Til The Day I Die...

You don't have to be old to be wise.
And you don't automatically have wisdom if you are old.
Age doesn't matter.

I think you just have be willing and able to "sit and think" - to "pause and reflect".
And to think/reflect on God stuff is a special privilege.  And a special blessing.

I have some younger relatives who were pondering birthdays...and death days.

We sometimes look forward to and celebrate our birth days.  Especially when we are younger.

But unknown to us is our death day.  And we cross over that day each year, too.

As a Christian - death doesn't scare me ("Death has been swallowed up in victory" - 1 Corinthians 15:51-57) so pondering my death day isn't a morbid or terrifying thing.

I don't know when it will be - but I do know what will happen.
Back to the Corinthians passage for "we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed...in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone, the gift of our master, Jesus Christ!".

While we are in the waiting room here on earth - wisdom shows up in the choices we make while waiting.

Mark 13:31-37 notes that we should keep watch and be alert - because we do not know the day or the hour.

Toby Mac talks about what he wants to do in the waiting room...
Til The Day I Die

Til the wheels fall off
Til the spotlight fades
I will lift your banner high
I will lift your banner high
And til the walls crash in
For the rest of my days
I'll lay it all on the line
Til the day I die
Til the day I die
Til the end of the line
Til the day I die
It's Your name I'll glorify

It's runnin' deeper than the ocean
This ain't religion, it's devotion
365, every minute, everyday
So in the middle of the madness
They can stretch me out like canvas
But I ain't ever gonna fit in their frame

God,
Keep me alert here in the waiting room.
Keep me from "fitting into the frame" of this world.
Til the day I die.
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Run into the light...

5:30 AM Pflugerville

I've been doing some early morning runs through my neighborhood.  

It's dark that early. 
So I notice (and run for) the lights.

The street lights create pools of light that I run into - and out of.

Makes me think of my life here on earth as a Christian. 

I spend my time running into - and out of - the light.  The light of love - my Savior - Jesus.

Where are you today?  
In the light?
In the dark?
Not sure?

Light helps us see.  
Ever woken up to see something in half light (and maybe been a little scared)?
Flip on the light switch and it turns out its just your robe hanging off a chair...

The more light - the better we can see what is truly there.
That applies to me as a Christian, too.
Jesus - my Light of my world (John 8:12) - helps me see what is truly there.

And when I have a clear picture of the love and forgiveness I get from my Savior...
I shine, too!
Matthew 5:14-16

Toby Mac echos this in a song that's quite an earworm...
Light Shine Bright

Light shine bright,
everywhere you go.
Music for the people.
Making music for the people.

Light shine bright,
everywhere you go.
Music for the people,
Jesus music for the people.

And while we're in "song mode" - pray with me using "Shine, Jesus, Shine"

Lord, 
The Light of Your Love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.

Shine, Jesus shine,
Fill this land with the Father's glory.
Blaze, Spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow,
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word,
Lord and let there be light.

Amen!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

You thank God for...

(since the last time I published your responses...)
You thank God for...

Colored markers...

• our loving, faithful, adorable lapdog
• physical therapists who make me accountable
• The cop who was clearly annoyed with me for 'speeding' through a school zone but only gave me a ticket for not having the right address on my ID. 
• daily devotions in my inbox
• When life knocks me down God has provided me trials and feats of strength 
• spring
• warm weather
• Holy Week 
• Easter
• Sunshine
• Eyes to see, Ears to hear and a heart to receive and believe 
• The joy that He brings in His promise and people in the body who pray for me! 
• colored markers
• Days that end in "day"
• His protection
• PTs who video me going through my paces trying to get insurance to give me more sessions!  
• B. Arthur
• The discernment of the Holy Spirit and when He subtly and not so subtly reminds me of His presence. (Praise God!)  
• forgiveness
• loving pets
• a loving husband
• being in control of everything!!!
• safety

Thank you and thank God for you!

Amen.

I thank God for...

http://goo.gl/forms/29cCHRXlHn

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Wisdom From the Unwise

[guest devotion from my brother Chris]

A Lesson From Job - "Wisdom From the Unwise"

In the book of Job there are four primary characters.  Job, of course, is the main character in the book which recounts a celestial challenge and the resulting patience, faith and trust that Job showed in response to unspeakable sorrow and loss.

The other 3 main characters in the book are Job's 3 friends, who come to console, counsel, then rebuke him.  The best of intentions may or may not have been at play, we cannot be certain, but the result of their "help" is clear.  It missed the mark.  They did more damage than good.  Let's take a look at each of these 3 men more closely to understand the wisdom that these 3 "unwise" men have to share with us in our lives today.

Bildad  (Job 8:1-7)
Bildad's error lay in his failure to consider the big picture of God's plan for Job.  When I compare myself to Bildad, sadly I find that we have much in common.  I too often rush to judgement without having all the facts.  I take some of the facts and form my opinion, the march full speed ahead with my assumptions in tow, laying waste to those who think differently than I do, simply because I'm convinced I'm right.  My wife can attest that my stubbornness often causes me to lose sight of the bigger picture, especially God's bigger picture.  I lash out, react emotionally and ultimately veer away from the path God has laid out for me. How many opportunities to do good, to share His good news, to influence others for Christ, do I miss out on when my blindness causes me to lose sight of eternity; the big picture?

Eliphaz (Job 4:7-8)
Eliphaz's belief that Job was being punished for his wrong doing, peppered his entire interaction with Job and led him to the wrong conclusions.  Much like Bildad, Eliphaz allowed himself to draw a conclusion; the wrong one.  Clearly, Job must have done SOMETHING to earn this response from a loving God.  "Confess your hidden sin and all will be well with you", Eliphaz was in saying to Job.  While confession is a vital part of our daily journey and reconciliation with our sinful selves and perfect Savior, we should never assume that by confessing our sins, our lot in life will suddenly improve.  God doesn't promise that he'll keep our path in this life free from obstacles, hardships or challenges.  What he DOES promise is that he WILL see us through.  He will keep us secure to the end.  Eliphaz missed the mark here completely and, as a result, lost the ability to connect with Job and offer him guidance and support.  How often do we jump to conclusions and miss the mark?

Elihu (Job 34:10-15)
As the youngest of Job's advisers, Elihu's counsel most closely reflected God's answer to Job.  Because of Elihu's inability to communicate (as our devotion says "poor communication skills",)  he was unable to convey the message effectively enough to get Job to listen, buy in and understand.  Of all of Job's friends, I relate to Elihu most of all.  He knew the answers.  He waited patiently to speak out of respect for Job and those with him.  He possessed the most wise and "God like" thinking of the 3 of them.  But what tripped Elihu up was his inability to communicate.  I am Elihu.  I know the answers.  As I age, I've learned to wait, to study, to listen, before rushing in to speak. (I say I've learned, but this is still one of my greatest challenges.)  More often than I care to count, my own mind, tongue and sinful heart work together to make a mess of the Message.  God has written it on my heart.  He has shown me unearned love, Grace and mercy through the sacrifice of His own Son.  He has sent His Holy Spirit to fuel, enrich and grow my faith an understanding.  He does all this and I mess things up by opening my mouth. 

Every time I read or study within the book of Job, I always leave in awe of Job's strength and patience.  I also leave with a fitting and apt case study in the ways that God uses the unwise like myself, to work His perfect plan.

Closing Prayer  (Job 42:1-6)
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Comfortable? Too comfortable?

Comfortable?

Too comfortable?

Or in over your head?
Is the water a little too deep?

I recently had that moment of panic when i ventured into deep water at our local water park.  (I'm not a good swimmer, FYI)

Skip over to Time of Grace for Pastor Mark's thoughts on this...
Pain reminds me that I need God 

It's good to be uncomfortable.
Comfortable brings complacent.
Complacent never turns out well.

Toby Mac echos this thought in his new song "Beyond Me"
Is it so crazy to believe 
  that you gave me the stars, 
  but put them out of my reach?
Called me to waters a little too deep?
Oh,  I've never been so aware of my need.
You keep on making me see.
  It's way beyond me.

But at the same time...
Comfortable?


You should be.
Again for some insight from Pastor Mark...
Pain keeps me looking ahead

It boils down to...where do you look for comfort?
...If it's in your stuff or your place in this world - be prepared for discomfort.
...but if it's in your God and your Savior Jesus Christ...well...

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Praise to the God of All Comfort
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
  the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 
  who comforts us in all our troubles, 
  so that we can comfort those in any trouble 
    with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, 
  so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 
If we are distressed, 
  it is for your comfort and salvation; 
  if we are comforted, 
    it is for your comfort, 
  which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 

And our hope for you is firm, 
  because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, 
  so also you share in our comfort. 

Amen!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Thankful for...

Your turn - what are you thankful for today?

I thank God for...

http://goo.gl/forms/29cCHRXlHn

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Fresh wind from a new direction...

Last Thursday (August 20th, 2015) I felt a fresh wind from a new direction.

Here in central Texas in the summer it seems like the wind is always hot, dry and from the south. 
Or there's no wind and you feel like you're stepping out into a sauna bath.

But that morning was different.
It was coming from the northwest.  
It was crisp.
It was cool.
It was refreshing.

I reminded me of stories from history class of sailors stuck in the doldrums.
Stuck motionless until a fresh wind from a new direction would fill their sails.

And it reminded me of how easy it is for me to slip into spiritual doldrums.
Stuck motionless and complacent.
No - I'm good, God - I've got it covered.  
Just let me alone here - I'll get this figured out...

No.
I need a fresh wind from a new direction.

Toby Mac sings in his new song Undeniable
"From the hymns that my Daddy sang, I know I was made to glorify your name
...Undeniable, You are, You are, You are!
You're the bright and morning star."
...And (I might add) my fresh wind from a new direction!

I pray...(from Psalm 51:7-15)
Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean,
    scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
    set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes,
    give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
    shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don’t throw me out with the trash,
    or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
    put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
    so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
    and I’ll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;

    I’ll let loose with your praise.
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar(chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?