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)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Day
Minds are incredible things. No two are the same, how they calculate, how they create, how they convolute. A great example of this is the difference between my wife and myself.
The mind of my wife is a steel trap logging times, dates and all kinds of information. This is an incredible blessing giving me a wealth of information to draw on. However, you understand, the great curse because of my shortcomings. Though they fade quickly in my minds eye they are all stored succinctly in this wonderful filing system. My mind, on the other hand, is a steel sieve. Information circles in the windy vortex till it escapes....somewhere. Dates, details and specifics don't register well with me. I'm an idea man.
You may shake your head and say, "poor soul", but I tell you, "worry not." This isn't as big of a dilemma to me as it is to those who deal with me on a consistent basis. What am I talking about you may think. A more specific example may help.
The steel trap; Feb. 14, 2013....Valentine's Day....chocolates...flowers...arrows....hearts.
The steel sieve; Karen what would I do without you...whenever. You are the woman I love...so much. You have stuck with me since....for so long. Can any day be more special than any other?
I love you always.
Happy.....Day
The mind of my wife is a steel trap logging times, dates and all kinds of information. This is an incredible blessing giving me a wealth of information to draw on. However, you understand, the great curse because of my shortcomings. Though they fade quickly in my minds eye they are all stored succinctly in this wonderful filing system. My mind, on the other hand, is a steel sieve. Information circles in the windy vortex till it escapes....somewhere. Dates, details and specifics don't register well with me. I'm an idea man.
You may shake your head and say, "poor soul", but I tell you, "worry not." This isn't as big of a dilemma to me as it is to those who deal with me on a consistent basis. What am I talking about you may think. A more specific example may help.
The steel trap; Feb. 14, 2013....Valentine's Day....chocolates...flowers...arrows....hearts.
The steel sieve; Karen what would I do without you...whenever. You are the woman I love...so much. You have stuck with me since....for so long. Can any day be more special than any other?
I love you always.
Happy.....Day
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Open Grave
How do I live my life? Am I taken captive by shenanigus behavior because my fancy has been tickled? Are there times when our team wins a championship and the happiness is so overwhelming we start cars on fire and trash our surroundings? What is that? Let's see...my favorite team just won I think I'll go light someones car on fire. Are we all nuts? Do we get in a big group and our minds explode?
"I wouldn't do that!"
"Not me..."
"Would I...?"
What about my job...Am I willing to use someones head as a step-stool to get to the next level? Do I point out someones idiosyncrasies to boost my groove factor? Maybe I "like" someone to make them think I'm all in to their ideas. How about, "I'll pray for you" and then not lift my eyes toward heaven?
Is all this much different then burning a car because I'm ecstatic? Could it be worse? At least when I get up the next morning and all the hubbub has burned down I may understand that I was an idiot and hopefully make restitution. But what happens if I wound a heart and turn them away from the Savior?
These types of willful acts seem to easily become part of my life that I justify, continue....and oh so righteously.
Psalms 5:4-6 says:
You are not a God who
takes pleasure in evil;
With you the wicked
cannot dwell.
The arrogant cannot stand
in Your presence;
You hate all who do
wrong.
You destroy those who tell
lies;
Bloodthirsty and deceitful
men
The Lord abhors.
Abhors, ooh, that's not good. I used to read these words and think that "our" world was going to the dogs. Is it much closer than that? Could it be "my" world? Am I paying attention?
Verse 9
Not a word from their
mouth can be trusted:
Their heart is filled with
destruction.
Their throat is an open
grave;
With their tongue they
speak deceit.
Sure, group behavior easily turns to raucous nonsense and corrals all it's followers into the "open grave". But what about me? Does my throat spew things that pull others away from this God I love tossing them into a longing tomb of confusion about my Savior? Grumbling, bickering, gossip and pride...I guess I have some work to do.
Now what? Well, like always, God opens His arms to me?
Psalms 5:11
But let all who take refuge
in you be glad;
Let them sing for joy.
Spread your protection
over them,
that those who love your
name may rejoice in
You.
For surely, O Lord you
bless the righteous;
You surround them with
your favor as with a
shield.
How is my shield? I must keep my faith strong. I must pursue God with my whole heart. If I do, He will help clear my throat and shut that open grave.
"I wouldn't do that!"
"Not me..."
"Would I...?"
What about my job...Am I willing to use someones head as a step-stool to get to the next level? Do I point out someones idiosyncrasies to boost my groove factor? Maybe I "like" someone to make them think I'm all in to their ideas. How about, "I'll pray for you" and then not lift my eyes toward heaven?
Is all this much different then burning a car because I'm ecstatic? Could it be worse? At least when I get up the next morning and all the hubbub has burned down I may understand that I was an idiot and hopefully make restitution. But what happens if I wound a heart and turn them away from the Savior?
These types of willful acts seem to easily become part of my life that I justify, continue....and oh so righteously.
Psalms 5:4-6 says:
You are not a God who
takes pleasure in evil;
With you the wicked
cannot dwell.
The arrogant cannot stand
in Your presence;
You hate all who do
wrong.
You destroy those who tell
lies;
Bloodthirsty and deceitful
men
The Lord abhors.
Abhors, ooh, that's not good. I used to read these words and think that "our" world was going to the dogs. Is it much closer than that? Could it be "my" world? Am I paying attention?
Verse 9
Not a word from their
mouth can be trusted:
Their heart is filled with
destruction.
Their throat is an open
grave;
With their tongue they
speak deceit.
Sure, group behavior easily turns to raucous nonsense and corrals all it's followers into the "open grave". But what about me? Does my throat spew things that pull others away from this God I love tossing them into a longing tomb of confusion about my Savior? Grumbling, bickering, gossip and pride...I guess I have some work to do.
Now what? Well, like always, God opens His arms to me?
Psalms 5:11
But let all who take refuge
in you be glad;
Let them sing for joy.
Spread your protection
over them,
that those who love your
name may rejoice in
You.
For surely, O Lord you
bless the righteous;
You surround them with
your favor as with a
shield.
How is my shield? I must keep my faith strong. I must pursue God with my whole heart. If I do, He will help clear my throat and shut that open grave.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Fiscal Cliff
Are you jumping? What is this cliff we're leaning over? Is it rhetoric? Is it new? Are we just going back to what was? To me this all seems more like a mountain than a cliff. Everyone seems to be so "carey" and "concerney". Are we sure we're not all dumb and thoughtless?
I don't profess to know or understand much. I can't understand all the financial wizardry that is continually redefined and re-finagled. So I par down governmental situations to a level I can't understand.
One example of this mountain I may look at, is the wayside rest area. "You're crazy" you may say "Who's still reading my blog?" I say. A family is traveling to Duluth and little Jimmy gets sick, grandma had too much coffee and sister Louise's gold fish exploded in the heat. Of course, in America, it's our right to have an area to rest in on the way. Hence, the wayside rest was born. A little wood shack to take care of the necessary pitfalls of life. Sure, none of us mind since towns are sparse and nature seems to bid us to it's calling. "Build away", we say, and build they do.....and never stop. What now?
Heading back to Minneapolis/St. Paul, we are two miles from all the places of commerce you could ever imagine. We pull into the biggest palatial resting "vendtropolis" area this side of Atlantis. I breath a sigh of disturbance. How many full time jobs, benefits and pensions are needed to maintain such luxury? How about the cost of land, maintenance, utilities, and new projects being dreamed up.....for what? Nothing is created or gained. This is all being paid for by taxes that aren't being generated because commerce is being refused. No one has a need to stop and do this commerce thing in a town two miles away because everyone is stopping at the irrational extravaganza. This is just one example.
It is.....it's a mountain. Why do we climb it....because it's there? The jump from the cliff may be less hazardes than the climb up the mountain.
Oh, I almost forgot.....
H
A
P
P
Y
N
E
W
Y
E
A
R
!
I don't profess to know or understand much. I can't understand all the financial wizardry that is continually redefined and re-finagled. So I par down governmental situations to a level I can't understand.
One example of this mountain I may look at, is the wayside rest area. "You're crazy" you may say "Who's still reading my blog?" I say. A family is traveling to Duluth and little Jimmy gets sick, grandma had too much coffee and sister Louise's gold fish exploded in the heat. Of course, in America, it's our right to have an area to rest in on the way. Hence, the wayside rest was born. A little wood shack to take care of the necessary pitfalls of life. Sure, none of us mind since towns are sparse and nature seems to bid us to it's calling. "Build away", we say, and build they do.....and never stop. What now?
Heading back to Minneapolis/St. Paul, we are two miles from all the places of commerce you could ever imagine. We pull into the biggest palatial resting "vendtropolis" area this side of Atlantis. I breath a sigh of disturbance. How many full time jobs, benefits and pensions are needed to maintain such luxury? How about the cost of land, maintenance, utilities, and new projects being dreamed up.....for what? Nothing is created or gained. This is all being paid for by taxes that aren't being generated because commerce is being refused. No one has a need to stop and do this commerce thing in a town two miles away because everyone is stopping at the irrational extravaganza. This is just one example.
It is.....it's a mountain. Why do we climb it....because it's there? The jump from the cliff may be less hazardes than the climb up the mountain.
Oh, I almost forgot.....
H
A
P
P
Y
N
E
W
Y
E
A
R
!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Unimaginable
I'm a sucker for camp fires, waves and Christmas lights, I could watch them forever. It's that time again...lights on, blanket over the knees, coffee in hand...it's Christmas time.
A friend of mine recently passed away from cancer. He was a normal sort of a guy...kind, friendly, interesting and outgoing. He was a computer person and a fine coach of wrestling. At his funeral, I sat and listened to people talk about him. I didn't really catch much about his main focus in life...his teaching career and coaching prowess. What I heard about most was his love of a certain breed of cow. From what I could understand, he had become the chief guy in charge of maintaining and promoting this unique strain of cattle. People from all over the Midwest were there remembering this man, not because of his cancer or his lively hood but because of his hobby.
Jesus was born of a virgin. Why would God do that? Why cause such speculation? Why put Mary and Joseph in such an awkward situation? Why not do the "norm" and have Jesus be born royalty, be nice to everybody, take over the world and have everyone live happily ever after?
God took a couple of nice poor folk, created a miracle, developed a pregnancy and made the impossible...a Savior. This whole Savior thing, it happened not by Jesus learning Joseph's trade and building a kingdom, or by Mary teaching Jesus how to cook fabulous meals and than Jesus feeding the world. This happened through Mary and Joseph because they followed the unimaginable path set before them by the creator of the world.
What's on your horizon? Do you think that special love, maybe your winsome character or your perplexing invention is of no consequence? Who knows, God may be preparing your quirksome interest to lead lost hearts to a lowly manger cradling eternal life.
My friend loved cows...big deal. God used that passion to change peoples lives all over the Midwest...incredible!
Joseph and Mary...they were poor and now outcasts because of a pregnancy scandal...so what! Bingo, a Savior was born!
Have you crossed out your Xmas? Maybe theoretically the X doesn't matter but for some reason it makes me nervous. I'm going to put in the extra effort, nix the X, keep Christ in Christmas and watch for the unimaginable.
A friend of mine recently passed away from cancer. He was a normal sort of a guy...kind, friendly, interesting and outgoing. He was a computer person and a fine coach of wrestling. At his funeral, I sat and listened to people talk about him. I didn't really catch much about his main focus in life...his teaching career and coaching prowess. What I heard about most was his love of a certain breed of cow. From what I could understand, he had become the chief guy in charge of maintaining and promoting this unique strain of cattle. People from all over the Midwest were there remembering this man, not because of his cancer or his lively hood but because of his hobby.
Jesus was born of a virgin. Why would God do that? Why cause such speculation? Why put Mary and Joseph in such an awkward situation? Why not do the "norm" and have Jesus be born royalty, be nice to everybody, take over the world and have everyone live happily ever after?
God took a couple of nice poor folk, created a miracle, developed a pregnancy and made the impossible...a Savior. This whole Savior thing, it happened not by Jesus learning Joseph's trade and building a kingdom, or by Mary teaching Jesus how to cook fabulous meals and than Jesus feeding the world. This happened through Mary and Joseph because they followed the unimaginable path set before them by the creator of the world.
What's on your horizon? Do you think that special love, maybe your winsome character or your perplexing invention is of no consequence? Who knows, God may be preparing your quirksome interest to lead lost hearts to a lowly manger cradling eternal life.
My friend loved cows...big deal. God used that passion to change peoples lives all over the Midwest...incredible!
Joseph and Mary...they were poor and now outcasts because of a pregnancy scandal...so what! Bingo, a Savior was born!
Have you crossed out your Xmas? Maybe theoretically the X doesn't matter but for some reason it makes me nervous. I'm going to put in the extra effort, nix the X, keep Christ in Christmas and watch for the unimaginable.
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