"A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes. The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing." (Oswald Chambers)
When I read the above this morning, I had to stop and think back on all the people that have blessed my life in some way. Parents, family, teachers, co-workers, pastors, church folk and friends in several places, have blessed me. Some are direct blessings straight from them to me and some are indirect, as I am blessed by the way they deal with someone close to me.
There are people who have been this to me that probably did not even realize it. It might have been a one-time thing, a chance encounter, and it may have hardly registered on their radar, but it was what I needed at that time in that place.
That is what I would like to have said about me in my life. I would like my life to be such that everything that I did would bless others, and without me even thinking about it or realizing what is going on.
That would be a tremendous legacy to leave for others to remember, but a selfish lifestyle won't get that done. Getting myself out of the way, living in the love of God, now that is the ticket.
Oh, that that might be said of me.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Usefulness
It seems that all of us are born with a need to be useful. We want to matter to someone or something and want to feel that what we are doing is at least somewhat important. In short, we want to count. Is that feeling something that God puts into our makeup, or is it just an ego trip?
Oswald Chambers, in today's reading says "The tendency to-day is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory."
When I look at a lot of the things that I do, I have to ask the question why I do it? Is it so others will look at the activity and give me the praise for doing it? Would I do it if no one knew? Does it take the continual praise of others to keep me on the job?
If our natures put us in the frame of mind to be useful, then I need to look at my motives for the actions.
Am I willing to trade the praise of man in the moment for the "well done, good and faithful servant" praise of God in the future?
Of course, my correct answer is yes, but do I actually live that way?
Oswald Chambers, in today's reading says "The tendency to-day is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory."
When I look at a lot of the things that I do, I have to ask the question why I do it? Is it so others will look at the activity and give me the praise for doing it? Would I do it if no one knew? Does it take the continual praise of others to keep me on the job?
If our natures put us in the frame of mind to be useful, then I need to look at my motives for the actions.
Am I willing to trade the praise of man in the moment for the "well done, good and faithful servant" praise of God in the future?
Of course, my correct answer is yes, but do I actually live that way?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Really?
"Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict. What is your faith up against just now? The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it. "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me." The final thing is confidence in Jesus. Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith, and the last great test is death. May God keep us in fighting trim! Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us." (Oswald Chambers)
Yesterday I wrote this blog on prayer, little knowing that my pastor's sermon a little later in the day, would be on that very subject. My inadequate responses to God in prayer were highlighted in his message. But, as David (my pastor) has pointed out many times over the years, it is not enough for me to hear the words of a message and feel something that stirs in my heart, I need to carry it into my life outside the four walls of the church, and do something with it.
Then this morning, Chambers reading is about believing, faith and testing. As I apply this to my life, there are more questions that arise.
Do I really believe that prayer is important?
When I pray, do I really have faith that God hears and cares?
Do I really expect God to actually answer?
Do I really believe what I believe is really true?
As a believer, the answers to these questions need to all fall into the affirmative column, but do they do that in my life? Really?
Chambers talks about testing, and I know that the real test of belief is in the response to life's continual circumstances. Can my faith pass those tests?
Really?
Yesterday I wrote this blog on prayer, little knowing that my pastor's sermon a little later in the day, would be on that very subject. My inadequate responses to God in prayer were highlighted in his message. But, as David (my pastor) has pointed out many times over the years, it is not enough for me to hear the words of a message and feel something that stirs in my heart, I need to carry it into my life outside the four walls of the church, and do something with it.
Then this morning, Chambers reading is about believing, faith and testing. As I apply this to my life, there are more questions that arise.
Do I really believe that prayer is important?
When I pray, do I really have faith that God hears and cares?
Do I really expect God to actually answer?
Do I really believe what I believe is really true?
As a believer, the answers to these questions need to all fall into the affirmative column, but do they do that in my life? Really?
Chambers talks about testing, and I know that the real test of belief is in the response to life's continual circumstances. Can my faith pass those tests?
Really?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Alterations
"It is not so true that "prayer changes things" as that prayer changes me and I change things. God has so constituted things that prayer on the basis of Redemption alters the way in which a man looks at things. Prayer is not a question of altering things externally, but of working wonders in a man's disposition." (Oswald Chambers)
Most every time, when I read one of these snippets from the writings of Oswald Chambers, and that reading is on prayer, I have to stop and consider my attitude towards prayer in general.
I confess that I do not often sit down and participate in, what I would call, fervent prayer. Sure, I pray. I pray for people in their situations, I pray for family members in decisions they are faced with, I pray for myself, the church, and my life in general.
But, most of all, I pray prayers of gratitude for blessings. I recognize where all comes from, both materially and spiritually, and I am truly grateful. Those kinds of prayers are easy and they do not call for hearing anything from God. They are pretty much one-way prayers.
When I pray for others, it is more an admission that I am showing concern for them and their situations. I am placing them before God and asking Him to bless them in some way, by working in that particular instance. I am not really looking for Him to speak to me about that, I am just letting Him take care of the situation in His way, and knowing that His way is best.
Am I looking to hear from God about anything? Am I expecting Him to change me in any way because of my gratitude or my concern?
Chambers says that prayer does not alter things, it alters the person praying. Do my prayers actually alter me and my thoughts and actions?
Prayers of gratitude and concern are both good, but I need to do more that just come to God's throne with these, and leave them there. I need to actually hear from God and His response to these, and then live my life in accordance to what He reveals.
Truly, it is me that needs the alteration.
Most every time, when I read one of these snippets from the writings of Oswald Chambers, and that reading is on prayer, I have to stop and consider my attitude towards prayer in general.
I confess that I do not often sit down and participate in, what I would call, fervent prayer. Sure, I pray. I pray for people in their situations, I pray for family members in decisions they are faced with, I pray for myself, the church, and my life in general.
But, most of all, I pray prayers of gratitude for blessings. I recognize where all comes from, both materially and spiritually, and I am truly grateful. Those kinds of prayers are easy and they do not call for hearing anything from God. They are pretty much one-way prayers.
When I pray for others, it is more an admission that I am showing concern for them and their situations. I am placing them before God and asking Him to bless them in some way, by working in that particular instance. I am not really looking for Him to speak to me about that, I am just letting Him take care of the situation in His way, and knowing that His way is best.
Am I looking to hear from God about anything? Am I expecting Him to change me in any way because of my gratitude or my concern?
Chambers says that prayer does not alter things, it alters the person praying. Do my prayers actually alter me and my thoughts and actions?
Prayers of gratitude and concern are both good, but I need to do more that just come to God's throne with these, and leave them there. I need to actually hear from God and His response to these, and then live my life in accordance to what He reveals.
Truly, it is me that needs the alteration.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Living the Truth
"Theology must work itself out in the most practical relationships. "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees . . ." said Our Lord, i.e., you must be more moral than the most moral being you know. You may know all about the doctrine of sanctification, but are you running it out into the practical issues of your life? Every bit of your life, physical, moral and spiritual, is to be judged by the standard of the Atonement." (Oswald Chambers)
One of Chambers recurring themes is the one that says your actions speak much louder than your words. Whatever theology you say you believe must be borne out in your daily life.
There is also the saying, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day".
Both of these point out the truth that what I say and what I do must match up, or the one cancels out the other. I can believe all the "right" things, but if those beliefs do not transfer over to actions, they are worthless.
James says that "faith without works is dead", and also "I will show you my faith by my works". Not that I do a bunch of things to get brownie points with God, but that my faith is such that it produces good works.
Even if I state the truth of God's Word as I write this blog, if I do not live it when I get up and go out into my world, it is just words on a computer screen.
And I really do not want that to be my story. Really!
One of Chambers recurring themes is the one that says your actions speak much louder than your words. Whatever theology you say you believe must be borne out in your daily life.
There is also the saying, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day".
Both of these point out the truth that what I say and what I do must match up, or the one cancels out the other. I can believe all the "right" things, but if those beliefs do not transfer over to actions, they are worthless.
James says that "faith without works is dead", and also "I will show you my faith by my works". Not that I do a bunch of things to get brownie points with God, but that my faith is such that it produces good works.
Even if I state the truth of God's Word as I write this blog, if I do not live it when I get up and go out into my world, it is just words on a computer screen.
And I really do not want that to be my story. Really!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sacrifice?
We have spent the last few days in Charlotte with our 15 year old grand daughter while the parents took the 18 year old off to college. It was fun for us, and we loved the alone time with her.
When Dwayne was going off to the school this morning, he stopped and told us how much they appreciated our coming up and spending this time. It was as if he thought this was a sacrifice on our part, which it definitely was not.
Chambers also talks about self-sacrifice today, and, although it is not the same kind of meaning as what we had here in North Carolina, there is somewhat of the same sense. The reading talks about this type of sacrifice being a part of us when we really love someone. In Chambers' case it is love for Christ that makes the sacrifice, not really a sacrifice at all, but a natural outpouring of our daily lives for Him.
In our case, what we love to do is not a big deal, certainly not any form of sacrifice on our part. All of our grand kids are special. Reminds me of a line from the Music Man when Robert Preston sings his song about Trouble in River City. One of the lines goes something like this:
"The hours I spend with a cue in my hand are golden"
The time we get to spend with our kids is golden. It may mean a longish drive, a giving up of our daily routine, a few days out of our norm, but it is a golden time for us, and we hope, a good memory for them.
No self-sacrifice there for sure.....
When Dwayne was going off to the school this morning, he stopped and told us how much they appreciated our coming up and spending this time. It was as if he thought this was a sacrifice on our part, which it definitely was not.
Chambers also talks about self-sacrifice today, and, although it is not the same kind of meaning as what we had here in North Carolina, there is somewhat of the same sense. The reading talks about this type of sacrifice being a part of us when we really love someone. In Chambers' case it is love for Christ that makes the sacrifice, not really a sacrifice at all, but a natural outpouring of our daily lives for Him.
In our case, what we love to do is not a big deal, certainly not any form of sacrifice on our part. All of our grand kids are special. Reminds me of a line from the Music Man when Robert Preston sings his song about Trouble in River City. One of the lines goes something like this:
"The hours I spend with a cue in my hand are golden"
The time we get to spend with our kids is golden. It may mean a longish drive, a giving up of our daily routine, a few days out of our norm, but it is a golden time for us, and we hope, a good memory for them.
No self-sacrifice there for sure.....
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Attitudinal (is that even a word?) Sins
When I sit down and really think about my life of service, I find, more often than not, that it is a service of convenience. If it fits into my schedule, then I am glad, even happy, to do it. If not, then I may do it, but it will be with a begrudging attitude.
Chambers talks today about prayer again, and why people are disappointed in God because of unanswered prayers.
"The illustration of prayer that Our Lord uses here is that of a good child asking for a good thing. We talk about prayer as if God heard us irrespective of the fact of our relationship to Him (cf. Matthew 5:45). Never say it is not God's will to give you what you ask, don't sit down and faint, but find out the reason, turn up the index. Are you rightly related to your wife, to your husband, to your children, to your fellow-students - are you a "good child" there? "0 Lord, I have been irritable and cross, but I do want spiritual blessing." You cannot have it, you will have to do without until you come into the attitude of a good child."
I tend to think of the "big" sins that do the most to separate me from God in my prayer life, but, most probably, it is the every day, not living the life God intended, sins that keep me puny in devotion. These are often overlooked because they are the ones that happen in our normal daily environment, like where we live.
If my wife asks me to help her with something, even simple things like opening a jar of something, do I do it happily or grudgingly? If I think about it for a minute, I find that a lot of the time, I may consider it an imposition because I am "busy reading" or "busy at the computer". Of course, it is really not an imposition at all, but it may just not be convenient for me to get up and go do it. It is a selfish, me first, attitude and has no place in the Christian life.
Everyday attitudes may do the most to separate me from God's blessings. I want to be His "good child", not just for the benefits of that relationship, but just because I want to be.
Attitude, attitude, attitude
Chambers talks today about prayer again, and why people are disappointed in God because of unanswered prayers.
"The illustration of prayer that Our Lord uses here is that of a good child asking for a good thing. We talk about prayer as if God heard us irrespective of the fact of our relationship to Him (cf. Matthew 5:45). Never say it is not God's will to give you what you ask, don't sit down and faint, but find out the reason, turn up the index. Are you rightly related to your wife, to your husband, to your children, to your fellow-students - are you a "good child" there? "0 Lord, I have been irritable and cross, but I do want spiritual blessing." You cannot have it, you will have to do without until you come into the attitude of a good child."
I tend to think of the "big" sins that do the most to separate me from God in my prayer life, but, most probably, it is the every day, not living the life God intended, sins that keep me puny in devotion. These are often overlooked because they are the ones that happen in our normal daily environment, like where we live.
If my wife asks me to help her with something, even simple things like opening a jar of something, do I do it happily or grudgingly? If I think about it for a minute, I find that a lot of the time, I may consider it an imposition because I am "busy reading" or "busy at the computer". Of course, it is really not an imposition at all, but it may just not be convenient for me to get up and go do it. It is a selfish, me first, attitude and has no place in the Christian life.
Everyday attitudes may do the most to separate me from God's blessings. I want to be His "good child", not just for the benefits of that relationship, but just because I want to be.
Attitude, attitude, attitude
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Prayer
I confess, as I have done oft times before, that prayer is a hard thing for me. My prayers are often so shallow that they don't even deserve the word "prayer".
Here it is, late in the evening of a busy day, few thoughts toward God have taken place, and I get a reading on prayer. Here is a comment from Chambers today:
"Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God."
This is truly what I need to do, and, in the morning I will try to get on the right track.
Here it is, late in the evening of a busy day, few thoughts toward God have taken place, and I get a reading on prayer. Here is a comment from Chambers today:
"Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God."
This is truly what I need to do, and, in the morning I will try to get on the right track.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Dependence is not always a Weakness
I am thinking again this morning of Sawyer's going off to college. They are on their way and will get there this afternoon. Thinking about what he will have on his plate for the next few days is somewhat related to Chambers' reading this morning.
Tomorrow he can dump all his stuff into his dorm room, but can't stay there and put it all together. He has to check into the field house with most of the other freshmen and get ready to go camping for the next few days. All these people will sleep in the fieldhouse and then get up early, be divided into their small groups and be sent out. He will not know anyone in his small group at the start, and it will be led by a faculty member or upper school person that will also be a stranger to him. Then it will be a few days of doing whatever they do and bonding with other new students, building community in the process.
Now Sawyer is a "can do" type of person. If he is ever out of his comfort zone, he does hide it very well. I can see him adapting to the situation and even becoming one of the leaders in his group. He has a lot of self assurance. He knows there are a lot of new challenges in front of him, but I believe that he, deep down, thinks that he can handle it and prosper in the process.
I hope that he will also challenge himself with things that are out of his comfort zone. It is in these areas that real growth occurs. Success here brings a sense of accomplishment, and even failure is a great learning time.
The major pitfall in this self assurance and success is the sense of independence, in that I don't need anyone else to help, I can do it myself. It is the American way, the pioneer spirit of overcoming any obstacle in the way. No weakness allowed in this arena. I can do all things, period.
The Bible verse says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". It does not stop with I can do all things, with the emphasis on I, but the emphasis is on a supernatural Helper.
God gives us strength to succeed. He gives us friends along the way to help. He gives us the perseverance to overcome obstacles and lift ourselves from defeats.
Dependence on God is not weakness, it is simply an acknowledgment of the truth that He is God and I am not.
I'm afraid we all need that truth.
Tomorrow he can dump all his stuff into his dorm room, but can't stay there and put it all together. He has to check into the field house with most of the other freshmen and get ready to go camping for the next few days. All these people will sleep in the fieldhouse and then get up early, be divided into their small groups and be sent out. He will not know anyone in his small group at the start, and it will be led by a faculty member or upper school person that will also be a stranger to him. Then it will be a few days of doing whatever they do and bonding with other new students, building community in the process.
Now Sawyer is a "can do" type of person. If he is ever out of his comfort zone, he does hide it very well. I can see him adapting to the situation and even becoming one of the leaders in his group. He has a lot of self assurance. He knows there are a lot of new challenges in front of him, but I believe that he, deep down, thinks that he can handle it and prosper in the process.
I hope that he will also challenge himself with things that are out of his comfort zone. It is in these areas that real growth occurs. Success here brings a sense of accomplishment, and even failure is a great learning time.
The major pitfall in this self assurance and success is the sense of independence, in that I don't need anyone else to help, I can do it myself. It is the American way, the pioneer spirit of overcoming any obstacle in the way. No weakness allowed in this arena. I can do all things, period.
The Bible verse says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". It does not stop with I can do all things, with the emphasis on I, but the emphasis is on a supernatural Helper.
God gives us strength to succeed. He gives us friends along the way to help. He gives us the perseverance to overcome obstacles and lift ourselves from defeats.
Dependence on God is not weakness, it is simply an acknowledgment of the truth that He is God and I am not.
I'm afraid we all need that truth.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Big Day in Charlotte
Today is a big day in the Charlotte Bowman's household..Sawyer goes off to college. Mom and Dad and number one son, left pretty early this morning for Brunswick, Maine and a new adventure at Bowdoin College. Everyone left looking happy and excited, but I imagine, deep down, that there were some other emotions that were being kept under wraps. Different emotions for each of the three, and for the sister left behind, and for each, a wonder of how it will all work out.
Thirty-one years ago, we had the same situation in our Apison household. Dwayne was going off to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. We got to take him there, get him set up in the dorm, give all the sage counsel that we could think of, then just leave him on his own and pray. There was a sense of pride that he was on his own (somewhat), and that this could be a great experience for him. He was going to continue his running with the track and cross country teams, and we had no doubt that he would do well academically.
As I look at Sawyer, I see the same sort of attributes. A willingness to work hard in the areas of athletics and academics, a responsible attitude, a good moral compass, and an ability to interact and get along with a diverse group of people. Will he have some problems, some of which he may pass along to the folks back home and some he may not? Will there be opportunities for growth as well as opportunities for being less than his best? Sure, but he has what it takes to prosper in that environment.
I gave him a book as he left, Thriving in College, written by a college professor in California. The gist of the writing is that a young person can not only survive in college, he or she can actually thrive. Hopefully it will remind him of the things that it takes to come out strong on the other end of the experience.
Here are some of the things that I pray for him as he enters this new realm.
That he will find Christian friends.
That he will stay healthy.
That he will keep his life in balance athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
That God will be close to him and bless him in all he does.
Amen
Thirty-one years ago, we had the same situation in our Apison household. Dwayne was going off to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. We got to take him there, get him set up in the dorm, give all the sage counsel that we could think of, then just leave him on his own and pray. There was a sense of pride that he was on his own (somewhat), and that this could be a great experience for him. He was going to continue his running with the track and cross country teams, and we had no doubt that he would do well academically.
As I look at Sawyer, I see the same sort of attributes. A willingness to work hard in the areas of athletics and academics, a responsible attitude, a good moral compass, and an ability to interact and get along with a diverse group of people. Will he have some problems, some of which he may pass along to the folks back home and some he may not? Will there be opportunities for growth as well as opportunities for being less than his best? Sure, but he has what it takes to prosper in that environment.
I gave him a book as he left, Thriving in College, written by a college professor in California. The gist of the writing is that a young person can not only survive in college, he or she can actually thrive. Hopefully it will remind him of the things that it takes to come out strong on the other end of the experience.
Here are some of the things that I pray for him as he enters this new realm.
That he will find Christian friends.
That he will stay healthy.
That he will keep his life in balance athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
That God will be close to him and bless him in all he does.
Amen
Friday, August 19, 2011
Leakage
"Never allow the dividing up of your life in Christ to remain without facing it. Beware of leakage, of the dividing up of your life by the influence of friends or of circumstances; beware of anything that is going to split up your oneness with Him and make you see yourself separately." (Oswald Chambers)
I have a friend here that I play golf with at least once a week, and when I say friend, I mean that but I also mean a friendly competitor, because we love to beat each other on the course. One of the things I hear him say on the tee box, as a tee shot sails somewhat to the right is "leakage".
Now the connotation on the golf course is that the shot is pretty well hit and is kinda straight, but then it slides off to the right side. Not a downright slice, which really goes right, but just a shot that is not quite straight. Not a bad shot, but just not great, a playable shot but not what the driver was looking for.
I can have that kind of Christian life also. A life that is pretty straight down the middle, but then leaks off to one side or the other. This life may even look good to those folks around me, but I know, as I watch the trajectory, that it is missing the target area.
What does Chambers say about this leakage? He quotes Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says "Come unto Me", as the cure for this missing the mark.
Are you disappointed? Come unto Me
Are you frustrated? Come unto Me
Are you almost on the straight track but not quite? Come unto me
Abiding in Christ is the answer to all the questions, and I know it, but it is hard when you miss that 2 foot putt.
I have a friend here that I play golf with at least once a week, and when I say friend, I mean that but I also mean a friendly competitor, because we love to beat each other on the course. One of the things I hear him say on the tee box, as a tee shot sails somewhat to the right is "leakage".
Now the connotation on the golf course is that the shot is pretty well hit and is kinda straight, but then it slides off to the right side. Not a downright slice, which really goes right, but just a shot that is not quite straight. Not a bad shot, but just not great, a playable shot but not what the driver was looking for.
I can have that kind of Christian life also. A life that is pretty straight down the middle, but then leaks off to one side or the other. This life may even look good to those folks around me, but I know, as I watch the trajectory, that it is missing the target area.
What does Chambers say about this leakage? He quotes Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says "Come unto Me", as the cure for this missing the mark.
Are you disappointed? Come unto Me
Are you frustrated? Come unto Me
Are you almost on the straight track but not quite? Come unto me
Abiding in Christ is the answer to all the questions, and I know it, but it is hard when you miss that 2 foot putt.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Substitute Coaching
Back in my teaching days in Chattanooga, I had the opportunity to do some athletic coaching. The athletic director at our school asked me to be the cross country coach. Now my qualifications for this position were very limited, but I thought I could help get the program off the ground, so I agreed. Having a son that was a cross country and track runner in high school and college, and also being a slow jogger, definitely were not good reasons to take on the job, but I liked to be with the kids, so I did it for a few years, with limited success.
Why do those thoughts come up this morning? I was thinking about how God puts things and situations in my life for a purpose, and that it is much easier to see those purposes after the event transpires. I can possibly know the broad outline of a particular set of circumstances before they occur, but have to be open to God's leadership as they play out each day.
Next week we will be in Charlotte with two main purposes in mind. We will stay with our 15 yr. old grand daughter while her parents take the older son off to college, and I will also get the chance to put the school's cross country team, both and girls, through some of their preseason workouts. I'm sure that our son, who is not only the schools' director, but coaches the team, will have my plans and workout details ready for me to follow. All I need to do is show up and put those plans into action.
Now what are my plans for this coaching assignment? I plan to show up each day and follow the directions that have been given to me by someone who knows much better than I do, how this job ought to be done. I plan to do my best to direct and encourage the runners to put forth their best effort, in spite of heat and muscle pain.
Aren't those plans good ones for living my life each day? Show up, follow the directions from the One who knows best, interact with others that are put in my path, encourage them in their walk, and do my best in those assignments.
Sounds like good advice, now all I have to do is remember to follow it.
Why do those thoughts come up this morning? I was thinking about how God puts things and situations in my life for a purpose, and that it is much easier to see those purposes after the event transpires. I can possibly know the broad outline of a particular set of circumstances before they occur, but have to be open to God's leadership as they play out each day.
Next week we will be in Charlotte with two main purposes in mind. We will stay with our 15 yr. old grand daughter while her parents take the older son off to college, and I will also get the chance to put the school's cross country team, both and girls, through some of their preseason workouts. I'm sure that our son, who is not only the schools' director, but coaches the team, will have my plans and workout details ready for me to follow. All I need to do is show up and put those plans into action.
Now what are my plans for this coaching assignment? I plan to show up each day and follow the directions that have been given to me by someone who knows much better than I do, how this job ought to be done. I plan to do my best to direct and encourage the runners to put forth their best effort, in spite of heat and muscle pain.
Aren't those plans good ones for living my life each day? Show up, follow the directions from the One who knows best, interact with others that are put in my path, encourage them in their walk, and do my best in those assignments.
Sounds like good advice, now all I have to do is remember to follow it.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Do I Want to Listen?
This is a hard reading this morning. Not so much what Chambers is saying, but the implication is: Have I heard Jesus say this?
All of the above is in reference to the narrative in Luke 18:22 which reads: "Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all that thou hast . . and come, follow Me."
Chambers: "Have I ever heard Jesus say a hard word? Has He said something personally to me to which I have deliberately listened? Not something I can expound or say this and that about, but something I have heard Him say to me? This man did understand what Jesus said, he heard it and he sized up what it meant, and it broke his heart. He did not go away defiant; he went away sorrowful, thoroughly discouraged. He had come to Jesus full of the fire of earnest desire, and the word of Jesus simply froze him; instead of producing an enthusiastic devotion, it produced a heart-breaking discouragement. And Jesus did not go after him, He let him go. Our Lord knows perfectly that when once His word is heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later."
It is more a question of security than of money itself. My devotion to Christ should be more than lip service, more than rules. True devotion encompasses the giving up of anything in my life that I put above Jesus Himself. Does that mean family, security, church, or even religion?
I have a friend who heard Jesus tell him to do just what he said in Luke 18. He sold it all and gave it away, and in the process he lost not only his wealth, but also his family who did not understand what he was doing. Could I actually do that?
The key to the whole thing is hearing Jesus give that command to me personally. Does He speak those words to me? Have I heard that, or do I even want to listen?
Deep down, it is not only being willing to do what Jesus says, but actually doing it, if He says it to me.
I have to ask myself again, Do I really want to listen?
Really?
All of the above is in reference to the narrative in Luke 18:22 which reads: "Yet lackest thou one thing; sell all that thou hast . . and come, follow Me."
Chambers: "Have I ever heard Jesus say a hard word? Has He said something personally to me to which I have deliberately listened? Not something I can expound or say this and that about, but something I have heard Him say to me? This man did understand what Jesus said, he heard it and he sized up what it meant, and it broke his heart. He did not go away defiant; he went away sorrowful, thoroughly discouraged. He had come to Jesus full of the fire of earnest desire, and the word of Jesus simply froze him; instead of producing an enthusiastic devotion, it produced a heart-breaking discouragement. And Jesus did not go after him, He let him go. Our Lord knows perfectly that when once His word is heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later."
It is more a question of security than of money itself. My devotion to Christ should be more than lip service, more than rules. True devotion encompasses the giving up of anything in my life that I put above Jesus Himself. Does that mean family, security, church, or even religion?
I have a friend who heard Jesus tell him to do just what he said in Luke 18. He sold it all and gave it away, and in the process he lost not only his wealth, but also his family who did not understand what he was doing. Could I actually do that?
The key to the whole thing is hearing Jesus give that command to me personally. Does He speak those words to me? Have I heard that, or do I even want to listen?
Deep down, it is not only being willing to do what Jesus says, but actually doing it, if He says it to me.
I have to ask myself again, Do I really want to listen?
Really?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Signal from......
Earlier this month, while we were in Tennessee with the family, most every time the family gathered in one of the units for a meal or a game or just to hang out because of the heat outside and the air conditioning inside, the electronic ones in the crowd would get on their devices and play a scrabble like word game with each other. The essence of the game was that you make a word and send it electronically to the person you were playing with, and then they would respond with a word of their own.
Well, it seemed like fun, but I did not have an ipad or an iphone so I could not play. But then, after we got back home, I discovered that I could play with them from my computer, so I set it up and now I can join in. It is an application on facebook that allows me to play the game with any of my facebook "friends".
When I come into my morning study room and open the computer, I hear a distinctive sound that tells me that one of the people playing the game with me has made a word and sent the game back to me to put in another word. Now I could go to the site immediately and see who responded, but then I might get caught up in the game and not read Chambers and do my blog. So, I pass on the game and sit down to read.
Chambers title for today is "Does He Know Me?", and I think of how neat it would be if, when I opened the computer each morning, that Jesus would have a message there for me to read that either gave me my directions for this day, or at least showed me that He knew I was available to listen.
But then I think: He does have these things waiting for me, His words in the Bible, His still small voice, and the prompting of His Spirit, if I will only open my ears, eyes and heart to listen and see.
I can turn off the signal that tells me it is my turn to play by simply muting the sound on the computer, and I can do the same to the voice of Jesus by not taking the time to listen.
God help me not to get so wrapped up in the things of the world that I do not even care to listen to You.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Historical Fiction
I have been reading a series of books by C.J. Sansom, a series recommended to me by a pastor friend in Chattanooga. These books are set in the time of Henry VIII of England in the 1500s, and are mysteries that focus on the historical period of the Reformation in England and the dissolution of the Catholic monasteries in that country. The principle character is a fictional lawyer, but the other main figures are right out of English history, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Archbishop Cranmer.
In the book Revelation, Sansom has a character, Adam Kite, that is so tormented by the fact that he is not "saved", as that term is defined by some preachers of that era, that all he can do is fall on his knees and pray regardless of where he is. I can't tell the end of the story because I have not finished the book, but this 20 year old man is a pitiful case, pleading with God at every opportunity to hear him and give him the knowledge of grace that he longs for.
I thought of Adam as I read through Chambers' reading for today.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." (1 John 3:9.) Do I seek to stop sinning or have I stopped sinning? To be born of God means that I have the supernatural power of God to stop sinning. In the Bible it is never - Should a Christian sin? The Bible puts it emphatically - A Christian must not sin. The effective working of the new birth life in us is that we do not commit sin, not merely that we have the power not to sin, but that we have stopped sinning. 1 John 3:9 does not mean that we cannot sin; it means that if we obey the life of God in us, we need not sin.
Adam could see that his life did not measure up, and the preachers in his life, reminded him of that fact in their sermons. He could not get past his wretched condition to see the grace that God offered. He felt he was not worthy of salvation, and that God had refused to hear his plea. He was measuring his life by what others said they had experienced in grace, and was going mad in the process.
Too often my measuring rod is someone else, and the working of God in their lives, when it should be God's revelation to me. What does the Bible say, not what do others say it says. All of us are individuals, and God does not handle all of us in the same way. The basic doctrines of the Book are true for all, but perhaps the way we react to them can be different.
Jesus is my example and guide. Let me look to Him and not to other men for the confirmation of my faith.
Hopefully Adam will find that confirmation before the book ends.
In the book Revelation, Sansom has a character, Adam Kite, that is so tormented by the fact that he is not "saved", as that term is defined by some preachers of that era, that all he can do is fall on his knees and pray regardless of where he is. I can't tell the end of the story because I have not finished the book, but this 20 year old man is a pitiful case, pleading with God at every opportunity to hear him and give him the knowledge of grace that he longs for.
I thought of Adam as I read through Chambers' reading for today.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." (1 John 3:9.) Do I seek to stop sinning or have I stopped sinning? To be born of God means that I have the supernatural power of God to stop sinning. In the Bible it is never - Should a Christian sin? The Bible puts it emphatically - A Christian must not sin. The effective working of the new birth life in us is that we do not commit sin, not merely that we have the power not to sin, but that we have stopped sinning. 1 John 3:9 does not mean that we cannot sin; it means that if we obey the life of God in us, we need not sin.
Adam could see that his life did not measure up, and the preachers in his life, reminded him of that fact in their sermons. He could not get past his wretched condition to see the grace that God offered. He felt he was not worthy of salvation, and that God had refused to hear his plea. He was measuring his life by what others said they had experienced in grace, and was going mad in the process.
Too often my measuring rod is someone else, and the working of God in their lives, when it should be God's revelation to me. What does the Bible say, not what do others say it says. All of us are individuals, and God does not handle all of us in the same way. The basic doctrines of the Book are true for all, but perhaps the way we react to them can be different.
Jesus is my example and guide. Let me look to Him and not to other men for the confirmation of my faith.
Hopefully Adam will find that confirmation before the book ends.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Thoughts on a Past Blog
I have been in the process of reading back through the blogs I have written this year, mainly to see what God has been showing me in my life. In doing that again today, I came across one I wrote in April when Sawyer was accepted to his first-choice college.
Now the time is almost upon us that he is leaving home and going to Maine to study. He will leave this next Sunday, with his parents driving him. We will go to Charlotte to stay with Sydney, not that she really needs us, but she is only 15, and, I guess, should have some adults around.
This is a whole new chapter in the lives of all in this family. He is our first grandson to go off to school and his grand parents look on that as both pridefully and fearfully. He has the work ethic to succeed. He has a good foundation morally, and we pray that he will find other believers there that will help him to, not only succeed in college, but thrive.
Sawyer will go from being a big fish in a small pond to the opposite. He has been a top runner in his area, but now will find that there are other "top runners" competing with him. He has been on top academically, now he will find others in the same category, and maybe even better. He will find students and teachers that may have conflicting beliefs, and he will be challenged to think for himself and not rely on what parents or grandparents believed or taught. He will have a whole new set of authority figures and peers. Scary but part of growing up, too.
His parents will drive home from Maine in a quieter car. The house they return to will be much the same. They will miss him and be proud of him at the same time. It is not easy with the first one going away.
He will do his best, because he is built that way.
What will we do, we who are left at home?
PRAY
Now the time is almost upon us that he is leaving home and going to Maine to study. He will leave this next Sunday, with his parents driving him. We will go to Charlotte to stay with Sydney, not that she really needs us, but she is only 15, and, I guess, should have some adults around.
This is a whole new chapter in the lives of all in this family. He is our first grandson to go off to school and his grand parents look on that as both pridefully and fearfully. He has the work ethic to succeed. He has a good foundation morally, and we pray that he will find other believers there that will help him to, not only succeed in college, but thrive.
Sawyer will go from being a big fish in a small pond to the opposite. He has been a top runner in his area, but now will find that there are other "top runners" competing with him. He has been on top academically, now he will find others in the same category, and maybe even better. He will find students and teachers that may have conflicting beliefs, and he will be challenged to think for himself and not rely on what parents or grandparents believed or taught. He will have a whole new set of authority figures and peers. Scary but part of growing up, too.
His parents will drive home from Maine in a quieter car. The house they return to will be much the same. They will miss him and be proud of him at the same time. It is not easy with the first one going away.
He will do his best, because he is built that way.
What will we do, we who are left at home?
PRAY
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mind Working
It is interesting to me how the mind works. This morning, for instance, the Chambers' reading was on "Quenching the spirit", using a reading from I Thessalonians 5:19. Reading both the verse and its surrounding passages led me to a quick study of the Biblical phrase "hardening the heart", where it was used and who did the hardening, the individual who would not listen, or God Himself.
Then as my mind continued to wake up, the thoughts shifted from the above to the whole question of predestination and free will. Now I realize that this line of thinking has taken me an hour, and I have to go play tennis in 30 minutes and have to eat before I go, therefore do not have the time to see where all this leads.
But I did come back into the cool of the house, out of the sun of the court, and I want to continue the thoughts above.
I really did not think very much about the whole issue of free will, until I went to grad school at Covenant College . The is a Reformed Presbyterian school near Chattanooga, and the professors that I studied under were all reformed educators. They were big on the fact that believers were chosen by God. One of them told me, in answer to a question about being chosen, that if God was still working in your life, you would know that you are His, or would be eventually.
Then, while living in Blacksburg for 3 years, I attended a Bible study, led by an architect from our church, who was also very much into reformed theology. He gave me a book, Chosen By God, by R. C. Sproul, to read and think about. I did, in fact I read it over again, and I'm still not sure I understand all the ideas involved.
So, where does this all lead? Perhaps the thought I have on all of the hard issues of the Bible, is that study of God, His Word, and His work in the world is a lifelong study. It is easy to just say that I don't understand, which I often don't, and let it go at that, but I also believe that I need to put some thought and study into what I can understand. Of course, it is God who must lead the study, and I need to follow.
How do we put all these thoughts together, especially from the verse, "Quench not the Spirit"?
If the Spirit leads into a particular study, I need to go there, not just say it is too deep for me. Ravi Zacharias has, or did have, a program on radio entitled "Let My People Think", where he points out that it is the believer's privilege, or even obligation, to study what God has to say. An informed man has much more credibility that one who just says "I'll just take it on faith and let it go at that".
Some things I have to take on faith, but my faith is also strengthened by what I can study and learn. Maybe I should read Sproul's book for the 3rd time.......
Friday, August 12, 2011
Praying Girls
"When we are in fear we can do nothing less than pray to God, but Our Lord has a right to expect that those who name His Name should have an understanding confidence in Him." (Oswald Chambers)
Do I have confidence in my prayers, or are they just things that I think I ought to pray about and pray for?
I thought about this some while our two grand daughters were here this week. Let me give a scenario that illustrates a point about prayer. Each time one of the girls prayed, one of their requests was to help them be kind to one another, which is a very worthwhile prayer and something that we all need. I do not believe they missed a prayer time without stating this need.
As they day wore on, one of the girls would, as siblings do, say something that irritated the other, or one would lash out because of some supposed wrong that was committed against them. Words were said, sometimes tears would fall and each would be put out for a few minutes. Then someone would say "I'm sorry", and all would be well again, or at until something happened.
Now I know that that is the way it is, especially between members of the same household. The great majority of the time, everyone was happily playing together and all was well.
A lot of the time, I find myself praying something, something that I need to be praying about and asking help on, and then forgetting it completely while going through my day. Does my life show any confidence in the power of prayer? Do I expect anything from the exercise?
Is there any correlation between my prayers for my day and the way I live? Do I even consider what I have prayed? When I do the things that I asked God for help in not doing, do I even notice and at least give an "I'm sorry" response.
My girls are growing up and learning. They know how to pray and they do it regularly. I wish my prayer life was as good. I need not only to have a more consistent prayer time, but I need to remember during the day, those things that I asked God for help on, and let Him show me how to get my attitudes in tune with my prayer requests.
Thanks, girls, for making me think about my prayers as I considered yours.
Do I have confidence in my prayers, or are they just things that I think I ought to pray about and pray for?
I thought about this some while our two grand daughters were here this week. Let me give a scenario that illustrates a point about prayer. Each time one of the girls prayed, one of their requests was to help them be kind to one another, which is a very worthwhile prayer and something that we all need. I do not believe they missed a prayer time without stating this need.
As they day wore on, one of the girls would, as siblings do, say something that irritated the other, or one would lash out because of some supposed wrong that was committed against them. Words were said, sometimes tears would fall and each would be put out for a few minutes. Then someone would say "I'm sorry", and all would be well again, or at until something happened.
Now I know that that is the way it is, especially between members of the same household. The great majority of the time, everyone was happily playing together and all was well.
A lot of the time, I find myself praying something, something that I need to be praying about and asking help on, and then forgetting it completely while going through my day. Does my life show any confidence in the power of prayer? Do I expect anything from the exercise?
Is there any correlation between my prayers for my day and the way I live? Do I even consider what I have prayed? When I do the things that I asked God for help in not doing, do I even notice and at least give an "I'm sorry" response.
My girls are growing up and learning. They know how to pray and they do it regularly. I wish my prayer life was as good. I need not only to have a more consistent prayer time, but I need to remember during the day, those things that I asked God for help on, and let Him show me how to get my attitudes in tune with my prayer requests.
Thanks, girls, for making me think about my prayers as I considered yours.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Lo and Behold..
I woke up this morning pretty early and thought, I'd better go meet with Chambers this morning before my day gets out of control. Then the thought hit me that it was not Chambers I wanted to meet with, it was God. Chambers writing was the vehicle I would use to see what God might want me to see. If I am not careful, I could be substituting the writings of a man for a message from the Almighty.
I wrote the above before I opened the text of today's reading, and, lo and behold, Chambers was writing in the same vein. He was in II KIngs chapter 2 with Elijah and Elisha as the prophetic mantle was about to be passed down. Elisha had been everywhere with Elijah, observing the power that God had given him, and he wanted that same thing, doubled. Elijah had crossed the Jordan River by striking the water with his cloak. After he, Elijah, was taken up to heaven, Elisha faced the same river with that same cloak in his hand. Now it was just Elisha and God, without Elijah alongside.
Both Elijah and Chambers are mere men. Even as close as they were to God, they were not Him. As much as they might be used by Him, they are still men. These men got their power from God, and their lives and words can point out the way.
Despite all the wisdom and understanding that a man like Oswald Chambers received from God, I really do not want to face my Jordans with him at my side. I want God there, showing me the way, just as He has pointed out that fact to me today.
I may use men as signposts to God, but it is God Himself that is to be followed.
May I remember that.
I wrote the above before I opened the text of today's reading, and, lo and behold, Chambers was writing in the same vein. He was in II KIngs chapter 2 with Elijah and Elisha as the prophetic mantle was about to be passed down. Elisha had been everywhere with Elijah, observing the power that God had given him, and he wanted that same thing, doubled. Elijah had crossed the Jordan River by striking the water with his cloak. After he, Elijah, was taken up to heaven, Elisha faced the same river with that same cloak in his hand. Now it was just Elisha and God, without Elijah alongside.
Both Elijah and Chambers are mere men. Even as close as they were to God, they were not Him. As much as they might be used by Him, they are still men. These men got their power from God, and their lives and words can point out the way.
Despite all the wisdom and understanding that a man like Oswald Chambers received from God, I really do not want to face my Jordans with him at my side. I want God there, showing me the way, just as He has pointed out that fact to me today.
I may use men as signposts to God, but it is God Himself that is to be followed.
May I remember that.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Is there such a thing as an Ordinary Day?
I confess, I feel guilty when I do not get to post a blog, and even more guilty when I do not respond to Oswald Chambers' writings, as I proposed to do when I began back in February. There are gems that I have not had the time to uncover, and I know that there are ideas and revelations that could help me in my walk.
BUT, that is the big word for these last two weeks. A day of travel to Tennessee for our reunion, 3 days up there with pretty poor wifi coverage (although that is a weak excuse when you do have a little bit), a travel day back home with 2 grand daughters, 4 days of them at our place, and another travel day to get them half way home. All that is a lot for us, but it is a small price to pay for good times with family and many memories along the way.
I have always felt that relationships are very important, especially with family, and anything that we can do to foster those are very worthwhile. The 15 of us are widely separated geographically, and the times together are few. True, we keep up some with Facebook and email, but it is not the same as those face to face encounters. We can keep up with the facts of lives, but not the living of those lives themselves.
So, I prioritize my available time. I choose to spend those hours interacting with my people instead of my blog and the writing of someone else. I do not get up early to have a quiet time of any length. I pray on the run, and as the times of togetherness are winding down most of the prayers are for safe travels home for all the families. Grace at meals becomes gratitude for the time that we have to be together
I realize the shortcomings in this approach, and I see where I have given God the short end of the stick.
Some good has come out of our time, but perhaps not all God intended. My prayer today is not for help, but for forgiveness. On second thought maybe the right prayer was for help, but just a bit earlier than today. Like a couple of weeks ago.
BUT, that is the big word for these last two weeks. A day of travel to Tennessee for our reunion, 3 days up there with pretty poor wifi coverage (although that is a weak excuse when you do have a little bit), a travel day back home with 2 grand daughters, 4 days of them at our place, and another travel day to get them half way home. All that is a lot for us, but it is a small price to pay for good times with family and many memories along the way.
I have always felt that relationships are very important, especially with family, and anything that we can do to foster those are very worthwhile. The 15 of us are widely separated geographically, and the times together are few. True, we keep up some with Facebook and email, but it is not the same as those face to face encounters. We can keep up with the facts of lives, but not the living of those lives themselves.
So, I prioritize my available time. I choose to spend those hours interacting with my people instead of my blog and the writing of someone else. I do not get up early to have a quiet time of any length. I pray on the run, and as the times of togetherness are winding down most of the prayers are for safe travels home for all the families. Grace at meals becomes gratitude for the time that we have to be together
I realize the shortcomings in this approach, and I see where I have given God the short end of the stick.
Some good has come out of our time, but perhaps not all God intended. My prayer today is not for help, but for forgiveness. On second thought maybe the right prayer was for help, but just a bit earlier than today. Like a couple of weeks ago.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Anticipation
When left on my own, I have the tendency to look at each day as it begins with the thought that it will be somewhat like the days that have preceded it. I look at the new day through eyes that have seen it all before, and there is little anticipation of what new things might happen. Same old, same old.....
But it has been different these past few days. We have two girls here from Virginia, and their first words at the beginning of a day are "what are we going to do today, Papa?" Even as they speak, I can look forward to things that we can do together. It will definitely not be an ordinary day in this household.
Lets see, they got here on Friday evening so on Saturday we went to the playground down by the pier, played on the live oak trees around that area, went to the pool for a swim, played board games in the condo, rode the tandem bike around the neighborhood, and fell into bed for a good sleep (especially the adults).
On Sunday, we went to church, ate lunch at home, went to Jekyll Island to the Sea Turtle Center, also to the beach, had a quick picnic on the marsh (bugs were too active to stay long), and fell into bed again.
So here we are on Monday and the girls' first words are "how about today, what are we going to do?" We have some plans in mind, but with these two kids, we have to be flexible and ready to head off on a different course. We'll see how it all plays out, but there is one thing for sure, it won't be an ordinary day on St. Simons.
What if I could wake up each morning with the question of what was God going to do today? What was He going to show me, or do through me today? Could I actually show some of the anticipation that these two girls have each morning?
God has plans for this day also. A verse comes to mind:
Jer 29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Our puny plans for today are really insignificant beside His. He has plans for our two girls and He has plans for us. I need to get out of the "Ho, hum another day" attitude and get into anticipation of what God has in store.
I need an attitude adjustment.
But it has been different these past few days. We have two girls here from Virginia, and their first words at the beginning of a day are "what are we going to do today, Papa?" Even as they speak, I can look forward to things that we can do together. It will definitely not be an ordinary day in this household.
Lets see, they got here on Friday evening so on Saturday we went to the playground down by the pier, played on the live oak trees around that area, went to the pool for a swim, played board games in the condo, rode the tandem bike around the neighborhood, and fell into bed for a good sleep (especially the adults).
On Sunday, we went to church, ate lunch at home, went to Jekyll Island to the Sea Turtle Center, also to the beach, had a quick picnic on the marsh (bugs were too active to stay long), and fell into bed again.
So here we are on Monday and the girls' first words are "how about today, what are we going to do?" We have some plans in mind, but with these two kids, we have to be flexible and ready to head off on a different course. We'll see how it all plays out, but there is one thing for sure, it won't be an ordinary day on St. Simons.
What if I could wake up each morning with the question of what was God going to do today? What was He going to show me, or do through me today? Could I actually show some of the anticipation that these two girls have each morning?
God has plans for this day also. A verse comes to mind:
Jer 29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Our puny plans for today are really insignificant beside His. He has plans for our two girls and He has plans for us. I need to get out of the "Ho, hum another day" attitude and get into anticipation of what God has in store.
I need an attitude adjustment.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Understanding
"Wist ye not that I must be in My Father's house?" Luke 2:49 (R.V.)
The story that Chambers uses in his reading for today is a familiar one. Mary and Joseph, Jesus earthly parents, are returning home from a Passover trip to Jerusalem when they realize that Jesus is not with them on the journey. They return to the city and, after 3 days, find Him in the Temple, talking with the scribes. From the narrative in Luke's Gospel, they do not understand His answer to their question of why He stayed behind, that He must be in His Father's House.
It seems that Mary and Joseph had spent the previous years, between the miraculous birth of Jesus and this moment, in the process of watching their son grow up in a very ordinary way. The days, weeks, months and years of taking care of Jesus had dulled their minds and hearts to the fact that He was special. He was the Son of the Most High, living in their house, but he grew up in an ordinary way, just like the other kids in the neighborhood.
As a Christian, I say that Christ lives with me and in me, yet I don't comprehend what that means. I accept that as a truism, but do not live as though it were true. So much of my life is just lived in the ordinary.
We have been living this past week on a vacation with all our family. Also for the past couple of days, our two grand daughters from Virginia have been at our home. The days have been, and still are, filled to the brim with family, without much thought of God in our lives, with the exception of gratitude for the blessings, that we as a family, enjoy.
Would Jesus ask me the question that He asked his parents, "Do you know what I am really about in your life and in your world?"
Sadly, my response would be the same as theirs, they did not understand.
Lord, help me to see beyond the ordinary, as much as I like it, to the things you want to accomplish in my life, even today.
The story that Chambers uses in his reading for today is a familiar one. Mary and Joseph, Jesus earthly parents, are returning home from a Passover trip to Jerusalem when they realize that Jesus is not with them on the journey. They return to the city and, after 3 days, find Him in the Temple, talking with the scribes. From the narrative in Luke's Gospel, they do not understand His answer to their question of why He stayed behind, that He must be in His Father's House.
It seems that Mary and Joseph had spent the previous years, between the miraculous birth of Jesus and this moment, in the process of watching their son grow up in a very ordinary way. The days, weeks, months and years of taking care of Jesus had dulled their minds and hearts to the fact that He was special. He was the Son of the Most High, living in their house, but he grew up in an ordinary way, just like the other kids in the neighborhood.
As a Christian, I say that Christ lives with me and in me, yet I don't comprehend what that means. I accept that as a truism, but do not live as though it were true. So much of my life is just lived in the ordinary.
We have been living this past week on a vacation with all our family. Also for the past couple of days, our two grand daughters from Virginia have been at our home. The days have been, and still are, filled to the brim with family, without much thought of God in our lives, with the exception of gratitude for the blessings, that we as a family, enjoy.
Would Jesus ask me the question that He asked his parents, "Do you know what I am really about in your life and in your world?"
Sadly, my response would be the same as theirs, they did not understand.
Lord, help me to see beyond the ordinary, as much as I like it, to the things you want to accomplish in my life, even today.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Spouses
If you want the relation of Oswald's writing to today's post go here:
http://www.myutmost.org/08/0804.html
Thinking about what I wrote yesterday I seem to have concentrated almost exclusively on our kids. True,d they are great, but what has made these few days here in Tennessee special has been our relationship with the spouses of these 3 and the kids they have raised.
Knowing what is usually true in these situations, our kids may have overmarried. The spouses are multi-talented individuals who have willingly chosen to come alongside of us in some of our craziest schemes. They have participated in the family games, put up with all the inside jokes and the remembering of old times, and best of all they have provided us with food galore.
Since the head husband of this clan is somewhat on the frugal side, we decided to cook all of our meals, except breakfast, which is furnished. Since we are staying 3 nights, each family unit volunteered to cook one night meal. Noel did the Tuesday meal which was a delicious buffalo roast with trimmings. Dawn did the Wednesday which was lasagna, salad, beans and some delicately named chocolate cake. Karen will have pizza tonight, and we will all be stuffed again. If it was not for sweating off many pounds in the heat of August, we would all be blimps on Friday.
So my hat is off to them, not just for filling our stomachs with excellent meals, but for taking care of our kids, raising good grand kids and putting up with all the stuff that comes with joining an odd group. Not to mention dealing with old folks.
God chose well, when we got the three of them.
By the way, if you want another perspective on this family time go to:
http://uniontrueheart.blogspot.com/
http://www.myutmost.org/08/0804.html
Thinking about what I wrote yesterday I seem to have concentrated almost exclusively on our kids. True,d they are great, but what has made these few days here in Tennessee special has been our relationship with the spouses of these 3 and the kids they have raised.
Knowing what is usually true in these situations, our kids may have overmarried. The spouses are multi-talented individuals who have willingly chosen to come alongside of us in some of our craziest schemes. They have participated in the family games, put up with all the inside jokes and the remembering of old times, and best of all they have provided us with food galore.
Since the head husband of this clan is somewhat on the frugal side, we decided to cook all of our meals, except breakfast, which is furnished. Since we are staying 3 nights, each family unit volunteered to cook one night meal. Noel did the Tuesday meal which was a delicious buffalo roast with trimmings. Dawn did the Wednesday which was lasagna, salad, beans and some delicately named chocolate cake. Karen will have pizza tonight, and we will all be stuffed again. If it was not for sweating off many pounds in the heat of August, we would all be blimps on Friday.
So my hat is off to them, not just for filling our stomachs with excellent meals, but for taking care of our kids, raising good grand kids and putting up with all the stuff that comes with joining an odd group. Not to mention dealing with old folks.
God chose well, when we got the three of them.
By the way, if you want another perspective on this family time go to:
http://uniontrueheart.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Family
There is a saying which goes (I think); "You can choose your friends, but God alone chooses your family."
While we are all together up here in Tennessee, I think about how much our family has been blessed. Mayre (or Granny Lou) and I have always marveled how our family can be apart so much of the time, because of where we all live, and still fit together when we have these times of reunion. The kids get along, even with the disparity of their ages from 18 to 6. The adults like to play together, talk or just hang out together. Husbands and wives, kids and spouses, old and young, seem to be on the same page. The individual lives are separate, but there is a distinct togetherness when we meet for a few days.
For us the pleasure is not just the play and the talk, but the realization that things are not forced, but a feeling of "I really want to be here in this place at this time".
Memories are built that will be shared at future gatherings. In the years to come we believe that some of the things we did and said here these few days will be in that "remember when we..." category of memories.
We are blessed that God did choose to put us all in the same family.
Very blessed indeed.
Amen
While we are all together up here in Tennessee, I think about how much our family has been blessed. Mayre (or Granny Lou) and I have always marveled how our family can be apart so much of the time, because of where we all live, and still fit together when we have these times of reunion. The kids get along, even with the disparity of their ages from 18 to 6. The adults like to play together, talk or just hang out together. Husbands and wives, kids and spouses, old and young, seem to be on the same page. The individual lives are separate, but there is a distinct togetherness when we meet for a few days.
For us the pleasure is not just the play and the talk, but the realization that things are not forced, but a feeling of "I really want to be here in this place at this time".
Memories are built that will be shared at future gatherings. In the years to come we believe that some of the things we did and said here these few days will be in that "remember when we..." category of memories.
We are blessed that God did choose to put us all in the same family.
Very blessed indeed.
Amen
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