It's over. Just like that. Once again, Christmas came and went. All the anticipation, the decorating, the shopping excursions and gift wrapping--and it's gone. Just like that.
This reminds me of life. We put a lot emphasis on "things" like homes, cars and careers. We plan. We work. We do so much to obtain and maintain these all-important staples of our existence. But they have little shelf life. They don't last, nor provide enduring fulfillment.
Since life is so short, why not concentrate on things that really matter? Why waste precious time and energy on stuff that won't outlive you on earth, let alone eternity?
What are the things that last, you ask? Relationships last. Lives last. People last. Not much else. Let's face it. Unless you're investing in someONE, everything you do is gonna burn like wood, hay or stubble. It's a wise thing to put our effort into things that will ultimately benefit PEOPLE.
There IS one other thing we can concentrate on for ourselves. Romans 12:2 tells us, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. That's why God tells us to keep it clean, focused, refreshed each and every day. Nothing profound here, just simple, daily meditation on the Word (Joshua 1:8), and guarding against bad influences. So simple, yet many of us fail miserably, ultimately causing us to lose sight of the will of God and begin chasing after wood, hay and stubble.
Everybody asks, "Did you have a good Christmas?" And everybody pretty much answers, "Yes!" But if your life ended today could you say you had a GOOD LIFE? Did you accomplish what you wanted to? Were your dreams fulfilled? More importantly, were you in the will of God?
Life comes and goes really quick. Make it count. You could spend a lifetime trying to figure out what's best for you--and still fail! So don't try! Renew your mind EVERY DAY to stay plugged into the will of God. Then, pour yourself into others. Although Christmas is over, you'll find yourself giving and receiving all year long.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Behind Door #1...
Morning Sings:)
If there's anything that characterizes my life these days, it's that I am faced with having to make choices more than ever before. It used to be, or so it seemed, that things pretty much worked themselves out each day. I would wake up, interact with my family and people around me, work or go to school, then tackle whatever the day would bring. Wasn't always easy, but it was a lot more predictable than now when--or so it again seems--the outcome of my day, my week, my life is determined by the decisions and choices with which I am confronted. I guess it's a part of life... A part of getting older??
I have to be honest with you, sometimes it's really not fun. There are days when I wish I could go back to the time when somebody else was calling the shots. Especially on those days when the fog dissipates and I realize how much I've messed up. At some point each of us is faced with making tough choices. There are real-life decisions we must make that may seriously impact our lives. How do you deal with that difficult decision? Do you tend to put it off, hoping it will miraculously work itself out? Do you try to squash that sinking feeling in your gut by thinking good thoughts to divert your attention from the quandary at hand? This works for a minute, until the feeling returns stronger than ever, and the choice remains. Been there.
"Yea, they have chosen their own ways," is what God said of His people in Isaiah 66:3. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8. In other words, if we don't apply some God-sense to our lives, we can fully expect to make the wrong decisions. The natural choice is typically the wrong one. So how do we fix this?
First, Principle. What does the Bible say about this? What is God's will? What does HE want? (Ps. 111:10; I Pet. 5:5-6; Rom. 16:27) It seems like a simple thing, yet it's remarkable how many Christians make choices without ever consulting God! Perhaps they think being saved and going to church and being around good people automatically protects them from stupidity. False. You will never make a bad decision based on the Bible. And know this. God will NEVER EVER EVER, lead you to do something that is contrary to His Word. Never. Period.
Second. Prayer. "...oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." This is yet another area that is so basic yet often overlooked. Prayer still works! Have you considered the fact that God may be withholding the solution simply because He wants you to spend time with Him? What a difference it would make if we got on our knees and didn't get up until we heard from God! (Phil. 4:6: I Thess. 5:17)
Third. Persuasion. Even as this decision is ultimately up to me, it shouldn't be made alone. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Prov. 11:14. Don't do it by yourself. Get good counsel from people who walk with God and have demonstrated their own ability to make tough choices. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20
Fourth. Practicality. Sometimes we are so guided by our emotions that we fail to stop and ask ourselves, "does this even make sense?" We get headstrong and make up our mind from the get-go without taking the proper steps to the right decision. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of time to act. But hasty decisions and those made in the heat of the moment can be life-shattering. "...and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth." Proverbs 19:2
Fifth. Peace. This is that settled spirit, that sense of calm assurance that only God can give. He promised to give it to us when we do our part. And there's nothing like it! Have you experienced it? "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Sixth. Pursuit. This is the important last step in the decision-making process. Move forward. Follow through. Just do it. It's too bad that some arrive at the right conclusion but fail to put it into action. What a waste! How dumb is it to do the homework and not turn it in? Once God makes the way clear, don't hesitate. Jump in with both feet. Stop making excuses. Go for it. Remember, you never know how long the door will stay open for you. "...Seek peace and pursue it." Proverbs 34:14
Hey, this is good stuff, not because I said it, but because God did. I am striving more than ever to put these into action. Hope you will too. There's nothing quite like knowing you made the right choice.
If there's anything that characterizes my life these days, it's that I am faced with having to make choices more than ever before. It used to be, or so it seemed, that things pretty much worked themselves out each day. I would wake up, interact with my family and people around me, work or go to school, then tackle whatever the day would bring. Wasn't always easy, but it was a lot more predictable than now when--or so it again seems--the outcome of my day, my week, my life is determined by the decisions and choices with which I am confronted. I guess it's a part of life... A part of getting older??
I have to be honest with you, sometimes it's really not fun. There are days when I wish I could go back to the time when somebody else was calling the shots. Especially on those days when the fog dissipates and I realize how much I've messed up. At some point each of us is faced with making tough choices. There are real-life decisions we must make that may seriously impact our lives. How do you deal with that difficult decision? Do you tend to put it off, hoping it will miraculously work itself out? Do you try to squash that sinking feeling in your gut by thinking good thoughts to divert your attention from the quandary at hand? This works for a minute, until the feeling returns stronger than ever, and the choice remains. Been there.
"Yea, they have chosen their own ways," is what God said of His people in Isaiah 66:3. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8. In other words, if we don't apply some God-sense to our lives, we can fully expect to make the wrong decisions. The natural choice is typically the wrong one. So how do we fix this?
First, Principle. What does the Bible say about this? What is God's will? What does HE want? (Ps. 111:10; I Pet. 5:5-6; Rom. 16:27) It seems like a simple thing, yet it's remarkable how many Christians make choices without ever consulting God! Perhaps they think being saved and going to church and being around good people automatically protects them from stupidity. False. You will never make a bad decision based on the Bible. And know this. God will NEVER EVER EVER, lead you to do something that is contrary to His Word. Never. Period.
Second. Prayer. "...oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." This is yet another area that is so basic yet often overlooked. Prayer still works! Have you considered the fact that God may be withholding the solution simply because He wants you to spend time with Him? What a difference it would make if we got on our knees and didn't get up until we heard from God! (Phil. 4:6: I Thess. 5:17)
Third. Persuasion. Even as this decision is ultimately up to me, it shouldn't be made alone. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Prov. 11:14. Don't do it by yourself. Get good counsel from people who walk with God and have demonstrated their own ability to make tough choices. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20
Fourth. Practicality. Sometimes we are so guided by our emotions that we fail to stop and ask ourselves, "does this even make sense?" We get headstrong and make up our mind from the get-go without taking the proper steps to the right decision. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of time to act. But hasty decisions and those made in the heat of the moment can be life-shattering. "...and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth." Proverbs 19:2
Fifth. Peace. This is that settled spirit, that sense of calm assurance that only God can give. He promised to give it to us when we do our part. And there's nothing like it! Have you experienced it? "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Sixth. Pursuit. This is the important last step in the decision-making process. Move forward. Follow through. Just do it. It's too bad that some arrive at the right conclusion but fail to put it into action. What a waste! How dumb is it to do the homework and not turn it in? Once God makes the way clear, don't hesitate. Jump in with both feet. Stop making excuses. Go for it. Remember, you never know how long the door will stay open for you. "...Seek peace and pursue it." Proverbs 34:14
Hey, this is good stuff, not because I said it, but because God did. I am striving more than ever to put these into action. Hope you will too. There's nothing quite like knowing you made the right choice.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
To Be or Not To Be? That's One of the Questions.
It’s that time of year again when America cozies up to the practice of “giving thanks.” Thoughts of appreciation emerge from dinner-table discussions. Well-produced TV commercials tug at our emotions. Yes, as the calendar hits about the third week of November, the question of the day becomes, “What are YOU thankful for?” as all of a sudden the world seems to be on a mission to prove its sufficient attitude of gratitude.
Have you ever considered that urging people to articulate their thankfulness may be just a little useless? I mean, can you force someone to be thankful? Do I need to be reminded to be thankful? Does talking about my blessings improve my “thankfulnessability?”
Furthermore, how do you even define “thankfulness?” Ok, maybe it’s appreciation for an object or objects in one’s life. So then, how would you define “appreciation?” Maybe, a feeling of … well, hm...
…I was about to say “thankfulness.” But that's no good.
It’s obvious that thankfulness is much easier to experience than it is to describe. I may not be able to put into words what I feel, but I know exactly what it feels like to be thankful. The point is simple. We are told, most notably, by God to GIVE thanks. But we can’t honestly GIVE thanks unless we can first BE thankful. Thankful is not as much something I “do” as it is something I “am.”
“I can’t explain it. I can’t obtain it. Jesus, Your love is so, it’s so amazing.”
And think about this. Thankfulness is a natural reflection of God—the Object of our gratefulness. We are thankful to Him because of Who He IS—not just because of what He DOES. God is an “IS” God. He is a “BE” God. He’s the Great “I AM.”
Today when we sit around the table and it comes our turn to offer personal musings, wouldn’t it be nice to pass around some honesty? It’d be refreshing if we didn’t have to scratch our brains for something unique or clever to say. Maybe this year the kids won’t roll their eyes at the ritual. Why? Because instead of speaking because it’s the thing to do, we’ll give thanks with a grateful heart—a heart overflowing with unrestrained appreciation.
Don’t just DO thankful. BE thankful☺
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4
Have you ever considered that urging people to articulate their thankfulness may be just a little useless? I mean, can you force someone to be thankful? Do I need to be reminded to be thankful? Does talking about my blessings improve my “thankfulnessability?”
Furthermore, how do you even define “thankfulness?” Ok, maybe it’s appreciation for an object or objects in one’s life. So then, how would you define “appreciation?” Maybe, a feeling of … well, hm...
…I was about to say “thankfulness.” But that's no good.
It’s obvious that thankfulness is much easier to experience than it is to describe. I may not be able to put into words what I feel, but I know exactly what it feels like to be thankful. The point is simple. We are told, most notably, by God to GIVE thanks. But we can’t honestly GIVE thanks unless we can first BE thankful. Thankful is not as much something I “do” as it is something I “am.”
“I can’t explain it. I can’t obtain it. Jesus, Your love is so, it’s so amazing.”
And think about this. Thankfulness is a natural reflection of God—the Object of our gratefulness. We are thankful to Him because of Who He IS—not just because of what He DOES. God is an “IS” God. He is a “BE” God. He’s the Great “I AM.”
Today when we sit around the table and it comes our turn to offer personal musings, wouldn’t it be nice to pass around some honesty? It’d be refreshing if we didn’t have to scratch our brains for something unique or clever to say. Maybe this year the kids won’t roll their eyes at the ritual. Why? Because instead of speaking because it’s the thing to do, we’ll give thanks with a grateful heart—a heart overflowing with unrestrained appreciation.
Don’t just DO thankful. BE thankful☺
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4
Monday, October 4, 2010
Unforgettable
A weekend ago we were in Lora's hometown of Danville, VA. It was just for the day so she could visit family while I had meetings in the area. The first time I went to Danville was Thanksgiving, 1993. We had just started dating and it was time to "meet the family." Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were country folk, very simple, good people. They took an immediate liking to me, which reinforces the notion of their goodness. After a day or so of small talk I drummed up the courage, as tradition would have it, to pop the question to Lora's dad. "I'd like to have your daughter's hand in marriage, sir." I was young and dumb, so I actually used those exact words. Even now I cringe with recollection. His eyes narrowed as he leaned toward me and in an unflinching tone whispered these words I'll never forget: "That's fine. And I know you a preacher and all, but you better not never beat 'er." Of course, I agreed, and the rest is history.
I grew to love Lora's parents over the years and they became second parents to me. Mom was the kindest, most unassuming lady you'd ever want to meet--always greeting with the most beautiful smile. I was her favorite son-in-law. She told me many times, even though she never admitted it publicly, mostly to save others from disappointment. Pop was crazy. He always bought stuff he didn't need, and told jokes that were only funny because they made no sense. You can see why we were close:). I had the privilege of leading him to the Lord. I can assure you that "privilege" doesn't come close to expressing what I felt on the day he got saved.
Looking back on the years I knew mom and pop, I see all of their best traits in Lora, and even in my kids. They didn't have much, but what they did have, they poured into their children, and into me too. We had great times together and they taught me a lot. I watched them, both of them, die with grace and the peace of knowing that they really had done the best with what they had. So last week we visited the cemetery for the first time. Forgive me if this is comes across morbid, because it was anything but that on this perfect Saturday evening. Just before sunset Lora, Cameron, Casey and me stood on a pristinely manicured grassy hill, laughing and reminiscing about the times we had with them. The height of the rolling landscape put us at eye-level with these huge, irregular cloud shapes that formed an almost-fake looking backdrop from a movie scene. It struck me, at that surreal moment, that we were making memories right then--that this could be a day my kids would talk about when I'm gone. More importantly, things like this will shape the persons they are becoming.
Most of us will not be remembered for "great" accomplishment or some big event in our lives. Our lasting impact may be the smile we give to someone at just the right time, or brief, yet sincere words with long-term implications. Whatever the case, our lives count the most when lived out through other people. It's wonderful to make memories, but even better to make a difference.
I grew to love Lora's parents over the years and they became second parents to me. Mom was the kindest, most unassuming lady you'd ever want to meet--always greeting with the most beautiful smile. I was her favorite son-in-law. She told me many times, even though she never admitted it publicly, mostly to save others from disappointment. Pop was crazy. He always bought stuff he didn't need, and told jokes that were only funny because they made no sense. You can see why we were close:). I had the privilege of leading him to the Lord. I can assure you that "privilege" doesn't come close to expressing what I felt on the day he got saved.
Looking back on the years I knew mom and pop, I see all of their best traits in Lora, and even in my kids. They didn't have much, but what they did have, they poured into their children, and into me too. We had great times together and they taught me a lot. I watched them, both of them, die with grace and the peace of knowing that they really had done the best with what they had. So last week we visited the cemetery for the first time. Forgive me if this is comes across morbid, because it was anything but that on this perfect Saturday evening. Just before sunset Lora, Cameron, Casey and me stood on a pristinely manicured grassy hill, laughing and reminiscing about the times we had with them. The height of the rolling landscape put us at eye-level with these huge, irregular cloud shapes that formed an almost-fake looking backdrop from a movie scene. It struck me, at that surreal moment, that we were making memories right then--that this could be a day my kids would talk about when I'm gone. More importantly, things like this will shape the persons they are becoming.
Most of us will not be remembered for "great" accomplishment or some big event in our lives. Our lasting impact may be the smile we give to someone at just the right time, or brief, yet sincere words with long-term implications. Whatever the case, our lives count the most when lived out through other people. It's wonderful to make memories, but even better to make a difference.
Friday, July 16, 2010
No Thanks??
Morning sings! Most of us are still recovering from an incredible COEBA week. Hope you've gotten some rest by now and are back at it- relishing the joys of work, or, whatever it is you do. I had a thought I wanted to share today. It was prompted, in part, by a really nice note a recent houseguest left when he departed. It was basically a heartfelt thanks for our hospitality and a personal expression of what the time in our home had meant to his life. There were specific details mentioned, and it was obvious that he took real time to clearly express the gratitude he felt. The note really made us feel...well, good! There's no other way to say it. It kinda just made my day. It also made me think about the importance of expressing gratitude in our lives. I think we all feel that we are grateful for blessings- to God, to our friends, parents, etc. We often take time to internalize how fortunate we are. But if we're honest, we might admit that we are sometimes lacking in our expression of that gratitude to God first, then to the people who do and give and pray and work for our benefit. We take people for granted, failing to realize our duty to simply say, "thank you." As children we are taught "please" and "thank you", but I've discovered that many people have mastered the "please" part but are flunking out when it comes to expressing gratitude. One of the most encouraging things you can ever do is to passionately and sincerely convey your appreciation for what someone does that impacts you. It never gets old! It can make all the difference in their day. AND it helps you to better appreciate and recognize the blessings in your life and to avoid developing a sense of entitlement. The late Walter Hawkins coined the words to the classic song, "be grateful." I might go a step further and say, "ACT grateful." Tell them. Show them. Never be mistaken for an ingrate! "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 5:18. Love u guys. PM
Morning Shake
Don't we just love Fridays? There's something special about this day of the week. We anticipate a get-together with friends, plan a little shopping excursion, or, simply look forward to a few extra hours of sleep. Fridays create a happy outlook, in welcome contrast to the controlling regimen of the workweek. On the weekend **I** am in charge! I decide what I do. I even get to go to church. Yup, the weekend is about power. It's about control.
So how much "control" do we really have in our lives? Case in point. When the ground under my house started moving shortly after 5 am today--was I in control?? The 3.6 magnitude earthquake that rattled the DC area this morning was not a part of my plans, or anyone else's. But it happened! I was sitting at my kitchen table. When the rumbling started, I looked outside, wondering why the trash truck was making so much noise! It was all over in 20 seconds, and I forgot about it, until a friend asked me a few hours later if I had felt it.
The point is simple. We plan and map out our day. We anticipate things based on our priorities. But the reality is that God is categorically in control of not only our weekend, but our entire existence. It's great to have plans, but we should always live with the understanding of His power and ability to orchestrate the events of life and to alter our to-do lists according to His Master Plan. When we submit to HIS will--the unanticipated and often misunderstood events in life may surprise us, but they won't leave us shaking because we know Who's got the whole world--even my world--in His hands. Love you guys. PM
So how much "control" do we really have in our lives? Case in point. When the ground under my house started moving shortly after 5 am today--was I in control?? The 3.6 magnitude earthquake that rattled the DC area this morning was not a part of my plans, or anyone else's. But it happened! I was sitting at my kitchen table. When the rumbling started, I looked outside, wondering why the trash truck was making so much noise! It was all over in 20 seconds, and I forgot about it, until a friend asked me a few hours later if I had felt it.
The point is simple. We plan and map out our day. We anticipate things based on our priorities. But the reality is that God is categorically in control of not only our weekend, but our entire existence. It's great to have plans, but we should always live with the understanding of His power and ability to orchestrate the events of life and to alter our to-do lists according to His Master Plan. When we submit to HIS will--the unanticipated and often misunderstood events in life may surprise us, but they won't leave us shaking because we know Who's got the whole world--even my world--in His hands. Love you guys. PM
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Last Sunday night after church we were all hanging around late-like always-laughing and fellowshipping, still on the COEBA high. Soon after, in typical fashion, an overcrowded suv-load of rambunctious, well-dressed people was off to a local eatery to spend my money. Nestled in the group were my kids, Cam and Casey, 15 and 13 respectively (they think they're grown as much as I think I'm young). Cam had been complaining for some time about a sore on his leg that wouldn't heal-so long story short(ened)-we ALL ended up at the ER to get it checked out. We walked through the sliding doors to what resembled a scene from COPS as two officers mirandized a bloodied guy in restraints, right there in the doorway. Colorful language and sudden lunges indicated the suspect's disdain for our staring, so in a "non-Good Samaritan" sorta way, I stepped around the scene to sign in. "C'mon yall," I yelled back to the rest of the crew-my son included-still standing in the doorway pretending they weren't scared. After registering and going back into the ER, the nurse removed Cam's homemade dressing to gasp at the size of the large, oozing sore just above his left shin. We learned that the daily dosing of hydrogen peroxide, despite what we thought, was not helping the situation. The doc soon confirmed that this sore simply needed to be flushed daily with clean water and re-gauzed. It would take time, but this simple, regular procedure would eventually result in complete healing. Thinking about that episode this morning, I'm reminded of Eph. 5:26 where concerning the church, Jesus died "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Also, Psalm 119:9 which says, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." People look to different sources to heal the wounds of life. Counsel, books, activity, meditation...these can all be "good" things, but there is nothing, absolutely NOTHING, that can replace the spiritual and emotional balm of the Word of God. Do you have scars that won't seem to heal? Do you have hurt that needs attention? Bathe yourself in the Word! Consistently. Daily. It will take some time. But you will find restoration that only the Great Physician can guarantee.
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