Have you had your eyes checked lately? I have a friend who is an ophthalmologist and he is always stressing to me the importance of keeping one’s eyes in good health. He is so interesting to listen to—he amazes me with details about the human eye, about the intricacies of the optic nerve and the complexity of the DNA of an eyeball. In fact it is the marvels of the human eye that led him to believe in God.
He was agnostic until he got into Pre-med in college. His parents were burnt out on religion from their own childhood experiences with church, and like a lot of parents today, didn’t want to impose their own bias on their children so they provided no religious education at all. They chose to let their children search on their own and come to their own conclusions and establish their own faith…or not. So in the absence of any mention of God he never had reason to believe there is one.
Until he got to college when he began to study the human eye in anatomy class, and read the Bible out of curiosity. As those two investigations and their discoveries coincided his strong faith was born. He continues to learn new things about the eye and every new discovery reinforces His appreciation and awe at God’s ever-amazing creation.
He has done an extensive study of all the references to eyes in the Bible; everything from Jesus’ healing of the blind man with mud-packs made of dirt and spit (Gospel of John, chapter 9) to the comforting promise of Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry…”
One of his favorite references is to what he calls “20/20 spiritual eyesight”. Proverbs 20:20 reads, “If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.“ He believes strongly that the quality of a person’s spiritual life is reflected in their relationship with their parents and how well they honor their parents.
Another one of his favorite eye verses he likes to quote when he talks to students is Proverbs 30:17 which warns us, “If you make fun of your father and refuse to obey your mother, the birds of the valley will peck out your eyes, and the vultures will eat them.” If we cut ourselves off from our parents through disobedience and disrespect we severely damage the quality of our own spiritual lives.
He tells students all the time, “I can tell about your relationship with God by the way you talk about and treat your mother.” If our spiritual eyesight is out of focus perhaps we need to evaluate our relationships—especially with our parents. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3 [Deuteronomy 5:16])
~ Heavenly Father, thank you for my parents. Give me clear “spiritual eyesight” to see the value of honoring them, as well as honoring You. Amen.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Feb. 27: Wife Swap?
I made a new friend this week. We met at a networking event and he gave the group some advice on how to be successful in our professional lives: “Spend some time cuddling with your wife each morning before you get out of bed, and each night before you fall asleep.” Not quite the advice I was expecting on how to be a better pastor, but the wise voice of experience to be sure. (I can’t wait to put his words of wisdom to the test :).
Last night I caught this show on TV called Wife Swap. Have you seen this thing? They take two families—ideally (for higher ratings), the more opposite the family’s value systems, family rhythms, income levels and geographic location, the better—and the wives/moms trade places for two weeks. During the first week they just experience life in the new family as things normally are. In week two the new wife/mom gets to make any changes she chooses and the family has to live within new rules and parameters—that’s when the fireworks really start flying!
The best part is at the end of the two weeks when the wives are reunited with their husbands and the two couples sit down together and evaluate the experience—more fireworks! Without fail, both couples are grateful for the reunion. The husbands have a new appreciation for their wives (and vice-versa). The cameras show up a few weeks later to see if things are any different in the family’s lives after having gone through the experience.
Having your life lived, scrutinized, judged and critiqued by a complete stranger—and then have that stranger suggest improvements, could no doubt be an uncomfortable and sobering experience. The families came away from the experiment (ordeal?) with a new appreciation for the family/spouse they already have, and made some changes to improve their family life and show each other have much they are loved and valued.
During the course of 22+ years of marriage I’d be lying if I said the thought of trading my wife in for a different one (or no wife at all) never crossed my mind. I’m sure the thought of a different husband (or none at all) has probably crossed Kim’s mind more than mine—I’ve given her a lot of "stuff" to put up with over the years.
Rick Warren says, “Learning from our mistakes is called experience; learning from somebody else’s is called wisdom.” After watching Wife Swap it just affirms what I'd already learned... I'll gladly stick with the one I’ve got—and learn to appreciate her (and show that appreciation) more than ever before--she is God's tailored-made gift for me.
The Bible advises, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself..., each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself... Ephesians 5:25-33 (NIV)
Bottom line, married or not: We need to learn to express appreciation to (and for) the people with whom we live. How can you show your wife, husband, children how much you appreciate and value them? What’s one change you could make to lighten their load and make life a little easier for them?
~ Father, help me to build better relationships at home by being verbally appreciative of the people with whom I share the nittty-gritty of daily living. Forgive me for ever thinking about a “trade-in”; thank you for the help-mate you’ve given me. Amen.
Last night I caught this show on TV called Wife Swap. Have you seen this thing? They take two families—ideally (for higher ratings), the more opposite the family’s value systems, family rhythms, income levels and geographic location, the better—and the wives/moms trade places for two weeks. During the first week they just experience life in the new family as things normally are. In week two the new wife/mom gets to make any changes she chooses and the family has to live within new rules and parameters—that’s when the fireworks really start flying!
The best part is at the end of the two weeks when the wives are reunited with their husbands and the two couples sit down together and evaluate the experience—more fireworks! Without fail, both couples are grateful for the reunion. The husbands have a new appreciation for their wives (and vice-versa). The cameras show up a few weeks later to see if things are any different in the family’s lives after having gone through the experience.
Having your life lived, scrutinized, judged and critiqued by a complete stranger—and then have that stranger suggest improvements, could no doubt be an uncomfortable and sobering experience. The families came away from the experiment (ordeal?) with a new appreciation for the family/spouse they already have, and made some changes to improve their family life and show each other have much they are loved and valued.
During the course of 22+ years of marriage I’d be lying if I said the thought of trading my wife in for a different one (or no wife at all) never crossed my mind. I’m sure the thought of a different husband (or none at all) has probably crossed Kim’s mind more than mine—I’ve given her a lot of "stuff" to put up with over the years.
Rick Warren says, “Learning from our mistakes is called experience; learning from somebody else’s is called wisdom.” After watching Wife Swap it just affirms what I'd already learned... I'll gladly stick with the one I’ve got—and learn to appreciate her (and show that appreciation) more than ever before--she is God's tailored-made gift for me.
The Bible advises, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself..., each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself... Ephesians 5:25-33 (NIV)
Bottom line, married or not: We need to learn to express appreciation to (and for) the people with whom we live. How can you show your wife, husband, children how much you appreciate and value them? What’s one change you could make to lighten their load and make life a little easier for them?
~ Father, help me to build better relationships at home by being verbally appreciative of the people with whom I share the nittty-gritty of daily living. Forgive me for ever thinking about a “trade-in”; thank you for the help-mate you’ve given me. Amen.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Feb. 26: And the Oscar goes to...
Last night in Hollywood the Oscar Awards were given out. Of course if you didn’t watch (or maybe even if you did) all of this means nothing, but here were the highlights of the evening for me:
¨ I loved Ellen (I’ve always thought she is the funniest thing);
¨ Jack Black and Will Ferrel’s singing about the overlooked comedians was hilarious;
¨ I loved the dance troupe doing the silhouettes behind the screen;
¨ Jennifer Hudson, best supporting actress for Dreamgirls--Wow!
¨ Enjoyed the Screenplay Writers and Foreign Films montages;
¨ Wished “Cars” would have won best animated film (lost out to Happy Feet, great animation, but too PC for me);
¨ Speaking of PC; thought Al Gore and Leonardo were funny;
¨ I loved Ellen (I’ve always thought she is the funniest thing);
¨ Jack Black and Will Ferrel’s singing about the overlooked comedians was hilarious;
¨ I loved the dance troupe doing the silhouettes behind the screen;
¨ Jennifer Hudson, best supporting actress for Dreamgirls--Wow!
¨ Enjoyed the Screenplay Writers and Foreign Films montages;
¨ Wished “Cars” would have won best animated film (lost out to Happy Feet, great animation, but too PC for me);
¨ Speaking of PC; thought Al Gore and Leonardo were funny;
I was disappointed that Will Smith did not win Best Actor for "The Pursuit of Happyness."
Helen Mirren received an Oscar for Best Actress for her lead role in Queen, in her speech she said, “All children love to receive gold stars and this is the biggest and best gold star of them all.”
For those who love the Lord with all their hearts and follow Him, there is something better than a gold star waiting. As the Apostle Paul put it, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
If you want to receive that honor here are a couple of words of advice:
Remember, no play-acting—be authentic, be real;
Secondly, always play to an Audience of One—live to please God above all others.
~ Father, help me to seek your applause rather than the applause of man. Amen.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Feb. 25: Soul Food
How does your soul get fed?
In the middle of a hot day spent walking for miles, Jesus' disciples encouraged Him to get something to eat. He responded, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." (He had just had an incredible conversation that changed a woman's life and was about to see an entire village accept Him as the Messiah.) His disciples wondered if someone had already brought him some food. "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (John 4:31-34)
What fed Jesus' soul? Two things:
* doing God's will, and
* finishing God's assigned task for him.
What feeds your soul?
¨ Encouragement? Someone has said that, "encouragement is oxygen for the soul."
¨ Appreciation? It "makes my day" to hear someone express gratitude for my contribution.
¨ Acceptance? How wonderful it feels to have someone "get you".
¨ Invitation? How great it feels to be included on the guest list for "the event of the century"
¨ Satisfaction of a job well done—completion of a difficult task?
¨ Making your father (mother, spouse, children) proud of you?
We can experience all of those things when we follow Jesus and join Him in His mission. How cool is it to know you are accepted by God? As Max Lucado once wrote, "There is nothing you can do to make God love you any more than He does; and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less. God is crazy about you, period."
How wonderful is it to have God's encouragement and to know He is proud of you? The greatest thing in the world is to be invited to tag along on His grand adventure. Jesus used the words of the prophet Isaiah to describe His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:17-19)
Once we come to understand that He forgives us and accepts us, we begin to live in the freedom, joy, peace, grace and LIFE that only Jesus can offer! Then we get to join Him in helping others experience His acceptance and finding new life.
~ Father, thank you for feeding my soul, for accepting me and giving me LIFE. There's nothing greater than seeing someone find freedom and life in You! Thank you for letting me join You in Your mission. Thank You for letting me be Your messenger boy. Amen.
In the middle of a hot day spent walking for miles, Jesus' disciples encouraged Him to get something to eat. He responded, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." (He had just had an incredible conversation that changed a woman's life and was about to see an entire village accept Him as the Messiah.) His disciples wondered if someone had already brought him some food. "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (John 4:31-34)
What fed Jesus' soul? Two things:
* doing God's will, and
* finishing God's assigned task for him.
What feeds your soul?
¨ Encouragement? Someone has said that, "encouragement is oxygen for the soul."
¨ Appreciation? It "makes my day" to hear someone express gratitude for my contribution.
¨ Acceptance? How wonderful it feels to have someone "get you".
¨ Invitation? How great it feels to be included on the guest list for "the event of the century"
¨ Satisfaction of a job well done—completion of a difficult task?
¨ Making your father (mother, spouse, children) proud of you?
We can experience all of those things when we follow Jesus and join Him in His mission. How cool is it to know you are accepted by God? As Max Lucado once wrote, "There is nothing you can do to make God love you any more than He does; and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less. God is crazy about you, period."
How wonderful is it to have God's encouragement and to know He is proud of you? The greatest thing in the world is to be invited to tag along on His grand adventure. Jesus used the words of the prophet Isaiah to describe His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:17-19)
Once we come to understand that He forgives us and accepts us, we begin to live in the freedom, joy, peace, grace and LIFE that only Jesus can offer! Then we get to join Him in helping others experience His acceptance and finding new life.
~ Father, thank you for feeding my soul, for accepting me and giving me LIFE. There's nothing greater than seeing someone find freedom and life in You! Thank you for letting me join You in Your mission. Thank You for letting me be Your messenger boy. Amen.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Feb. 24: Rest Day
God has given you and me a great gift. I often forget to unwrap and enjoy it. What about you?
God told His people early on, “don’t forget to keep the seventh day of the week set apart from the others as a day of rest. Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God. The reason is that in six days the Lord made everything--the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. On the seventh day he rested. So the Lord blessed the Day of Rest, set it apart and made it special. (Exodus 20:8, 10-11, paraphrased)
“Keeping the Sabbath” was never intended to be a legalistic burden, but a blessing! Jesus reminds us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27-28, NIV)
I like the way The Message puts it: "The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren't made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He's in charge!" (Mark 2:27-28, MSG)
We work ourselves to death. I recently read an article that showed statistically how Americans work more hours a week and more weeks a year than any other industrialized nation. We get less vacation time, and don’t take the time off we are allowed. Jeremiah the Jewish Prophet described his people’s captivity in the Book of Lamentations (5:5): “With a yoke on our necks we are hard driven; we are weary, we are given no rest.”
We have become slaves to our jobs and even our “down time” is full of activity. Have we forgotten how to rest? We enslave ourselves when we fail to take a Sabbath. Hear the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
Again, I like the way The Message paraphrases it: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me— watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30)
~ Father, thank you for a Day of Rest. Help me to slow down, and honor You and bless myself by unplugging from the rush. Help me today to be still and know You. Amen.
God told His people early on, “don’t forget to keep the seventh day of the week set apart from the others as a day of rest. Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God. The reason is that in six days the Lord made everything--the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. On the seventh day he rested. So the Lord blessed the Day of Rest, set it apart and made it special. (Exodus 20:8, 10-11, paraphrased)
“Keeping the Sabbath” was never intended to be a legalistic burden, but a blessing! Jesus reminds us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27-28, NIV)
I like the way The Message puts it: "The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren't made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He's in charge!" (Mark 2:27-28, MSG)
We work ourselves to death. I recently read an article that showed statistically how Americans work more hours a week and more weeks a year than any other industrialized nation. We get less vacation time, and don’t take the time off we are allowed. Jeremiah the Jewish Prophet described his people’s captivity in the Book of Lamentations (5:5): “With a yoke on our necks we are hard driven; we are weary, we are given no rest.”
We have become slaves to our jobs and even our “down time” is full of activity. Have we forgotten how to rest? We enslave ourselves when we fail to take a Sabbath. Hear the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
Again, I like the way The Message paraphrases it: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me— watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30)
~ Father, thank you for a Day of Rest. Help me to slow down, and honor You and bless myself by unplugging from the rush. Help me today to be still and know You. Amen.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Feb. 23: Defusing Family Feuds
Our family enjoys watching the television show “Survivor” where complete strangers are sent to isolated locations with few resources and live as a tribe, systematically voting individuals out of the tribe until there is a sole survivor. Sometimes our family life resembles that show, though we haven’t voted any out of the tribe…yet. I’m afraid that if a vote were taken I may not last long.
It is inevitable, when people live in close proximity, that they will occasionally (or constantly) irritate each other. Add to the mix different generations or in-laws and the family dynamic can become dynamic, indeed!
How do we get along? First, we focus on fixing ourselves and adjusting our own attitudes before we try correcting another person’s. The Bible (in Romans, chapter 12) gives us wise counsel for getting along, whether it’s a church family, extended family or the family living under your roof:
¨ Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
¨ Remember that we do not all have the same function,
¨ Don’t forget that each member belongs to all the others,
¨ Love each other sincerely,
¨ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
¨ Honor one another above yourselves,
¨ Bless those who persecute you,
¨ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,
¨ Live in harmony with one another,
¨ Do not repay anyone evil for evil,
¨ Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody,
¨ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,
¨ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's correction,
¨ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What if someone in the family really needs an attitude adjustment? Pray to God. Check you anger at the door. Speak the truth in love. Remember, it’s easier when expectations and consequences have been agreed upon up front. In military operations they have ROE, or rules of engagement. But when one side doesn’t “play by the rules” it makes success nearly impossible. Sometimes you just need to change your approach.
How are things in your tribe? Do you need to change your approach to interacting with each other? I think we could all do with a daily dose of Romans 12—an R-12 booster shot, if you will.
~ Father, thank you for the family you have given me. Help me to love them the way you do. Father, help me to be the solution and not the problem when family conflicts arise. Amen.
It is inevitable, when people live in close proximity, that they will occasionally (or constantly) irritate each other. Add to the mix different generations or in-laws and the family dynamic can become dynamic, indeed!
How do we get along? First, we focus on fixing ourselves and adjusting our own attitudes before we try correcting another person’s. The Bible (in Romans, chapter 12) gives us wise counsel for getting along, whether it’s a church family, extended family or the family living under your roof:
¨ Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
¨ Remember that we do not all have the same function,
¨ Don’t forget that each member belongs to all the others,
¨ Love each other sincerely,
¨ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
¨ Honor one another above yourselves,
¨ Bless those who persecute you,
¨ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,
¨ Live in harmony with one another,
¨ Do not repay anyone evil for evil,
¨ Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody,
¨ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,
¨ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's correction,
¨ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What if someone in the family really needs an attitude adjustment? Pray to God. Check you anger at the door. Speak the truth in love. Remember, it’s easier when expectations and consequences have been agreed upon up front. In military operations they have ROE, or rules of engagement. But when one side doesn’t “play by the rules” it makes success nearly impossible. Sometimes you just need to change your approach.
How are things in your tribe? Do you need to change your approach to interacting with each other? I think we could all do with a daily dose of Romans 12—an R-12 booster shot, if you will.
~ Father, thank you for the family you have given me. Help me to love them the way you do. Father, help me to be the solution and not the problem when family conflicts arise. Amen.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Feb. 22: Praying for Patience?
I always been told to never pray for patience. The things you have to endure in order to have patience woven into your character are not pleasant things. Folks often say, "Don't pray for patience; when you do God will fill you life with difficulty in order to teach you to be patient".
I have discovered in my 45 years that life is pretty much full of difficulty regardless of how I respond to it. I can choose to respond patiently or impatiently. I ususally choose the later and make the situation more difficult.
Life is full of temptations, frustrations and irritations--why would I not pray for patience? What's the alternative; to pray for impatience? I don't need to pray for that, I mastered that already. It's patience I need. How do I get it?
Jesus' brother tells us in the Bible (James 1:2-4) to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Perseverance is patience in motion. Patience is often passive--it's waiting for the storm to pass. Perseverance is making progress while carrying a heavy load. Pushing forward while still shouldering the burdern. Yes, that is what I need, and for what I must pray.
Related to patience and perseverance is self-control. Self-control is patience's pretty cousin.
The Bible tells us, too, that the "fruit of the Spirit", (the evidence of God's Holy Spirit directing us) is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23).
Peace, patience and self-control. That's what I need. My only hope is in being full of God and not full of myself.
~ Father, God: help me today to reflect your character by the way I react to the hand I'm dealt. Defuse my explosive temper and pride-filled tantrums and replace them with your peace and patience. I don't want self-control as much as I want Spirit-control. Amen.
I have discovered in my 45 years that life is pretty much full of difficulty regardless of how I respond to it. I can choose to respond patiently or impatiently. I ususally choose the later and make the situation more difficult.
Life is full of temptations, frustrations and irritations--why would I not pray for patience? What's the alternative; to pray for impatience? I don't need to pray for that, I mastered that already. It's patience I need. How do I get it?
Jesus' brother tells us in the Bible (James 1:2-4) to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Perseverance is patience in motion. Patience is often passive--it's waiting for the storm to pass. Perseverance is making progress while carrying a heavy load. Pushing forward while still shouldering the burdern. Yes, that is what I need, and for what I must pray.
Related to patience and perseverance is self-control. Self-control is patience's pretty cousin.
The Bible tells us, too, that the "fruit of the Spirit", (the evidence of God's Holy Spirit directing us) is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23).
Peace, patience and self-control. That's what I need. My only hope is in being full of God and not full of myself.
~ Father, God: help me today to reflect your character by the way I react to the hand I'm dealt. Defuse my explosive temper and pride-filled tantrums and replace them with your peace and patience. I don't want self-control as much as I want Spirit-control. Amen.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Feb. 21: Ash Wednesday
Yesterday was Mardi Gras; that’s French for “Fat Tuesday”, an excuse to "party hearty" the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent on the (western) Christian calendar.
I’m clueless about all this, but since my wife Kim's family (on her mother's side) is mostly Louisana French and Roman Catholic she keeps me up to speed. Lent is a season of reflection and repentance—giving up some things for a while. Lent is a good time for spiritual self-examination.
According to Wikipedia Lent is the period (season) from Ash Wednesday to Holy
Saturday. Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Ash Wednesday falls forty-six days before Easter. That's forty days not counting Sundays. The traditional reason for not counting Sunday is that fasting was considered inappropriate on Sunday, the day commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus.
Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, while Lent is a time of preparation for Holy Week. Holy Week recalls the events preceding and during the crucifixion of Jesus. These forty days in Lent are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up something they enjoy, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations.
Now, I go to lengths to explain all of this because it is new to me. It was not part of my faith tradition growing up. Oh, we were religious, to be sure. We celebrated the real meaning of Easter and I knew all about the crucifixion and resurrection. But all I knew of lent was confined to the clothes dryer filter.
So what shall we give up? And why should you and I limit these disciplines of prayer, fasting and generosity to a particular season of the year? I am reminded of an old hymn we sang in church, "When I Survery the Wondrous Cross": the final verse, sung with gusto in light of God's grace and Christ's sacrifice..."Were the whole realm of nature mine, that would be a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all". Every day should have a touch "Ash Wednesday" to it.
~ Father, slow me down and humble me today. Help me to reflect on your mercy and grace. Empower me to pray, fast and honestly reflect on where I stand with You. Help me to give you my all every day. Amen.
I’m clueless about all this, but since my wife Kim's family (on her mother's side) is mostly Louisana French and Roman Catholic she keeps me up to speed. Lent is a season of reflection and repentance—giving up some things for a while. Lent is a good time for spiritual self-examination.
According to Wikipedia Lent is the period (season) from Ash Wednesday to Holy
Saturday. Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Ash Wednesday falls forty-six days before Easter. That's forty days not counting Sundays. The traditional reason for not counting Sunday is that fasting was considered inappropriate on Sunday, the day commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus.
Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, while Lent is a time of preparation for Holy Week. Holy Week recalls the events preceding and during the crucifixion of Jesus. These forty days in Lent are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up something they enjoy, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations.
Now, I go to lengths to explain all of this because it is new to me. It was not part of my faith tradition growing up. Oh, we were religious, to be sure. We celebrated the real meaning of Easter and I knew all about the crucifixion and resurrection. But all I knew of lent was confined to the clothes dryer filter.
So what shall we give up? And why should you and I limit these disciplines of prayer, fasting and generosity to a particular season of the year? I am reminded of an old hymn we sang in church, "When I Survery the Wondrous Cross": the final verse, sung with gusto in light of God's grace and Christ's sacrifice..."Were the whole realm of nature mine, that would be a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all". Every day should have a touch "Ash Wednesday" to it.
~ Father, slow me down and humble me today. Help me to reflect on your mercy and grace. Empower me to pray, fast and honestly reflect on where I stand with You. Help me to give you my all every day. Amen.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Feb. 20: Mardi Gras Bonus Posting
My Primary Care Physician is a woman. Now I was raised as a fundamentalist, but I survived, and lived to tell about it. The leftover baggage from my strict upbringing only occasionally intensifies my embarrassment during doctor's visits.
Today I went in for a check-up (the blood pressure was 130/70!) and am happy to report that all is well. Her parting words were, "Have a blessed Lenten Season" (more about that tomorrow. She's episcopal by the way). I wished her the same and added, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" which is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" I reminded her that today is Mardi Gras where I come from and her last chance to misbehave before Easter.
She squealed with delight, ran back into her office and retrieved several strands of colorful Mardi Gras beads from her desk drawer. "Here", she said, "These are for you!" I was thrilled!
"Wow! Mardi Gras beads; and I didn't even have to expose my chest to get them!"
We had a good laugh and I was on my way, feeling giddy.
I got a few strange looks in the elevator (most folks don't do Mardi Gras way up north here in Virginia) but that didn't dampen my spirits. In the lobby I saw an older gentleman on crutches, he looked at me and grinned so I gave him some of my beads and wished him a happy "Fat Tuesday" (that's english for mardi gras). He was still laughing as I left and I glanced over my shoulder to see him giving the beads to his lady friend who had driven him to the doctor, and she was beaming upon receiving the simple gift.
Now, I am not endorsing the debauchery typically associated with Mardi Gras. I'm just saying, there was a lot of joy and laughter for a few moments this morning over some silly beads and kind greetings among strangers. And I think it made God smile, too.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" ("joy of living") often found among the residents of South Louisiana. The joy of living; now that sounds like an apt description of people who are experiencing New Life, abundant life because of a relationship with Jesus. I don't know about you, but I need more of that--every day.
The joy of living. We Christ-followers, of all peoples, ought to be living joy-filled lives. We can "practice the presence of Jesus" and spread a little joy wherever we happen to be standing at any given moment.
Think for a moment, whose life could you brighten today with a simple gift of time and attention? Look for someone who could use a little pick-me-up and let God use you to brighten their day. As my friend Faye says, "When you're feeling down, find a need and meet it". Sounds good to me, and I'm pretty sure God would agree. Making someone else's day--now that's a good time..."Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
~ Father, help me to live life to the fullest--full of service and kindness, and full of joy. Amen.
Today I went in for a check-up (the blood pressure was 130/70!) and am happy to report that all is well. Her parting words were, "Have a blessed Lenten Season" (more about that tomorrow. She's episcopal by the way). I wished her the same and added, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" which is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" I reminded her that today is Mardi Gras where I come from and her last chance to misbehave before Easter.
She squealed with delight, ran back into her office and retrieved several strands of colorful Mardi Gras beads from her desk drawer. "Here", she said, "These are for you!" I was thrilled!
"Wow! Mardi Gras beads; and I didn't even have to expose my chest to get them!"
We had a good laugh and I was on my way, feeling giddy.
I got a few strange looks in the elevator (most folks don't do Mardi Gras way up north here in Virginia) but that didn't dampen my spirits. In the lobby I saw an older gentleman on crutches, he looked at me and grinned so I gave him some of my beads and wished him a happy "Fat Tuesday" (that's english for mardi gras). He was still laughing as I left and I glanced over my shoulder to see him giving the beads to his lady friend who had driven him to the doctor, and she was beaming upon receiving the simple gift.
Now, I am not endorsing the debauchery typically associated with Mardi Gras. I'm just saying, there was a lot of joy and laughter for a few moments this morning over some silly beads and kind greetings among strangers. And I think it made God smile, too.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" ("joy of living") often found among the residents of South Louisiana. The joy of living; now that sounds like an apt description of people who are experiencing New Life, abundant life because of a relationship with Jesus. I don't know about you, but I need more of that--every day.
The joy of living. We Christ-followers, of all peoples, ought to be living joy-filled lives. We can "practice the presence of Jesus" and spread a little joy wherever we happen to be standing at any given moment.
Think for a moment, whose life could you brighten today with a simple gift of time and attention? Look for someone who could use a little pick-me-up and let God use you to brighten their day. As my friend Faye says, "When you're feeling down, find a need and meet it". Sounds good to me, and I'm pretty sure God would agree. Making someone else's day--now that's a good time..."Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
~ Father, help me to live life to the fullest--full of service and kindness, and full of joy. Amen.
Feb. 20: What's in your hand?
A basketball in my hand isn't worth much. But put that same ball in Mr. James' hands and it becomes worth millions. A golf club in my hand isn't worth much--unless you count laughs and entertainment value (I shoot about120...just on the front nine. Uggghh), but put that club in Tiger's hands and it becomes invaluable.
The value of something can often be determined my the hand holding it. When Moses stood before the burning bush God asked him, "What's in your hand, Moses?". It was just a staff; a stick used for herding and protecting sheep--not worth much. When Moses gave that staff to God--made himself and his possessions available for God to use--it became priceless. Moses dipped the end of that staff into the Nile River and the water turned to blood. Moses lifted that same staff before the Red Sea, the waters parted and the Hebrew nation walked to safety on dry ground.
Hear God asking you today, "What's in your hand?". Will you make yourself and the object in your hand available for God's service? Perhands it is a computer keyboard that lies beneath your fingers: imagine how God could use it to send out His message. Perhaps it is a PDA, a steering wheel, a telephone, a diaper, a ladle, or a scalpel--how can God use what's in your hand for His glory?
Will you let Him have it? Will you ask Him to impress upon your mind creative kingdom uses for the common, mundane things to which you put your hand today?
~ Father God, I give you all that I hold. There are some things I hold to too tightly. I give them to you today. Take the ordinary things I use each day and use them to get glory for yourself. Amen.
The value of something can often be determined my the hand holding it. When Moses stood before the burning bush God asked him, "What's in your hand, Moses?". It was just a staff; a stick used for herding and protecting sheep--not worth much. When Moses gave that staff to God--made himself and his possessions available for God to use--it became priceless. Moses dipped the end of that staff into the Nile River and the water turned to blood. Moses lifted that same staff before the Red Sea, the waters parted and the Hebrew nation walked to safety on dry ground.
Hear God asking you today, "What's in your hand?". Will you make yourself and the object in your hand available for God's service? Perhands it is a computer keyboard that lies beneath your fingers: imagine how God could use it to send out His message. Perhaps it is a PDA, a steering wheel, a telephone, a diaper, a ladle, or a scalpel--how can God use what's in your hand for His glory?
Will you let Him have it? Will you ask Him to impress upon your mind creative kingdom uses for the common, mundane things to which you put your hand today?
~ Father God, I give you all that I hold. There are some things I hold to too tightly. I give them to you today. Take the ordinary things I use each day and use them to get glory for yourself. Amen.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Feb. 19: Go Saints!
Geaux Saints!!! Go Saints!!!! The cheers were heard throughout the Thompson household back during the NFL playoffs as the New Orleans Saints had their best season yet and came up one game short of going to the Super Bowl. I have been waiting 40 years for this! Seriously, I have been a Saints fan since the team came into existence and have stood by them through the years. We’re not just fair-weather fans—they are our #1 team no matter how well are miserably they perform. This was their best season so far.
As I was cheering, “Go Saints!!” it dawned on me that that cheer goes out from heaven every day—for us! It’s the shout that resounds through heaven as a great cloud of witnesses cheers on the believers here on earth. We live for God’s pleasure. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13)
How does it make you feel to think that heaven cheers you on as you live for Christ? In Acts chapter 7 we find the account of Stephen preaching to the Sanhedrin (The Jewish Supreme Court of the day). Many of the onlookers were so enraged by what he said that they dragged him out and stoned him to death. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (vv. 55-56)
Every other time Jesus is mentioned as being at the right hand of God He is sitting. Here is the only time we read of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. I believe that as Stephen took a stand for Christ, that Jesus, in heaven, stood in honor of Stephen—a divine standing ovation. And I believe heaven applauds when we live for Christ, too.
Let’s aim to live holy lives in obedience to God, knowing that that brings Him great pleasure. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Go, Saints of God, Go!
~ Help me as I make living to bring you pleasure my greatest aim, remembering that "The glory of God is man fully alive". Help me to make it more about you and less me. Amen.
As I was cheering, “Go Saints!!” it dawned on me that that cheer goes out from heaven every day—for us! It’s the shout that resounds through heaven as a great cloud of witnesses cheers on the believers here on earth. We live for God’s pleasure. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13)
How does it make you feel to think that heaven cheers you on as you live for Christ? In Acts chapter 7 we find the account of Stephen preaching to the Sanhedrin (The Jewish Supreme Court of the day). Many of the onlookers were so enraged by what he said that they dragged him out and stoned him to death. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (vv. 55-56)
Every other time Jesus is mentioned as being at the right hand of God He is sitting. Here is the only time we read of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. I believe that as Stephen took a stand for Christ, that Jesus, in heaven, stood in honor of Stephen—a divine standing ovation. And I believe heaven applauds when we live for Christ, too.
Let’s aim to live holy lives in obedience to God, knowing that that brings Him great pleasure. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Go, Saints of God, Go!
~ Help me as I make living to bring you pleasure my greatest aim, remembering that "The glory of God is man fully alive". Help me to make it more about you and less me. Amen.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Feb. 14: "What's love got to do with it?"
I'm one of the 63% of guys who wait until the last minute to buy Valentine's gifts. As I stood in the Hallmark store with guys lined up 10 people deep at four different registers, the perky clerk giddy with excitement, I found myself wondering who each person was buying for, and why.
Some were buys for wives or girlfriends (or both), others for relatives--their mom, a sister, or daughter. I wondered if the purchases were being made out of a sense of real affection or duty and obligation. I don't want to question other people's motives, but find myself doing it quite frequently, especially my own.
Tina Turner posed the question back in the day, "What's love got to do with it?" Then she asked, "What's love, but a second-hand emotion?"
I thought of the greatest love the world has ever known, and how the One who expressed that love would answer those two questions: Love has everything to do with it, and it is neither second-hand nor just sentimental emotion.
The greatest love ever expressed is described this way: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." Love motivates everything God does and He doesn't give us second-hand gifts or leftovers--He gives His best, He gives His all.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you? Love is not heart-shaped candies, roses or greeting cards. It is not sentimentality. Love is commitment and sacrifice. Love is a choice; often a painful one. Love gives without a thought of getting in return. Love goes the distance. Love serves.
To whom can you express God-like love today?
~ Dear God, teach me to love the way you do. Teach me to serve others and not seek to be served. Amen.
Some were buys for wives or girlfriends (or both), others for relatives--their mom, a sister, or daughter. I wondered if the purchases were being made out of a sense of real affection or duty and obligation. I don't want to question other people's motives, but find myself doing it quite frequently, especially my own.
Tina Turner posed the question back in the day, "What's love got to do with it?" Then she asked, "What's love, but a second-hand emotion?"
I thought of the greatest love the world has ever known, and how the One who expressed that love would answer those two questions: Love has everything to do with it, and it is neither second-hand nor just sentimental emotion.
The greatest love ever expressed is described this way: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." Love motivates everything God does and He doesn't give us second-hand gifts or leftovers--He gives His best, He gives His all.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you? Love is not heart-shaped candies, roses or greeting cards. It is not sentimentality. Love is commitment and sacrifice. Love is a choice; often a painful one. Love gives without a thought of getting in return. Love goes the distance. Love serves.
To whom can you express God-like love today?
~ Dear God, teach me to love the way you do. Teach me to serve others and not seek to be served. Amen.
Feb. 13: Hello, my friend, hello...
Mr. Diamond's greeting is as good as any I suppose. Welcome to my blog. I am new to this so I hope you'll be patient. I've heard that patience is a virtue, so we'll see how virtuous you are. I hope to post a daily inspirational (we'll see) thought. I invite you to drop in and see what's on my mind and share what's on yours.
PJ
PJ
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