It was one of the most moving moments of pure worship I have ever experienced. Andre was truly caught up in the Spirit like few I have witnessed. His arms lifted in an unconscious act of adoration. He was not singing, as we were closing the worship event with the familiar hymn, ‘How Great Thou Art’. His head was back, eyes closed, arms out giving himself completely to the great God we were singing about. I was reminded of another man who described such a connection with God in 2 Corinthians 12:2 as Paul said he “was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows.” Such experiences with God are difficult to describe but when experienced one knows it as it changes one’s life.
We were not in the midst of a great cathedral, engulfed by the latest music, special effects or any other enhancement we often think is necessary to connect with God. We were in the heart of the toughest maximum security prison in the state. 98% of the 1200 inmates surrounding us were there because they had taken a life. Andre came from a tough childhood seeing his first murder at age 6. The scar on his arm was a reminder of the time his grandmother removed the bullet rather than going to the hospital and make a police report. Andre was from the inner city and grew up big, strong and tough. He became an enforcer in Chicago‘s world of organized crime and gangs. He had been transferred to prison in the south for his own safety as his previous life made it dangerous to be in a prison where he was known.
Andre had recently encountered the resurrected Christ through the prison chaplaincy and visitors coming to share the love of Christ. As a new believer he was seeking to grow in his new life of peace. After we finished ‘How Great Thou Art’ and the service was concluded I walked over and looked up in his face (when you are 5’7” you always look up to guys who are over 6’) and said, “That song took you way back to another day didn’t it?” I knew many inmates had some exposure to church as a child, when perhaps a loving grandmother or relative cared for them. I saw his worship experience and thought he was remembering some pleasant memory from a past long gone. I was wrong in this case.
Andre looked down at me with those piercing eyes that had often brought fear into victims of his previous days. This was a different seriousness, no longer scary but a seriousness that comes from knowing and experiencing the lifechanging Christ. He said, “I never went to church. I have never heard that song before. Could you get me the words?” I told him I would and realized the depth of his true worshipexperience. I poked my finger in his massive chest and told him. “You have always been a strong man who had an impact on others, not always for good. God is now going to use you as a strong man who will have an impact on others good as they see Christ in you as your strength.”
I sent him the words to the hymn and on my next visit I saw a face that lit up the room with a smile reflecting the Jesus who had changed his life. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” I visited prison and saw Jesus…through the changed life in Andre. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we have done, true transformationand worship comes when we turn our eyes and give our lives completely to God.
“O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder consider all the works Thy Hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed; When through the woods and forest glades I wander I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; Then sings my soul, Mmy Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Fitting Memorial
A year ago I was making funeral arrangements for my father. Next month marks the 14th year since I did the same for my mother. They loved, sacrificed and provided examples giving me the strong positive foundation that helped my life become what it is today. As a fitting memorial I try to live each day in a fashion that would honor their name and make them proud. In a few weeks we, acknowledge, with Memorial Day, the ultimate sacrifice of those who allow us the lives we enjoy today. People have different ways to celebrate Memorial Day. As a fitting memorial to the sacrifice made for us, we should strive to be the best citizens protecting and keeping the freedom and rights that are the foundation of our country. It is always important to remember and memorialize those who paved the way, provided examples and made sacrifices that allow us the opportunities and lives we enjoy today.
2000 years ago God gave His only son as an example of the way to live a life of love. Jesus would later willingly give His life as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for our shortcomings. As a fitting memorial to His sacrificial gift we can follow Ephesians 4 and “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” If you will permit me to share the WHD translation of the latter portion of that chapter (Hmm, aren’t those my initials?) I think we can learn the best way to live a life that is a proper memorial and will do Him proud and serve us all well.
We are all different and have different Spiritual abilities that are intended to work in concert with one another. We can use our Spiritual gifts to build up His church so it will grow in maturity and love, “as each part does its work.” As we work together and live honest lives, not putting on pretense, we are helped to remember we are part of the same essence. When we get upset or angry we don’t need to let that anger cause us to fail or do wrong giving evil a chance to grow or flourish. We should be honest and work hard, so we will have something to give to people in need. Our language should be pure as we try to say the right thing at the right time and help others with what we say. We should strive to live in such a way that we do not depress the Spirit of God. It is that same Spirit, if allowed to grow in us, that makes sure we will someday be free from all wrongdoing and misbehavior. It doesn’t help to be bitter and angry and mad at others. We need to refrain from yelling at one another, cursing each other or ever being rude. Instead, we are to be kind and merciful, forgiving others, just as God forgave us because of Christ. This is a fitting memorial and way to live.
2000 years ago God gave His only son as an example of the way to live a life of love. Jesus would later willingly give His life as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for our shortcomings. As a fitting memorial to His sacrificial gift we can follow Ephesians 4 and “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” If you will permit me to share the WHD translation of the latter portion of that chapter (Hmm, aren’t those my initials?) I think we can learn the best way to live a life that is a proper memorial and will do Him proud and serve us all well.
We are all different and have different Spiritual abilities that are intended to work in concert with one another. We can use our Spiritual gifts to build up His church so it will grow in maturity and love, “as each part does its work.” As we work together and live honest lives, not putting on pretense, we are helped to remember we are part of the same essence. When we get upset or angry we don’t need to let that anger cause us to fail or do wrong giving evil a chance to grow or flourish. We should be honest and work hard, so we will have something to give to people in need. Our language should be pure as we try to say the right thing at the right time and help others with what we say. We should strive to live in such a way that we do not depress the Spirit of God. It is that same Spirit, if allowed to grow in us, that makes sure we will someday be free from all wrongdoing and misbehavior. It doesn’t help to be bitter and angry and mad at others. We need to refrain from yelling at one another, cursing each other or ever being rude. Instead, we are to be kind and merciful, forgiving others, just as God forgave us because of Christ. This is a fitting memorial and way to live.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Doing All You Can For Now
Those who work to help people often have times when we wonder if we are really making a difference. It is often difficult to see how the time, energy and resources we spend seeking to improve the lives of others. It can be like a worker in a cramped corner of a factory putting a part on a ship and never seeing it sail. In his heart the worker knows the importance of the part he contributes to the ship but there are times he would like to see the ocean, feel the wind and know he had a hand in making the vessel seaworthy. Discouragement can come more easily as we wonder if what we do makes a difference or matters.
I find stories like that of Bohn Fawkes to be helpful. Lt. Col. Bohn E. Fawkes was an American hero. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended West High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. At the University, he was a member of the ROTC and joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. Fawkes flew 25 bombing missions as B-17 co-pilot and pilot in the 379th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force.
His missions included two of the famous raids over Schweinfurt, Germany and a ditching in the English Channel from which his entire crew survived. After the war, Fawkes served as a B-29 instructor in the Pacific. His career was spotlighted in the book “Fall of Fortresses”. Fawkes retired from military service in 1962 and returned to civilian life to carve a career as a stock broker and became involved in his community, serving with his children's school PTA, working with his church, and the Boy Scouts of America. His was the life of humble service that makes for great movies as the quiet hero whose flights helped win the world changing victory over Nazi Germany.
One of his most memorable flights may have been a mission where he flew over Kassel, Germany they were under heavy fire from Nazi anti-aircraft guns. The B-17's gas tanks were hit but yet Bohn and his crew were still able to land safely. The following morning, Bohn asked for a German shell from his gas tank to keep as a souvenir to show everyone his good luck. He was told that not just one shell had been found in the gas tank but eleven shells had been removed and yet his gas tank never exploded.
Confused technicians opened the shells to find all but one empty of any explosive charge. The one that wasn't empty contained a rolled piece of paper. A message had been written in Czech language and this message read "This is all we can do for you now". It seems that an assembly line worker in occupied Czechoslovakia took it upon himself to do what he could to oppose Nazism by secretly disarming bombs he was forced to make. The unknown worker was not able to win the war on his own. He never knew the results of his efforts. However he did what he could where he was and made a huge difference, ‘doing what he could for now’.
As you serve your fellowman be aware of the task. One may never be at a place where they think they can make a big difference. The task ahead may seem overwhelming. One may never know the results of one’s effort and effect on the lives of those one serves. However, if ‘you do all you can for now’ and trust God for the results, you can be at peace with your efforts as you press on.
I find stories like that of Bohn Fawkes to be helpful. Lt. Col. Bohn E. Fawkes was an American hero. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended West High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. At the University, he was a member of the ROTC and joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. Fawkes flew 25 bombing missions as B-17 co-pilot and pilot in the 379th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force.
His missions included two of the famous raids over Schweinfurt, Germany and a ditching in the English Channel from which his entire crew survived. After the war, Fawkes served as a B-29 instructor in the Pacific. His career was spotlighted in the book “Fall of Fortresses”. Fawkes retired from military service in 1962 and returned to civilian life to carve a career as a stock broker and became involved in his community, serving with his children's school PTA, working with his church, and the Boy Scouts of America. His was the life of humble service that makes for great movies as the quiet hero whose flights helped win the world changing victory over Nazi Germany.
One of his most memorable flights may have been a mission where he flew over Kassel, Germany they were under heavy fire from Nazi anti-aircraft guns. The B-17's gas tanks were hit but yet Bohn and his crew were still able to land safely. The following morning, Bohn asked for a German shell from his gas tank to keep as a souvenir to show everyone his good luck. He was told that not just one shell had been found in the gas tank but eleven shells had been removed and yet his gas tank never exploded.
Confused technicians opened the shells to find all but one empty of any explosive charge. The one that wasn't empty contained a rolled piece of paper. A message had been written in Czech language and this message read "This is all we can do for you now". It seems that an assembly line worker in occupied Czechoslovakia took it upon himself to do what he could to oppose Nazism by secretly disarming bombs he was forced to make. The unknown worker was not able to win the war on his own. He never knew the results of his efforts. However he did what he could where he was and made a huge difference, ‘doing what he could for now’.
As you serve your fellowman be aware of the task. One may never be at a place where they think they can make a big difference. The task ahead may seem overwhelming. One may never know the results of one’s effort and effect on the lives of those one serves. However, if ‘you do all you can for now’ and trust God for the results, you can be at peace with your efforts as you press on.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Guidance
I am often asked to give advice or guidance in life. I have learned over the years that many do not really seek advice or guidance as much as they want someone to validate what they wish to do or are already doing. Too often we seek guidance after we have lost our way due to poor judgment, bad habits, pursuit of selfish desires or seeking to follow and satisfy our own ego. By the way I found a great way to define ego. It means we Edge God Out. Following and satisfying ego leads to pushing God’s direction, agenda and guidance aside as self is placed first.
When one meditates on the word guidance, one can see ‘dance’ at the end of the word. I once read that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. When we follow His lead and flow with the Holy Spirit life becomes more like a flowing dance with rhythm and meaning. As we see on the popular TV show, ‘Dancing With the Stars’, following the complete direction and lead of a professional dancer can make almost anyone look better on the dance floor. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both parties begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly on one direction or another. It’s as if the two become one body, moving beautifully with rhythm and grace. The well performed dance takes surrender, willingness and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Look back at the word guidance. When one sees a big ‘G’ as the beginning it is easy to think of God, followed by ‘u’ and ‘i’. Forming a short sentence with this observation results in the following; God, u & I dance. God, you and I dance. This short sentence summarizes what real guidance in life can mean.
Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The Message translates this statement from Jesus as follows; “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how.”
So as we seek to meander through this adventure of life let us learn to let the expert lead. God created all things, including you. He has a master plan and design for all things, including you. He has a harmonious rhythm for life when we follow Him. Hence, let us lower our head, place our hand in His and let Him lead as we enjoy the dance.
When one meditates on the word guidance, one can see ‘dance’ at the end of the word. I once read that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. When we follow His lead and flow with the Holy Spirit life becomes more like a flowing dance with rhythm and meaning. As we see on the popular TV show, ‘Dancing With the Stars’, following the complete direction and lead of a professional dancer can make almost anyone look better on the dance floor. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both parties begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly on one direction or another. It’s as if the two become one body, moving beautifully with rhythm and grace. The well performed dance takes surrender, willingness and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Look back at the word guidance. When one sees a big ‘G’ as the beginning it is easy to think of God, followed by ‘u’ and ‘i’. Forming a short sentence with this observation results in the following; God, u & I dance. God, you and I dance. This short sentence summarizes what real guidance in life can mean.
Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The Message translates this statement from Jesus as follows; “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how.”
So as we seek to meander through this adventure of life let us learn to let the expert lead. God created all things, including you. He has a master plan and design for all things, including you. He has a harmonious rhythm for life when we follow Him. Hence, let us lower our head, place our hand in His and let Him lead as we enjoy the dance.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
In Everything Give Thanks
I have often heard; ‘Never pray for patience or God will give you plenty of opportunities to practice it.’ Life has its ways of teaching us…if we will pay attention and learn. Just yesterday I posted a blog sharing a personal testimony that is important to me. It was the story of how divine intervention in the form of a kidney stone helped doctors find three aneurysms that were about to shorten my life ten years ago.
Today I got up ready to head to the office for just another day However, if we will keep our spiritual eyes open no day is just another day. God is always showing us something, often in ways we don’t expect. My wife woke up feeling bad due to fluctuating blood pressure problems. So the first plan was for her to go to school for necessary preparation to leave class early and go to the doctor as soon as they could see her. I would check in from my office later. The plan changed as soon as she saw her car with a flat tire. Now I would also be leaving my office early to take her to the doctor and then fix a flat tire.
Feeling tired and frustrated after the events of the day, my plans, were interrupted; I was finally headed to the tire dealer with a flat tire in the bed of my truck. It was then that God reminded me of a verse I memorized years ago. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Did God just forget my circumstances? All my plans for the day were shot due to the circumstances. Why is it His will for me to give thanks?
He knows that giving thanks unlocks spiritual eyesight to see and enjoy His grace. OK! Let me start giving thanks in my circumstances. First, I am thankful that the flat tire occurred in my garage rather than out on the road perhaps leaving my wife stranded. Second, I am thankful that I know how to change a tire and have the physical ability to do so. There are lasting benefits that come from owning my first car, as a teenager, that cost only $50 and five used tires for $4 (not each but $4 for all five used tires). In those days changing tires was almost a normal part of starting the car for a drive. I used to change tires so often I could have worked in a NASCAR pit crew.
I continued to give thanks in my circumstance. I took my tire to our tire dealer, who is a good friend, and talked to his wife who is running a 10 K soon. She beat cancer and became a runner. She smiled reminding me that this circumstance was not a big problem, it could have been worse. It is hard to think about ‘difficult circumstances’ when you are talking to a cancer survivor who has a bright smile. I am thankful that Cathy’s health situation is something that only required a change in medication. I am thankful for our health. As we talked about life circumstances, I smiled and said “Hey, we could be living in Libya!” It was my way of reminding me that we are blessed with all our freedoms and also a reminder to pray for those who are oppressed. I began to realize how blessed we are in so many ways.
I drove home with a repaired tire in the back of my truck and continued to count all the circumstances in my life for which I can be thankful. God’s will for my life is to continue to give thanks in all circumstances. As I continue to do so I see His hand in so many things that are beyond my patience and understanding. When we begin looking we can find there is truly something in which we can give thanks in ALL circumstances. There is an old church hymn that reminds us to count our blessings “when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” There is no better way to transform the day than giving thanks in all circumstances and counting blessings.
Today I got up ready to head to the office for just another day However, if we will keep our spiritual eyes open no day is just another day. God is always showing us something, often in ways we don’t expect. My wife woke up feeling bad due to fluctuating blood pressure problems. So the first plan was for her to go to school for necessary preparation to leave class early and go to the doctor as soon as they could see her. I would check in from my office later. The plan changed as soon as she saw her car with a flat tire. Now I would also be leaving my office early to take her to the doctor and then fix a flat tire.
Feeling tired and frustrated after the events of the day, my plans, were interrupted; I was finally headed to the tire dealer with a flat tire in the bed of my truck. It was then that God reminded me of a verse I memorized years ago. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Did God just forget my circumstances? All my plans for the day were shot due to the circumstances. Why is it His will for me to give thanks?
He knows that giving thanks unlocks spiritual eyesight to see and enjoy His grace. OK! Let me start giving thanks in my circumstances. First, I am thankful that the flat tire occurred in my garage rather than out on the road perhaps leaving my wife stranded. Second, I am thankful that I know how to change a tire and have the physical ability to do so. There are lasting benefits that come from owning my first car, as a teenager, that cost only $50 and five used tires for $4 (not each but $4 for all five used tires). In those days changing tires was almost a normal part of starting the car for a drive. I used to change tires so often I could have worked in a NASCAR pit crew.
I continued to give thanks in my circumstance. I took my tire to our tire dealer, who is a good friend, and talked to his wife who is running a 10 K soon. She beat cancer and became a runner. She smiled reminding me that this circumstance was not a big problem, it could have been worse. It is hard to think about ‘difficult circumstances’ when you are talking to a cancer survivor who has a bright smile. I am thankful that Cathy’s health situation is something that only required a change in medication. I am thankful for our health. As we talked about life circumstances, I smiled and said “Hey, we could be living in Libya!” It was my way of reminding me that we are blessed with all our freedoms and also a reminder to pray for those who are oppressed. I began to realize how blessed we are in so many ways.
I drove home with a repaired tire in the back of my truck and continued to count all the circumstances in my life for which I can be thankful. God’s will for my life is to continue to give thanks in all circumstances. As I continue to do so I see His hand in so many things that are beyond my patience and understanding. When we begin looking we can find there is truly something in which we can give thanks in ALL circumstances. There is an old church hymn that reminds us to count our blessings “when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” There is no better way to transform the day than giving thanks in all circumstances and counting blessings.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ten Years Later
I am taking the day off to play golf with some friends. Ten years ago I was planning the same but I had a life changing or should I say lifesaving experience. For the past ten years I have celebrated an anniversary on February 26. I celebrate my one and only kidney stone. On February 26, 2001 I woke at 2 AM and began a journey that saved my life. My ‘alarm clock’ that morning was a mild and unusual kidney stone. I never had a kidney stone before or since. The doctors told me that men rarely have their 1st kidney stone at ‘my age’. I hate it when that phrase becomes part of the dialogue! The scan showed a calcium deposit that led to another doctor (remember this pattern). There was an aneurysm on my renal artery. Other doctors and scans later revealed other aneurysms outside both kidneys and a very rare renal artery disease called Fibro Muscular Dysplasia. This is not the way one wants to learn new vocabulary words. One also does not like to hear doctors say, “This is now more complicated than my area of expertise.”
Now we move to see special doctors in other states. Nothing gets your attention like a talk with the most prominent specialist in the field in the nation and hearing, “I don’t like the looks of this.” I will spare you details but there is not much that can top lying in a hospital room after having prayed with your family and seeing them walk out the door and then knowing you will have lengthy and dangerous surgery from where you will wake up either in the recovery room or Heaven. There is a reality check!
I wound up with two life saving surgeries. The first was in June. I could not have the second until I recovered enough strength for the following surgery in November. Major artery reconstruction was preformed and three aneurysms were removed. I was told how serious the condition was with both surgeries but that truth really set in after my 2nd surgery in November. The patient who followed me with the next surgery that day with the same condition and the same surgeon, died in the bed next to me in ICU. My doctor told us that in most situations such as this they do not find the aneurysm(s) until the autopsy, after it ruptures causing death with no warning or symptoms. He said, “Obviously, God still has some work for you to do here!"
So, ten years later, I begin each day ‘admiring’ the 25 inch scar around my 33 inch midsection and go through the day with no feeling in that area of my abdomen. It is my reminder to that I should have died ten years ago. I now seek to make the most of each moment that I have the gift of life. I do admit times of frustration I when I see people throwing away the precious fragile gift of life wasting time, fussing, fighting and arguing over petty matters. I am amazed at the ways we find to become angry and unhappy when we live in such a blessed country and are so blessed by God.
Do you know that your garbage disposal ‘eats’ better than much of the rest of the world? People in many countries who are caught worshipping Jesus are beaten or killed. We have total freedom to assemble and worship the risen Christ and a spring shower is enough to keep many away from church. Others go to church and fuss about anything and everything that displeases them rather than finding the unity in Christ that He prayed for just before going to the Cross (read John 17:20-26).
I am reminded of a slogan from of an old TV commercial for cell phones. They end the commercial saying, “We’re part of the AT&T wireless network…and we get it!” I often think we could do a similar commercial but we would have to change the words and say, “We are Christians living in America, saved by the abundant grace of Christ, living in a free nation to enjoy life at the fullest…but we don’t get it!” I Thessalonians 5:16 commands us to “Rejoice always” yet we often sit in the middle of God’s blessings and frown.
The next time you think you are having a bad time, remember the blessings you have here in America, read I Thessalonians. 5:18 and move on. You could have been born in India as an ‘untouchable’ (how would you like a life of cleaning out sewers with no hope of bettering your status in life?) or in you could have been born in Pakistan or Cambodia and not had the freedom or blessings that you have. John 10:10 says Jesus came to give abundant life. Let other stuff go and live! If I can rejoice over a 25-inch scar and celebrate the 10th anniversary of a kidney stone, you ought not to look too far to find your own reason to rejoice and make the most of each day!
Now we move to see special doctors in other states. Nothing gets your attention like a talk with the most prominent specialist in the field in the nation and hearing, “I don’t like the looks of this.” I will spare you details but there is not much that can top lying in a hospital room after having prayed with your family and seeing them walk out the door and then knowing you will have lengthy and dangerous surgery from where you will wake up either in the recovery room or Heaven. There is a reality check!
I wound up with two life saving surgeries. The first was in June. I could not have the second until I recovered enough strength for the following surgery in November. Major artery reconstruction was preformed and three aneurysms were removed. I was told how serious the condition was with both surgeries but that truth really set in after my 2nd surgery in November. The patient who followed me with the next surgery that day with the same condition and the same surgeon, died in the bed next to me in ICU. My doctor told us that in most situations such as this they do not find the aneurysm(s) until the autopsy, after it ruptures causing death with no warning or symptoms. He said, “Obviously, God still has some work for you to do here!"
So, ten years later, I begin each day ‘admiring’ the 25 inch scar around my 33 inch midsection and go through the day with no feeling in that area of my abdomen. It is my reminder to that I should have died ten years ago. I now seek to make the most of each moment that I have the gift of life. I do admit times of frustration I when I see people throwing away the precious fragile gift of life wasting time, fussing, fighting and arguing over petty matters. I am amazed at the ways we find to become angry and unhappy when we live in such a blessed country and are so blessed by God.
Do you know that your garbage disposal ‘eats’ better than much of the rest of the world? People in many countries who are caught worshipping Jesus are beaten or killed. We have total freedom to assemble and worship the risen Christ and a spring shower is enough to keep many away from church. Others go to church and fuss about anything and everything that displeases them rather than finding the unity in Christ that He prayed for just before going to the Cross (read John 17:20-26).
I am reminded of a slogan from of an old TV commercial for cell phones. They end the commercial saying, “We’re part of the AT&T wireless network…and we get it!” I often think we could do a similar commercial but we would have to change the words and say, “We are Christians living in America, saved by the abundant grace of Christ, living in a free nation to enjoy life at the fullest…but we don’t get it!” I Thessalonians 5:16 commands us to “Rejoice always” yet we often sit in the middle of God’s blessings and frown.
The next time you think you are having a bad time, remember the blessings you have here in America, read I Thessalonians. 5:18 and move on. You could have been born in India as an ‘untouchable’ (how would you like a life of cleaning out sewers with no hope of bettering your status in life?) or in you could have been born in Pakistan or Cambodia and not had the freedom or blessings that you have. John 10:10 says Jesus came to give abundant life. Let other stuff go and live! If I can rejoice over a 25-inch scar and celebrate the 10th anniversary of a kidney stone, you ought not to look too far to find your own reason to rejoice and make the most of each day!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Significance
The excitement is building. In a few days the Super Bowl will be played to determine the champion football team in the NFL. There has been and will be massive promotion, marketing and business opportunities as people try to exploit this special time. Many have been planning well in advance to be ready for this unique opportunity. News agencies reported a fear that there could be a shortage of ‘exotic dancers’ for those who will be looking for a certain avenue of celebration. It is sad to think of some patrons having to settle for dancers of a less but all that is another subject for another day.
The previous example is simply to show that many of life’s events have different meaning for different people. The Super Bowl is an event that has long been promoted and hyped beyond exaggeration. Years ago I thought the simple comment one person put it all in proper perspective. In 1978 the Super Bowl was played in the Louisiana Superdome for the first time. At that time this new structure was the largest indoor stadium. Here was the ‘Super’ game played in a ‘Superdome’! It could not get much better. It was also still a time when Walter Cronkite was the most respected and trusted voice in the nation as the original ‘Anchorman of the Nation’. An excited reporter had the opportunity for the ultimate commentary as he asked the respected man for his thoughts on such a spectacular event. Walter Cronkite had cut his teeth reporting during battles in World War II, he had been the calming voice for a country when a president was assassinated, as well as other historical events. We had become accustomed for Mr. Cronkite to look into the camera and put everything in proper perspective. He smiled and said it was interesting to see such excitement over something that has “no historical significance whatsoever!” The reporter, who had also fallen for all the hype of false importance, did not know what to say! I have always been a sports fan but this has to be one of my favorite moments. Putting things in proper perspective is extremely important in the more important game of life.
We are often guilty of giving too much attention to the wrong things or people. I find it interesting when we see who and what has been given historical significance. People like Jessie James, Jack the Ripper and Lee Oswalt are easily remembered while the majority of hardworking people in their day, who did their job with integrity, raised moral children and remained faithful to their spouse as they quietly went about being good citizens, remain obscure as others are celebrated or noted in history. One can easily grab a headline today by bad or outrageous behavior, some of which may have ‘no historical significance whatsoever’.
The real matter in life is significance or meaning rather than notoriety. My father & mother never were not famous but the way they lived and taught me to live still have historical significance for me. They showed me what it meant to be loved, how to love others and how to behave in a responsible manner. That may not cause them or me to go down in history but that IS significant. My heavenly Father verifies this through His son as Jesus summed all proper and significant behavior in Matthew 22:37-40. The more people who love and live responsibility as they love God and their fellowman, the more this may impact the world and have historical significance. In today’s mixed up world superficial events, like football games, and irresponsible behavior may gain headlines and even be recorded in history and considered important by many. However, when we follow the words and teachings of Jesus we will gain significance that is eternal. Now, THAT is significant!
The previous example is simply to show that many of life’s events have different meaning for different people. The Super Bowl is an event that has long been promoted and hyped beyond exaggeration. Years ago I thought the simple comment one person put it all in proper perspective. In 1978 the Super Bowl was played in the Louisiana Superdome for the first time. At that time this new structure was the largest indoor stadium. Here was the ‘Super’ game played in a ‘Superdome’! It could not get much better. It was also still a time when Walter Cronkite was the most respected and trusted voice in the nation as the original ‘Anchorman of the Nation’. An excited reporter had the opportunity for the ultimate commentary as he asked the respected man for his thoughts on such a spectacular event. Walter Cronkite had cut his teeth reporting during battles in World War II, he had been the calming voice for a country when a president was assassinated, as well as other historical events. We had become accustomed for Mr. Cronkite to look into the camera and put everything in proper perspective. He smiled and said it was interesting to see such excitement over something that has “no historical significance whatsoever!” The reporter, who had also fallen for all the hype of false importance, did not know what to say! I have always been a sports fan but this has to be one of my favorite moments. Putting things in proper perspective is extremely important in the more important game of life.
We are often guilty of giving too much attention to the wrong things or people. I find it interesting when we see who and what has been given historical significance. People like Jessie James, Jack the Ripper and Lee Oswalt are easily remembered while the majority of hardworking people in their day, who did their job with integrity, raised moral children and remained faithful to their spouse as they quietly went about being good citizens, remain obscure as others are celebrated or noted in history. One can easily grab a headline today by bad or outrageous behavior, some of which may have ‘no historical significance whatsoever’.
The real matter in life is significance or meaning rather than notoriety. My father & mother never were not famous but the way they lived and taught me to live still have historical significance for me. They showed me what it meant to be loved, how to love others and how to behave in a responsible manner. That may not cause them or me to go down in history but that IS significant. My heavenly Father verifies this through His son as Jesus summed all proper and significant behavior in Matthew 22:37-40. The more people who love and live responsibility as they love God and their fellowman, the more this may impact the world and have historical significance. In today’s mixed up world superficial events, like football games, and irresponsible behavior may gain headlines and even be recorded in history and considered important by many. However, when we follow the words and teachings of Jesus we will gain significance that is eternal. Now, THAT is significant!
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