Best Friends

Before I even started kindergarten, I met my best friend.  Both of our mom’s were single moms at the time and because they needed to work, they found a good daycare for us.  I have a lot of great memories from that daycare, but probably the best were with my best friend.  His name is Jason. 

When I first met Jason, he was running around the daycare like a mad man.  If I recall correctly, I think I was actually scared of him at first.  But, then again, I was a bit of a shy kid and I think everyone scared me!  Jason was the stocky type of kid and I was the skinny type – you know, the kind you could look at wrong and he’d break.

Over those early years of our lives, we became best friends.  We did everything together and shared everything with each other:  the things that made us happy and the things that made us scared.  We shared our fears and dreams too.  Jason and I knew everything about each other and we were ok with just being who we were.  There were no charades or hidden agendas.  Yes, we had our share of best friend fights, but we always knew it would be ok and that we would be friends no matter what.

Even though we lived on opposite sides of town and went to different schools, I remember being friends with him throughout grade school.  Going to different schools didn’t stop us from talking on the phone after school or from riding our bikes all over the place together - rain or shine, or snow for that matter.  We were best friends.

I’m not sure what happened after that, but I suppose life just kind of played itself out and we drifted apart.  I’m sure it’s been over twenty-five years or more since I saw him last.  Even so, I think about him every once in a while and about all the crazy stuff we did together. 

I’m not sure I’ve really had a best friend like him since then.  I’ve had a lot of really great friends and actually the person who I would say came the closest to being a best friend as an adult was named Jason too.  

But, I wonder.  Does everyone have a best friend?  Did everyone, at least at one point in their lives, have a best friend like this?  I’m not sure everyone did.  How about now?  You probably have friends, but do you have a best friend?  Is there someone you allow yourself to just be “you” with?  Is there someone you share your heart with and know it is ok if you look like a dork?  Is there someone you call up at any time of the day or night and invite them along to do something with?  Who do you call when you are sad and hurting or when something so exciting just happened you have to tell someone?  Is there someone like that for you?

I realize that many of us have friends.  Some have many, some only just what they need.  But how often do we call them now and invite them into our lives; to come along with us on adventures and to share just about everything with?  How often do we just take our friends (or family) for granted and practically ignore them despite all they have meant to us or done for us?

Our Father in heaven shared something with me recently that really made my heart ache.  He also has done so much for us.  Not only did He give us Jesus as our savior, but this world too.  It’s a place to live and run around; our playground.  He has given us so much and He demands so little in return. 

In the book of Genesis, the Father walked in the garden with Adam and Eve.  He wanted to be part of their lives.  Do you think He feels any differently now?  I caught a glimpse of the sadness He can feel when we run around everyday, doing our own thing, and while at it, forgetting about Him.  We all ignore Him at times don’t we?

In John 15:15 Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

Jesus said we are His friends!  He is our savior, but also wants to be our friend!

Today, I challenge you to ask Jesus into your lives.  “Call” Him up and ask him to come along with you today and to share your day with you.  I know He wants to be with you!  Even more, He wants you to invite Him into your life.  He won’t push Himself in and won’t force Himself into your life.  He is kind and gentle and waits for you to call Him.  He wants to be there with you to share all the ups and downs – just like a best friend.  But, He is sad when we don’t include Him.  He loves you.  He loves me, but He does feel ignored and He does feel unimportant to us at times.

I know He feels very sad when we disregard Him and take Him for granted.  It hurts Him when we come to a point that we just expect Him to be there.  We can trust Him to be there because He said He would be, but why do we leave Him out of our lives?  Isn’t He the best of best friends?  Whether you have no best friend or even if you do, Jesus longs to be part of your life.  Won’t you ask Him to join in today?  Love Him back as much as you can, and give Him the kind of room in your heart and in your life today that you do for a best friend.

He deserves it.

Life Alert®

If you’ve ever watched any TV, you have very likely heard this phrase, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”®  It’s the phrase registered to Life Alert®, a company that provides a way for people at risk of suddenly becoming disabled while alone to contact emergency services.  The service is primarily targeted to seniors at risk of stroke or heart attacks.  When they fall and can’t get up, all the subscriber has to do is press the button on their device and emergency services will be dispatched.

I think there are a lot of others that could use a service like this too.

How often do we see a sports team do well all season, just to fall apart in the playoffs?  They stood together all season, but ultimately fell apart under pressure at the end.

How often do we see families start out strong, but eventually fail?

How often do we see an organization or company fall apart and close shop?

There are countless examples of times when a group of people, whether a sports team, a family, or an organization may have started out strong, but ultimately failed.

You’ve probably also heard a quote by Aesop written many, many years ago.  It was true then, it is true now, and it will be true in years to come:  “United we stand.  Divided we fall.”

Sports teams fail.  Organizations fail.  Families fail.  Simply put, any group of people put together for any reason is subject to failure.  Each may succeed for a time.  Each may thrive for a time.  However, in many cases, each can also fail or fall apart.

Why?  Just as Aesop said, if we are divided we will fall.  Put any group of people together and eventually someone is going to start to think differently and that rift in the structure of the group can not only cause it to fall apart, but can also cause it to loose effectiveness and integrity.  I don’t believe that is cause for doubting the intention of the group or the purpose, but rather a symptom of humankind.

Would you be interested in joining a group that had dissemination among its ranks?  Would you like to be a girl scout if all the girls in your group were self serving and snotty?  Would you join a team or organization if you knew they weren’t a cohesive group?  Would you want to be part of a family that wasn’t working well together, but was comprised of selfish people?

We all fail, don’t we?  None of us is perfect and so we are all at risk of being the person that brings the group down.  In the examples I have shared here, it has become acceptable for failure to occur.  We even expect it because we have learned that no group can stand strong together forever.  Don’t you agree?

There is one group, however, that receives a terrible amount of scrutiny because of this natural, human flaw.  The Church.  Those who follow Jesus are supposed to be so perfect aren’t they?  It seems that there is no excuse for human flaws in this group, and yet there are.  We are all only human after all, aren’t we?

The problem with division in the church is that the world looks at us Christians as a bunch of screw ups just like they would the girl scout group or the team or organization that fails.  Why would anyone want to be a part of that?  Even worse is that many Christians become so arrogant and boastful, but then a moment later fail.  When they fail (and we all will), the integrity seems to be gone.

Even Jesus had something to say about division in Matthew 12:25, “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”


Do you ever wonder why it has been so hard to convince others of God’s love, His truths, and goodness?  It’s simple.  God and His love are perfect and yet, as His representatives, we are far from it.  How many kinds of Christian churches are there today anyway?  Too many.  Many churches have taken the Holy Bible and plucked from it only what they want to believe or what they want to hear.  This has formed religion and religion is counter to what Jesus taught us.  Did Jesus say we need to say a certain prayer a hundred times before He would hear it?  Did Jesus say there was any other way to eternal life in Heaven except through Him?  And yet there are Christian religions that have taken the Truth and tweaked it to fit their needs and their comfort zones.

For anyone reading this, I want to apologize on part of all of us Christians who have failed to live up to what we are supposed to be and to what God has called us to do.  We are human and we are flawed, and we fail.  People are people:  good and bad.  For me, all I can say is that I believe in the entire Holy Bible.  I don’t subscribe to religion, but rather to the Truth and to growing closer in my relationship with Jesus.  The Truth was written plainly for us, but people have messed it up, and I have messed it up.  As I wake up each morning, my goal is to practice being a better follower of Jesus than I was the day before and not to condemn anyone else for being a failure too.

Despite failures on sports teams, families, or organizations, people still find a way to believe in them.  I pray tonight as I write this that people will find a way to look past our failures and our divisions and believe in Jesus too.

If we remain divided we will fall.  If, as Christians, we can come together and let religion go, then we can come one step closer to standing, and if we can do that, then those around us will see that being a follower of Jesus isn’t such a bad thing after all.  Don’t be a proud and arrogant Christian.  Don’t be a religious Christian.  Be real.  Be honest.  Be humble.  It is ok not to be perfect and it is ok to let others see that.  The Father may see us as perfect through what Jesus did, but people on Earth will not.

Today, wake up and be a good example to those around you and work to bring the church back together.  Love, forgive, and be kind.  When you fall, pick up the Bible and learn how to be stronger.  Let God’s word be your Life Alert® button.

Ringtail Mystery

When I was a kid I had a certain liking to books.  I wouldn’t say I was a bookworm, but I liked to read; especially if the book was good.  One of my favorite books is Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.  I think maybe I related to Billy (the boy in the story) in some regards, as we were both very independent little fellers. 

There was a lot about the story that still sticks with me today even though I haven’t read the book in many, many years.  I remember the reference to salt steak or salt pork.  Either way, it combined two things I love to eat:  salt and meat.  Ish, that sounds gross now that I read it.  Ok, moving on then. 

The other part of the book that stood out to me then, and still does today, is the type of raccoon trap Billy used to catch his first raccoon.  It is probably one of the most basic traps but is incredibly effective.  Picture this:  out in the woods there is a tree down or an old stump and to make this trap all you need to do is drill a hole into the wood that is maybe an inch or so in diameter and a few inches deep.  From around the top of the hole you just drilled you hammer in some nails so they protrude into the hole at a downward slope and vaguely make a funnel shape.  There ya go.  You’re ready to catch a really ticked off, wild animal now. 

If you’ve never heard of this kind of trap before, you must be asking how in the world it could ever work.  It’s simple.  After creating the trap, you bait it with something shiny.  Raccoons love shiny things and will grab them and keep them in their favorite places.  So at the bottom of the hole of nails you leave your favorite, sparkly nickel or some shiny tin.  Anything that is shiny will work.

When the curious masked bandit comes along and sees the irresistible shiny object, it’s going to think to itself, “Mr. Raccoon, you’ve had a long, hard day.  You should reward yourself with that handsome nickel.”  So, Mr. Raccoon will reach his little paw into the hole, grab onto the nickel and try to pull his paw back out.  But with his closed fist of treasure and the nails poking him, he can’t seem to get his treasure and run away with it. 

The mystery, and the reason why these traps work isn’t so much because the nails drive into the paw and capture the raccoon – which they might, but the real mystery is that it is the closed fist of treasure that won’t fit back out of the hole.  Here is a quote from the book:

“After the coon was killed, I walked over.  Papa was trying to get the coon’s paw from the trap.  He couldn’t do it.  Taking a pair of pliers from his pocket, he said, ‘It’s a good thing I had these along or we would have had to cut his foot off.’  After Papa had pulled the nails, he lifted the coon’s paw from the hole.  There, clamped firmly in it, was the bright piece of tin.  In a low voice Papa said, ‘Well, I’ll be darned.  All he had to do was open it up and he was free, but he wouldn’t do it.’”

There was another kind of book I loved to read in the 1980s.  Do remember the choose your own adventure books?  In these books you would read along for awhile and then all of a sudden you were prompted to either continuing reading or turn to page something or another to take the story down a different path.  The choice was up to you.  In a way, you got to choose your own ending to the story. 

As I write this tonight, I see that each of these books is a great illustration for life and I will leave you with this thought and this challenge:  As you live your life out today, take a moment to think.  Is there something “shiny” in your own hand that has caught you in a trap; something that is preventing you from being free?  Remember that all that raccoon had to do was let go of his treasure and he could be free to scamper off into the woods, but instead he hung on to it and let himself get clubbed to death.  What are you holding onto that is so important that it is worth losing your life to?  You are free to make your own choices and free to choose your own ending.  If you just stop and think, and become aware of what things in this life are trapping you, maybe you can realize that simply letting go of that thing will give you some freedom – and some life!

So, what ending will you choose?

Rainbows and Unicorns

Sometimes great wisdom can come from the mouths of our children.  Today I asked my son if he was happy.  He said he was.  So I asked him to share with me what he thought it meant to be happy.  My son is a creative and artistic little guy so his response came as no surprise to me. He told me he likes to make little paper hats.  He's starting different collections of them and told me all about them.

Why is this profound?

Earlier today as I was driving home I asked God a similar question.  I asked what is it that makes people happy.  So often I hear people say that when they come to know Jesus as their savior it changes their lives.  I hear people say true happiness comes from this; from knowing Jesus.  I didn't ask God about this because my life is constantly filled with rainbows and unicorns.  I've really struggled to know happiness at times.  I know God loves me.  I know Jesus is my savior.  So where are the sparkles and ladybugs in my life?  I didn't get it.  It didn't make sense to me.  So I asked that God share His wisdom with me about happiness.

Later when my son told me what it meant for him to be happy, I realized he is completely allowing himself to be free to be who he is.  Do you remember being young and not worrying about anything?  Do you remember what it is like to be free to be you?  Do you remember life before Guess Jeans, hairspray, and junior high school?  I think it's been awhile since I allowed myself to really be me.

Now that doesn't mean we can do whatever we want.  We can't go brake laws in the name of self-gratification.  What it does mean is that it is ok to be you, and it is ok for me to be me - as our Father sees us.

As we grow up why do we try so hard to fit into certain roles?  Why do we pursue the things we pursue?  Can we ever be happy trying to be something we're not?

I think for those with tough backgrounds of abusive or drug-filled lives there is a lot of guilt and shame that goes along with it.  There may be embarrassment.  In short, there is a great lack peace being in that position.  Our guard is up and life becomes very defensive as we try to cover up who we are and pretend to be someone we are not.

So when we come to accept Jesus and His forgiveness, we can once again let go and stop hiding.  We can be us because we know we are loved and forgiven.  The weight is gone and that is very freeing and causes great joy!

We are happy when we are free to be ourselves.  But what does God say about who we are?  Here are just a few verses:

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2 Peter 1:2-4

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

1 John 3:1-2

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

If you don't wake up tomorrow morning to hummingbirds, bunnies, and sugarplums dancing around you and the air filled with the fragrance of lilacs and honey, then maybe you're like me and together we need to renew our minds, stop looking at the pressures we allow the world to put on us and start believing we are children of God.

Let's find happiness in life by being ourselves - who God created us to be - and not who we think we should be.  Let's practice being silly when we can.  Let's practice playing with children and let's let go a little and start to trust our Father to take care of us.  Allow yourself to be you today.  Read who you are to our Father.  Take a break from being artificial and allow yourself to be real.

Socks, Rocks, & Clothes Hangers_1/23/2012

When I get to work in the morning, one of the first things I do is make myself a cup of coffee.  We don't have a coffee pot or any of those fancy one serving machines in my office.  So instead of running to Starbucks or Caribou, I use a little French press my dad got me about a year ago.  I just fill up the container with scalding hot water and dump in a scoop of my favorite coffee grounds.  It sits for about five minutes to brew and when it's done I press down the screen to filter out the course coffee grounds.  It is so good!

Today it occurred to me that occasionally some of the grounds make it through or around the screen and end up in my coffee cup.   I knew that happened, but today God was taking that moment to point something out to me.  

My French press uses a very fine screen instead of a paper filter like a coffee machine does.  Its nice because all I have to do when I'm done is rinse it off.  But either way, in order to make coffee we need to filter out the grounds.

Every day we use many different filters don't we?  My French press isn't the first, or only one, I use.  Maybe it's the oil filter in my car as I start it up to drive to work.  Maybe it's the tuner on my radio that filters out all of the other stations so I can hear just the station I want.  For you it might be the ear plugs you use to filter out the loud noise of machinery, or a lens on your camera or sunglasses to filter out certain types and colors of light.  Maybe it's the tuner in your television or satellite receiver to filter out other TV stations.  Maybe it is a mask you wear to filter something out of the air you breathe.  These are only a fraction of the filters we each use every day.

The purpose of a filter is simple - to remove or eliminate unwanted contaminants.

In the spiritual realm, the devil works hard to bombard us with lies and confusion.  Most of the time we probably aren't even aware of it.  His goal is to throw so much of his propaganda at us that it hides the truth.  It makes the water muddy, and often times because everything is so murky, we end up believing the lies instead of the truth.  Wouldn't it be nice if we had a spiritual filter?

But don't you know that we do?!  We already have the best filter in the world - the Holy Bible!  When the waters of life are murky and we become confused, we can turn to the Bible to show us the truth and to filter out the lies!  

For example, many people debate whether it is ok to be homosexual or not.  Even some Christian churches have very different views.  So what if we moved past the influence of religion and man and look straight to the source; to God's word.  What does it say?  Check out Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 or 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.  If we use the Bible as a filter in this debate, the answer is clear.  Our Father considers it an abomination.  I don't think that there is any way to confuse how He sees it.  If we don't read or know the Word, we don’t have the filter to keep out the contaminating lies.

Not all Christian churches adhere strictly to the Bible.  Some interpret it to meet their agenda.  Some exclude or explain away verses or books that don't fit into their picture of God.

So what happens when you only use half a filter to brew your coffee?  Won't your cup of coffee be contaminated with coffee grounds?  Likewise, if you only use part of the Bible to filter out the devil's lies, you allow his demonic influence to contaminate your life.  What if you used a smelly old sock to filter your coffee?  You may not get as many grounds, but a lot of other junk might seep through.

In order to have the best spiritual filter possible, we have to accept the entire Holy Bible.  It is the right tool for us to use.  A rock may be a substitute for a hammer and a wire clothes hanger may make for a substitute antenna, but neither is the right tool for the job.

If you are struggling with knowing what God says about something, go straight to the source.  Don't use a different tool or someone else's interpretation that you don't trust.  Be cautious of what you believe for the devil is an expert at deception and lies.  If your church is more religious than it is biblical, maybe it's time to find a solid Bible believing church.

As you go out into the world today and as you are bombarded with the devil's never ending lies, keep your filter of truth - your Holy Bible, close at hand and at heart.  Use it just like Jesus did when the devil lied to and tempted Him (Matthew 4:1-11).

Filters are very useful and good.  We are all familiar with how they work and therefore your practical application today is to do something you are already good at and familiar with.  Use the Bible to screen out the lies.  It works and you can do it!

Thank you Father for giving us the best and most perfect filter of all.  Guide us by the Holy Spirit to use it and to find Your truth in every area if life today.

Suicide_1/22/2012

1 Corinthians 3:16-17:

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."

I sat down to study The Word tonight and had planned on going in one direction when our Father put something else on my heart.  It isn't something I am an expert on, but even so I have to follow His lead and trust that this word will speak to someone.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church at Corinth.  In chapter 3 he says that he, "could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as carnal [people of the flesh] babes in Christ."

This strikes me as important.  I recently wrote about how our flesh is separate from our spirit and I truly believe our flesh can misguide us.

Our flesh is what experiences this world we live in.  It takes extra effort to experience the spiritual world and to commune with our Father.  It's not an easy thing to do, but likewise isn't all that hard either.  I'm left to realize not everyone is at that point in their lives where they hear from God.  The pressure and stress of this world can often be overwhelming.  It can feel so oppressive that we feel we can't possibly go on.  We may know of the Father and His love or we may not.  Even so, life can be a challenge. It can be hard.  It can be hard to see past the sludge we live in and we may want to give up.  We may want to find a way to end it.  However, here is what I've learned in my own life:  no matter what I may be going through, I've come to see that it is only for a time.  The pain or the sludge doesn't last forever.  I know it feels like it will, but experience has shown me that it doesn't.  Even more so I have learned that if we can get past the present and look to the future we can see that our own trials may be there for a time just so we can relate to others.  God has said He will never give us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).  In the midst of the crap, that is hard to believe.  But what if you did believe it?  What if instead of being consumed by the moment, you look at that moment as a time to learn.  The lesson you learn could help someone else.  If you take that perspective, you can immediately look upon the situation as something God is allowing you to go through so you can be used by Him.  He wants to use you!  You are His hands and feet.

So, the Bible doesn't specifically address suicide, but doesn't 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 give us some cause to think twice about it?  Do you really want to take the risk?  Suicide may end the Earthly pain, but what if it resulted in eternal pain in Hell?  If you are already suffering, you certainly don't want more!  And most certainly you don't want to trade your Earthly suffering for eternal Hell!

So, of course, God is also speaking to me about those we love who have gone through with it.  Do we assume they are in Hell now?  They may be, but I think we need to trust our mysterious Father and hope that in the last breath, our loved ones who committed suicide had a change of heart, that they in the last seconds realized their error and repented.  I believe if that is the case, they were forgiven and are with our Father now.  Because not one of us can know for certain how the last seconds of our lives will be, I encourage you to stop and take a breath and hang on for one more day.  Things will turn around.  God knows what you are going through and He has faith in you that you will trust in Him.

Brothers and sisters, I pray that if it is you this word is for, that you will not give up.  I know it's hard.  You're tired.  You don't feel you can go on.  But can you do me a favor and think for just a moment about whether that is your flesh speaking?  Our flesh is weak and will want to quit.  Listen to your heart.  Listen to your spirit.  I think you already know that suicide is not the answer.  It may end one temporary pain, but it could also start a never ending torment in Hell.  Is it worth the risk?  Seek out a pastor or loved one and ask for help.  Ask your Father in Heaven to guide you and show you His truth and purpose too.

There is much, much more to our eternal lives than the few fleeting moments on this Earth suggest their is.

I love you and our Father loves you!  You are important and you are special!

Don't give up yet.  Hang on for just one more day.  I believe in you and I know our Father in Heaven does too.

Your brother in Christ our Savior, and our hope,

Ed

The Point of Life_1/20/2012

Ecclesiastes 1:9

“What has been will be again,

what has been done will be done again;

there is nothing new under the sun.”

I was led by the Holy Spirit in my Scripture reading today.  To my surprise it hit home and resonated with me more than I ever thought any Bible reading could!  God took my life experiences and showed them to me in Scripture!

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes almost exactly what has been on my heart lately:  that everything done on the Earth is vanity and futile.  Nothing is done that hasn't already been done.  We toil daily with the same tasks we did yesterday, the day before; that generations before us have done - over and over and over again and that generations after us will also continue to do.

I hope this hits you right in the face too - so you can't miss it.  Sure, it could cause us to feel depressed about life, but aren't many already depressed with the overly repetitive nature of this world?  So then what?  I'm glad you asked.  Here is what God has been sharing with me:

We're deceived into thinking that the next new car will make us happy, that a promotion at work ought to do the trick, that finding true love will bring ever lasting joy.  Maybe it's even as simple as just seeing your spouse or roommate do the dishes once in awhile.  Of course then you will be so happy and content that it will last forever, right?  Wake up!  You know better than that.  You have already lived long enough to know there is nothing new under the sun.

I hope this leaves you just a little somber and asking yourself, "well then what is the point of life?"

Solomon repeats frequently in the book of Ecclesiastes to focus on eating, drinking, and enjoying life.  After all the possibilities that he explored, that is what he determined.  I highly encourage you to read the whole book of Ecclesiastes for yourself.  You won't be disappointed and it won't take you long.  Wouldn't you agree that life is unfair?  Wouldn't you agree that the smartest and best don't always gain more than the dumbest and wicked?  So what is the point in pursuing the things of this world then?  Life is so tragically short.  Why spend your entire life seeking to obtain things or status when long after you are dead no one will remember you?  What was it worth?  For that matter, why be jealous or envious?

In years past and in years to come, people will seek riches, wisdom, and status, but all will die and none of that effort will have been worth it.

Besides eating, drinking, and enjoying life, I believe there is one thing we can pursue with passion and joy that can be everlasting, even beyond our deaths.

It's cliché now, but when was the last time you asked yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Start by asking yourself what did Jesus do?  Did he work 40-60 hours a week for an employer to put money into a 401K and plan for retirement?  NO!!! He did NOT!!!  Next ask yourself what Jesus commissioned us to do?  Didn't He say in Matthew 28:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”?  Face it.  We have been stuck in a rut and have not been enjoying our lives which are a gift from God.

Jesus said he will return for us, in part, in Matthew 24:14, when the gospel has been preached to the whole world.  There are about six billion people on the Earth.  I recently read that according to Christianity Today, about a third of the world’s population claim to be Christian.  Do you realize that if we ignore the travel times and all the other red tape, that if each of that one third (current Christians) shared the gospel each with one unique unbeliever that in just three days the entire world could be told the Truth?  I think that might be new under the sun and may not be futile.

So it may be time for us to get out of our comfort zones and tell someone today who Jesus is to us.  That He is the Son of God, and our Savior.  That all that call upon Him will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).  The Devil's lies and fear are the only thing holding us back.  Lies and fear are not real!  Therefore, we have no excuse!

Go out there and change the world!  Let God's love and compassion guide you.  Have grace.  Have forgiveness.  Be a light unto the world.  Don't stop with your daily "toiling" or with your job.  Don't abandon everything.  Just add two things into your life and into your day - God's compassion to share His love, and a joy for life.  Enjoy your work and effort.  We can each talk to one person today and still do all the other things we need to do to survive, can't we?  In all things do them with a joyful and thankful heart and while at it do your best.  Don’t let your life be a waste and don’t let your life be unhappy.  Be different and overcome the world and make your life count!

Take Care & Never Give Up 1/17/2012

1 Timothy 4:16

Sometimes I like to just look into the faces of people around me - sometimes into their eyes and into their soul.  There is a lot to see if we just take a moment to be aware.

Today God is putting something on my heart for those who may read this.  It's for those who give and give and give some more.  I know what that's like.  It can be so rewarding, but it can also run you down.

I've been married to a wonderful and beautiful woman for over 14 years.  We've been a couple for even longer than that.  For many of those years, my beautiful bride has struggled with an illness that pulls her out of touch with her friends and family for months at a time.  I've spent a lot of time caring for her as well as our son.  They are both truly wonderful gifts of God to me!  I never expected God to bring such wonderful people into my life.  When times have been tough I also never expected those close to me to tell me they would encourage me and support me if I decided to walk away.  I can not believe that, but it is a symptom of the world we live in today.  Honestly, I blame myself for that "support."  You're wondering why now, and I'm about to tell you.

In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul is admonishing or encouraging Timothy to take care of himself.  Timothy, at this time, was pastoring a large church and it demanded much of his time and much of him.  So much so that he got lost in his calling and was beginning to neglect his own spiritual needs.  We don't have to be a pastor of a church to learn from this.

As a husband, and as a parent, like Timothy I was consumed with caring for those in my charge.  It took a lot out of me.  I know it takes a lot out of you too.  Before I neglect to mention it, I must add that my wife and son have always meant the world to me, despite the cost.  I, at times, have been fortunate enough to see God's love for them.  When I had nothing left, He showed me their value, and His love for them, and it would make my cry.  I have been so burned out that I have wanted to give up, but my Father showed me, at just the right time, that I should keep fighting and keep pressing on and never give up.  It's easy to give up - but listen for the reason not to!  Stand out from society and be different.  It IS worth it.  It IS what The Father is calling us to.

Why did I even get to the point that those close to me would say what they did?  What did they see in me that caused their comments?  They saw a man - a person who forgot to take care of himself.  As a caregiver, as a leader, it is easy to do.  They saw someone run down, tired, ready to give up.  I am so thankful for the glimpses God gave me and I pray you see them in your own lives too.

I have never given up.  I have never walked away.  God has been my strength when I had none of my own left.

Today, like Paul encouraged Timothy, I encourage and implore you to take care of your spiritual needs no matter what is going on around you.  I pray for grace when you (and I) fail at this, but even so encourage us to take the time we need to seek our Father.  God's grace has keep my family together despite my neglect of taking care of myself.  It doesn't have to come to that for you if you just take the time to seek our Father, to be encouraged, to be built up in strength by Him.

Take care of yourself so you can take care of those God has put into your lives.  They are truly a treasure.  Don't let them down.  Don't give up.  Stay steadfast in love.

Please don't consider yourself a failure even if that is what you see in your life or in yourself.  Please don't give up, even if that is what you feel or even if those you love and respect suggest you do.  Giving up or quitting is never God's best for you or those you are in charge of.  Take this moment, and this word, as a time to reflect.  Like Paul encouraged Timothy, I also encourage you to take care of yourself so you can continue to fight the good fight.

Until the end and beyond,

Your brother in Christ who is our Savior.

Ed

Perspectives 1/14/2012

A parent sees past the hurtful, immature words their child speaks.  Hate.  Disgust.  Our Father forgives us of our immature ways.  He understands us and knows us.

Life hurts, doesn't it?  People hurt us.  We hurt people.  I think there is something to be understood by the perspectives we have.  They seem to define us.  I wish they wouldn't.  There is something so much better, but I believe our flesh hinders us from knowing it - the absolute Truth of God:

I Corinthians 13:12:

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 

We are made up of a body and a spirit:

Genesis 2:7:

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

It is our spirits that long for heaven:

Philippians 3:20-21:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”  

In heaven our spirits will be free of the pressures on our bodies and the effects of this world.

The earth, and our lives, can feel like a prison.  Every once in awhile we catch a glimpse of our Father - of Truth.  In prison the cell walls become our reality.  We come to make expectations from them.  It is the mirror we see ourselves in.  The Father aches because of it.  Look past the walls.  Let them be transparent.  Don't let them make you who you are.  This world we live in is not our eternal destiny.  It is not true reality.  It is a temporary state.  It is a training ground.  There is SO much more to come.  Don't let this training get you down.  Overcome.  Seek your Father with all your heart, mind, soul, and body.  For then, and only then, will you find the Truth, and your Father. This life is just the beginning.

The world, and our flesh, mask the Truth and inhibit us and distract us.  How I wish it didn't.  How I wish we could all see the Truth and move past what our eyes see and what our bodies feel.  I wish, and I pray, for greater revelation of our true, eternal purpose that we might be used fully by the Lord.

Stop.

Listen.

Hear,

your Father.  He wants to talk with you.  Only through the Holy Spirit can this be accomplished.

Nearly everything we feel through our bodies in this world is a distraction from the Truth.  Only the righteous spirit can be set apart from it and only then can the Truth be revealed.  Learn to separate your body from this world and listen through your spirit to the Holy Spirit.  What our bodies feel and see isn't true reality – it is just the temporary world we live in.  What our spirits feel is God’s truths.

We see, but we don't see.  We feel, but we don't feel.

Frozen by Fear. Thawed by Love and Faith. 1/13/2012

Yesterday we looked at anticipation, fear, and faith.  Today I think it's time to look at that again, but in a different way.

Where I believe it's true that fear and faith hold many similarities with anticipation being a common denominator, I also believe fear can act separately, and all on its own.

Specifically, fear can prevent us from many things.  We see opportunities to share God's love and kindness, but because of fear, we hold back and don't.  When is fear rational and when isn't it?

Look at these lyrics from Benjamin Glover and Joshua David Wilson in the song I Refuse as an example:

"Sometimes I

I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone's alright

When I know they're not."

I've been there more than I'd like to admit.  Truth be told, I'm sick of living like that.  I want to see you, and me, do more and be more than that.  If we know people are in pain mentally, physically, or spiritually, why do we just turn our faces and ignore them?  Fear.  I think it's that simple.

"This world needs God

But it's easier to stand and watch.

I could say a prayer and just move on

Like nothing's wrong."

Isn't it true?  Isn't it easier to just stand and watch - to just move on?  To wait for someone else to do what we know WE should do?  We can say a simple, meaningless prayer.  Can't we?  Don't we?  But where is the ownership in that?  Where is the HEART in that?  What if instead of relinquishing OUR responsibility, we made this part of the lyrics our own purpose:

"But I refuse.

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care.

I don't want to say another empty prayer.

Oh, I refuse.

To sit around and wait for someone else.

To do what God has called me to do myself.

Oh, I could choose.

Not to move but I refuse."

What if?  What if we just did what we already know we should do?

"So, if You say move,

It's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

Show them who You are."

What if these words were true for us?  Could we say this?:

"I can hear the least of these

Crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet

Of You, oh God."

I think we each possess the ability to look around us - to the people next door, to our co-workers, to someone at the store, or at the bus stop and to choose to share our Father's love with them.

I encourage us today to put fear in its place.  Step out.  Be bold.  Be confident.  Make a difference and do what we know we should do.

Many of you are.  But, many of us aren't too.   Will you reexamine your life today and look past fear?  Are you willing to make a fool of yourself and be humble enough to let God use you?

Father, please help us and guide us today so that we can make a difference!  We love you and thank you for equipping us to follow through.  By the leading of the Holy Spirit, the fear that has frozen us in place can be thawed by Your love and we can begin to effectively be used by You one small step at a time.  One person at a time.  One moment at a time. 

Anticipation, Fear, and Faith 1/11/2012

Anticipation can be described as a visualization of a future event or state.  It can be the act of looking forward, or the expectation of something to come.

We can often find ourselves in a position where we are looking to the future and anticipating what the outcome may be.  A pregnant woman anticipates the birth of her child.  A student anticipates graduation.  An engaged couple anticipates their wedding day.  Those are a few examples of things we positively anticipate.  We can, however, anticipate negative future states such as sickness leading to death, a poor economy leading to the loss of a job, or a struggling marriage to end in divorce.  Regardless, I would ask you to consider how each of us looks towards the future, and I would ask you to consider whether or not that act could be defined as fear or faith.

From the day we are born, our life experiences teach us to anticipate, or expect, a certain future - each in a very different way.  How I grew up as a child and how you grew up are probably very different.  We are each are very similar, but yet so very different from each other.  The perspective we have on our own lives and on the world and people around us are driven by our past experiences.  I’ve often heard that two people can witness the same event, but have completely different descriptions of it.  The reason for this is that we each filter life’s experiences through those of our own – which of course, are very unique to each of us. 

So, as we face today and as we see the world around us, we have a very simple, but yet very profound decision to make.  It’s a hard one.  Are you ready for this?  We can continue to see the world, and anticipate outcomes of present circumstances based on our own experiences, OR we can anticipate outcomes of present circumstances based on what our Father in heaven’s experiences and perspectives are.  Yes, I really said that.  We can continue to look at life through our own eyes and our own experiences or we can look at it through what God’s truths are.

I am probably going to oversimplify this, but I think you will get the picture.  Our own lives and experiences teach us to fear certain things and circumstances.  The current economy, for example, could cause us to anticipate job loss and the subsequent loss of our homes and a means for caring for our families.  It’s easy to see that anxiety could quickly set in and cause us emotional paralysis.  However, we can also choose to look at the economy and even look past it and see God’s truths.  What does He say about our futures?  Doesn’t He tell us not to worry or fear what may come (Luke 12:22-31)?  Doesn’t He tell us that He will take care of us?  Doesn’t He tell us what faith is (Hebrews 11:1)?

Today, I encourage you to look upon your own life through God’s eyes and not through your own.  Get into the Bible and read about what God has prepared for you.  We can choose to base life on our own experiences, or we can base it on God’s.  Personally, I am eager to learn more about what God has for me so my anticipation (or faith) in life is based on what His truths are and not based on what my own experiences have been.

What will you choose?

Body vs. Mind and Spirit 1/10/2012

A few years ago I really got into exercising.  I ran a few times a week and also lifted weights and did treadmill/elliptical work.

What I learned about my body during that time was that there were two forces at play:  my body and my mind.

I quickly learned as I ran laps at the local tracks that my mind would SCREAM at me to quit.  "It's too hard!  Stop now!" it would say.  The problem was that I had specific goals in mind that I eagerly wanted to meet.

So the battle began.  My body would start the task and my mind would scream for it to STOP!

Here is what I learned and, for my church family specifically today, I want to share it with you.

I learned that it was possible to distract my mind so that I could continue running beyond what I thought I could do.  It was a challenge because I hate running, but loud enough music drowned out my heavy, labored breathing so my ears and mind didn't hear it.  Because of that I was able to push my body much further than my mind would have let me otherwise.  I dropped several seconds off my time every time I ran.  I couldn't believe it!

Church family, we are in the beginning stages of our annual fast.  Trust me when I say I know it is a challenge, but believe me when I say your body can handle it and more (unless you have medical conditions and/or doctors advice not to push it).  If you are healthy, you can go farther than your mind wants you too.  Be careful and listen to the Lord carefully.  This is a time to spend more time with our Father.  Let His words be the loud music that drowns out your mind screaming at you and let your time with Him be sufficient to keep you on task.

Matthew 6:17-18

"But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Use this time to focus on our Father. Don't complain about how your body is feeling so that others hear it.  Keep yourself clean and presentable.  It may even be best if no one knew you were fasting.  For that matter, also refrain from bragging or comparing how your fast is going with others.  This time was designed for you to grow closer to your heavenly Father, not to draw attention to yourselves.

Father, thank you for this opportunity to be closer to you.  We pray for strength, endurance, will-power, and a conviction to draw close to you.  We love you so much and thank you for meeting all of our needs!

God through Peanuts 1/8/2012

Sometimes we find God's simple truths in life in places we least expect.  Today I read the comics in our Sunday newspaper and the Peanuts cartoon really stuck out to me.  To be totally honest with you, I sat here today wondering what God would speak to me and where I would find it.  I felt in my spirit that the answer would come through the comics in the paper and so I dug it out of the recycling and read through it.  That's when I saw what Charles Schultz wrote in the Peanuts comic printed today.

Hopefully you are able to see the copy of it I scanned here.  If not, dig out your paper from today and look at it yourself.

Like I said, sometimes God's truths are simple and are right in front of us.  Recently I made a boo boo at work.  While trying to help someone else I was led by someone in a higher position than me to seek the advice of another person. What I didn't realize at the time was that this other person was the CFO of the entire company and reported only to the CEO - the top man in our firm.  Company policy prevents me from sharing where I work in this blog, but know that it is a very large, national company that hundreds, if not thousands, work for.  Can you see how it might have been out of line for me to send an email to this CFO now?  It was a nice email just asking for guidance, but nonetheless I learned it was a mistake on my part.  It's good to respect the authorities in our lives.  I didn't know who this person was at the time, but as soon as I realized his position in the company I made sure to let my boss's boss and her boss know what had happened.  I've been around the block enough to know my email probably was not well received even despite my intentions to help.

In comes the truth God is sharing with us today.  Even though I made a point to recognize the error, I was still later told not to do it again.  I didn't hear it just once, but a few times.  Even though I knew the mistake and tried my best to remedy the situation, I still had to listen to my superiors tell me the mistake I'd already told them about.  It got to the point of ridiculous and I was starting to get really crabby about it.

I had the opportunity to lash back with unkind words, but instead was reminded of what the Bible says in Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  I chose to simply acknowledge my mistake and agree it wouldn't happen again.  I knew all this from the moment I realized who I sent my email for help to, but in order to follow our Lord's words I chose to respond with a soft answer.  Nothing else has been said about the boo boo and I'm sure it is all in the past now.  But, what would have happened if I'd made a big stink about it or about how I felt all of this attention was unfair?

I think it's funny that Charles Schultz also captured this truth of God in his comic strip, but am humbled to realize His truths can be found all around us if we are just open to His Spirit and look and listen.

Father, as we face tough situations or people today, let us follow your example and do our best to respond with a soft answer and not in a selfish way that stirs up anger.  Help us also to be open to take the time to listen to You and follow Your leading.