The tightness in my chest when I breathe is getting better. No, I didn't have a heart attack, but this flu certainly set me back a bit. I'm tired of coughing, I'm tired of the nagging headache, and I'm really tired - just plain tired - of being tired all of the time.
Fortunately I was going to take some days off to spend time with family over the Spring break, so I am not missing any any work that I was planning to do. But I did have plans to do things other than lie in bed and cough....
Of course, with all of this time to do nothing, I tried to think. Thinking is difficult for me even when I am not sick, so it was a struggle to get anywhere with my train of thought (that was supposed to be a pun, in case you were wondering). Because my mind was so filled with my condition, I remembered something in 1 Corinthians 12. Verse 26 says, "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it..."
I certainly agree with that. Even my muscles - even the ones that are not directly involved with my incessant coughing - are aching with this illness. While the primary area attacked is the lungs, the rest of the body didn't get off without some negative impact.
That is the way it is with God's people. If something happens to one, it affects all. Whether it is something to rejoice about or something that brings pain, we all share in it. That is the way it is supposed to be. It's not just that we feel the pain, we also share the burden of the pain.
I have felt that, especially when I have been in the "valley of the shadow." What I have felt is the support that comes from the rest of the "body," and the promise that we will go through it all together. That is what has been such a blessing with the Prayers of Faith - each part supporting the whole .
I don't know what is going to happen this week, but I am assured that no matter what occurs, there will be a hundred people that are committed to supporting the rest of the body with their prayers.
You know, I'm feeling better already!
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A Gathering of Friends...
Today I was blessed...
I often feel that I am blessed, so feeling blessed was not something that I felt was unusual. The time spent, however, was not something that I usually do, so that part was unusual.
Are you confused yet?
Today I was able to spend time with friends that I had not connected with for probably 19 years. They came to visit some of our mutual friends, and my wife and I were invited to share lunch with them. We enjoyed food and fellowship and laughter as we remembered things that had lain dormant in our minds for many years. We shared what had occurred in our lives since we had been together, and marveled at how God had led us down various paths.
The best thing was that our growing relationships with God monopolized our discussions! We rejoiced in victories and empathized with each other for those times when we struggled. We reconnected on levels that only believers can understand. And we yearned for that day when Christ will come to redeem us and take us home.
And I thought - we are all members of a displaced family. We live in a world that is not now our home. We travel roads that take us places that are not where we desire to be. We are thrown into situations that are foreign to us - dealing with a world that is so different from our dreams. And when we meet up with our "family" we connect with kindred spirits that are seeking a new home just like we are.
That's what I felt when I spent time with old friends today. But I also felt that when I spent time with new friends in Saipan. I made connections with people I had never met before and felt like we were long lost friends. The times we shared then were equally as amazing as the hours that rushed by today.
Suddenly I realize that I can't wait to meet all of my friends! I want to go home - to my real home - and be with those who have shared this journey, even though I was not able to walk by their sides. I want to throw my arms around friends who struggled just like I did and were victorious through their connection with our Saviour. Most of all, I can't wait to fall before my Lord, tears streaming down my cheeks in gratitude for the love that He has put in my heart, and thank Him for giving me a chance to hang out with all of my friends for eternity!
You are my friend. As you read this, know that I am praying for you. I can't wait to meet you, to stand by your side, to share joy and laughter for an eternity of amazing celebrations that our God is planning for us.
Will you accept the invitation and be there with me?
God bless you abundantly!
I often feel that I am blessed, so feeling blessed was not something that I felt was unusual. The time spent, however, was not something that I usually do, so that part was unusual.
Are you confused yet?
Today I was able to spend time with friends that I had not connected with for probably 19 years. They came to visit some of our mutual friends, and my wife and I were invited to share lunch with them. We enjoyed food and fellowship and laughter as we remembered things that had lain dormant in our minds for many years. We shared what had occurred in our lives since we had been together, and marveled at how God had led us down various paths.
The best thing was that our growing relationships with God monopolized our discussions! We rejoiced in victories and empathized with each other for those times when we struggled. We reconnected on levels that only believers can understand. And we yearned for that day when Christ will come to redeem us and take us home.
And I thought - we are all members of a displaced family. We live in a world that is not now our home. We travel roads that take us places that are not where we desire to be. We are thrown into situations that are foreign to us - dealing with a world that is so different from our dreams. And when we meet up with our "family" we connect with kindred spirits that are seeking a new home just like we are.
That's what I felt when I spent time with old friends today. But I also felt that when I spent time with new friends in Saipan. I made connections with people I had never met before and felt like we were long lost friends. The times we shared then were equally as amazing as the hours that rushed by today.
Suddenly I realize that I can't wait to meet all of my friends! I want to go home - to my real home - and be with those who have shared this journey, even though I was not able to walk by their sides. I want to throw my arms around friends who struggled just like I did and were victorious through their connection with our Saviour. Most of all, I can't wait to fall before my Lord, tears streaming down my cheeks in gratitude for the love that He has put in my heart, and thank Him for giving me a chance to hang out with all of my friends for eternity!
You are my friend. As you read this, know that I am praying for you. I can't wait to meet you, to stand by your side, to share joy and laughter for an eternity of amazing celebrations that our God is planning for us.
Will you accept the invitation and be there with me?
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A Cat's Life
It's obvious that there is no shortage of cats around our place. Even now I see one perched on the railing, looking through the window and wondering why I am sitting here instead of feeding him. We actually started out with one cat, who had some kittens (but only one of those remains). The rest of the "tribe" showed up from wherever cats come from and seemed to feel that this was as good of a place as any to get a meal.
Usually there are nine cats waiting at this time of day outside of the sliding glass door....
They are outdoor cats, mostly because of allergies (they don't seem to be allergic to us, but some of us don't fare so well when they are in the house!). But once in a while the original cat slips in, and I don't have the heart to put her out.
That's what happened last night. When I opened the door, Maddie leaped over the other cats and was suddenly an indoor cat. I poured her a small bowl of cat food, and she settled down to a peaceful supper.
I was busy working on finding verses for this week's Prayers of Faith when Maddie came over to socialize. She perched on the back of the couch behind my head and purred while I looked through my Bibles. She was content just to sit there and enjoy the closeness.
And I thought - that is how I want to be with God. I want to be so comfortable with Him that I can come into His presence at any time, any place, and just forget about the cold reception that the world sometimes gives me, or the problems that I have to deal with every day, or the challenges that lay just beyond tomorrow.
That's when I smiled. I already have that! God has given me a special time that He has set aside for me to just rest in Him. I don't have to stress over the past or worry over the future. I can completely trust in Him to take care of everything.
It's true that I can (and do) go to Him at any time, but He has set aside a special day just dedicated to hanging out with Him. I always know that I can have that 24 hour period of time that is totally dedicated to renewing my friendship with Him and my fellow man. I don't even have to sneak in or jump over any other cats to get to Him - He actually welcomes me and holds the door open for me.
It can be pretty tough outside for the cats. It gets cold sometimes, and there are the wild animals and the cars and lots of things that could hurt the cats. But Maddie wasn't thinking of those things last night. Last night she was just happy to be with the family that loves her.
And I am thankful to have this special day with my Savior!
God bless you abundantly!
Usually there are nine cats waiting at this time of day outside of the sliding glass door....
They are outdoor cats, mostly because of allergies (they don't seem to be allergic to us, but some of us don't fare so well when they are in the house!). But once in a while the original cat slips in, and I don't have the heart to put her out.
That's what happened last night. When I opened the door, Maddie leaped over the other cats and was suddenly an indoor cat. I poured her a small bowl of cat food, and she settled down to a peaceful supper.
I was busy working on finding verses for this week's Prayers of Faith when Maddie came over to socialize. She perched on the back of the couch behind my head and purred while I looked through my Bibles. She was content just to sit there and enjoy the closeness.
And I thought - that is how I want to be with God. I want to be so comfortable with Him that I can come into His presence at any time, any place, and just forget about the cold reception that the world sometimes gives me, or the problems that I have to deal with every day, or the challenges that lay just beyond tomorrow.
That's when I smiled. I already have that! God has given me a special time that He has set aside for me to just rest in Him. I don't have to stress over the past or worry over the future. I can completely trust in Him to take care of everything.
It's true that I can (and do) go to Him at any time, but He has set aside a special day just dedicated to hanging out with Him. I always know that I can have that 24 hour period of time that is totally dedicated to renewing my friendship with Him and my fellow man. I don't even have to sneak in or jump over any other cats to get to Him - He actually welcomes me and holds the door open for me.
It can be pretty tough outside for the cats. It gets cold sometimes, and there are the wild animals and the cars and lots of things that could hurt the cats. But Maddie wasn't thinking of those things last night. Last night she was just happy to be with the family that loves her.
And I am thankful to have this special day with my Savior!
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
You Put This Love in my Heart....
It's a song that Keith Green wrote some years ago that continues to course through my brain. While it has been there resting comfortably for some time, it was awakened to my conscious thought during my recent trip to Saipan. I had been asked to present a week of prayer and spiritual emphasis to a group of students, ranging from preschool up through the 10th grade. Reaching a group that was so diverse in age was a challenge, and yet my primary concern was reaching these students that were diverse in their cultures and backgrounds. It was actually during a discussion with one of these students that the song was brought to the forefront of my mind.
"J" is a young man of probably 11 or 12 years of age, but his intellengence far exceeds his chronological age. He is what many would call a free thinker, and he is honest enough with himself not to be swayed by what others are saying or thinking. He is committed to studying the issues through for himself before he will take a stand for one side or the other.
He considers himself an atheist.
He came to me and said, "Pastor, isn't there a verse that says that a person should love his brother if he is to show that he loves God?" I nodded and showed him I John 4:8 - "The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God because God is love - so you can't know Him if you don't love." (Message) He was quiet for a bit, then said, "What about all those people who say that they are Christians and yet hate and kill others because they are different or don't believe in the same way that the Christians do?"
I paused. The Lord reminded me of a text in Matthew 7. I said, "J, it seems to me that something might be wrong if a person says that he is a Christian but doesn't demonstrate the one thing that is supposed to differentiate a Christian from the rest of the world. Jesus knew that there would be people like that - some who from the outside would look so much like the real thing that most people couldn't tell the difference. But there is a very big difference." I turned to verses 21 through 23: "Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'" I paused and said, "Doesn't it look like these people have the power of God working in their lives to do all of theses miracles and wonderful things?" J nodded his head. I said, "But wait - there's more."
"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'"
J paused, and I could see that he was wondering what it all meant. I remembered Romans 13:10. "Listen to this: 'Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'"
I could see the light dawning. "So you see, those people who were doing all of the miracles never had developed a love relationship with God, because that is the source of our love for each other. Without that, they couldn't fulfill the law, because for the law to be truly complete, it has to be lived through love. So just because a person says that he is a Christian doesn't necessarily mean that he has a relationship - a love relationship - with God or his fellow man."
J nodded his head. I could tell he wanted to think about this for a while. I too wanted to dwell on this thought, because so many times in my life I had "played" Christian without allowing the love of God to transform me. And I knew what that felt like. Praise God, I also knew what it felt like to have the love bubbling up through me and all over anyone who happened to be nearby!
And that is when the song came to my mind: "You Put This Love in my Heart." I was reminded again that I loved J and all of the other kids that I had barely met, yet would always have a spot in my heart. I knew that God had a special place in His heart for these young men and women, and that He would do anything to bring them into that special relationship with Him. They truly were worth dying for.
J is still thinking. Perhaps his heart is being warmed by the love of God.
I can't wait to spend eternity with him!
God bless you abundantly!
"J" is a young man of probably 11 or 12 years of age, but his intellengence far exceeds his chronological age. He is what many would call a free thinker, and he is honest enough with himself not to be swayed by what others are saying or thinking. He is committed to studying the issues through for himself before he will take a stand for one side or the other.
He considers himself an atheist.
He came to me and said, "Pastor, isn't there a verse that says that a person should love his brother if he is to show that he loves God?" I nodded and showed him I John 4:8 - "The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God because God is love - so you can't know Him if you don't love." (Message) He was quiet for a bit, then said, "What about all those people who say that they are Christians and yet hate and kill others because they are different or don't believe in the same way that the Christians do?"
I paused. The Lord reminded me of a text in Matthew 7. I said, "J, it seems to me that something might be wrong if a person says that he is a Christian but doesn't demonstrate the one thing that is supposed to differentiate a Christian from the rest of the world. Jesus knew that there would be people like that - some who from the outside would look so much like the real thing that most people couldn't tell the difference. But there is a very big difference." I turned to verses 21 through 23: "Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'" I paused and said, "Doesn't it look like these people have the power of God working in their lives to do all of theses miracles and wonderful things?" J nodded his head. I said, "But wait - there's more."
"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'"
J paused, and I could see that he was wondering what it all meant. I remembered Romans 13:10. "Listen to this: 'Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'"
I could see the light dawning. "So you see, those people who were doing all of the miracles never had developed a love relationship with God, because that is the source of our love for each other. Without that, they couldn't fulfill the law, because for the law to be truly complete, it has to be lived through love. So just because a person says that he is a Christian doesn't necessarily mean that he has a relationship - a love relationship - with God or his fellow man."
J nodded his head. I could tell he wanted to think about this for a while. I too wanted to dwell on this thought, because so many times in my life I had "played" Christian without allowing the love of God to transform me. And I knew what that felt like. Praise God, I also knew what it felt like to have the love bubbling up through me and all over anyone who happened to be nearby!
And that is when the song came to my mind: "You Put This Love in my Heart." I was reminded again that I loved J and all of the other kids that I had barely met, yet would always have a spot in my heart. I knew that God had a special place in His heart for these young men and women, and that He would do anything to bring them into that special relationship with Him. They truly were worth dying for.
J is still thinking. Perhaps his heart is being warmed by the love of God.
I can't wait to spend eternity with him!
God bless you abundantly!
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