So last night we pulled into Albequerque without a reservation at a hotel (our priceline bids failed and we had the travel coupons you can get at truck stops). We were hoping for a good deal at a good place for little money. I realize the adage that "you get what you pay for," but frankly I have so often seen that disproved that I am more surprised when it pans out.
Consider me surprised by our hotel stay last night. It was cheap. In just about every way. The redeeming characteristic might have been that the hotel is located on the Historic Route 66, and was favorably reviewed on the travel sites we visited.
The neighborhood was fairly sketchy and there were many "quirks" associated with the hotel. The first indicator was the complete glass enclosure that the desk clerk was behind while we completed the transaction. The room had several funny parts, and the pool provided a comical incident.
Will was moving around the wall when he suddenly cried out in pain. Being the ever-merciful father I told him to quit exaggerating. He told me that there were jets that shot water out into the pool, but he had come up against a nozzle that sucked water into it and the skin on his back was pulled into it. Sure enough I put my hand over the nozzle and it was pretty strong. I cautioned the other boys to stay away from it, and everything was fine until I got too close. Will was not exaggerating the pain.
So we left Albequerque, but not before pricelining (and failing) to get hotel rooms in Flagstaff or Williams, AZ (near the Grand Canyon). We figured we'd drive on and walk in like we've done so many times. However, when we arrived in Flagstaff there was snow all over and I was getting a little concerned about ice on the side roads. We decided to hop back on the Interstate and get a hotel in Williams where we could stay in a hotel just off the highway (little side-street driving on ice).
25 minutes later we arrive in Williams and go to the hotel that we have the cheap coupon for. There is NO VACANCY (I've never actually seen a hotel completely full). They suggested another hotel in town (NO VACANCY). We went to at least one or two others that both were also completely full. At this point I'm getting really irritated and thinking I've dragged my family all the way out here and we're going to pay through the nose to get a room (if there is even one to be had in this town).
This is when we stopped to pray and ask God to help us find a place to stay for the night. The next place we went into -- rooms available and at a very discount rate! Turns out the room is very nice, the location is really good, and our family realizes we were very blessed by God to give us this place to stay tonight. Chalk up another one that God provided when I was completely unable to come up with anything. He is really kind.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Another opportunity
Jessica and I have had so many great stories of things that God has provided for us when we needed them. Don't get me wrong, we have plenty of resources to pay for things, but we learned from Randy Alcorn's, "The Treasure Principle" that great test of needing something is asking the Lord to provide it for you. If He does, then you have a great story about God's faithfulness. If not, then you can question whether you need it.
"But wait!" you might wonder. Isn't that kind of weird to have the money to buy something and then ask God to give it to you when He has already provided the money? Not at all -- you now have more money to give to Kingdom purposes! Invite Jessica and I over for hot chocolate sometime and we'll regale you with stories about things we've received from God's hand -- tables, furniture, portable dvd player, carS, clothing, and so much more.
So when Jessica and I were together at church last Sunday and a woman came up and introduced us to her husband as the woman (Jessica) who taught her about praying for God to provide things BEFORE going out and purchasing them, and Jessica's husband (no real title) it didn't really surprise me.
I can recall the Spirit talking to me and pointing out the irony of her statement because I knew that I had just made a fairly (for us) major purchase of a new digital camera (without much prayer).
We used to have a very serviceable camera that was handled by someone under the age of 18 in our family and accidentally dropped at Whit's End soda shoppe. Thanks to some handiness by a Denver friend, the camera was fixed and up and running again good as new. It made it through most of our time in Memphis, but recently started acting up again (especially while in DC). We felt that since we're hoping to go to the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest and see friends while driving home, we should have a camera.
So, being the head of my prayerful wife, I immediately did what came naturally to me.
I researched. I scoured the ads for the best deals and checked online specials and coupon codes as well as local camera store options. Then, after much looking and miles of driving, I (having hardly prayed) purchased a camera (including one free all-in-one printer that was part of a great deal). However, when I got it home, I was shocked to learn that my meticulous research had failed to alert me to the GLARING problem that the camera was a different memory format than the cards we currently have (nobody ever introduces us as "Jessica -- the lady who prays about purchases before making them, and her equally amazing husband John -- the fantastic researcher").
Realizing my error, I did the obvious. I went to another store and bought a second camera. So I now have two cameras in my midst and Jessica isn't sure we should have either. I put on my best face and try to explain that #2 really is great. The only problem is that cameras and our family don't always take to one another (we've had several meet untimely demises). I realized that if we bought a camera from a local Memphis store we might have a harder time with the warranty if something happened.
With that in mind, I went to a local store that we also have in Tri-Cities and purchased a third camera (identical to #2). The good news about that purchase is that the Discover Card Fraud Network proved their worthiness when they called our home in Richland to check on several "out of character" purchases at electronic stores. That was heartening.
Along with the camera, I purchased the extended service agreement (often I skip these, but with our history with cameras...). I then took the first two cameras back and we came to feel that our new camera (a slick little Nikon) was a good deal. Perhaps not given by the Lord, but a good find, nonetheless.
Until today when it was dropped and now has a cute little screen that says, "Lens error" when you try to turn it 0n.
So I started looking at the paperwork for our warranty and I realized that we may have to send it off to Nikon for them to look at it before they might send us a new one. If so, that means we have no camera to take on our trip home.
Which means I get a second chance! Pretty cool. I'll try to remember to let you know how it turns out.
"But wait!" you might wonder. Isn't that kind of weird to have the money to buy something and then ask God to give it to you when He has already provided the money? Not at all -- you now have more money to give to Kingdom purposes! Invite Jessica and I over for hot chocolate sometime and we'll regale you with stories about things we've received from God's hand -- tables, furniture, portable dvd player, carS, clothing, and so much more.
So when Jessica and I were together at church last Sunday and a woman came up and introduced us to her husband as the woman (Jessica) who taught her about praying for God to provide things BEFORE going out and purchasing them, and Jessica's husband (no real title) it didn't really surprise me.
I can recall the Spirit talking to me and pointing out the irony of her statement because I knew that I had just made a fairly (for us) major purchase of a new digital camera (without much prayer).
We used to have a very serviceable camera that was handled by someone under the age of 18 in our family and accidentally dropped at Whit's End soda shoppe. Thanks to some handiness by a Denver friend, the camera was fixed and up and running again good as new. It made it through most of our time in Memphis, but recently started acting up again (especially while in DC). We felt that since we're hoping to go to the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest and see friends while driving home, we should have a camera.
So, being the head of my prayerful wife, I immediately did what came naturally to me.
I researched. I scoured the ads for the best deals and checked online specials and coupon codes as well as local camera store options. Then, after much looking and miles of driving, I (having hardly prayed) purchased a camera (including one free all-in-one printer that was part of a great deal). However, when I got it home, I was shocked to learn that my meticulous research had failed to alert me to the GLARING problem that the camera was a different memory format than the cards we currently have (nobody ever introduces us as "Jessica -- the lady who prays about purchases before making them, and her equally amazing husband John -- the fantastic researcher").
Realizing my error, I did the obvious. I went to another store and bought a second camera. So I now have two cameras in my midst and Jessica isn't sure we should have either. I put on my best face and try to explain that #2 really is great. The only problem is that cameras and our family don't always take to one another (we've had several meet untimely demises). I realized that if we bought a camera from a local Memphis store we might have a harder time with the warranty if something happened.
With that in mind, I went to a local store that we also have in Tri-Cities and purchased a third camera (identical to #2). The good news about that purchase is that the Discover Card Fraud Network proved their worthiness when they called our home in Richland to check on several "out of character" purchases at electronic stores. That was heartening.
Along with the camera, I purchased the extended service agreement (often I skip these, but with our history with cameras...). I then took the first two cameras back and we came to feel that our new camera (a slick little Nikon) was a good deal. Perhaps not given by the Lord, but a good find, nonetheless.
Until today when it was dropped and now has a cute little screen that says, "Lens error" when you try to turn it 0n.
So I started looking at the paperwork for our warranty and I realized that we may have to send it off to Nikon for them to look at it before they might send us a new one. If so, that means we have no camera to take on our trip home.
Which means I get a second chance! Pretty cool. I'll try to remember to let you know how it turns out.
Christmas Thoughts
One of the highlights for me was sitting down with our boys early this morning and asking them to draw a picture of the present they wanted to give Jesus through their actions/attitudes. Joe drew a picture containing himself and his brother being cheerful. Clay drew a picture of himself praying saying he wanted to follow Jesus, and Will wrote the word kind and drew pictures of the family inside the bubbled letters.
I drew a picture of myself stopping to patiently pray rather than yell at my sons when they were arguing or whining.
It was a really good reminder for us this morning and while the truth for little boys is that they are thinking about presents (I was too at their age), we were able to refer back to our "presents for Jesus" throughout the day.
A verse that kept popping into my mind today (it was quoted by someone at our gathering) was, "Every good and perfect gift comes from above -- from the Father of Lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). On a day when thoughts of gifts received are likely in your mind, may you remember the Source of all good gifts.
I drew a picture of myself stopping to patiently pray rather than yell at my sons when they were arguing or whining.
It was a really good reminder for us this morning and while the truth for little boys is that they are thinking about presents (I was too at their age), we were able to refer back to our "presents for Jesus" throughout the day.
A verse that kept popping into my mind today (it was quoted by someone at our gathering) was, "Every good and perfect gift comes from above -- from the Father of Lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). On a day when thoughts of gifts received are likely in your mind, may you remember the Source of all good gifts.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Unexpected Delight
Tonight we went to a Christmas Eve service at a church here in Memphis and there was a moment that just really blessed me. At one point in about the middle of the service, there was a portion titled "Kids Carols," and the MC of the evening invited all elementary aged kids to come forward and sing the songs which were printed in the bulletin (Away in a Manger and Go Tell it on the Mountain). Will immediately was game to go up and we were all gung ho to have him join in the other kids who were singing.
He jumped out of his seat, walked down to the front of the building, and stood there a bit awkwardly waiting to be placed in this impromptu choir. As we watched this, it suddenly dawned on us that perhaps this wasn't an impromptu event, but a group of kids who had been practicing for these songs. So there was Will, up front, and aware that he might not be in the right place. I honestly was brainstorming ways that I could inconspicuously walk past several hundred people and relieve him of his situation. My creativity was stymied on this one.
"What will happen?" I wondered. Will he melt down from embarrassment (my likely response at that age)? Will he be angry at us for encouraging him to go? Will he stand there woodenly and distract from the choir? What will this situation bring? I kept surveying the doors of the room in case I needed to attempt a save of my son's dignity.
So what happened? I got to watch Will enthusiastically sing the two songs and was blessed at the unexpected delight that he understood what was happening and sang well anyway. I believe this speaks of some good character formation and strength that is inside of him. I was delighted to see this.
After the service, we talked a bit and I told him how proud I was of him. He kind of laughed and that was the end of it. I asked his permission to blog about it, and he gave it. Tomorrow I'll see if he'd like to read this. I'm very proud of all three of my sons, but was unexpectedly delighted by my oldest tonight. What a great early Christmas gift! Thank you Will, and thank you God for what You're doing in him.
He jumped out of his seat, walked down to the front of the building, and stood there a bit awkwardly waiting to be placed in this impromptu choir. As we watched this, it suddenly dawned on us that perhaps this wasn't an impromptu event, but a group of kids who had been practicing for these songs. So there was Will, up front, and aware that he might not be in the right place. I honestly was brainstorming ways that I could inconspicuously walk past several hundred people and relieve him of his situation. My creativity was stymied on this one.
"What will happen?" I wondered. Will he melt down from embarrassment (my likely response at that age)? Will he be angry at us for encouraging him to go? Will he stand there woodenly and distract from the choir? What will this situation bring? I kept surveying the doors of the room in case I needed to attempt a save of my son's dignity.
So what happened? I got to watch Will enthusiastically sing the two songs and was blessed at the unexpected delight that he understood what was happening and sang well anyway. I believe this speaks of some good character formation and strength that is inside of him. I was delighted to see this.
After the service, we talked a bit and I told him how proud I was of him. He kind of laughed and that was the end of it. I asked his permission to blog about it, and he gave it. Tomorrow I'll see if he'd like to read this. I'm very proud of all three of my sons, but was unexpectedly delighted by my oldest tonight. What a great early Christmas gift! Thank you Will, and thank you God for what You're doing in him.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Waiting...6 weeks later
In early November I raised the question of what does it mean to wait on the Lord and decided to study this somewhat. The other day I received an email asking what I had discovered at this point. It was good for me to put into words what I've been learning and thinking about the past 6 weeks. Here are the two thoughts I wrote in that email:
1. While waiting, I cannot ignore the counsel around me, but those voices are NOT the determining factor of what God has for me. This is a tightrope to walk, because all of my life I have been taught to listen to the counsel of the wise and that is right (it is all over Proverbs). However, in listening so intently for that counsel, I have often neglected to listen for God Himself. The wise are indeed that, and hear from God, but their input is a component of the decision -- not the deciding factor. When a person I respect says something for me, I cannot assume that is God talking. In the past I think I've circumvented waiting by assuming that something someone tells me is the definitive word from God rather than seeking a confirmation from Him personally (through personal peace, the Word, unity with my wife, etc.)
2. Though I'm not far enough into it to say definitively, initially I thought the end of my waiting would come strongly and obviously (e.g. a job offer, a really clear leading). I hoped that the waiting would conclude at a point in time and then I would be able to move on. At this point, I don't think that God typically works that way. Jesus often talks about the Kingdom starting small and imperceptibly -- I think God delights to move that way (I think it takes more faith on our part to keep walking consistently). I would love to have a powerful ending to my story by human standards (great job, personal satisfaction, pleasant situation), but I am expecting at this point that the ending of this story will be much more like a blooming rose than a bee sting. One day I will look back and realize the power of God throughout rather than see it in one fell swoop. I don't think this constitutes any lack of faith on my part -- on the contrary, faith unrewarded in this life is proved all the more significant (see Heb. 11).
1. While waiting, I cannot ignore the counsel around me, but those voices are NOT the determining factor of what God has for me. This is a tightrope to walk, because all of my life I have been taught to listen to the counsel of the wise and that is right (it is all over Proverbs). However, in listening so intently for that counsel, I have often neglected to listen for God Himself. The wise are indeed that, and hear from God, but their input is a component of the decision -- not the deciding factor. When a person I respect says something for me, I cannot assume that is God talking. In the past I think I've circumvented waiting by assuming that something someone tells me is the definitive word from God rather than seeking a confirmation from Him personally (through personal peace, the Word, unity with my wife, etc.)
2. Though I'm not far enough into it to say definitively, initially I thought the end of my waiting would come strongly and obviously (e.g. a job offer, a really clear leading). I hoped that the waiting would conclude at a point in time and then I would be able to move on. At this point, I don't think that God typically works that way. Jesus often talks about the Kingdom starting small and imperceptibly -- I think God delights to move that way (I think it takes more faith on our part to keep walking consistently). I would love to have a powerful ending to my story by human standards (great job, personal satisfaction, pleasant situation), but I am expecting at this point that the ending of this story will be much more like a blooming rose than a bee sting. One day I will look back and realize the power of God throughout rather than see it in one fell swoop. I don't think this constitutes any lack of faith on my part -- on the contrary, faith unrewarded in this life is proved all the more significant (see Heb. 11).
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Near Future Plan
I haven't blogged in a week and some of that has been a slight malaise that I've felt in the past several days. It's good to try to get my brain thinking right now. If you're trying to keep track of what we're doing, we have made a decision that for the near future God has grabbed our hearts and rooted us in the Tri-Cities. During our time away we have had time to rest and reflect. Our hearts (independently) have been drawn back to the NW.
I realize that this could change, but I think all of our family is eager to return home. What we'll do while there is still up in the air, but I am finding myself eager to see how the Lord will provide for us during this time. I have found myself eager to return to substitute teaching in the public schools and recently I've been contacted with some speaking opportunities. Perhaps the combination will be how the Lord supplies our need.
At this point I still very much feel called to "wait" to watch for the unfolding of the road that the Lord has for me, and that has excitement as well as endurance attached to it. Tomorrow I'll share about an experience I had on Wednesday that was both disappointing and stirring regarding this.
For tonight, I'm thrilled that Jessica and I both feel that the Tri-Cities are the place the Lord is laying on our hearts right now. One of my prayers for us is that we would be united in spirit -- whatever decision we made. God has been very good to us, indeed.
I realize that this could change, but I think all of our family is eager to return home. What we'll do while there is still up in the air, but I am finding myself eager to see how the Lord will provide for us during this time. I have found myself eager to return to substitute teaching in the public schools and recently I've been contacted with some speaking opportunities. Perhaps the combination will be how the Lord supplies our need.
At this point I still very much feel called to "wait" to watch for the unfolding of the road that the Lord has for me, and that has excitement as well as endurance attached to it. Tomorrow I'll share about an experience I had on Wednesday that was both disappointing and stirring regarding this.
For tonight, I'm thrilled that Jessica and I both feel that the Tri-Cities are the place the Lord is laying on our hearts right now. One of my prayers for us is that we would be united in spirit -- whatever decision we made. God has been very good to us, indeed.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Evidence...
Today we visited the American History Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art. To top it all off we returned to the Natural History Museum where we watched the IMAX movie, "Deep Sea 3D."
It was a really fascinating overview of the relationships between various fish species in the ocean, and the 3-D gave the added thrill of watching the boys reach out to touch the movie every few minutes.
There were so many amazing parts of the ocean that I was previously ignorant about, but one of the final vignettes discussed the spawning of coral (which is a living entity). The movie claimed (and I feel it is verified by respectable data, as you can see text and a video here) that the 8th day after the full moon in August, coral reefs simultaneously release millions of spawn into the sea to germinate and begin new coral reefs. Further, the timing of this event happens yearly with uncanny precision.
The narrators discuss this phenomenon and raise the very real question of how could this unthinking, uncommunicative coral possibly know when to initiate this process. Their answer? Truly this is simply one of nature's ministries.
Yet, how can you possibly watch something like this and not see evidence of a Designer's hand in the process? I was so in awe of the way God has designed this part of creation to show forth His creativity, life-giving nature, and provision. It reminded me that God has not left Himself without a testimony of His presence! If only we have the eyes to see the evidence He has left for us....
Proverb of the Day:
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord (21:30).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Contrasting Styles
Here is a picture that Jessica shot of the Stone guys just after we rode to the top of the Washington Monument. As our first full day in DC, we had quite a time! Jessica can fill you in on the details at our stonesintransit blog, but I'd like to highlight something that really struck me during the day.
Just as we were walking up to the Monument, we heard all kinds of sirens and saw at least 5 police motorcycles with lights on slowly coming toward us. With excitement, we quickly realized this was some kind of motorcade! Our suspicions were further confirmed as several (5-7 perhaps) black Cadillac Escalades with tinted windows followed the motorcycles and more police in back. Since it was just off Pennsylvania Avenue, we wondered if it was the President himself (we were told it was not because an ambulance is always part of a Presidential motorcade).
Truth be told, I felt it was quite impressive and may have been a bit awestruck at the sight. how cool to watch such an important person moving around DC (whoever they were)!
Yet with all of the impressiveness of that moment, it struck me later as I reflected on that moment that as we get ready to celebrate the entrance of the King Of The Universe, He chose to come with no fanfare or "Wow!" effect. Unnoticed by nearly everyone (except the lower portions of Jewish society and some foreigners), the Savior Of The World made His debut with no shofars or camelcades. He just came. He offered Himself and lived 30 years with no expectation that He was the Son of God from what we can tell. Even when His healings attracted attention, He was quick to downplay their effect.
How easily we love a leader who awes us or impresses us with power and display. Yet Jesus would have none of that. His basis for rule was love and not power. Imagine the implications for us on that one. How many times do I (did I today) rule my sons with stern proclamations of power rather than take time to lovingly correct them (do the words "knock it off" or "STOP IT!" ring a bell with anyone else)?
I need to consider this and ask the Lord to help me be like Him in this. Not awed by power, but compelled by love.
Proverb of the Day:
"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent (17:28)."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Faith and Pain
Sorry I've not posted for a time -- I've been a bit under the weather. To remind you of where we've been, Hebrews 11:6 says:
"And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that is rewards those who diligently seek Him."
Two words that strike me from that verse are faith (which pleases God) and diligence (which He rewards). I believe that they are closely tied as we are most diligent seeking Him when we act in faith.
When is this diligent faith most clearly applied? Isn't it in times of difficulty or hardship? When our lives look bleak and yet we doggedly say that there is hope. When pain shrouds us and we hopefully (even if we don't feel it) remember that a Day of Relief is coming. To be quite personal, when we joblessness and lack of direction seem to choke out the future, I call out to God and assert that I know He has led me this far and I will continue to wait on Him until I hear His voice clearly -- even if the waiting makes me very uncomfortable. I love Wormwood's comment on this in the Screwtape Letters:
"Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do the Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys (47)."
The Proverb of the Day:
"In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge" (14:26).
"And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that is rewards those who diligently seek Him."
Two words that strike me from that verse are faith (which pleases God) and diligence (which He rewards). I believe that they are closely tied as we are most diligent seeking Him when we act in faith.
When is this diligent faith most clearly applied? Isn't it in times of difficulty or hardship? When our lives look bleak and yet we doggedly say that there is hope. When pain shrouds us and we hopefully (even if we don't feel it) remember that a Day of Relief is coming. To be quite personal, when we joblessness and lack of direction seem to choke out the future, I call out to God and assert that I know He has led me this far and I will continue to wait on Him until I hear His voice clearly -- even if the waiting makes me very uncomfortable. I love Wormwood's comment on this in the Screwtape Letters:
"Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do the Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys (47)."
The Proverb of the Day:
"In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge" (14:26).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Just plain fun
I have been working on a follow up post to yesterday, but I really wanted to brag about my sons. Yesterday, I took them to a woman's house and we raked leaves like crazy! Will worked especially hard both raking and bagging and attitudes were good all around. It was a wonderful opportunity to serve together and I'm hoping we will have more chances to work together in the next 3 weeks.
I'm including pictures for fun -- notice I am working hard at compacting leaf bags.
The Proverb of the Day:
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid (12:1)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Blessings -- from whose view?
As a follow up to my post on ungodliness...
God gives good gifts. I am convinced of that. Yet, I wonder sometimes if I have a warped sense of the blessings of God in my life? When I am happy, pleased, secure and content then I often comment that I am blessed by God. When my financial picture is rosy, when I have pleasant relationships with those around me, and all of my cars are working well I feel I am blessed by God. But what if God's greatest blessing to me is not found in what I just mentioned, but discovered during times of difficulty? In fact, what if the times of difficulty ARE the blessings themselves? Here are a few thoughts on why ease and comfort may NOT be the blessing of God that we often take them to be:
1. Comfort blunts our longing for the next life (we are to consider ourselves aliens and strangers in this world, but it is hard -- even pointless -- to see that when we are comfortably set up here).
2. Ease of life distracts us from pursuing God wholeheartedly (goodness knows that I know this reality. Currently I find that my jobless position has stirred me to seek God in greater ways than I usually did when I had a stable life. Perhaps this is just a "me" problem, but I would venture to guess it is a universal reality).
3. Prosperity dulls the need for a life of faith (Why do I need to trust God desperately when I can take care of it myself? I have enough money, influence, or resources to accomplish this on my own. I may not even need to call out to God on this one -- I can handle it).
For most of us, we have so much material "blessing" around us that we are insulated from the difficulties of life (read pain and suffering) that God wants to use AS a blessing in our lives (to remind us of our dependence upon Him). A friend told me that Dave Bechtel just preached on suffering and I am going to try to track that down. I am becoming more and more convinced that difficulty is the way that we most clearly see God.
What if the material prosperity we enjoy is not a blessing of God to us? What if it is rather His allowance to give us over to what WE have desired? I'm not saying we should seek pain in some masochistic manner (it will find us quickly enough if we allow it), but if you find yourself in any of the three categories above, I'd gently encourage you to intentionally jettison some of your comfort, ease, or even material resources.
Consider Hebrews 11:6 -- "And without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him." Tomorrow I hope to post about the relationship between faith and pain.
By the way, since I'm reading Proverbs, I figured I'd start a Proverb Thought of the Day section:
"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (14:29)"
Pretty self-explanatory.
God gives good gifts. I am convinced of that. Yet, I wonder sometimes if I have a warped sense of the blessings of God in my life? When I am happy, pleased, secure and content then I often comment that I am blessed by God. When my financial picture is rosy, when I have pleasant relationships with those around me, and all of my cars are working well I feel I am blessed by God. But what if God's greatest blessing to me is not found in what I just mentioned, but discovered during times of difficulty? In fact, what if the times of difficulty ARE the blessings themselves? Here are a few thoughts on why ease and comfort may NOT be the blessing of God that we often take them to be:
1. Comfort blunts our longing for the next life (we are to consider ourselves aliens and strangers in this world, but it is hard -- even pointless -- to see that when we are comfortably set up here).
2. Ease of life distracts us from pursuing God wholeheartedly (goodness knows that I know this reality. Currently I find that my jobless position has stirred me to seek God in greater ways than I usually did when I had a stable life. Perhaps this is just a "me" problem, but I would venture to guess it is a universal reality).
3. Prosperity dulls the need for a life of faith (Why do I need to trust God desperately when I can take care of it myself? I have enough money, influence, or resources to accomplish this on my own. I may not even need to call out to God on this one -- I can handle it).
For most of us, we have so much material "blessing" around us that we are insulated from the difficulties of life (read pain and suffering) that God wants to use AS a blessing in our lives (to remind us of our dependence upon Him). A friend told me that Dave Bechtel just preached on suffering and I am going to try to track that down. I am becoming more and more convinced that difficulty is the way that we most clearly see God.
What if the material prosperity we enjoy is not a blessing of God to us? What if it is rather His allowance to give us over to what WE have desired? I'm not saying we should seek pain in some masochistic manner (it will find us quickly enough if we allow it), but if you find yourself in any of the three categories above, I'd gently encourage you to intentionally jettison some of your comfort, ease, or even material resources.
Consider Hebrews 11:6 -- "And without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him." Tomorrow I hope to post about the relationship between faith and pain.
By the way, since I'm reading Proverbs, I figured I'd start a Proverb Thought of the Day section:
"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (14:29)"
Pretty self-explanatory.
Monday, December 1, 2008
CMOM
Stands for the Children's Museum of Memphis and this is where I took the boys this afternoon. This is a museum that we can go to for free because we bought a membership to Richland's local CREHST museum and it has reciprocity for the CMOM! You see a picture of the Will and Clay dressed in paramedic vests and Joe doing his best to imitate a person in need of a stretcher.As I watched them play together today, at one point there were all in one spot and I was overwhelmed with love for them. Afternoons like this were what I dreamed could happen during this time. I realize that much of my life needs to be spent working and providing for my family, but this is a season when I get to be with them.
I found myself praying for them that they will hunger and thirst for righteousness and that they will be mighty for the Kingdom of Jesus. As you follow us in this next month (and beyond), I would really appreciate your prayers for our sons that they will know Jesus well, and desire to obey Him.
Lately we've been reviewing Proverbs 6:16-19 (especially the second half of v. 19), and I close with this tonight for you to consider in your own life -- it has been convicting to me.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)