September 11 or 9/11 is a date that will remain in our memories. We remember the vicious attack on our country. Over 3000 people were killed as twisted zealots following teaching of radical Islamic fascism hijacked planes and became suicide murderers. This is not the first or will it be the last time that great harm or evil has come at the hands of religious fanatics. History’s pages are filled with warped people (and sometimes whole religious institutions or countries) committing horrible misguided actions in the name of religious fanaticism.
This is not to condemn religious zeal, often people start with good intentions. This is to say one must always be careful that passion does not overcome the ability to see truth. Jesus is the only way and the truth (John 14:6). We must be certain that we are always following Him and His teachings lest we become zealous and mistaken as others have in the past. We must be careful to keep our focus on Jesus rather than allegiance to religious activity or certain traditions and become misguided.
Former pastor and noted church consultant Kennon Callahan gave an analogy I thought helpful to keep things in perspective. He said the church should function more like a M.A.S.H. unit rather than a large institutional hospital. The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital goes where they are needed most, even when it is on the battle front, always on the edge of their resources but they give professional aid to those who may not make to the sterile hospital. Whereas, the hospital spends much time and money servicing and keeping the building so they can help those who will come to them. While hospitals are necessary, the mission of the church Jesus founded is more similar to the M.A.S.H. unit model while the hospital model could more easily lead to misguided institutionalism as serving the structure could become more important than accomplishing the true mission.
The last words our Lord gave us while he was on this planet are found in Matthew 28:18-20. He tells us to make disciples of ALL people as we go about our daily lives by teaching everything He commanded. He does not tell us to push our ideas, agenda or desires on others.
The church Jesus established in Matthew 16 professes Him as the Lord and goes wherever He is needed. It operates by faith and the Holy Spirit rather than constraints of a budget or the power of those in control of business meetings. Religious zealots say “be like us or else” (the “or else” can be harsh or it may simply mean we won’t fellowship with you.) Followers of Jesus want you to be like Jesus, but we continue to love you anyway!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Surf's Up, Enjoy the Ride!
My uncle sent me a recent picture of himself riding the waves on a surfboard. The best part of the photo comes from knowing that the surfer is retired CDR Morris C. Drees who will be 80 on his next birthday. I love to see people from my gene pool living long and well with a sense of spunk and adventure. I remember his mother (my grandmother) showing how fast she could run a stationary bike as we gathered to celebrate her 95th birthday. I preached her funeral three years later as complications from a broken hip kept her from reaching 100.
Doctors often tell us that our genes help determine much of our life. The best secret to live a long healthy life is to be born into a family with genes that will facilitate that. So I root hard for my bicycling granny as well as my surfing 79 year old uncle as I hope to continue a long, full, adventuresome and spunky life. However, as lucky as I may be to have a good heritage, which I had no part of making, I have responsibility of my own in the matter.
One cannot help the family one is born into. I was very fortunate to grow up in a family that had fun and laughter as the emphasis for the day. Some are not as fortunate. Some are born into sad families, broken homes, abusive situations that leave scars for a lifetime. We may not have had a choice in the family in which we were born and lifestyle that was taught or experienced but, we do have a choice in how it affects.us. Both my surfing uncle and his older brother, my father, grew up in a broken home that was not always remembered for fun, joy and laughter.
However, it was left to them to carve out their lives in a fashion to provide more positive opportunities or sink to self-pity and let the circumstances of life overwhelm them. My uncle made a career of the Navy. He flew planes off the USS Saratoga, traveled the world, built a family and now, as a retired Commander, enjoys riding the waves. His older brother, my dad, married a girl who added laughter and joy wherever she went and they raised a family where there was no alcohol, anger, profanity or any destructive behavior, just a focus on love, laughter and joy. That life of joy and laughter created an environment to allow me to pass this lifestyle on to the next generation, my children.
Yes, the family we are born into makes a great impact on the adults we become. We cannot control the family we are born into but we can do something about how we let it affect us. If we are given a good foundation, we can continue to build on it. We still have to do the work to become responsible, active joyous adults. There are no guarantees our life will prosper just because we were given a good start. Also, if things were/are difficult we can rise above them. Events of the past do not have to control our future. If something was done against you, forgive then forget and move on. Don’t let injustices of the past hold you back. Paul wrote in Philippians 3 that he didn’t have it all figured out yet but, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” He knew God had a plan for him to have a full life. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that he came that we may have an “abundant life”.
If you have things in the past that hold you back, let them go. We are born into a sin-scarred world where bad things happen, even to good people. Life here is brief and you don’t make the most of each day holding bitterness, anger about things you can’t control. If something or someone was against you, forgive as quickly as possible. If you messed up, don’t let it trouble you long, ask those you offended for forgiveness and move on. Romans 8:1 tells us ‘there is now no commendation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” So, just like surfing, a new wave is always on the way. Waves can wash things away and carry us to new places. It is up to us to either let it pass and miss the chance or to jump aboard and enjoy the ride. Surf’s up!
Doctors often tell us that our genes help determine much of our life. The best secret to live a long healthy life is to be born into a family with genes that will facilitate that. So I root hard for my bicycling granny as well as my surfing 79 year old uncle as I hope to continue a long, full, adventuresome and spunky life. However, as lucky as I may be to have a good heritage, which I had no part of making, I have responsibility of my own in the matter.
One cannot help the family one is born into. I was very fortunate to grow up in a family that had fun and laughter as the emphasis for the day. Some are not as fortunate. Some are born into sad families, broken homes, abusive situations that leave scars for a lifetime. We may not have had a choice in the family in which we were born and lifestyle that was taught or experienced but, we do have a choice in how it affects.us. Both my surfing uncle and his older brother, my father, grew up in a broken home that was not always remembered for fun, joy and laughter.
However, it was left to them to carve out their lives in a fashion to provide more positive opportunities or sink to self-pity and let the circumstances of life overwhelm them. My uncle made a career of the Navy. He flew planes off the USS Saratoga, traveled the world, built a family and now, as a retired Commander, enjoys riding the waves. His older brother, my dad, married a girl who added laughter and joy wherever she went and they raised a family where there was no alcohol, anger, profanity or any destructive behavior, just a focus on love, laughter and joy. That life of joy and laughter created an environment to allow me to pass this lifestyle on to the next generation, my children.
Yes, the family we are born into makes a great impact on the adults we become. We cannot control the family we are born into but we can do something about how we let it affect us. If we are given a good foundation, we can continue to build on it. We still have to do the work to become responsible, active joyous adults. There are no guarantees our life will prosper just because we were given a good start. Also, if things were/are difficult we can rise above them. Events of the past do not have to control our future. If something was done against you, forgive then forget and move on. Don’t let injustices of the past hold you back. Paul wrote in Philippians 3 that he didn’t have it all figured out yet but, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” He knew God had a plan for him to have a full life. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that he came that we may have an “abundant life”.
If you have things in the past that hold you back, let them go. We are born into a sin-scarred world where bad things happen, even to good people. Life here is brief and you don’t make the most of each day holding bitterness, anger about things you can’t control. If something or someone was against you, forgive as quickly as possible. If you messed up, don’t let it trouble you long, ask those you offended for forgiveness and move on. Romans 8:1 tells us ‘there is now no commendation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” So, just like surfing, a new wave is always on the way. Waves can wash things away and carry us to new places. It is up to us to either let it pass and miss the chance or to jump aboard and enjoy the ride. Surf’s up!
Friday, May 27, 2011
How Great Thou Art
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!"
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!"
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.
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