Not long ago I was invited to a meeting. Important decisions were being made, advice was being asked for, input and influence were taking place. Ideas of great significance, which could greatly impact our lives were being discussed. Included in this meeting were lawyers, corporate people, builders, teachers, entrepreneurs and spiritual prayer warriors. Sound advice and great encouragement flew around the room like snow in a Minnesota blizzard. Other then some awkward participatory remarks, I had nothing to infuse into these conversations. Actually, I really didn't have much business being part of this gathering. Amazingly, all things considered, I was part of this, I was invited.
Not much unlike this meeting, though on a much grander scale, I was invited to join a family I also had no business being part of. My guilt and recklessness had left the Savior of the world abandoned on a cross being punished for my participatory sinfulness. Not only was He punished, He died. However, this Jesus came back to life to stomp on this limitation we call death and included me in a never ending life...if I should accept His invitation.
Do I deserve to be included and called a friend or even listened to by a group of such influential people? No. Do I deserve to fall on my face and even think of this thing called redemption? Absolutely not! But I was generously invited and I accepted. This acceptance included me in spite of myself.
Easter reminds us of this gift and of who so graciously gave it. However, you can't have the pleasure of this gift if you don't ask for forgiveness and accept the invitation. I was invited....I accepted....I am part of His family. This Savior of the world has invited you as well. Don't set Him aside. Come to the empty tomb and accept His incredible invitation.
Happy Easter!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Alone
As I sit in stern laziness, the resiliency of wonderment drags me into thoughts musing the scepticism of man. The warm, home-made cardamom bread, laced with cinnamon sugar, is eased down with an ever so bold cup of coffee. Alone...guilt delivers a chill through this blanket of freedom. On these few days with no one to please, discipline or charm I joust away the feeling with the clicking of my pen.
"Yah, away you dastardly duties I forbid you to dispense of my freedom!" I scream.
"There are walls to paint and faucets to fix, my love." taunts Guilt Factor.
"No, I need time to think and focus." My mind blurs as I try to plan my escape of this...Mr. Factor.
"People will think naughty little thoughts of you when they notice you're not up to snuff with the Jone's!" He says in that irritating, put down tone.
I have never had an upside to worry about but my downside may be becoming a bit too noticeable, I ponder.
"Stop it! I won't fall for your snively little tricks." Again I find myself screaming.
"Oh, you lounge around now but soon responsibility will return and find how irresponsible you have been."
....One last jab scars my freedom.
God, build a wall about me. Deliver a blow to the master of soliloquy as I form unnecessary thoughts that I relegate important. You alone are my solace. Don't let me stumble over myself, lead me back to you.
Create in me a pure heart,
O God,
and renew a steadfast
spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your
presence
or take your Holy Spirit
from me.
Restore to me the joy of
Your salvation
and grant me a willing
spirit to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12
"Yah, away you dastardly duties I forbid you to dispense of my freedom!" I scream.
"There are walls to paint and faucets to fix, my love." taunts Guilt Factor.
"No, I need time to think and focus." My mind blurs as I try to plan my escape of this...Mr. Factor.
"People will think naughty little thoughts of you when they notice you're not up to snuff with the Jone's!" He says in that irritating, put down tone.
I have never had an upside to worry about but my downside may be becoming a bit too noticeable, I ponder.
"Stop it! I won't fall for your snively little tricks." Again I find myself screaming.
"Oh, you lounge around now but soon responsibility will return and find how irresponsible you have been."
....One last jab scars my freedom.
God, build a wall about me. Deliver a blow to the master of soliloquy as I form unnecessary thoughts that I relegate important. You alone are my solace. Don't let me stumble over myself, lead me back to you.
Create in me a pure heart,
O God,
and renew a steadfast
spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your
presence
or take your Holy Spirit
from me.
Restore to me the joy of
Your salvation
and grant me a willing
spirit to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12
Monday, March 11, 2013
Consecration
Why do my thoughts of being holy often get in the way of being holy?
Several weeks ago, I found myself at a large gathering of people. There was a couple there that is very dear to our family. The wife hasn't been feeling well, as of late, which had lead me to prayer and concern. Realize now that my hearing seems to be getting worse, part old, part cold, so I couldn't hear very well in this noisy hallway. When I saw her we did the customary hug but I held on to her a bit and asked her some questions about how she was feeling. We chatted a few moments and then I moved on to other people. Some days later I looked back on this situation and hoped I had seemed like a concerned old friend instead of a creepy old man. Sometimes situations take on different meanings than were implied.
How often do we misinterpret the closeness of God?
Francis Redley Havergal wrote a book, "Kept for the Masters Use", in the late 1800's. Talking about consecration, she said this: "The heart that is not entrusted to Him for searching, will not be undertaken by Him for cleansing; the life that fears to come to the light lest any deed should be reproved, can never know His blessedness and the privileges of walking in the light."
I think she is saying that God is not a "pick and chooser", He's a "life changer". Is our consecration experience "nit picky"? Are there certain things we don't want God to change? Consecration is a Holy change of all, not a Holy choice of what. Do we misinterpret this life changing consecration event?
"God change this horrible weakness into a strength so I can be more effective for you."
"God don't touch this strength of mine, I will use it mightily."
Maybe God needs my weakness to change the world. Maybe my strength will get in the way of God's workings. Is God whispering in my ear and His closeness is a little too close for comfort? But I must stay close.
Frances Havergal goes on to explain the paradox of consecration: " Full consecration may be in one sense the act of the moment, and in another the work of a lifetime. It must be complete to be real, and yet, if real it is always incomplete; a part of rest, and yet a perpetual progression."
Don't let God's closeness misinterpret His concern. God's closeness may seem creepy at times but usually it's the only way we can hear His Holiness.
Take my heart, and let it be
Consecrated Lord, to Thee
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, All for Thee.
Frances R. Havergal (1874)
Several weeks ago, I found myself at a large gathering of people. There was a couple there that is very dear to our family. The wife hasn't been feeling well, as of late, which had lead me to prayer and concern. Realize now that my hearing seems to be getting worse, part old, part cold, so I couldn't hear very well in this noisy hallway. When I saw her we did the customary hug but I held on to her a bit and asked her some questions about how she was feeling. We chatted a few moments and then I moved on to other people. Some days later I looked back on this situation and hoped I had seemed like a concerned old friend instead of a creepy old man. Sometimes situations take on different meanings than were implied.
How often do we misinterpret the closeness of God?
Francis Redley Havergal wrote a book, "Kept for the Masters Use", in the late 1800's. Talking about consecration, she said this: "The heart that is not entrusted to Him for searching, will not be undertaken by Him for cleansing; the life that fears to come to the light lest any deed should be reproved, can never know His blessedness and the privileges of walking in the light."
I think she is saying that God is not a "pick and chooser", He's a "life changer". Is our consecration experience "nit picky"? Are there certain things we don't want God to change? Consecration is a Holy change of all, not a Holy choice of what. Do we misinterpret this life changing consecration event?
"God change this horrible weakness into a strength so I can be more effective for you."
"God don't touch this strength of mine, I will use it mightily."
Maybe God needs my weakness to change the world. Maybe my strength will get in the way of God's workings. Is God whispering in my ear and His closeness is a little too close for comfort? But I must stay close.
Frances Havergal goes on to explain the paradox of consecration: " Full consecration may be in one sense the act of the moment, and in another the work of a lifetime. It must be complete to be real, and yet, if real it is always incomplete; a part of rest, and yet a perpetual progression."
Don't let God's closeness misinterpret His concern. God's closeness may seem creepy at times but usually it's the only way we can hear His Holiness.
Take my heart, and let it be
Consecrated Lord, to Thee
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, All for Thee.
Frances R. Havergal (1874)
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