Taking the Hard Road

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  (Romans 8:18).

I just spoke with the wife of a friend who had a freak accident this week.  In the midst of simple lawn work, my friend fell and fractured a vertebrae in his back.  Though the doctors believe he will have a "full" recovery, right now, he is in an exceptional amount of pain and few pain relievers are working for him.  He knows in the midst of this challenging time that he is not alone--God has not left him.  He also knows that God was not "caught off guard" by this situation.  Even with this faith, he is going through an extremely tough time emotionally (and physically) right now.

Through this, I am reminded that God is continuing to work in the tough and the uncomfortable.  And, when I really think about it--the times that God has truly shaped me and shown me the full extent of His awesome love for me have been times that were absolutely touch and uncomfortable. 

I am not one that generally prays for these tough times.  More than likely, my prayers are more in line with "get me out" or "remove these tough situations" during these times.  By God's amazing grace, we can approach these tough knowing that He is working something beautiful out of the times that just shake us to our core.  In these times, I encourage you to look beyond the immediacy of the situation you are in, and seek to trust the one who orchestrated every moment of your life before you even showed up.   

May you enjoy His Peace,

Dave

It Just Works

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (James 2: 26 NLT).

This section of scripture (James 2: 14-26) is theologically dense and strongly contested. Many writers have focused on James' emphasis on deeds. They believe this emphasis runs contrary to the Apostle Paul's writings (Romans 3:28) against those who try to be saved by their deeds. James' and Paul's writings are not at odds.

God's word is clear--we cannot earn salvation through our good deeds. In fact, we cannot earn salvation at all--it is a gift from our Heavenly Father. At salvation, our old life was exchanged for the true life of Jesus Christ. His spirit fills our formerly dead spirit, making it alive--alive to the things that God desires. And, this exchanged life, the life of Jesus Christ in ours, results in good deeds.

These deeds are an expression of this genuine, exchanged life. A faith that is alive shows love--it is joyful, it is at peace, it is patient, it is kind, it is full of goodness, it expresses faithfulness, it is gentle, and it is under self-control. (See Galatians 5:22).

Father, I pray for a faith that is real--a faith that lives-out the truth
that my life is hidden in yours. I no longer live, but I know that You
live inside of me. Produce in me and through me Your fruits.
Amen!

Stay Strong (in Him),

Dave

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you. (Proverbs 25:21-22 Msg).

Buy him lunch? Bring him a drink? In my flesh, I do not want to do anything that could be perceived as good to those who have hurt me. Many times, I think--if I do something good to them then I am somehow letting them "off the hook." After all, shouldn't they be punished for what they did?

This passage makes it clear what God's standard is. He wants me to reach out to them. This standard even goes beyond forgiveness--He wants me to love them. He is asking me to meet a need of my enemy.

But, my emotions scream--"no way." My emotions, however, do not govern my behavior. That's the job of my will. And, I can set my will on the truth of God's word and realize--I don't have to worry about my emotions or how I feel. After all, "God will look after [me]." He has my back. He has things under control exactly as He wants them. What is going on is no surprise to Him.

God has called me to "love my neighbor." (Mark 12:31). He has not asked me to judge. That is not a responsibility that He has delegated to me. And, I am thankful that He has not. I can accept those I come into contact with just as they are--regardless of how they have offended me. That is freedom. That is peace--God's peace.

Thank you, Father, for your peace. And, thank you that it is not
about me. You are in control. Guide me to set my mind on that
fact. So many times, I try to take on responsibilities that you have not
given to me. In this, I end up frustrated. Which I know brings me to
the point of surrendering again.

There are those that I come into contact with Father that I cannot love on my own. I know that you can, and your Word says that you will. Please do, through me. I love you, Father. And, I thank you for loving me. Thank you also for working your plans through my life. Amen!

Stay Strong,

Dave

What Do You Have to Worry About?

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let
petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful
what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
(Philippians 4:6-7 MSG).

Very simply, this passage tells us not to worry. Simple in theory, but difficult in application--right? Can you even imagine not worrying about anything? What would occupy our mind throughout our day if the worries of life did not consume our thoughts? You know the worries that seem to take center stage--family concerns, job security, financial well-being--to generally name a few. These things concern us, and, at times, we wonder what would life be like if one of these general areas was knocked off center.

The good news--God understands our concerns. So much so, He empowered the apostle Paul to write these words in a time when Paul had, from a wordly perspective, a great deal to worry about. To Paul, these were not just hollow words written on paper. These were words poured out by his own flesh and blood. God gave Paul His grace and strength to not worry. He does the same for you and I.

Rather than worry, God's word tells us to pray with a heart full of thanks. In doing so, He offers His peace. This is not some shallow peace found in the moment based upon positive thinking, absence of conflict, or in good feelings. God's peace defies our understanding. It is based upon the absolute fact that He is in control, that He is completely trustworthy, and that He is completely in love with you.

What do you have to worry about? I encourage you to allow His life, which is living through yours, to meet your worries at their source. And, allow His truth to show you that He is working everything together for good--your good. In this, you have His peace.

Enjoying His Peace,

Dave

Perfect Timing

These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely,
the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day. (Habakkuk 2:3 TLB).

What is going on? I have prayed and prayed--and nothing seems to change. It seems that what I am asking is within your will. I don't think my motives are selfish. Have you ever felt this way? When your prayers seem to just hit a "glass ceiling", many times, we start to wonder.

I bet Zacharias and Elizabeth started to wonder. Remember, they were the parents of John the Baptist. He was born to them very, very late in life. In fact, it was at a point where having children was highly improbable, if not totally impossible--from their perspective.

Scripture is silent on this--but, I find it hard to believe that they had continued to pray to be blessed with a child at this stage of their life. I bet they had given up long before the angel Gabriel came to Zacharias and said. ". . . your prayer has been heard." Can't you just hear the dialogue; Zacharias:"Uh, what prayer?" And, Gabriel responds, "The one you prayed years ago. Don't you remember? You asked for a son."

We pray on our time, and God answers on His time. God encourages us in this time, "[d]o not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks." (Philippians 4:6 NIV). When we do, He further promises that "[a]nd God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (v. 7).

While we are waiting "on His time", He offers us His peace. In my life, I get anxious, at times. I want things to happen right away. But, I am learning to trust God that His time and His plan is always perfect. And, in the process, I have peace, His peace.

Stay Strong,

Dave

The Strawberry

Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to this life. . . . Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6: 25-26; 34).

This is Jesus' encouragement to His disciples and those gathered around Him during what is known today as the Sermon on the Mount. As applicable as these words were then, they may be even more applicable today. Jesus knew that we would tend to worry about things around us. Things and circumstances, that many times we have very little if any control over, that absolutely weigh us down. Jesus does not want us to be burdened with these thoughts. Instead, He desires that we place our trust in Him. Sometimes, this is easier said than done.

Recently, I came across a story that really hit this point home for me.

There was a man out for a walk in the country. Soon, he caught sight of a ferocious tiger racing through the brush straight at him. Terrified, the man began to run, and soon was closing in on the edge of a cliff. As he neared the edge, he glanced back to see the tiger about ready to pounce. The man then noticed a rope dangling over the edge of the cliff. This rope was tied securely to a sturdy tree. So, he grabbed the rope and began climbing over the edge of the cliff--just out of the reach of the tiger. The man then looked down and saw a quarry of jagged rocks five hundred feet below. He looked up and saw the tiger poised atop the cliff. Just then, two mice began to nibble on the rope. What was he to do? Just then, he spotted a wonderful, ripe strawberry that had grown on the edge of the cliff. So, he plucked the strawberry, ate it, and exclaimed "that was the best strawberry I've ever tasted."

If this man would have been preoccupied upon the rocks (the future) or worried about the tiger (the past), he would have missed the strawberry (the present). Since my accident on May 11, 2008, God has taught me to appreciate the moment. There is little I can do about the past, and the future is unknown. I desire every day to trust God in the moment He has me in. Does this mean I never worry? No! But, His life is transforming my life moment by moment. Through His strength, I am learning to look for the strawberries. It is amazing how many there are around!

Stay Strong,

Dave

The Source of Frustration

After this presentation to Israel's leaders, Moses and Aaron went and
spoke to Pharaoh. They told him,"[t]his is what the Lord, the God of
Israel, says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the
wilderness." "Is that so?" retorted Pharaoh. "And, who is the Lord?
Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don't know the Lord, and I
will not let Israel go." (Exodus 5:1-2 NLT).

The Israelites had been slaves to the Egyptians, but now was the time that God would show His glory and in that--bring the Israelites into the land that He had promised their forefathers. But, immediately, Pharaoh would flex his perceived muscle by punishing the Israelites for what Moses and Aaron had asked. Previously, Pharaoh had provided straw to the Israelites, which they added to the items used to make bricks. Making bricks was a major task Pharaoh had assigned to them. Now, they had to find their own straw and continue to make the same number of bricks each day.
This was a curve ball the Israelites did not expect. Like their
days were not already hard enough--now, they were made to do the same workload
plus more. If they did not meet their daily quota, they were subject
to beatings. Soon, even Moses became upset with God. Then Moses
went back to the Lord and protested. "Why have you brought all this
trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I
came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your
people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" (Exodus 5: 22-23
NLT).

Things were not happening as Moses expected. He expected
faster results and fewer problems. I think I can relate to
that. When things do not go as we expect, how quick do we get
frustrated! The major source of frustration is unmet expectations.

In the life of the Israelites and in ours today, God uses challenges
(aka unmet expectations) to develop our patience, character, and faith. In
these situations, I encourage you to:

(1) Trust God to do what is best for you;
(2) Look for ways to honor God in the present situation;
(3) Remember that God will not leave you or forsake you; and
(4) That God has a plan for you.

Doing this, I feel we will see God in our challenges. With
that, He offers us a peace, His peace in those challenges. Enjoy
Him! He loves you and is drawing you closer to Him.

Beauty of Being in His Presence

Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the
splendor of His holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NLT).

This morning, like many Friday mornings, I was driving my daughter to school. On our way, a song came on the radio that simply grabbed more than my attention. I felt like it gripped something deep inside of me. While I had heard this particular song before, I had never really listened to the words. This time, tears were rolling down my face and I was ushered into an amazing moment of pure and simple worship--right there in my car.

Isn't it amazing that God gives us these opportunities to just lay aside ourselves and enter into moments like this one. Times where we are just taken back by being in His presence. In these times, we give Him all the credit--and we give Him all the honor. He gives us peace, joy, and the promise of His presence.

God does not limit worship to specific times in specific places done in a specific way. Our life, as believers, can be a time of worship. It can be in a group or all alone. It can be somber or it can be animated. All He asks is for us to focus on Him and to believe in the truth of who He is in us and who we are in Him. Then, allow Him to do the rest.

I encourage you to open your mind to His amazing love for you through your worship.

Stay Strong,

Dave

Time Well Spent

Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should. (Psalm 90:12 TLB).

I was visiting with a friend recently. We were talking about how quick time flys. To us, it seemed like just yesterday that our kids were babies. We could remember our wedding day like it was just recent. I am sure you would agree--life is clicking by very, very quickly.

God told us that it would be this way--didn't He? I believe His purpose in telling us to "number our days" is to impress on us to do the things that last. So, what lasts? I think it is those things that show love to God and to those around us. Jesus stated, "[l]ove your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: '[l]ove your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV).

I challenge you to think a bit about your day. Are you just doing things or are you doing those things that truly shows your love to God and to others in your circle? I know there are "things that just have to be done" in your day. But, where is your heart? Is it focused upon His glory or upon your own self (ish) interests? Even the most mundane of daily tasks that you do through His strength shows your love for Him and others.

Appreciate each moment of your day. Allow Him to truly live His abundant life through yours. Enjoy loving Him and those He has in your life.

I wish each of you a joyous and peaceful New Year.

Stay Strong,

Dave

Energized by His Plan

This time of year can tend to add pressure to your schedule. Christmas events such as your kids' Christmas programs or "Holiday" parties are good examples. Add to these, the urgency to finish your shopping, wrap the gifts, bake your family's favorites treats, prepare and send the Christmas cards, and you name what else--and your schedule seems to be a bit fuller this year than what you remember in the past. Please, do not get me wrong--these are all wonderful things per se. But, are they taking your focus off of the true meaning of this time of celebration.

For me and my family, the true meaning is Christ's birth. Don't get me wrong--we do all sorts of the items noted above. But, my hope and my prayer is that we consciously are focused on not the stuff, but the person at the heart of all that we do.

At times, God, in His amazing, loving way, re-focuses your attention upon what He wants. Yesterday, my schedule was full. And, I had full intentions of trying to add just a bit more as my day went along. Needless to say, I added a bit of self-imposed pressure to "get things done." But, God had other plans. A large weather system of freezing fog and snow has come through our beautiful area. So, guess what I got done? Not much, and that is ok. I got home on-time to have a wonderful dinner with my family and to enjoy a wonderful night with them. Isn't it amazing how peaceful a change in plans can be!

So, this time of year take some time to just step back and enjoy the plan that God has for you! Be open to His leading, enjoy just being in His presence--allow Him to energize you by His plan. He loves you--just rest in Him.

Merry Christmas.

Dave

How Much is Enough

"For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith--and this
not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can
boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

Recently, I was reading the label on a container of orange juice. On it, the bottler noted that one 8 ounce glass contained enough Vitamin C to meet the "recommended daily allowance" of this particular vitamin. (I felt like I was catching a cold, so I felt I should drink some orange juice.) So, I thought, "[w]ow, that is easy, just one glass at breakfast and that is all I need all day."

As Christians, sometimes, we wish the things we perceive we "have to do" were that easy. Questions such as:

• How long should I read my bible each day?


• How often should I go to church?


• How many people should I witness to each week?

The list could go on and on. Don't get me wrong--these are good things. But, Christ's death on the cross freed us from the bondage of "have to's" and "shoulds". Our relationship with Him is not contingent upon what we do; instead, it is His gift to us called grace.

To me, that is freeing. It frees me to spend time in His word, to go to His church, and to witness to His people--not because I have to, but because I want to. There is a huge difference. Think about it--wouldn't you rather spend time with somebody because that person wants to spend time with you, not because they have to. God is no different. He wants our hearts engaged with His. But, He does not force it. It is an act of our free will through faith in Him.

So, what "should" you do? Let your loving God guide you throughout your day and allow your love for Him to place in your heart and mind a desire to walk with Him. I think you will be truly amazed at what that may look like. Enjoy your time with Him.

Father, I do desire to not focus on what I perceive are the "have
to's" and "shoulds" of having a moment by moment relationship with you.
Instead, Father, please put in me a desire to spend time with you
throughout my day because I want to. I want to know you
more. I want just spend time worshipping you, not just on
Sunday, but throughout each day. Father, thank you for living your life
through mine. Amen!

Stay Strong.

Dave

God's Timing

"God has given them a desire to know the future. He does
everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NCV).

Solomon, the author God inspired to write the book of Ecclesiastes, notes that God has an absolute plan and a purpose for all He does. Though we do not always understand (or agree), God's plans are always "just right and on time."

When those plans suit us, we have no problem declaring God's love and His absolute sovereignty. But, how about those times when His plans are painful or not so timely? Maybe it is an "unplanned" sickness or a job loss or a _______ (you fill in the blank). How quick do we start to question God's plan?

As a believer, our life is not always easy. Even with God as our very life, our experience in this world is, at times, painful and frustrating. Think about Joseph. Not the Joseph in the New Testament, but Joseph the son of Jacob in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis 37.

Throughout Joseph's life, he maintained a deep understanding that, regardless of the circumstances, God is good and does good. God's plans are perfect and his timing is impeccable. All things happened at just the right moment.

At just the right moment, his brother's despised him.

At just the right moment, they threw him in a pit.

At just the right moment, a caravan came by.

At just the right moment, Joseph was sold into slavery.

At just the right moment, Potiphar's wife came to him.

At just the right moment, she accused him of inappropriate sexual advances.

At just the right moment, he was thrown into prison.

At just the right moment, he was given watch over the other prisoners.

At just the right moment, Joseph was brought in front of Pharaoh.

At just the right moment, he was put in charge of whole land of Egypt.

At just the right moment, his brothers came to him to buy grain.

At just the right moment, Joseph was united with his family.

Satan would like nothing more than for us to start to question God's timing. He tries to deceive us into thinking that God has forgotten about us. But we can take comfort in the fact that we never leave His presence. The circumstances around us may be painful, but we can also know that God is working all things for our good. (Romans 8:28).

Trusting God gives us peace. It certainly gave Joseph peace. He maintained his focus and trust on the One who is completely trustworthy, regardless of the challenges he faced. Everything God does or allows to happen is "just right and on time."

Stay Strong.

Praising God Even in the "Bad" Times

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ to God the Father. (Ephesians 5:20 AMP).

"Life is not always that good." These were words angrily spoken to me by a former neighbor. We were deep in a discussion on the challenges that we all sometimes face. I had tried to encourage him that the frustrations that he currently faced were not insurmountable. But, I think I frustrated him with my "glass half full" perspective on life. After this discussion, I believe we simply accepted each other for who God has created each of us to be.

When times are challenging, when life is not going that well, do you still believe that God is praiseworthy? Your answer to that question will speak a great deal as to your level of trust in Him. God promises us that we will experience trials and tough times in our life. And, in the midst of these times, God further promises us that He will never leave us. When we are walking through the valley, and we feel deserted and alone--the truth of the matter is--our feelings are lying to us--we are not alone.

Isn't that a comfort knowing that He is always with us! On top of this, He always has our good in mind. (Romans 8:28). I believe His peace comes from knowing that I am never alone and that He always has my good in mind--even in those situations that I perceive as bad. This peace gives me boldness to know that whatever comes my way today--the good, the bad, or the unbelievably bad--I can handle it. Because it is not me handling it--it's US--Jesus and me. That peace allows me to be thankful in all situations.

Let me close with this question--are you seeing the good that God intends in those situations that you perceive as bad? Seeing the good in all situations gives us a thankful heart ready to praise Him always.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope that you will see the good that God intends in your life.

I wish each of you a blessed time for giving thanks.

Stay Strong.

How are You Doing with Humbleness?

But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes
the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6 NIV).

Your answer to the challenge question in the title may indicate a great deal about your attitude towards humbleness. Throughout Scripture, God continually encourages us to "be humble", and to "have a humble heart". And for those who are not humble, He promises to bring humility into their lives--at times, with some painful reminders. God loves a humble heart. But let's just cut to the chase--you may try to achieve humbleness on your own, but YOU cannot do it.

If you have placed your trust in the saving blood of Christ, you have His indwelling spirit. Jesus Christ lives inside of you. And what does He say of Himself--"I am gentle and humble in heart." So, guess what--you possess those same characteristics. All that Christ is lives inside of you. You and He are one. So, why don't I always allow those characteristics to show in my behavior?

Because they are completely contrary to the way I was before trusting Christ. By my old nature, I wanted things my way; I wanted to show people that I was in control; and I wanted people to pay attention to me. But now, my old nature is gone--it has been crucified. It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives inside of me. (Galatians 2:20). Those old ways of doing things no longer have control over me. Now, it is Christ's life and all that He is that has taken over.

So, when I exhibit those old habits--it is completely contrary to who (and whose) I now am. When I am proud and self-focused, I am living a lie. When I am focused on drawing attention to myself, I am believing something that is just not true.

God does give His grace to those that are humble. But, His opposition falls in the way of those who lift up themselves. Personally, I prefer His grace. How about you?

How Much is Too Much?

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT).

Many times, I have heard people say, "God will never give us more that we can handle." This is usually said in an attempt to comfort one who is wading through deep waters. I am sure the comforter's intentions are completely pure. And, at times, these words are comforting. But, I think the words can have an even deeper comfort when we understand God's plan for us-especially when the waves of life come crashing in.

We serve a loving, amazingly awesome God. Not only has he provided a means of spending eternity in His presence, but also, today, offers those who have placed their faith in Him the promise of an abundant life. (John 10:10). This abundant life does not mean a life without challenges. And some of these challenges are extremely painful. I think of the mother and father experiencing the untimely death of young child; or the rejection felt by an unsuspecting spouse dealt by a soon to be ex-husband or wife. My heart absolutely bleeds in these unfortunate times. And, today, it seems they happen all to often.

Sometimes, God does give me more than we can handle in our own strength. His purpose, I believe, is to bring us to end of our self. A place where we no longer rely upon our own means to "get through." In that spot, He takes over. His life, being lived out through ours, means we can do all things--not on our own, but by relying upon Him. It means we have a hope. A hope we so desperately need.

We can place our trust that God is not surprised or caught off guard with what is going on. Please know when you go through tough, tough times you have never ever left His presence. He has not forgotten about you. His plan, though we don't understand it, is designed to draw us closer to Him so we can experience His love in a much deeper way. Please rest in that.

Father, we know full well that we never leave your amazing presence. Though there are times we feel apart from you, please allow us to know that our feelings, at times, deceive us. We know your words says that you will never leave us or forsake us. Allow us to rest in that truth. There will be times in our life when the waves come crashing that are especially painful. In these times, we know that you are working for our good. We trust you. We love you. Thank you for the hope and peace that can only come from you. Amen!

Stay Strong,

Dave

The Little Things Do Matter

With the Lord's authority let me say this: live no longer as the
ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.

But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about
Christ. Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that
is in Jesus, throw off you old evil nature and your former way of life, which is
rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there
must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must
display a new nature because you are a new person, created in
God's likeness--righteous, holy, and true. (Ephesians 4:17-24)(emphasis
mine).

In this passage, Paul, the writer of Ephesians, lays out the difference between our old self and the new person we are after placing our faith in Christ. By the world's view, this new person is really quite uncommon today. Webster's dictionary defines the word uncommon as unusual; or not ordinarily encountered.

Prior to placing my trust in Christ, if someone were to describe me as uncommon, I would have been a bit offended. I would have thought, I want to be just like every one else--I want to just blend in. After all, I was not that different.

Now, to be called uncommon, is a compliment. As a believer, we are called to be different. After all, we do have the living Christ living inside of us. And because of His presence, we are no longer the same--in fact, God's truth declares that "we are a new creation." (2 Corinthians 5:17). As a new creation, God empowers and strengthens us to live by and in His truth in all of the things we do and say. Living this way is the way God designed us to live. In this, we have His peace and joy. It is all His gift of the abundant life.

And as an added bonus to this gift, He does not just leave us to fumble around to "live out" our life as a new creation. He does not leave us to fend for our self. God declares that "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). That is--"all things"--big things and little things. Rest in this truth! Allow it to permeate deep inside of you--allow it to transform all of your thinking and all of your actions.

Enjoy living in Him and with Him in you.

The Wind

The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8).

Wind--you can hear it. Many times, we can see what it is doing or the effect it has on something. But, we have no idea where it starts or where it ends. We can talk about low pressure systems or high pressure systems. I think it is ok that we do not really understand much about the wind.

This passage explains how the actual spirit of God functions in the life of one that has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. The Holy Spirit, among other things, guides us, strengthens us, motivates us, convicts us, transforms us, and empowers us. Like the wind, we do not know where all of this comes from. But, we do see its effect. His power living inside of a believer is something to behold. Some examples include: the little whisper to reach out to a friend who really needed to talk at the moment you called; the small nudge to enter a moment of absolute worship; and the power to accomplish a task that is way beyond you.

There is a power inside of you--it is the actual spirit of the living Creator of this universe. Are you listening for the little whisper? Are you cognizant of that small nudge? It's there--it is so there--unmistakable, but still unexplainable. That power that allows us to do wonderful things. Does this power have you? I mean all of you. Every moment of every aspect of your day--does it have you? Our amazing God wants all of you. And in return, He promises to give all of Himself to you. What a promise?

Next time you hear the wind--think about how it touches everything around you--feel it on your face. And so, is the spirit of God.

"Father God, I want your filling Spirit to take over all of my
life. I surrender to you--I am dependent upon you. Empower me
through your Spirit that resides inside of me to listen to you and to always be
cognizant of your amazing presence in my life. I am all yours.
Guide me--use me--strengthen me."

Stay Strong.

We Just Played

And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like
little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew
18:3 NIV).

Our youngest child, Noah, started kindergarten this week. This has been a huge step in our life. A lot of time and preparation has brought us to this point--all the encouragement, the new school supplies packed neatly in his new back pack, the pictures at the school sign, and the nervous steps into his classroom. As I left to drive to work, an anxious feeling comes over me. I hope he will be alright. That morning, I thought about him a lot--what was he learning, how was he growing, what was he experiencing?

A couple of hours after we dropped him off, his first day was over. Later that day, I excitedly asked him "what did you do on your first day." His response was very matter of fact. He said, "[w]e just played." My first thought was c'mon, what do you mean, you just played. After all, it is kindergarten. What could that teacher be thinking. Let's get rolling with things--all kids have a lot to learn. Before I made an audible response, I believe the Holy Spirit grabbed my tongue.

Soon, I realized, after all, IT IS kindergarten. And, you play in kindergarten. That is what they do. Thinking about this for a bit, I realized how much I can learn from this.

Having an attitude that mirrors that of a child playing may be one of the most spiritual attitudes a Christian could have. Think about it--the child enjoys the moment. At that time, they are not worried about the future. They are not worried about their finances. Thoughts of challenges at work do not enter their mind. The weight of the world is nowhere to be found.

Children just play. And, they trust. Trusting in the fact that all he needs will be provided to him. Moment by moment, they are enjoying the moment they are in. God loves this attitude. He has given you and I the privilege to live as a child--His child. As His child, know that He has all the details already prepared and they are being worked out for your good and His glory.

Joyfully embrace each moment of your day with the knowledge that He wants to release you from the bondage many associate with life. He loves you and is waiting to just thrill you with that love.

Who Am I to Judge?

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you
have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you
are condemning yourself, for you who judge other do these very same
things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does
such things. Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God
is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? (Romans 2:1-2;4
NLT).

Over dinner this week, our family had a discussion on a sensitive topic that has recently made national headlines. After laying out some of the specifics, I challenged our kids with the words, "so, what do you think?". Instantly, our 12 year old daughter, Shelby, responded with, "I don't see how we can judge them for that. It is not our place to judge." In one respect, her response startled me and in another respect, it encouraged me.

First, I was surprised by the passion in her position. The tone of her voice and her demeanor indicated that she was completely committed to this position. Second, I was encouraged that she had some very specific thoughts to why she held the position that she did. Thank you, Shelby, for your heart and for your thoughts.

As I thought about her response, the realization that God has not delegated to us the power to judge became very apparent. Judging is His job--not ours. After all, doesn't He know so much more about the specifics of a particular situation than we could ever know. Think about it--how many times do we jump to a particular conclusion without knowing all the facts. And with only a portion of the facts, how can we believe we know enough to form an opinion on the matter. Still, I admit, I am prone to form my own judgement without knowing all I need to know.

In the verses above, Paul, the author who penned God's wisdom into the book of the Bible referred to as Romans, reminds us that we are not to judge. He goes on to say that God's patience, tolerance, and kindness towards us should encourage us to treat others in a similar way.

So, when we come across something in our life that raises those judgemental thoughts, what are we to do? I encourage you to trust. Trust Him who knows so much more than you do. Trust Him who is in actually in control. Trust Him who knows that this situation may trip you up. Trusting Him is easier to say than it is to do. Give God a shot. He not only tells us not to judge, but also empowers us to live it out moment by moment in our life if we truly allow Him to live His life through ours.

Can I Do This?

But if the slave plainly says, "I love my master, my wife, and my
children; I will not go out as a free man," then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently. (Exodus 21:5-6).

The slave in this passage, after his ear was pierced, was commonly referred to as a bondservant. The slave's decision to "go under the awl" was a voluntary one and greatly influenced by the type of person the master was. His life proclaimed his passionate love for his master. His life, and now his piercing, left no doubt about his undivided and intense loyalty.

Have you exhibited a similar loyalty to your Master? No, I am not asking have you placed your ear against a doorpost. But, simply this, would people around you, those who you have consistent contact with, be surprised if you outwardly revealed that you are a Chrisitian? They shouldn't be surprised. Hopefully, it is evident in who God is creating you to be.

I encourage you to be bold in your loyalty to your Master. Allow Him to permeate all areas of your life. He desires all of you. You may ask, "[c]an I do this? There are areas of my life that I want to keep to myself." My answer--He knows already who you are and all that there is about you. Why not allow Him to take complete control of all aspects of your life! You follow a loving, compassionate, caring Master who truly has your best interests at heart. Give Him your loyalty.