I shudder just simply thinking about the possibilities. My body seems to have a nervous reaction that is simply uncontrollable. My breathing quickens, my hands tremble, and I break into a cold sweat. So what could possibly bring forth this violent physical reaction; why the Mall of course!!! I am only slightly exaggerating this behavior as my Bride can attest. The Mall, especially during this time of year, is jam packed with people rushing to find that perfect gift even if it is for a person they barely like. Credit cards come flying out of wallets and purses with reckless abandonment. I simply get overwhelmed with the crowds and the shear expense of money being dropped! Part of this apprehension is simply my intense frugality that some may even call "cheap" but alas it is so much more. Watching this go down forces me to ask the question, if there were no presents and if Christmas was simply time with the family and remembrance of Jesus' birth would that be enough to label it as a great Holiday?
In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul is expressing his thanks for the monetary gift the Church in Philippi sent him. A kind gesture no doubt, but here in this passage while Paul is expressing his gratitude he wants the hearer to be sure that regardless of the physical gift, Paul was content simply with whatever the Lord provided. It is amazing to me to see the complete reliance on God and the contentment in a man that was lacking so many of the creature comforts we all have. Contentment is definetly a spiritual gift and a discipline that many Christians, yours truly included, struggle with.
If you didn't receive that special Christmas bonus, the new job, new car, or date with the hottest girl in school would you be O.K.? Now let me clarify, contentment does not mean that being slightly disappointed that something didn't happen is wrong. Contentment is simply realizing that God provides everything you need and anything extra that happens is simply icing on the cake. Contentment is looking at this Christmas season and simply relishing in the gift of Christ and those you love. Contentment is eagerly wanting something, anything, to come to fruition and realizing that if it doesn't the quality of your life is not lost. A heavenward focused people find joy in what God has provided and realizing that the "extra" blessings are just that; "extra" and not required. This attitude of contentment is not only Godly but also healthy for the emotional well being. It allows people to find joy in the gift of salvation and to remain a stable living testimony of the goodness of God no matter what life brings.
As I write this I am considering the multitude of presents that my Children will open Christmas morning or the near certain Cabelas gift card that will be awaiting me under the tree. I'm thankful for all those things and I pray I keep them in perspective. A tradition in my family to help keep this in perspective is the reading of the birth story of Jesus found in the book of Luke. We each take a turn reading part of the story. It is the last thing we do before, "the children all nustled up snug in their beds."
I hope you all have a great Christmas and I hope one of the gifts you give to God this year is the gift of contentment.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Adolescents is a NIGHTMARE
Sleep experts report that every person has dreams when they sleep but only a small fraction of those dreams are remembered. We can all think back to recurring dreams that you and I have had. The dream that I most vividly remember during my adolescents is the one where I go to school and magically I realize that I am not wearing any pants! There I am in homeroom wearing a shirt and "whitey tighties". Talk about humiliating. Everyone is looking and pointing. Thoughts are running through my head like how embarassed I am and why did I go to school with no pants!?! I never found an answer to that particular question but maybe my dream is the reality that most Students face. No, I'm not saying that your kids go to school with no pants on, but rather so many of us feel so self-conscious that everyone notices us and particularly our flaws. Self confidence is a HUGE issue for everyone but it is amplified for the adolescent.
I deal with Students regularly who struggle with this as well as Parents who are deeply concerned as to how their child can feel accepted, valued, and significant without crossing the boundaries of arrogance. I see Students who are over compensating for the insecurities through falsified romantic relationships, moronic behavior, and sometimes drugs and alcohol. There are usually tons of reasons for this lack of self confidence and to confine all of those into one neat package is basically impossible, HOWEVER, the one consistent trait that I find in all these situations is a skewed view of how God views them. In other words, they don't see what God sees and therefore find it difficult to live as God says.
In our college break out group last night we looked at Ephesians 1:4 where Paul talks about God who "chose" us before the creation of the world. He even refers to us as God's "sons". Talk about a significant title. He chose us despite our frailities. He chose us despite our flaws and imperfections. He chose us despite how he knew we would fail him. He chose us simply because we are significant and made in his image.
I am reminded of a Student several years ago who was fresh and new to faith and had lived a life contrary to God's calling in the past. Her family life was less than ideal and she was the epitomy of self conscious. She didn't look good enough, she didn't have the right family pedigree, she had no money. Her dark past and the fact that she didn't quite look like everyone else gave her a feeling that she was constantly being scrutinized and didn't measure up. She was living a nightmare. How do you convince that kid that they are significant? For her, what was needed was a constant reminder in gentle assurance that she is precious for no other reason than God said so. There were also times where she had to be told strongly that self doubt was no longer tolerable. Her lack of confidence lessened her God and his ability to do great things through her. There were many conversations that were sweet and reassuring and sometimes she just had to be told to get over herself!! The result, one day during a camp she looked at my Bride and told her how beautiful she was, my Bride immediately snapped back and said "thanks and so are you". She waited with baited breath as this Student echoed out these words, "I know I am. I'm made in God's image". Hallelujah!!! She was getting it and now she needed to work on keeping it.
The harsh reality is that often times our own lack of self-confidence is projected onto our kids and we inherit it. We as Christians need to humbly walk with a great deal of self-confidence. We are not mere men and women but rather we are chosen sons and daughters of the most high. Sit down this week with your Student and talk to them about how you chose your spouse and why you are so glad that God chose you to be your Student's Parent. Tell them of the traits that God has put in them that should humble them because it makes them so significant. Most of all, quit living like a step-child. You are all chosen by God!!!
I deal with Students regularly who struggle with this as well as Parents who are deeply concerned as to how their child can feel accepted, valued, and significant without crossing the boundaries of arrogance. I see Students who are over compensating for the insecurities through falsified romantic relationships, moronic behavior, and sometimes drugs and alcohol. There are usually tons of reasons for this lack of self confidence and to confine all of those into one neat package is basically impossible, HOWEVER, the one consistent trait that I find in all these situations is a skewed view of how God views them. In other words, they don't see what God sees and therefore find it difficult to live as God says.
In our college break out group last night we looked at Ephesians 1:4 where Paul talks about God who "chose" us before the creation of the world. He even refers to us as God's "sons". Talk about a significant title. He chose us despite our frailities. He chose us despite our flaws and imperfections. He chose us despite how he knew we would fail him. He chose us simply because we are significant and made in his image.
I am reminded of a Student several years ago who was fresh and new to faith and had lived a life contrary to God's calling in the past. Her family life was less than ideal and she was the epitomy of self conscious. She didn't look good enough, she didn't have the right family pedigree, she had no money. Her dark past and the fact that she didn't quite look like everyone else gave her a feeling that she was constantly being scrutinized and didn't measure up. She was living a nightmare. How do you convince that kid that they are significant? For her, what was needed was a constant reminder in gentle assurance that she is precious for no other reason than God said so. There were also times where she had to be told strongly that self doubt was no longer tolerable. Her lack of confidence lessened her God and his ability to do great things through her. There were many conversations that were sweet and reassuring and sometimes she just had to be told to get over herself!! The result, one day during a camp she looked at my Bride and told her how beautiful she was, my Bride immediately snapped back and said "thanks and so are you". She waited with baited breath as this Student echoed out these words, "I know I am. I'm made in God's image". Hallelujah!!! She was getting it and now she needed to work on keeping it.
The harsh reality is that often times our own lack of self-confidence is projected onto our kids and we inherit it. We as Christians need to humbly walk with a great deal of self-confidence. We are not mere men and women but rather we are chosen sons and daughters of the most high. Sit down this week with your Student and talk to them about how you chose your spouse and why you are so glad that God chose you to be your Student's Parent. Tell them of the traits that God has put in them that should humble them because it makes them so significant. Most of all, quit living like a step-child. You are all chosen by God!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I hate apologies!!!
All three of my children have and are currently big fans of a chain of children's books written by Mercer Mayer. In this series of books he chronicles the life and adventures of a furry creature named "Little Critter". A week or so ago I read to my 3 year old son Mercer Meyer's book "I'm Sorry". In the story, Little Critter, goes through a series of "oops" moments. Whether it be spilling the milk, breaking a vase, or letting the water in the bath tub run over. After each of those moments Little Critter responds with his patented, "I'm Sorry". The book ends with Little Critter's Mom giving him a big hug and explaining that "I'm sorry" loses a little of it's meaning if it is not followed up with a change in behavior.
For Little Critter, saying "I'm Sorry" is not an issue but unfortunately it is for me. I'm great at forgiving wrongs or restoring people who have done me wrong but if I have to submit myself before someone and seek their forgiveness it rattles me to my core. My pride comes screaming out and in an effort of self preservation my lips become locked and I just can't seem to get out the words, "I'm sorry". It seems that most people I encounter usually fall to one of the two extremes. Either the apology comes so easy and is followed with no change in behavior OR the mere words and humility are buried under prideful ambitions. Which one are you?
Humility is a scary thing. Humility is the allowance of youself to be in the presence and control of someone greater than you. Our culture has made humility which God exalts as a source of strength, read Philippians 2, into a proverbial dirty word. What is so wrong with submitting to Parents, Teachers, each other, or even God? When has humility been associated with weakness? What a fallacy the world has convicted us of. Humility is one of the strongest characteristics found in Christ which can also be found in you and me.
Typically Students are 16 going on 30. They want the freedom and often times their desire for that bypasses the necessity of humility. All too often I see Parents that are too interested in being their Student's friend then their Parent. To be completely clear, this is NOT humility but rather selfishness. In many families the appropriate question of, who's in charge, needs to be asked. Humility does not take away leadership or strength. Parents, have you ever made a mistake while Parenting? Please say yes so that I'm not the only one! Would it be appropriate to apologize to your own children? I believe so. It would demonstrate strength and expectation of your Children to follow that example. It doesn't demean you or take your autority away, it makes you Christ-like.
Students, do you really want to be in charge of your own life? Do you really want all that it entails and encompasses? Are you big enough to go out on your own? Probably not. Even though your Parents may not be perfect let me tell you a secret, NEITHER ARE YOU!! Humility is something that is deeply need in our families, Churches, and communities. Don't be afraid to submit to your Parents and and Parents don't be afraid to demand that submission. Remember that question we asked earlier, who's in charge?
I still hate apologizing but it is still necessary for me to do. I'm not perfect and to overlook my own frailities makes me less of a leader and less like Christ. I don't know about you, but maybe I need to read Mercer Mayer's "I'm Sorry" and learn a slight lesson from Little Critter.
For Little Critter, saying "I'm Sorry" is not an issue but unfortunately it is for me. I'm great at forgiving wrongs or restoring people who have done me wrong but if I have to submit myself before someone and seek their forgiveness it rattles me to my core. My pride comes screaming out and in an effort of self preservation my lips become locked and I just can't seem to get out the words, "I'm sorry". It seems that most people I encounter usually fall to one of the two extremes. Either the apology comes so easy and is followed with no change in behavior OR the mere words and humility are buried under prideful ambitions. Which one are you?
Humility is a scary thing. Humility is the allowance of youself to be in the presence and control of someone greater than you. Our culture has made humility which God exalts as a source of strength, read Philippians 2, into a proverbial dirty word. What is so wrong with submitting to Parents, Teachers, each other, or even God? When has humility been associated with weakness? What a fallacy the world has convicted us of. Humility is one of the strongest characteristics found in Christ which can also be found in you and me.
Typically Students are 16 going on 30. They want the freedom and often times their desire for that bypasses the necessity of humility. All too often I see Parents that are too interested in being their Student's friend then their Parent. To be completely clear, this is NOT humility but rather selfishness. In many families the appropriate question of, who's in charge, needs to be asked. Humility does not take away leadership or strength. Parents, have you ever made a mistake while Parenting? Please say yes so that I'm not the only one! Would it be appropriate to apologize to your own children? I believe so. It would demonstrate strength and expectation of your Children to follow that example. It doesn't demean you or take your autority away, it makes you Christ-like.
Students, do you really want to be in charge of your own life? Do you really want all that it entails and encompasses? Are you big enough to go out on your own? Probably not. Even though your Parents may not be perfect let me tell you a secret, NEITHER ARE YOU!! Humility is something that is deeply need in our families, Churches, and communities. Don't be afraid to submit to your Parents and and Parents don't be afraid to demand that submission. Remember that question we asked earlier, who's in charge?
I still hate apologizing but it is still necessary for me to do. I'm not perfect and to overlook my own frailities makes me less of a leader and less like Christ. I don't know about you, but maybe I need to read Mercer Mayer's "I'm Sorry" and learn a slight lesson from Little Critter.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
It's all about YOUR story
As a hunter and fishermen I have become very adept at telling a story. As with all good outdoorsmen, my stories are full of exact detail with everything from how fast my heart was racing to the very smell of the outdoors. Many of you are probably wondering if there is a bit of exaggeration in my stories and my only response would have to be YES!! It's not a good hunting or fishing story if some of the details are not blown up just a bit. The truth in the matter is that there is something powerful in a story. There is something magical that takes place when someone shares something significant that happens to them. There is something extraordinary that takes place when a personal story is shared with all it's vigor.
The last several weeks in our Senior High classes we've been discussing certain aspects of religion or theology that would prove the reality of God. Whether that be the good science that lies behind God as the creator of the world or the apologetics associated with the fact that God, the Bible, and Jesus are all real. Students need something tangible to believe. We all desire something that we can physically hold onto that will allow our brains to believe in God. I've come to a conclusion, it doesn't matter how logical my arguments are for a God who exists. It doesn't matter how much proof I have for the Bible being real, accurate, and authoritative. The truth is, if God's presence is not witnessed in my life and in my personal story those arguments hold little water. What an unbelieving world is aching to see is not necessarily the science behind God existing but whether he exists personally to you and me. You want to talk about something tangible, maybe our first avenue to prove God is real is to share a personal story of how God became real to you and me!
There is power in the testimony and story of how God works in your life. Your Student and their friends would rather see the proof in YOUR story then in the science books. Now I know that there are some really practical kids out there that need the science to prove God. I get that and it makes sense. Let me make an assumption, if you can prove God is real scientifically but can't show God in your personal story will your Student actually believe? If God is washed out of your personal testimony than it negates any real proof of his reality. Parents, take a moment and share your personal testimony of how God has been present in your life with your Student. The story could be about a tough time or tragedy in which you saw God restore you. Your story could be in a miracle you witnessed in your own life. Your story MUST include how you came to faith and why you believe what you believe. Our children need to hear your story. They long for it. Your story gives substance to the proof of God. Your story may seem a bit different than mine and it's fine. All our Stories have to revolve in the presence of God. Go, turn off the TV, and tell your kids a story. Tell them YOUR STORY!
The last several weeks in our Senior High classes we've been discussing certain aspects of religion or theology that would prove the reality of God. Whether that be the good science that lies behind God as the creator of the world or the apologetics associated with the fact that God, the Bible, and Jesus are all real. Students need something tangible to believe. We all desire something that we can physically hold onto that will allow our brains to believe in God. I've come to a conclusion, it doesn't matter how logical my arguments are for a God who exists. It doesn't matter how much proof I have for the Bible being real, accurate, and authoritative. The truth is, if God's presence is not witnessed in my life and in my personal story those arguments hold little water. What an unbelieving world is aching to see is not necessarily the science behind God existing but whether he exists personally to you and me. You want to talk about something tangible, maybe our first avenue to prove God is real is to share a personal story of how God became real to you and me!
There is power in the testimony and story of how God works in your life. Your Student and their friends would rather see the proof in YOUR story then in the science books. Now I know that there are some really practical kids out there that need the science to prove God. I get that and it makes sense. Let me make an assumption, if you can prove God is real scientifically but can't show God in your personal story will your Student actually believe? If God is washed out of your personal testimony than it negates any real proof of his reality. Parents, take a moment and share your personal testimony of how God has been present in your life with your Student. The story could be about a tough time or tragedy in which you saw God restore you. Your story could be in a miracle you witnessed in your own life. Your story MUST include how you came to faith and why you believe what you believe. Our children need to hear your story. They long for it. Your story gives substance to the proof of God. Your story may seem a bit different than mine and it's fine. All our Stories have to revolve in the presence of God. Go, turn off the TV, and tell your kids a story. Tell them YOUR STORY!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Are You Tough Enough?
"Tough Skin" Jeans. Anybody remember those? I may be dating myself slightly here but when I was just a boy every price conscious Mother who had a son that was 100% boy was an investor in "Tough Skins" Jeans. They were sold at the Sears outlet by my house and in an overwhelming investment my Mother bought me 5 pairs. THEY WERE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE JEANS EVER! They felt like wearing cardboard and my legs felt like they were constantly itching. In an effort to destroy these investors of discomfort I did everything I could to wear them out. I would slide across the classroom floor and even the baseball diamond to wear some holes in the knees. I would purposefully spill my Kool-Aid on them to induce a stain that not even my Mother could erase. There was no stopping those jeans!! They lived up to the name and the only way I got out of them was to outgrow them. I am convinced that my Mother would have made me wear "Tough Skins" all through High School if Sears wouldn't have discontinued them. I often wonder if my faith and outlook on life in anyway resembles those jeans; not necessarily pretty but very effective and never wearing out.
In class this past Wednesday we took a look at Romans 5 where Paul tells us that because of the grace that is given through faith we rejoice. That sounds easy, it's like a kid at Christmas, presents abound and no one deserves them but you'd be hard pressed not to smile. The problem is, what if that hope finds itself facing tragedy. The loss of a loved one as our office staff is learning this week as Nicky McDonald buries her husband. The child facing the tragedy of a Parent's divorce. The Mother and Father facing financial turmoil. The girl in the cafeteria who realizes she doesn't look like everyone else and wonders what's wrong with her. When the hard times come and when life gets hard does your faith look like "Tough Skins" Jeans?
Maybe I need to re-evaluate what "tough" really is. In my macho world "tough" is the MMA fighter or the guy who can work outside all day and never get tired. "Tough" is playing a sport with an injury. "Tough" is not letting anyone walk all over you. "Tough" is not crying. "Tough" is hunting, fishing, and all things manly that are done outside. I can't deny that some, if not all, of those aspects still play a role in my personal definition of "tough" but God is showing me that it is so much more!
"Tough" is looking adversity straight in the face and taking it head on. "Tough" is knowing that no matter what the world throws at you, you still have a God who sent his Son for you and your salvation is secure. "Tough" is still finding the strenghth and emotion to praise God in the midst of the storm. "Tough" is taking the hard things in life and knowing that God will not allow anything to break you but through the grace of God you can and will overcome. We need to be raising a generation of "Tough" Christians. People who will praise regardless of the situation. The Church and our Youth need to grow some backbone. Not the kind that would make you want to fight MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) but the kind that lessens your sensitivity to what other people say or do but rather how your God looks at you. "We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5: 3-5 Maybe "Tough" and "hope" go hand in hand. Be TOUGH, have HOPE!
In class this past Wednesday we took a look at Romans 5 where Paul tells us that because of the grace that is given through faith we rejoice. That sounds easy, it's like a kid at Christmas, presents abound and no one deserves them but you'd be hard pressed not to smile. The problem is, what if that hope finds itself facing tragedy. The loss of a loved one as our office staff is learning this week as Nicky McDonald buries her husband. The child facing the tragedy of a Parent's divorce. The Mother and Father facing financial turmoil. The girl in the cafeteria who realizes she doesn't look like everyone else and wonders what's wrong with her. When the hard times come and when life gets hard does your faith look like "Tough Skins" Jeans?
Maybe I need to re-evaluate what "tough" really is. In my macho world "tough" is the MMA fighter or the guy who can work outside all day and never get tired. "Tough" is playing a sport with an injury. "Tough" is not letting anyone walk all over you. "Tough" is not crying. "Tough" is hunting, fishing, and all things manly that are done outside. I can't deny that some, if not all, of those aspects still play a role in my personal definition of "tough" but God is showing me that it is so much more!
"Tough" is looking adversity straight in the face and taking it head on. "Tough" is knowing that no matter what the world throws at you, you still have a God who sent his Son for you and your salvation is secure. "Tough" is still finding the strenghth and emotion to praise God in the midst of the storm. "Tough" is taking the hard things in life and knowing that God will not allow anything to break you but through the grace of God you can and will overcome. We need to be raising a generation of "Tough" Christians. People who will praise regardless of the situation. The Church and our Youth need to grow some backbone. Not the kind that would make you want to fight MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) but the kind that lessens your sensitivity to what other people say or do but rather how your God looks at you. "We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5: 3-5 Maybe "Tough" and "hope" go hand in hand. Be TOUGH, have HOPE!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I've been interrogated!
I have just gotten back from a few days spent at Abilene Christian University attending their "Summit" which most of us know as lectureships. Basically it's 4 days of classes, worship, preaching, and general mind crunching on the latest and greatest in Ministry strategies and Biblical intrepretation. I personally call it, returning to the "Mother Ship"!
Here, gathered in 1 spot are some of the greatest Biblical minds in all of Texas, if not the United States. Dignified Ministers and Theologians who have more letters behind their names for all the degrees they have then I will ever hope to attain. More Ministry experience than I and definetly more books and clout hanging on their walls then my measley office could contain. I was hanging on basically every word as I tried to soak in the intelligence of these great speakers and teachers. Unfortunately, sometimes I found myself more aggravated then enlightened!
One class for example really rattled my cage, which may have been a good thing. Dr. David Wray spoke on the importance that Ministers take in the silence and solitude that comes in Ministry. That each of us, whether full time Youth Ministers or not, should spend daily time in pray and contemplation over the word of God. Sounds like a great idea BUT let me give you a brief run down of my morning thus far: Woke up by 7 after getting the kids bathed and prayed over after Wednesday night Bible class. Fixed a beautiful bowl of Fruit Loops, waffles, and Pillsbury Stroudel, for my Children as they prepared for school. Took the trash out, replied to 7 e-mails, and 4 Text messages. Ran to the office where I returned and van, had conversations with 2 Elders, moved tables, booked airline tickets for Honduras, and wondered why my stomach is growling at only 10:30. The rest of my day will be class prep, mowing the yard, helping homework, cleaning kitchen, putting kids to bed, and then hoping my eyes are still open to at least look at my Bride. WHERE IS THE TIME FOR SILENCE AND SOLITUDE AS I CONTEMPLATE SCRIPTURE. Basically, I find it easier to hammer on the importance of solitude when you don't have 3 children, a Bride, and a full time job.
I'm a great excuse maker and those are some pretty legit excuses I must say. Surely there has got to be a way in the chaos of life to think of God? I can have some great talks with God in my truck sitting at a traffic light. The children's Bible we read before going to bed can be very convicting and have nothing to do with the class I have to teach the next day. Popping in the I-Pod and listening to a little Third Day while mowing the yard can produce some great worship, just ask my neighbors! Ha. I guess the point is that we need to look at God and his word and allow them to interrogate us and not the other way around. There are lots of opportunities to see God, to be with God, and to dwell on his word without becoming a monk and taking a vow of silence. Life is BUSY. There is no doubt about that, but maybe we can get creative and find that time to be with God and his word. God's word has interrogated me, how about you?
Here, gathered in 1 spot are some of the greatest Biblical minds in all of Texas, if not the United States. Dignified Ministers and Theologians who have more letters behind their names for all the degrees they have then I will ever hope to attain. More Ministry experience than I and definetly more books and clout hanging on their walls then my measley office could contain. I was hanging on basically every word as I tried to soak in the intelligence of these great speakers and teachers. Unfortunately, sometimes I found myself more aggravated then enlightened!
One class for example really rattled my cage, which may have been a good thing. Dr. David Wray spoke on the importance that Ministers take in the silence and solitude that comes in Ministry. That each of us, whether full time Youth Ministers or not, should spend daily time in pray and contemplation over the word of God. Sounds like a great idea BUT let me give you a brief run down of my morning thus far: Woke up by 7 after getting the kids bathed and prayed over after Wednesday night Bible class. Fixed a beautiful bowl of Fruit Loops, waffles, and Pillsbury Stroudel, for my Children as they prepared for school. Took the trash out, replied to 7 e-mails, and 4 Text messages. Ran to the office where I returned and van, had conversations with 2 Elders, moved tables, booked airline tickets for Honduras, and wondered why my stomach is growling at only 10:30. The rest of my day will be class prep, mowing the yard, helping homework, cleaning kitchen, putting kids to bed, and then hoping my eyes are still open to at least look at my Bride. WHERE IS THE TIME FOR SILENCE AND SOLITUDE AS I CONTEMPLATE SCRIPTURE. Basically, I find it easier to hammer on the importance of solitude when you don't have 3 children, a Bride, and a full time job.
I'm a great excuse maker and those are some pretty legit excuses I must say. Surely there has got to be a way in the chaos of life to think of God? I can have some great talks with God in my truck sitting at a traffic light. The children's Bible we read before going to bed can be very convicting and have nothing to do with the class I have to teach the next day. Popping in the I-Pod and listening to a little Third Day while mowing the yard can produce some great worship, just ask my neighbors! Ha. I guess the point is that we need to look at God and his word and allow them to interrogate us and not the other way around. There are lots of opportunities to see God, to be with God, and to dwell on his word without becoming a monk and taking a vow of silence. Life is BUSY. There is no doubt about that, but maybe we can get creative and find that time to be with God and his word. God's word has interrogated me, how about you?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
"I can't find my..."
"I can't find my..." and you can fill in the blank. In my world that blank would be filled with things like keys, wallets, shoes, hats, and whatever Ginea wants me to get out of the closet or pantry that I simply can't find. It's a disease really, I can be searching for something and have it literally be inches in front of my face and yet not see it. The next usual response is, "Hey, I still can't find...". When Ginea hears that I'm usually greeted with some form of eyes rolling in the back of her head and immediately she steps in, grabs whatever I was looking for and I am left astounded that what I was searching for typically was right in front of me the whole time. The most unfortunate part of this "disease" is that I have passed it down to my son. Maybe it's just a male dominated trait but rest assured we are both afflicted.
When it comes to shoes, wallets, or keys this phenomon is not really a big deal in the large scale of life. Unfortunately, many of us suffer from the affliction concerning God. In times of trial, grief, or bewilderment we (often times I) pull out the "I can't find my...God" in the middle of this. I seem to often times be searching for answers, clarity, or even just his presence and even though Scripture tells me he is right in front of me often times my blinders come into full effect and I just can't find him. I long to know what God wants me to do, what he wants me to be, and where he wants me to go. I need direction and often times I find it to be lacking. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "but seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness". Well, often I'm seeking but fail in finding. What's the problem?
This past Monday, Conner and I attended our monthly Youth Ministers meeting and there a man named Tquan Moore talked about having this same problem. It was as if he and I are are jaded by the same disease. He said that often times the problem is that people fail to seek the King first and that is why they can't find the Kingdom. In other words, if I spent more time seeking a personal relationship with God and simply bathing in his presence through prayer, silence, and Bible Study then his will, desire, and presence in my life would be so clear I couldn't help but see it! Maybe if I concentrate more on seeking the King, then the Kingdom will become more clear. Now if only that would work for my missing shoes and hats!
Parents, discuss with your kids how you seek the King and some ways he has revealed his Kingdom to you? Where has God's presence been in your life or when has it seemed that his presence is missing? What can you do as a family to seek the King and then find the Kingdom?
When it comes to shoes, wallets, or keys this phenomon is not really a big deal in the large scale of life. Unfortunately, many of us suffer from the affliction concerning God. In times of trial, grief, or bewilderment we (often times I) pull out the "I can't find my...God" in the middle of this. I seem to often times be searching for answers, clarity, or even just his presence and even though Scripture tells me he is right in front of me often times my blinders come into full effect and I just can't find him. I long to know what God wants me to do, what he wants me to be, and where he wants me to go. I need direction and often times I find it to be lacking. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "but seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness". Well, often I'm seeking but fail in finding. What's the problem?
This past Monday, Conner and I attended our monthly Youth Ministers meeting and there a man named Tquan Moore talked about having this same problem. It was as if he and I are are jaded by the same disease. He said that often times the problem is that people fail to seek the King first and that is why they can't find the Kingdom. In other words, if I spent more time seeking a personal relationship with God and simply bathing in his presence through prayer, silence, and Bible Study then his will, desire, and presence in my life would be so clear I couldn't help but see it! Maybe if I concentrate more on seeking the King, then the Kingdom will become more clear. Now if only that would work for my missing shoes and hats!
Parents, discuss with your kids how you seek the King and some ways he has revealed his Kingdom to you? Where has God's presence been in your life or when has it seemed that his presence is missing? What can you do as a family to seek the King and then find the Kingdom?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Remember Who You Are?
It's a simple question that I ask each one of my kids before Ginea and I put them to bed in the evenings and before we drop them off at school in the mornings. The problem with this simple question is that often times it is not all that simple! Look at my life and yours, how many different roles do you play in a day? Father, Husband, Wife, Mother, Student, Teacher, Lover, Mechanic, Employee, Employer, Citizen, Scape Goat, or maybe even the Chief band-aid applicator after a skinned knee! Man, that is a lot of roles to fill. Do you ever get so caught up in the roles of life that the desired role God has for you becomes clouded? Who are you really, and is it who God wants you to be?
Often times my ramblings and thoughts provoke more questions then answers but maybe just maybe we need to apply the K.I.S.S. principal (Keep It Simple Silly). Maybe we just make it too hard and we let Satan confuse who we are and who we are supposed be. Despite whatever "role" in life you may be playing right now does your overall purpose really change? For example, can a Student who actually does their Homework and pays attention in class be glorifying God? Can the Mother who can magically switch from band-aid applicator to precious Bride in the fraction of an instant still be glorifying God? Can the Father go from helping math homework to changing the oil in his old truck still be glorifying God? The point is this, no matter who you are and what role you fill, your job is to do it to God's glory.
Romans 12:1 compels us to give our lives over to God and to live them in such a sacrifical way that it is pleasing to God and it acts as our Spiritual form of worship. Is it possible to have band-aid application and oil changing as forms of worship? You bet it is, it's all in matter of perspective! Students listen in class and do their homework not because they want to be the teacher's pet but rather because they want to be people of integrity and to have their life serve as an example, THAT'S WORSHIP. Mothers can switch those roles of Mother and Bride to accommodate the needs of both because they are so thankful for both their Husbands and their Children, THAT'S WORSHIP. Fathers painstakingly help with homework and change the oil in their own trucks because it saves money, shows God and your family that you care for what he has given you, and because you are instilling a work ethic in your children, THAT'S WORSHIP!!!
Who are you? You are a living and breathing example of God's masterful workmanship of worship. Your daily activities or shout praises to him in "view of his mercy" or they do not. Who are you?
Often times my ramblings and thoughts provoke more questions then answers but maybe just maybe we need to apply the K.I.S.S. principal (Keep It Simple Silly). Maybe we just make it too hard and we let Satan confuse who we are and who we are supposed be. Despite whatever "role" in life you may be playing right now does your overall purpose really change? For example, can a Student who actually does their Homework and pays attention in class be glorifying God? Can the Mother who can magically switch from band-aid applicator to precious Bride in the fraction of an instant still be glorifying God? Can the Father go from helping math homework to changing the oil in his old truck still be glorifying God? The point is this, no matter who you are and what role you fill, your job is to do it to God's glory.
Romans 12:1 compels us to give our lives over to God and to live them in such a sacrifical way that it is pleasing to God and it acts as our Spiritual form of worship. Is it possible to have band-aid application and oil changing as forms of worship? You bet it is, it's all in matter of perspective! Students listen in class and do their homework not because they want to be the teacher's pet but rather because they want to be people of integrity and to have their life serve as an example, THAT'S WORSHIP. Mothers can switch those roles of Mother and Bride to accommodate the needs of both because they are so thankful for both their Husbands and their Children, THAT'S WORSHIP. Fathers painstakingly help with homework and change the oil in their own trucks because it saves money, shows God and your family that you care for what he has given you, and because you are instilling a work ethic in your children, THAT'S WORSHIP!!!
Who are you? You are a living and breathing example of God's masterful workmanship of worship. Your daily activities or shout praises to him in "view of his mercy" or they do not. Who are you?
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