage and restore beauty. We need to let God reveal areas of need, and then take action to strengthen our lives and our ministries.
This is a great time to allow God to help in your re-creation. Would you be willing to pray the prayer David prayed? Will you ask God to shine on your life and on our life together, so that we can hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church in our day? Will you use this time to grow deeper in your relationship with God and in your ministry to others?
I believe… rather, I know that God has some awesome things He wants to do in and through us. May God bless you as you make yourself available to Him.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Faithful
Bob pierce, founder of World Vision, once said, “One man cannot do it all, but one man with a lifetime can be enough of an example to have someone follow in his footsteps.”
We have the opportunity to the impact our communities and to consider what we are leaving behind us. Many others will inherit the results of our decisions and ministry efforts, just as we received a similar gift from those who went this way before us. So it is important to pause and ask ourselves, “What legacy are we leaving in the wake of our ministry?”
The Word of God tells us in 1 Peter 2:9, that we are a, “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” God gives us the opportunity to impart this reality to our children and grandchildren, to those we disciple in the faith and even to the community we serve. In all humility, we recognize that we are where we are by the grace and mercy of God. Being chosen is not a sign of our worthiness; rather it is a testimony to the faithfulness and love of God.
Nevertheless, since it is God who chose us and called us a holy nation of priests and kings, we ought to live as God sees us and be the example we were called to be. We ought never to settle for less than God’s very best for our lives and we should always strive for excellence, doing everything as unto the Lord. Our life and ministry is a representation of the kingdom and we should rejoice in the beauty of who God makes us to be, and we should instill that identity in all those who follow us in the faith. Our legacy should declare the joy of the Lord and the beauty of His holiness.
There is, what has become a classic contemporary Christian song by Steve Green that says:
May all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
(Copyright 1988 Birdwing Music/Jonathan Mark Music (admin. By The Sparrow Corp.))
Indeed, we want to be faithful as we follow Jesus and show others the way. We want those who follow us in the faith to learn from our mistakes and even more from our example as we point toward the One who calls us to Himself.
Never forget who you are in Christ, and do not lose sight of those who are running the race behind you. Keep on following Christ through the heritage of those who have gone ahead of you, and be a shining example to those who are looking to you that you may, “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
We have the opportunity to the impact our communities and to consider what we are leaving behind us. Many others will inherit the results of our decisions and ministry efforts, just as we received a similar gift from those who went this way before us. So it is important to pause and ask ourselves, “What legacy are we leaving in the wake of our ministry?”
The Word of God tells us in 1 Peter 2:9, that we are a, “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” God gives us the opportunity to impart this reality to our children and grandchildren, to those we disciple in the faith and even to the community we serve. In all humility, we recognize that we are where we are by the grace and mercy of God. Being chosen is not a sign of our worthiness; rather it is a testimony to the faithfulness and love of God.
Nevertheless, since it is God who chose us and called us a holy nation of priests and kings, we ought to live as God sees us and be the example we were called to be. We ought never to settle for less than God’s very best for our lives and we should always strive for excellence, doing everything as unto the Lord. Our life and ministry is a representation of the kingdom and we should rejoice in the beauty of who God makes us to be, and we should instill that identity in all those who follow us in the faith. Our legacy should declare the joy of the Lord and the beauty of His holiness.
There is, what has become a classic contemporary Christian song by Steve Green that says:
May all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
(Copyright 1988 Birdwing Music/Jonathan Mark Music (admin. By The Sparrow Corp.))
Indeed, we want to be faithful as we follow Jesus and show others the way. We want those who follow us in the faith to learn from our mistakes and even more from our example as we point toward the One who calls us to Himself.
Never forget who you are in Christ, and do not lose sight of those who are running the race behind you. Keep on following Christ through the heritage of those who have gone ahead of you, and be a shining example to those who are looking to you that you may, “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
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