Thoughts on Spiritual Confusion

All of us go through times of spiritual confusion in which we’re not certain what to do. We pray and don’t seem to get an answer. We wait and nothing changes. Ultimately we questions ourselves, believing the problem must be with us.

Whether that is you now, or you have a friend in that condition, I read something this morning you might find helpful. You know where Jesus said, “everyone that asks receives”? How are we to understand (and believe) that statement, especially in times of spiritual confusion? Oswald Chambers says we may NOT understand, but we MUST believe. Reflect on these quotes:

A fog is as real as clear sunshine; if we don’t pay any attention to the fog, we shall to come to disaster. There are things in the spiritual life which are confused, not because we have disobeyed, but owing to the very nature of things.

Never say God has done what He has not done because it sounds better to say it; never pretend to have an answer when you have not.

If there is a shadow on the face of the Fatherhood of God just now, remain confident that ultimately he will give His clear issue as Jesus said.

In the meantime we do not know what God is doing, but we are certain that what Jesus says in true.

Until we have been disciplined properly by means of spiritual confusion we shall always want to bank on God’s miracles and refuse to the moral thing ourselves.

Soon you will come out of the fog of spiritual confusion and look back to see God’s hand at work doing something much bigger and better than you could have imagined. In the meantime, don’t stop believing.

Inspiring Lesson

God has an amazing way of reminding us of what we know but keep forgetting!

From where I sit I can see a dad (probably 28 years old or so) and a little girl (about 4 years old) sitting at a counter height table, sharing a drink. The dad is leaned over concentrating his WHOLE attention on his little girl and she is soaking every bit of it in!

Since the table is so high, her feet are long way from the ground, and yet she seems perfectly comfortable. At times she swings her legs back and forth, or she’ll cross her legs at the ankles, and she’s sipping that drink, holding onto it like she doesn’t want it to get away. She is adorable, her blond hair is pulled up in a little knot on top of her head; but that’s not what captured my attention.

What captures me–and brings tears to my eyes–is the way her daddy is so zeroed in on her. It’s as if there is nothing or no one else in his world. There’s no cell phone, no computer, no other companion–just his little girl. And it’s obvious this isn’t the first time this has happened. She is talking to him in a way that indicates she’s very used to talking to him. He is very big in her world, and she is obviously very big in his.

I wish I had a camera ’cause I’d love to take a picture. Not so much for your benefit as for mine. See, as a father of seven children of my own I need to remember this scene. I am too easily distracted; not easily enough focused on what (or WHO) really matters in my world. I enjoy work, and I love technology, except for the way it steals time and attention from the ones I love more. They won’t be around long. Very soon they will sit where I sit pondering a similar scene and thinking of their responsibility to their own children. But that time is not yet. Until then they deserve my undivided, and they shall have it!

By the way, the dad and little girl are already gone. The table at which they sat is empty, but they came at the right time and stayed just long enough to teach me a life lesson I hope I won’t soon forget.

Encouraging Scripture

I am reading through the Psalms again and came across these verses that inspire me EVERY time I read them.

5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your rivers of delight.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
–Psalm 36:5-9 (NLT)

When you contrast these verse with the four preceding them, you see David was witnessing the goodness of God against the backdrop of evil and wicked men.

• They have no fear of God at all
• In their blind conceit they cannot see how wicked they really are
• They lie awake at night hatching sinful plots

In the midst of that darkness you can almost hear David say, “BUT, YOU O LORD”. He sees the evil, but his countenance doesn’t remain there. He turns the light on and fixes his gaze on the goodness of God and there he rests!

I have a newspaper beside me. The lead story is SOMEONE KILLED ROBERT. It’s a local story. You’ve probably been following it. Apparently someone killed 8 year old Robert Manwill and dumped his body in the canal. Tragic. Sorrowful. And that’s just one story, there are a hundred others and none of them is really good. But I won’t focus on them. Today instead I choose deliberately to see God and rest in His goodness.

Go back and read verse 5 to 9 again. Will you join me in making HIM the object of your focus?

Baptism Sunday

The highlight of my weekend was a baptismal service at the end of our 10:45 am worship celebration on Sunday morning.

My morning message was aimed at the subject of baptism, stressing the importance of it and explaining why we emphasize it here at Grace. Then, we went to the front lawn, where we had our baptistry set up, and listened to the exciting testimony of five (5) redeemed people as they gave witness to their decision to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. With the congregation standing around, Pastor Brian and I then baptized them…what an inspiring scene.

I am including a photo here, but will upload additional photos to flickr and you can check them out.

Being in the people business, it is most thrilling to be part of such a huge decision in their lives, and to witness their firm commitment to follow Christ. Anyone driving by our church around 12:15 PM on Sunday could see what was taking place. With a sense of anticipation, I wonder who will be next to step over the line!

Six Reasons to Write your Prayer

I’ve been journaling my prayers of late and am finding it to be very rewarding. Perhaps you don’t type fast, or your hand-writing isn’t any good, so I’m sure this isn’t for everyone, but here are six reasons I think you should consider putting your prayers on paper:

• Continuity. When you write down your thoughts/prayers you know where you’ve been and where you’re going so there’s a cohesiveness about them.
• Consistency. In my case, I journal on YouVersion, so there is a date stamp on each prayer journal entry. So if I haven’t prayed (at least in this kind of intentional way) for a day or two, it is apparent. This helps me cultivate a greater consistency in coming to the Lord with my praise and requests.
• Brevity. We tend to get wordy in our praying, don’t we? Since writing and/or typing is more difficult we will likely say what we mean and mean what we say. Thus we are more direct in our praying and more specific in our requests. That’s a good thing!
• Focus. If you’re anything like me, your mind tends to wander in prayer. However, in writing my prayers I am better able to stay on track and on mission.
• Reflection. As with any journal, writing your prayers allows you the opportunity to go back days, or weeks, or months to see the things you were praying about, as well as how God responded to your prayers.
• Praise. Then, you can offer praise for the answers given. Sometimes we move from one prayer need to the next without expressing thanksgiving for how God has come through on our behalf. Write your prayer and you can also record the answer to that prayer. This will elicit worship and praise!

OK, those are my reasons. I’m sure there are more, so I’d love to hear your response. Do you write your prayers? Why?

Here’s an idea

Why not start your day with this prayer, from Psalm 19

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

If you’re anything like me, your tongue can get a little loose–sarcastic, spiteful, angry, disparaging–and you end up saying things that are hurtful and damaging, especially to those you love the dearest. I need God to help me guard my tongue, and by praying this prayer I’ve found I am much more aware of what I say throughout the day. My aim is that EVERY word would please Him.

And then there’s the heart. If the tongue is prone to looseness, the heart is prone to wandering. Get disconnected from the Word, get disconnected from a body of believers, get disconnected from the godly realities that keep you passionate and sharp and accountable, and the world sucks you in and your heart wanders. So, realize that tendency and pray today that God will draw your heart back so that its every thought, desire, ambition, and intention is pleasing to Him.

What a great way to start the day! It will make a difference, I promise.

Sermon Teaser for tomorrow

We continue our series Truth Encounters tomorrow morning, and we’re going to come face to face with this particular truth—“your perception is NOT reality.”

I’ve heard the phrase so many times I’m getting sick of it. I’ve even used it more times than I care to remember. “Perception is reality.” And it’s likely all of us understand we use the phrase because we understand that two people can see the same set of circumstances and yet, based on life experience, world-view, preferences, comfort zone, etc, those two people can see the very same set of circumstances and draw entirely different conclusions regarding them. So, it isn’t what happened that matters, it’s how you see or understand or interpret what happened. Reality isn’t reality; your perception of reality is reality.

Let me give you some concrete biblical examples I jotted down:

1. Joseph was perceived by his brothers as a favored son with a big ego; a spoiled brat; a nuisance. Later he is perceived by those same brothers as an offended monarch with a chance to get even. Makes me think of Sid in Ice Age Meltdown, “We’re gonna live…we’re gonna die!”
2. David is perceived as getting his nose where it doesn’t belong; as trying to be the hero; as being a threat to Saul’s position and power.
3. Jonah had the perception that it was better to run from God and suffer the consequences than to be an instrument of God’s redemption and mercy.
4. Job had the perception that God had caused his calamity.
5. Herod had the perception (Matthew chapter one) that the baby Jesus would one day take his throne.
6. Nicodemus had the perception that he was good but not God.
7. The crowd had the perception that he was a meal ticket; a political emancipator to set them free from Roman oppression.
8. The religious leader had the perception (throughout the gospels) that Jesus was a maverick teacher; a blasphemer; a threat to their religious system and the deal they had going with Rome.
9. The disciples had the perception (on the sea of Galilee) that Jesus was off duty; that he had left his post; that they were going to die.
10. Though they survived the turbulent sea, on the night of his arrest they fled with the perception it was over; he would die and they had followed him for naught.

You get the picture! OK, so what are your perceptions? Get this: they are NOT reality!

You’ll have to come tomorrow to get the rest.

You Version

I’m taking advantage of today’s post to inform you of an online Bible reading program I think you might be interested in. Here is some of what You Version offers:

• Read the Bible in whatever translation you choose. Nearly every possible translation is available.
• Compare translations side-by-side.
• Tag verses. If you’ve never done this, it’s basically giving a particular verse a topic. You can go back later and see all the verses tagged with that topic.
• Bookmark different passages.
• With You Version you can even write your own commentary, and see the contributions of other You Version users.
• Keep your own private journal.
• Follow a daily Bible Reading plan.

It’s a great program. If you are looking for an online portal to enhance your reading and study of Scripture, this is it. Check it out and let me know what you think.

ABC’s of an Expanding Influence

I was reminded yesterday that we are all educator’s, and that if we are going to make the most of each opportunity, and teach what is good and positive and effective, we need to “fan into flame the gift of God that is in [us].” 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) So very quickly I jotted down these thought to help me be the best possible influence in the lives of every person, from my wife and kids to the stranger I meet at the coffee shop. Here they are:

• Awareness–of the presence of God and the watchful eye of others. As a pastor, husband and father of 7 there is nearly always someone being influenced by what I do or say. Yet too often I forget.
• Benevolence–that is, a caring and thoughtfulness, a compassion for every person that generates the kindness to care and the patience to teach.
• Content–to be increasingly a person of substance, a man of godly character so that when teachable moments arise I have something significant to offer
• Devotion–to love God more and more deeply. What could be more influential than that?

Who are you teaching? And what are they learning?

Troubled Times…Really?

I read these verses again this morning and they seem to me to sit in stark contrast to the panic that characterizes much of our culture. There is (as there was) widespread fear, pessimism and negativity and many are (were) wondering if things will ever get better. Not David. In his day he was truly counter-culture. Look at Psalm 4:6-8 from the New Living Translation:

6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, Lord .
7 You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord , will keep me safe.

Are you anxious and troubled, or are you resting peacefully? Just remember, it’s not the condition of our times, but that our times are in God’s hands–that’s what counts!

I’m going to take a nap.

I’m Back

(Guess who? Pic is from 20 min. skit for VBS program Sunday)

Hey all, I guess I’ve gone through blogging withdrawal quite long enough and it’s time to be back at it. Actually, there have been a bunch of times when I’ve had something I wanted to share but no longer had a platform to do so. I’ve missed the conversations. Even when you didn’t respond, the knowledge that you were reading motivated me to share. And it forced a reflection on my life, family, activities, reading, etc that I have greatly missed. The last few months have been good. But truthfully, I am anticipating a new movement of God in our church and community and look forward to sharing the news of it with you.

Just this weekend, in fact, we had our annual Vacation Bible School program–the climax of an awesome week with these kids–and an amazing number of families from our community were with us. God allowed us to plant seeds of the Gospel in their hearts that will come to harvest in time. The new (and renewed) contacts have energized me. Here are a few of those I met (IN JUST THE LAST TWO SUNDAY’S!)

• Steve and Trisha and kids
• Pat and Carissa and kids
• Zach and Jennifer and kids
• Stan and April and kids
• Ellis and Marcia
• Ron and Patti

(By the way, it was a delight meeting all of you. I look forward to getting to know your families and having you become part of our church family.)

And these are only some of the ones I’ve met! I believe our investment of time and money over the past week and a half is going to pay a huge return in the life of our church. More importantly, that investment will result in significant life-change for individuals and families in our community. I can’t wait to see what God will do!

Final Post

OK, this is it. After 19 months, 347 posts, and more than 43, ooo views I’m calling it quits. This blog has outlived its usefulness and I’m shutting it down.

I thought I would revitalize it. I worked on a new look, different content, etc, but the passion to keep it going is not there, and whatever objective I started with has long since gone by the wayside. The Bible says, “in the multitude of words, sin is not lacking.” So, I’ll do myself–and you– a favor and reduce the number of words I use in a day or week.

Before I go, let me say, thanks for reading. On the days you came here and found a new posting, you endured a good bit of meaningless drivel. Other days, when I had nothing to add here, or no time to add it, you patiently got back on the information superhighway to find your information elsewhere. You have read of my family, our church, some fun (and funny) things that happened, and of my educational journey. I’m sure you’re not done reading, and I don’t expect to be done writing. But for now I want to focus on gaining content not giving it.

I plan to keep my facebook account active…so I can see what you’re up to. So, if you have a facebook account, add me as a friend, and we’ll stay in touch. And again, thanks for stopping by…for the LAST TIME!

How’s your marriage?

OK, it’s time to be honest. How’s your marriage these days? Is it better than ever? Or, in the language of present-day politics, are you looking for a bailout? I read a really practical article this morning, I’ve linked it here, so go check it out and take some time to revitalize your marriage.

Have Faith in God

The following comes from Charles Spurgeon, it was sent to me by a friend and I believe it can challenge you as it has me.

“Have faith in God.” – Mark 11:22

Faith is the foot of the soul by which it can march along the road of the commandments. Love can make the feet move more swiftly; but faith is the foot which carries the soul. Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holy devotion and of earnest piety to move well; and without faith the wheels are taken from the chariot, and we drag heavily. With faith I can do all things; without faith I shall neither have the inclination nor the power to do anything in the service of God. If you would find the men who serve God the best, you must look for the men of the most faith. Little faith will save a man, but little faith cannot do great things for God. Poor Little-faith could not have fought “Apollyon;” it needed “Christian” to do that. Poor Little-faith could not have slain “Giant Despair;” it required “Great-heart’s” arm to knock that monster down. Little faith will go to heaven most certainly, but it often has to hide itself in a nut-shell, and it frequently loses all but its jewels. Little-faith says, “It is a rough road, beset with sharp thorns, and full of dangers; I am afraid to go;” but Great-faith remembers the promise, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; as thy days, so shall thy strength be:” and so she boldly ventures. Little-faith stands desponding, mingling her tears with the flood; but Great-faith sings, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:” and she fords the stream at once. Would you be comfortable and happy? Would you enjoy religion? Would you have the religion of cheerfulness and not that of gloom? Then “have faith in God.” If you love darkness, and are satisfied to dwell in gloom and misery, then be content with little faith; but if you love the sunshine, and would sing songs of rejoicing, covet earnestly this best gift, “great faith.”

Random Musings on Scripture

In my devotional reading this morning, the Spirit really opened the Word to me. Here are a few of the random observations I jotted down.

Observations in my reading of Job:
•    The first two chapters of the book are a record of what happened to Job, the rest (or nearly) is the record of his response to what happened to him. In chapter 15 Job speaks as though the affliction continues, that God is presently against him, and actively opposing him. He sees the distress as a present reality, when in fact it has passed. The only thing now distressing is these men haggling it out. Am I fretting about something that is already passed?

•    The conversation of Job’s “friends” is a great example of people saying way more than they know. We humans presume to know what’s really going on, why “so-n-so” is going through this or that hardship, or why Joe blow reacted as he did to a certain event. The truth is, mostly we don’t know. And the more we learn to keep our mouths shut and allow circumstances to work themselves out, the wiser we become, or at least the wiser we appear.  And indeed we are wise, if only for knowing when to remain silent.

Observations in reading Luke:
•    Luke is an amazing story-teller

•    “For with God nothing will be impossible.” There is incredible context to this statement of Gabriel in Luke 1:37. Elizabeth has already conceived in her old age, and now Mary is promised a Son (the Messiah), and she is a virgin. These are out of the ordinary kinds of events only because we have not grasped the truth of the angel’s claim.

•    John, chapter 1 verse 80, was “in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel”. Need I say more? The desert is the waiting room, the prep room, for effective (1:16) ministry. You won’t turn many hearts to the Lord without spending time, significant time, in the desert. Is it coincidental that the desert is where Jesus also began his ministry (Matthew 4)?

What is the Lord teaching you from Scripture? I would love to be encouraged by hearing what you are learning.