Hebrews 11:1 says that "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." NASB
There seems to be a few loopholes in this description. No offense to the writer, but isn't it possible we can hope for all kinds of stuff, and then be sorely disappointed? I know I have hoped for a few things that never materialized... is a 29 inch waste asking for too much? Heck, lately, I'd settle for a 32 inch waste. It's be nice to be able to reach my feet without grunting.
Okay, all kidding aside, my point is that we need to be sure that our Faith is centered on the Truth of God. God has said a lot of things. He had men over many years write down the things that He really wanted us to put our Faith and Hope in. Most of what He wrote, with the help of the Holy Spirit, is plain to see. The Big Stuff, I mean... You know, the propitiation of our sins by the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior... the Salvation of our souls. It is crystal clear that for some reason and in some manner, the death, and resurrection, of Jesus Christ, and our faith placed in Him, saves us. I didn't say it was easy to comprehend, just easy to see. The scriptures say this over, and over, and over. The New Testament shouts it, and the Old Testament foreshadows it. The cross is the center of time.. everything comes down to the cross. Our salvation depends completely on our faith in the One who, at the right time, stepped into time and took our sins to the cross at Calvary. He died, they buried Him, and then, He rose again. That Truth, is the focus of our Faith.
The Bible is a big compilation of books and letters and, yes, I am saying it all comes down to that aforementioned fact. Of course, there is much to read, study and chew on. But it begins and ends with the Cross. Are you with me?
So, Hebrews 11:6 says something else interesting:"Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." A REWARDER... God gives a reward for those who SEEK Him. That is really an interesting turn of words. If pleasing the God who created everything that exists seen and unseen is important to you (and me) we might want to look closely at this text. We MUST have faith - faith in the Truth given by God - or we will NOT please God. Somehow, NOT pleasing God sounds a bit scary to me. What's even more interesting here is that it doesn't say, "You must do everything right and perfect to please God..." I am not saying that what we do doesn't matter, but that God is mostly concerned about our Faith. And He is pleased when we put our faith wholly in Him.
Let's look at verse 6 again - God is the rewarder of those who seek Him. So, Father is pleased by our faith, and rewards our seeking. Faith Seeks! This supports James comments that "faith without deeds is dead." Sure, that means those who have faith do good, even great, deeds. But it is much, much more than that: Faith seeks. Faith pursues. Faith wrestles with truths. Faith obeys. Faith longs for a better day. Faith weeps over those who don't have this faith. Faith hates sin. Faith repents. Faith worships. Faith fellowships. Faith reads. Faith prays. Faith cries. Faith celebrates.
After taking a long look at Faith, I think I see why it pleases God. I think I see why God is so incredibly interested in our faith in His uncomplicated Truth that He loves us, He sent His Son for us, He died for us, and He now lives for us. It is us, His unruly followers who complicate things. Pride and selfishness get in the way of the simplicity that is the Gospel. Misdirected faith muddies the water...
Let's get back to the basic Truth of what God said. Let's clear our heads and center our hearts on the simple Truth that Jesus Saves. And then seek. We will be rewarded. Not necessarily by anything earthly, though that does happen... but seeking God is its own reward.. because He will be found. And God is good. All the time.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
ADD...and Other Spiritual Dilemas
So, I am sitting down, cup of coffee in hand, and starting a time of prayer and reflection. Then I hear a sound... something outside... I must look to see what that was. I see a piece of trash that just has to be picked up now. So I go outside and notice that a bush needs to be trimmed. The I think about President Bush... I voted for him.. twice. The I think about work and how the economy is affecting the homes sales. I wander back inside (without picking up the trash, or trimming the bush) and now I am thinking about a myriad of things that need to be done in my real estate business. Half a cup of coffee gone and I haven't heard from God yet.
So, I sit back down, push everything out of my head and ask God to help me clear my mind so I can hear Him speak to me. Oh, I wrote a song called "Speak to Me." And there is a cool song we sing at church with the same name... Did I clean my guitar before I put it away? Yesterday's worship was awesome. That was some worship. I need to sell that other guitar. But I don't like eBay... and on, and on, and on... and on.
A.D.D. - it is a terrible thing. (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Now, I will admit, I actually do have ADD, so some of this is funny, but some of it is sad. I really do have trouble concentrating at times... on the bright side, I am never bored.
Anyone else out there have this struggle? I am certain I am not alone. It really is frustrating to carve out time for God and then at the end of that time find that He couldn't get a word in edgewise because my thoughts were too busy spinning out of control.
The solution I propose is simple, and profitable. When I can't find my way to meaningful prayer, I force myself to grab a Bible, and simply read. Currently, I have been looking at Romans, but really isn't important what you read, just read. God's Word has the power to cut through ADD, and any other spiritual disorder. Choose a book. If you haven't read through the New Testament lately, start with the Gospel of John. Then, move onto Matthew, Mark, Luke, then Acts. After that, just move on through the entire New Testament.
If you are like me, I have to read straight through. (A little OCD keeps me on track) (Obessessive Compulsive Disorder) If you like to read slowly and thoroughly, fine. No matter what your technique, the point is open the Bible and read. If you are well-studied in the scriptures already, choose a book, and read it over and over. Read it in several different versions. And all the while, ask God, "What are You saying to me?" (I wrote a song with that title too...)
I am not sure how it works, but God uses His word to sneak into our hearts, right past our heads, past our ADD, OCD, and any other letters that keep you distant from Him. God loves you, and me. He has something to say. And nothing, nothing will stop Him from speaking... But, we do have to listen.
Are you listening?
So, I sit back down, push everything out of my head and ask God to help me clear my mind so I can hear Him speak to me. Oh, I wrote a song called "Speak to Me." And there is a cool song we sing at church with the same name... Did I clean my guitar before I put it away? Yesterday's worship was awesome. That was some worship. I need to sell that other guitar. But I don't like eBay... and on, and on, and on... and on.
A.D.D. - it is a terrible thing. (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Now, I will admit, I actually do have ADD, so some of this is funny, but some of it is sad. I really do have trouble concentrating at times... on the bright side, I am never bored.
Anyone else out there have this struggle? I am certain I am not alone. It really is frustrating to carve out time for God and then at the end of that time find that He couldn't get a word in edgewise because my thoughts were too busy spinning out of control.
The solution I propose is simple, and profitable. When I can't find my way to meaningful prayer, I force myself to grab a Bible, and simply read. Currently, I have been looking at Romans, but really isn't important what you read, just read. God's Word has the power to cut through ADD, and any other spiritual disorder. Choose a book. If you haven't read through the New Testament lately, start with the Gospel of John. Then, move onto Matthew, Mark, Luke, then Acts. After that, just move on through the entire New Testament.
If you are like me, I have to read straight through. (A little OCD keeps me on track) (Obessessive Compulsive Disorder) If you like to read slowly and thoroughly, fine. No matter what your technique, the point is open the Bible and read. If you are well-studied in the scriptures already, choose a book, and read it over and over. Read it in several different versions. And all the while, ask God, "What are You saying to me?" (I wrote a song with that title too...)
I am not sure how it works, but God uses His word to sneak into our hearts, right past our heads, past our ADD, OCD, and any other letters that keep you distant from Him. God loves you, and me. He has something to say. And nothing, nothing will stop Him from speaking... But, we do have to listen.
Are you listening?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Just Words...
A person I care about deeply called me yesterday. He thanked me for some words I spoke to him not too long ago. He explained that he thought about the words for a long time... he played them back in his mind over and over... and when he was ready, he believed the words, and he acted on them. And things got better. A chain of events that he never thought would happen, and could only hope for, have begun. The healing of a wound from long ago has begun... and there is hope.
The funny thing is... that wound... the one that is now being healed... it came from words, too.
Created in God's image, as men and women, we have been given the privilege of words. No other creature under the sun has the ability to communicate at a level of reason. Sure, monkeys can be trained to "talk" through signs and gestures... but no monkey ever wrote poetry. No monkey ever wrote a "Dear John" letter. No monkey has ever wrote a suicide note.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
I am a talker. I am a salesman and I essentially make money by talking. I have been trained to speak in public. I love to teach. And I have seen people learn and grow and excel because of words I have spoken. But, I have looked into the eyes of my wife, after I reacted and said something cutting just so I would "win", and have seen pain... I have watched tears well up in my daughters eyes because I opened my mouth and said some things that were technically "right", but said in a hurtful manner. Oh, and I have just said some foul stuff... just because I was angry. And I wish it was just once or twice... but sadly, far too many times, I open my mouth and it ain't "praise" that comes out.
What the H..E.. double toothpicks is that all about??!!
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
I have been saved since 1991, and I cannot plead ignorance. I cannot blame it on my upbringing, my childhood, my situation... I have tasted the Life with the Lord, and I am filled with the Spirit of God and I really, really, really... really have no excuse. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination, and have been given more than I deserve. In the big scheme of things, I have no problems (external, anyway...) I know the Holy God, Creator, Saviour, and I am made New... I really have no excuse. And believe me, I have been looking for one...
So, what is the deal? Why does unwholesome talk ever come out of my mouth? I should be a walking, talking, shouting even, bucket o' blessings! And yet... if I had a tape recorder of every word I have spoken for the last year, far too many times I have said things I wish I could take back. It may be true that many blessings have been spoken, and how I hope that the ratio of blessings to cursings would make my Daddy proud, but I guess where I am going here is that not one cursing should have been uttered. Not one. There shouldn't be a ratio...
Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus said that... I am only repeating it. So don't curse me. Oh yeah, we can all debate how it is not possible to really be perfect, and we can cut theological slices of the Greek, etc, ad nauseum... But Jesus did say it. To you, and to me...
I will give you that perfection is a very, very high bar to set. And a person could go crazy trying to actually achieve it. But, I will cut to the bottom line: Far too often, we set the bar so low that we do not even notice how our words are hurting people, not blessing them. We make excuses that we are justified for some righteous reason. Or, we are just teaching someone a lesson... bull-hockey! My brothers and sisters, this ought not be!! We are called to a holy calling of perfection and grace. We are called to encourage and speak blessings to all men, and women... and wives... daughters...sons.
Anyone out there feeling me? Can I get an amen?!
Here it is... the only solution I know: Jesus. He said, "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." Matt 11:28-30
Hebrews says to "fix our eyes on Jesus." That is setting the bar. We have to quit making excuses and call a sin a sin and strive to be better and better each day. We have to long for holiness, as it brings glory to God. We have to remove from our lives the things that cause us to slip into the coziness of mediocrity. That may mean watching less TV and movies that have bad language. It may mean reading the Bible more so we can see Jesus for who He was and who He is. It may mean asking someone to hold us accountable... allowing someone in our lives to weekly ask us the hard question: "How were your words last week?" We need to be honest with ourselves, and with those we love. And... here is a biggie: we need to go apologize to anyone we have hurt with our words. We need to speak blessing back into their lives and bring healing.
Whose eyes have you looked into and seen the tears in response to your words? I pray that God will give you and me the courage to face the truth of the answer to this question. And I pray that He will give us the grace and wisdom, and the right words, to speak life and love and blessings.
Go. Love. Speak.
The funny thing is... that wound... the one that is now being healed... it came from words, too.
Created in God's image, as men and women, we have been given the privilege of words. No other creature under the sun has the ability to communicate at a level of reason. Sure, monkeys can be trained to "talk" through signs and gestures... but no monkey ever wrote poetry. No monkey ever wrote a "Dear John" letter. No monkey has ever wrote a suicide note.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
I am a talker. I am a salesman and I essentially make money by talking. I have been trained to speak in public. I love to teach. And I have seen people learn and grow and excel because of words I have spoken. But, I have looked into the eyes of my wife, after I reacted and said something cutting just so I would "win", and have seen pain... I have watched tears well up in my daughters eyes because I opened my mouth and said some things that were technically "right", but said in a hurtful manner. Oh, and I have just said some foul stuff... just because I was angry. And I wish it was just once or twice... but sadly, far too many times, I open my mouth and it ain't "praise" that comes out.
What the H..E.. double toothpicks is that all about??!!
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
I have been saved since 1991, and I cannot plead ignorance. I cannot blame it on my upbringing, my childhood, my situation... I have tasted the Life with the Lord, and I am filled with the Spirit of God and I really, really, really... really have no excuse. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination, and have been given more than I deserve. In the big scheme of things, I have no problems (external, anyway...) I know the Holy God, Creator, Saviour, and I am made New... I really have no excuse. And believe me, I have been looking for one...
So, what is the deal? Why does unwholesome talk ever come out of my mouth? I should be a walking, talking, shouting even, bucket o' blessings! And yet... if I had a tape recorder of every word I have spoken for the last year, far too many times I have said things I wish I could take back. It may be true that many blessings have been spoken, and how I hope that the ratio of blessings to cursings would make my Daddy proud, but I guess where I am going here is that not one cursing should have been uttered. Not one. There shouldn't be a ratio...
Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus said that... I am only repeating it. So don't curse me. Oh yeah, we can all debate how it is not possible to really be perfect, and we can cut theological slices of the Greek, etc, ad nauseum... But Jesus did say it. To you, and to me...
I will give you that perfection is a very, very high bar to set. And a person could go crazy trying to actually achieve it. But, I will cut to the bottom line: Far too often, we set the bar so low that we do not even notice how our words are hurting people, not blessing them. We make excuses that we are justified for some righteous reason. Or, we are just teaching someone a lesson... bull-hockey! My brothers and sisters, this ought not be!! We are called to a holy calling of perfection and grace. We are called to encourage and speak blessings to all men, and women... and wives... daughters...sons.
Anyone out there feeling me? Can I get an amen?!
Here it is... the only solution I know: Jesus. He said, "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." Matt 11:28-30
Hebrews says to "fix our eyes on Jesus." That is setting the bar. We have to quit making excuses and call a sin a sin and strive to be better and better each day. We have to long for holiness, as it brings glory to God. We have to remove from our lives the things that cause us to slip into the coziness of mediocrity. That may mean watching less TV and movies that have bad language. It may mean reading the Bible more so we can see Jesus for who He was and who He is. It may mean asking someone to hold us accountable... allowing someone in our lives to weekly ask us the hard question: "How were your words last week?" We need to be honest with ourselves, and with those we love. And... here is a biggie: we need to go apologize to anyone we have hurt with our words. We need to speak blessing back into their lives and bring healing.
Whose eyes have you looked into and seen the tears in response to your words? I pray that God will give you and me the courage to face the truth of the answer to this question. And I pray that He will give us the grace and wisdom, and the right words, to speak life and love and blessings.
Go. Love. Speak.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Do you love Me more than These?
Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these?". I guess I had always thought that Jesus was referring to the other followers there on the beach that day. (John 21:15) I have read commentaries with that view several times. But, in a recent message preached by Pastor Sean Azzaro at River City Community Church in San Antonio, Texas, it was pointed out that the "these" may have been the fishing gear, boat, and the fishing trade that Peter had gone back to. You see, it is easy to think that Peter was just going out for a fishing trip, but harder to think that maybe this one time fisherman, follower of Jesus, was now returning to his old trade - that maybe he had given up, even after seeing everything that he had seen. After all the miracles, teachings, and even scoldings, he still wanted to return to the familiar. It's hard to see it that way, but it is possible that it is true.
So, if that is true, then Jesus was asking a very pointed question: "Do you love me more than all this stuff that makes you comfortable?" And what's worse, I think He is asking me that same question.
This morning in my Coffee with God time, and really over the last few days, I have been thinking about my "these". I have a lot of "these's". From a worldly standpoint, I should be proud. I have worked hard and accomplished much. But, when I really let myself look at this from the perspective of a follower of Jesus, I think I just have stuff that is making me comfortable... and I am not so sure anymore that I am supposed to be comfortable.
Even as I type these words, I am feeling this fear of exposing myself as an impostor. Sure, I lead a Life Group, play guitar and sing at church, read my Bible, and really try to love others... but do I love Jesus more than my "these"? I want to say I do, but it is possible the evidence points the other way. I have a lot of "STUFF". Have I allowed the things of this world to cloud my view of who I am in Jesus? The conflict raging in my heart right now says that it is possible. I know I must act. I must.
Peter was grieved when Jesus asked for the third time, "Do you love Me?" I think I am feeling that grief. Maybe Peter was thinking, "Yes, Jesus, I did sort of run back to the things I knew that I was good at... the things that are comfortable in my life, didn't I?" It grieved him to look into his own heart and see that his lack of faith showed up again. I am acutely aware of that grief, and I do not like it. Not one bit.
That leaves me with a question that has to be answered by action. What are my "these's" and will I let them go. If I am going to love Jesus more, I think I have to take a full inventory of my "stuff", my life, and see if anything is getting in the way. I have to look at my house, my cars, my job, my guitars, my tools, my everything. Not that I think any of these things are evil in and of themselves. But if they somehow are getting in the way of me giving my all to Jesus, then for me, they are evil. I will admit, I am feeling some serious conflicts in my heart, and that is telling me that I need to make some changes... I need to make some choices.
Even more embarrassing now is that I wondering what others will think of me... I believe that is called "pride". But my hope is that all of this is coming from a God who loves me more than anything, and He has my best interests in His heart. If I want to truly follow Him, then I really have to follow. Here at a local church here in San Antonio my first Pastor, Phillip Walton, would always say, "If you are following someone, then you will be walking behind them... following." In other words, you go where He goes, you do what He does... there is evidence to the following.
We are called to take up the cross, and leave our "these". If we have placed our trust in the One True and Holy God, we are called to follow Him, to Trust Him, and to love Him more than anything else. And when we do, it looks like it... there is evidence of the following, the trusting, the loving.
I am sharing this with the hope that writing it down will make it a point in history where I have declared that I want to follow in truth. And as I struggle through this "cleansing" for lack of a better word, I hope this challenges you to consider what your "these's" are. If you are anything like me, you will feel fear. You might be embarrassed, and you may want to avoid the question. Maybe that is why Jesus asked three times: "Do you love me more than these?" Maybe it took three times to sink into the heart of a conflicted man on the beach in Judea. Maybe it takes at least three times to break through the heart and mind of a man in San Antonio.
I guess we will see.
So, if that is true, then Jesus was asking a very pointed question: "Do you love me more than all this stuff that makes you comfortable?" And what's worse, I think He is asking me that same question.
This morning in my Coffee with God time, and really over the last few days, I have been thinking about my "these". I have a lot of "these's". From a worldly standpoint, I should be proud. I have worked hard and accomplished much. But, when I really let myself look at this from the perspective of a follower of Jesus, I think I just have stuff that is making me comfortable... and I am not so sure anymore that I am supposed to be comfortable.
Even as I type these words, I am feeling this fear of exposing myself as an impostor. Sure, I lead a Life Group, play guitar and sing at church, read my Bible, and really try to love others... but do I love Jesus more than my "these"? I want to say I do, but it is possible the evidence points the other way. I have a lot of "STUFF". Have I allowed the things of this world to cloud my view of who I am in Jesus? The conflict raging in my heart right now says that it is possible. I know I must act. I must.
Peter was grieved when Jesus asked for the third time, "Do you love Me?" I think I am feeling that grief. Maybe Peter was thinking, "Yes, Jesus, I did sort of run back to the things I knew that I was good at... the things that are comfortable in my life, didn't I?" It grieved him to look into his own heart and see that his lack of faith showed up again. I am acutely aware of that grief, and I do not like it. Not one bit.
That leaves me with a question that has to be answered by action. What are my "these's" and will I let them go. If I am going to love Jesus more, I think I have to take a full inventory of my "stuff", my life, and see if anything is getting in the way. I have to look at my house, my cars, my job, my guitars, my tools, my everything. Not that I think any of these things are evil in and of themselves. But if they somehow are getting in the way of me giving my all to Jesus, then for me, they are evil. I will admit, I am feeling some serious conflicts in my heart, and that is telling me that I need to make some changes... I need to make some choices.
Even more embarrassing now is that I wondering what others will think of me... I believe that is called "pride". But my hope is that all of this is coming from a God who loves me more than anything, and He has my best interests in His heart. If I want to truly follow Him, then I really have to follow. Here at a local church here in San Antonio my first Pastor, Phillip Walton, would always say, "If you are following someone, then you will be walking behind them... following." In other words, you go where He goes, you do what He does... there is evidence to the following.
We are called to take up the cross, and leave our "these". If we have placed our trust in the One True and Holy God, we are called to follow Him, to Trust Him, and to love Him more than anything else. And when we do, it looks like it... there is evidence of the following, the trusting, the loving.
I am sharing this with the hope that writing it down will make it a point in history where I have declared that I want to follow in truth. And as I struggle through this "cleansing" for lack of a better word, I hope this challenges you to consider what your "these's" are. If you are anything like me, you will feel fear. You might be embarrassed, and you may want to avoid the question. Maybe that is why Jesus asked three times: "Do you love me more than these?" Maybe it took three times to sink into the heart of a conflicted man on the beach in Judea. Maybe it takes at least three times to break through the heart and mind of a man in San Antonio.
I guess we will see.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
I got plans...
We all have 'em. You know... dreams, aspirations, hopes, goals... plans, baby! And, we need to have plans. Imagine a home built without a set of plans. The owner hires excellent tradesmen to do the work. But the plumber didn't really know where the bathrooms were going, and the electrician didn't know what that room was for, and so on... That would be one messed up house. (I am licensed Realtor, and I think I have seen this home...) The point: Plans=good. No Plans=bad. Most successful people, from a worldly perspective, got there on purpose. Few people succeed without a lot of planning and due diligence.
James 4:13-14 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Okay... so Plans=bad. No Plans=good??? I wasn't planning on being confused...
Verse 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
Hmm... Plans, subject to=Good! I think we are on to something here.
"If the Lord wants us to..." Does that sound familiar? I believe it was Jesus who said, "Not my will but Yours, Father."
As it is with many issues, the discussion really isn't an either-or proposition. I am not trying to persuade you to see things my way, so I am not trying to corner you with a debate technique. What I am hoping to help you to see is that there is a way to freedom in Christ that includes, of course, submission to His will, but also the responsibility to make plans, set goals, etc... It is BOTH. It is to set goals, projections, plans, subject to the will of God.
For many years, I had to pray this prayer, "Lord, I want to want to be totally Yours every day. Help me to really want to completely Yours." It is a little like the prayer of the father of the epileptic in Mark 9:24, "Lord, I believe! Help me in my unbelief!" It has been a struggle since the beginning of belief. The balancing act of believing that God has our best interests at heart so surrendering to His plans, His will, and being willing to walk away from our own plans at a moments notice... it is tough. But it is the true walk of every follower of Jesus.
What would that look like? A lot like Jesus. "Father, here is what I want, but I want what You want more. If this cup could pass, that would be preferred... but if not, I am all in." In my life, that looks like this: "God, I would like to sell 70 homes this year, have two days off a week, teach two classes a month, lead a life group each week, lead worship a few times a month, improve my guitar skills, be a great dad and husband, be healthy, wealthy and wise... but, if not, I am all in." And then the tough part, "I really mean it, Father... I am all in. I want more than all of my wants to be in Your will."
If you think about the word, "Follower", it really says it all. I am a follower of Jesus. Where He goes, I go. Where He leads, I go. What He says I say. But a follower is not the Leader. Each follower is a separate person, and so you bring a bit of self to the equation. Therefore, our paths will look different, but always carved out in obedience. Since we are following the Unseen God, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God, He can lead each of us in a very specific path (without getting confused, I might add.) His will for us is good - good from His perfect perspective. I'll concede that it may not look good from our own personal perspective at times. That's where faith is essential. Bringing us to the bottom line: Scriptures says it is impossible to please God without faith. We HAVE to believe in God to follow Him. To follow Him well, we have to believe that He loves us and that His plan is far better than our own. That means we have to know Him and trust Him.
So, I have to choose to follow. I have to make plans to follow Him. I have to shape my day around making sure I keep Him in view, so I can follow. In real life, that doesn't mean I stay home and wait. It means I get up, get dressed, go to work, be the best Realtor I can be so I can bless others, and watch and listen for the Spirit of God to lead me, nudge me, speak to me. (Christians should be the very best employees.. but that is a whole other topic...) Following Jesus is a full contact sport. In this world we live in, being the best follower we can be includes a calendar or Day-Planner. We have to make plans to be able to be effective in our jobs and our ministries. We have to have budgets, spreadsheets, and goals. But, always with the phrase added, "Not my will but Your will, Lord."
How is your following going? Do you know Him? I mean really know Him? Are you seeking to know Him better? Are you crying out today, "Lord, I believe... Help me in my unbelief!" And then, trust Him with Your Day Planner. His plans are better than Yours, and He is good.
James 4:13-14 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Okay... so Plans=bad. No Plans=good??? I wasn't planning on being confused...
Verse 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
Hmm... Plans, subject to=Good! I think we are on to something here.
"If the Lord wants us to..." Does that sound familiar? I believe it was Jesus who said, "Not my will but Yours, Father."
As it is with many issues, the discussion really isn't an either-or proposition. I am not trying to persuade you to see things my way, so I am not trying to corner you with a debate technique. What I am hoping to help you to see is that there is a way to freedom in Christ that includes, of course, submission to His will, but also the responsibility to make plans, set goals, etc... It is BOTH. It is to set goals, projections, plans, subject to the will of God.
For many years, I had to pray this prayer, "Lord, I want to want to be totally Yours every day. Help me to really want to completely Yours." It is a little like the prayer of the father of the epileptic in Mark 9:24, "Lord, I believe! Help me in my unbelief!" It has been a struggle since the beginning of belief. The balancing act of believing that God has our best interests at heart so surrendering to His plans, His will, and being willing to walk away from our own plans at a moments notice... it is tough. But it is the true walk of every follower of Jesus.
What would that look like? A lot like Jesus. "Father, here is what I want, but I want what You want more. If this cup could pass, that would be preferred... but if not, I am all in." In my life, that looks like this: "God, I would like to sell 70 homes this year, have two days off a week, teach two classes a month, lead a life group each week, lead worship a few times a month, improve my guitar skills, be a great dad and husband, be healthy, wealthy and wise... but, if not, I am all in." And then the tough part, "I really mean it, Father... I am all in. I want more than all of my wants to be in Your will."
If you think about the word, "Follower", it really says it all. I am a follower of Jesus. Where He goes, I go. Where He leads, I go. What He says I say. But a follower is not the Leader. Each follower is a separate person, and so you bring a bit of self to the equation. Therefore, our paths will look different, but always carved out in obedience. Since we are following the Unseen God, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God, He can lead each of us in a very specific path (without getting confused, I might add.) His will for us is good - good from His perfect perspective. I'll concede that it may not look good from our own personal perspective at times. That's where faith is essential. Bringing us to the bottom line: Scriptures says it is impossible to please God without faith. We HAVE to believe in God to follow Him. To follow Him well, we have to believe that He loves us and that His plan is far better than our own. That means we have to know Him and trust Him.
So, I have to choose to follow. I have to make plans to follow Him. I have to shape my day around making sure I keep Him in view, so I can follow. In real life, that doesn't mean I stay home and wait. It means I get up, get dressed, go to work, be the best Realtor I can be so I can bless others, and watch and listen for the Spirit of God to lead me, nudge me, speak to me. (Christians should be the very best employees.. but that is a whole other topic...) Following Jesus is a full contact sport. In this world we live in, being the best follower we can be includes a calendar or Day-Planner. We have to make plans to be able to be effective in our jobs and our ministries. We have to have budgets, spreadsheets, and goals. But, always with the phrase added, "Not my will but Your will, Lord."
How is your following going? Do you know Him? I mean really know Him? Are you seeking to know Him better? Are you crying out today, "Lord, I believe... Help me in my unbelief!" And then, trust Him with Your Day Planner. His plans are better than Yours, and He is good.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Obsession
I confess I am a bit obsessed with guitars. I love acoustic guitars and wish I could have everyone of them. I own way too many, and can't pass by a music store without going in and looking. It is a bit sick.. I think I need help. I literally have to put Ebay on my website blocker. :-)
Do you know that feeling? Not about guitars specifically, but that feeling about something that seems to almost make you go nuts... become irrational? It makes others look at you and just shake their heads. (They, too have something that makes them go nuts. Almost everyone does, if they would be honest with themselves.) I was thinking about all the things we get obsessed about. Sports, cars, beer mugs, old coke bottles, our yards, shoes... the list can really go on. I guess we can call those things "Irrational Obsessions".
So I was talking with God and He "said", "Why aren't you obsessed with Me?" It's a good question... and I told Him so... He already knew that.
So, to put it in perspective, let's take a look at some reasons why it could be good to be obsessed with God: Uhhh.. He made everything; He knows everything; He can do anything; He loves you and me beyond our wildest imaginations... We can ask Him any question, and He can answer (though sometimes He chooses not to... I admit that is frustrating sometimes.) We can ask for anything and, should He choose to respond affirmatively, He can give it, take it, make it happen.. whatever. Basically, He lacks nothing, yet He is obsessed with us. Yep.. that is what I said: He is obsessed with us.
Think about it.. He created everything fully knowing we would do what we do (sin, in case you don't know what I am talking about...) He wrote the Bible even when He knew most of us wouldn't read it and some just outright mock it. He gave us Nature when He knew many would start to worship it. And in the epitome of obsession, He died for us, well aware that many would simply turn their backs on Him. Now that is real obsession... and completely irrational. But, completely real and true.
(I just realized that I called God irrational... I thought about changing that, but when you really think about how much He loves us.. from a worldly perspective, it is completely irrational. Therefore, it stays as said: God is irrationally, and completely in love with you... and me. That's pretty amazing actually.)
As we return to God's original question, "Why aren't you obsessed with Me?" I have to say, whatever your answer may be, if it isn't, "But, I am obsessed with you!" then it is the wrong answer. When the truth is weighed, the only rational thing to do, the only rational obsession that exists is to be obsessed with God. All other obsessions give nothing back, nothing lasting anyway. But God gives so much in return.
Let's pretend we are obsessed with God... what would that look like? Let's see, I wake up, spend time with Him and ask Him to direct my day. I would ask Him to use me for His glory, and really mean it. Every thought I think would be directed towards Him first for His approval. My day planner, though filled with things to do for my family, for work, and for my church, would be filtered through His plan. I would be ready to change my plans at the nudge of His Spirit at any time. I would be in constant communication with Him, obsessively asking for His approval at every turn, at every decision. I would know that all things work together for good, for God's plan, and I would constantly be asking to be a part of that plan, and to obey. I would ask for His eyes, to see what He sees, His heart love like He loves, His mind to think as He thinks. I would count others as better than me, and I would weep for those who do not know this obsession. I would be honest about who I am, a sinner saved by His grace, a man in process of becoming a holy man, and I would practice humility, gentleness, self-control. I would be joyful, no matter the circumstances, knowing that God has the world in His hands. I would fall to sleep in His arms, grateful for a day of purpose, hope, and meaning.
I think that obsession would be a good thing.
I think I want to be that obsessed. With God. My Father. My Savior. My King.
What about you? What are you obsessed with?
Do you know that feeling? Not about guitars specifically, but that feeling about something that seems to almost make you go nuts... become irrational? It makes others look at you and just shake their heads. (They, too have something that makes them go nuts. Almost everyone does, if they would be honest with themselves.) I was thinking about all the things we get obsessed about. Sports, cars, beer mugs, old coke bottles, our yards, shoes... the list can really go on. I guess we can call those things "Irrational Obsessions".
So I was talking with God and He "said", "Why aren't you obsessed with Me?" It's a good question... and I told Him so... He already knew that.
So, to put it in perspective, let's take a look at some reasons why it could be good to be obsessed with God: Uhhh.. He made everything; He knows everything; He can do anything; He loves you and me beyond our wildest imaginations... We can ask Him any question, and He can answer (though sometimes He chooses not to... I admit that is frustrating sometimes.) We can ask for anything and, should He choose to respond affirmatively, He can give it, take it, make it happen.. whatever. Basically, He lacks nothing, yet He is obsessed with us. Yep.. that is what I said: He is obsessed with us.
Think about it.. He created everything fully knowing we would do what we do (sin, in case you don't know what I am talking about...) He wrote the Bible even when He knew most of us wouldn't read it and some just outright mock it. He gave us Nature when He knew many would start to worship it. And in the epitome of obsession, He died for us, well aware that many would simply turn their backs on Him. Now that is real obsession... and completely irrational. But, completely real and true.
(I just realized that I called God irrational... I thought about changing that, but when you really think about how much He loves us.. from a worldly perspective, it is completely irrational. Therefore, it stays as said: God is irrationally, and completely in love with you... and me. That's pretty amazing actually.)
As we return to God's original question, "Why aren't you obsessed with Me?" I have to say, whatever your answer may be, if it isn't, "But, I am obsessed with you!" then it is the wrong answer. When the truth is weighed, the only rational thing to do, the only rational obsession that exists is to be obsessed with God. All other obsessions give nothing back, nothing lasting anyway. But God gives so much in return.
Let's pretend we are obsessed with God... what would that look like? Let's see, I wake up, spend time with Him and ask Him to direct my day. I would ask Him to use me for His glory, and really mean it. Every thought I think would be directed towards Him first for His approval. My day planner, though filled with things to do for my family, for work, and for my church, would be filtered through His plan. I would be ready to change my plans at the nudge of His Spirit at any time. I would be in constant communication with Him, obsessively asking for His approval at every turn, at every decision. I would know that all things work together for good, for God's plan, and I would constantly be asking to be a part of that plan, and to obey. I would ask for His eyes, to see what He sees, His heart love like He loves, His mind to think as He thinks. I would count others as better than me, and I would weep for those who do not know this obsession. I would be honest about who I am, a sinner saved by His grace, a man in process of becoming a holy man, and I would practice humility, gentleness, self-control. I would be joyful, no matter the circumstances, knowing that God has the world in His hands. I would fall to sleep in His arms, grateful for a day of purpose, hope, and meaning.
I think that obsession would be a good thing.
I think I want to be that obsessed. With God. My Father. My Savior. My King.
What about you? What are you obsessed with?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Living in the New.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says we "...are a new creation." (NIV) One version says, "Look! You are a new creation!" The emphatic is appropriate. My version would say, "Holy Cow! Unbelievable! Totally Awesome!! I am not who I was, I am new!!" But this begs the question, "If I am new, how come I feel so old?"
Before we deal directly with that question, let me say that the scriptures are true... cover to cover. Therefore, we are new when we are in Christ. In this text, as well as several others, believers are described as dead to sin, as having died to this life, and have been made new, and that Christ is living in us. The implication is that there is a death, and a re-birth. (Hence, being born again...) If God's word is true, which it is, then the problem with how I feel is not His word, but me. Something in me doesn't feel new, act new, live new.
So here we go... "why do I not feel new sometimes?" Simply put, it is not a feeling. It is a fact. The reality that we struggle over the question is a new thing in and of itself. If I was still lost in my sin, I wouldn't even understand this question. But God, who is stirring in me New Life, is drawing me into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Himself, and as I grow, I am more troubled each day by my lack of newness. That troubling is part of the New. I was never troubled before by my lack of closeness to God, not in any real sense. So the struggle, in fact, signals that I am alive to God.
So far, this is not satisfying.. let's keep going... In order to have a new life, we have to die first. Have you died to yourself? Have you taken up your cross and committed to following Jesus? If so, you are in the new. If not, we need to talk.
When a person is born, they are called a.. come on everyone, what are they called? Yes, a baby. What does a baby do? Well, they eat and cry and poop and sleep. They are amazed by the simplest things. They strive to learn everything and anything. They struggle to reach, to move, to crawl, then to walk. I think you are getting my point here. When we are born again into the New Life, we enter into this life as babies. Typically, a new believer is absolutely stunned by the grace of God and they are ecstatic about what is going on in their lives. Later, as they grow, some of the struggles start. Where each person's particular struggles manifest are particular to each believer. What I have seen in real life is that God chooses the areas of your life that He wants to work on. He is gracious, and perfect, and He loves you. He loves you the way you are, but He wants more for you... He wants you to truly experience the New Life, so He begins to conform you into the person you were created to be. And though we are New, we still need to be conformed, and it is a process (Romans 12:1-2)
Again, why do I feel so old sometimes? Final thought is, you are not alone. Even Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, struggled. Ever read Romans 7? Go ahead.. check it out... He struggled too. You see, the real problem is not God... it is us. We return to the familiar. C.S. Lewis wrote that we are like children playing in a mud puddle, unaware that an ocean of grace is waiting for us. We are too easily frustrated, too easily discouraged. We are afraid of what the Deep of God might call us into. We are afraid of drowning in Him and losing our identity of the Old Self. (The fear of the unknown is greater than the fear of staying in the known.) That fear is unfounded, and I believe the source of that fear is from the enemy. It is a lie that we should fear the Deep of God.
God is good... that is absolutely true. But He is not safe, as though He will lead us through fields of flowers and puppies... No, He is not safe (Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis) Even Jesus remarked that He would be with us through our troubles. He didn't say He would keep us from troubles. Even green pastures have chiggers. But, my bottom line is that I would rather have the New Life in Him, troubles and all, than any kind of life without Him. God is good. His plans for us are good. And He will bring us into the New... He promised.
Enjoy the journey.
Before we deal directly with that question, let me say that the scriptures are true... cover to cover. Therefore, we are new when we are in Christ. In this text, as well as several others, believers are described as dead to sin, as having died to this life, and have been made new, and that Christ is living in us. The implication is that there is a death, and a re-birth. (Hence, being born again...) If God's word is true, which it is, then the problem with how I feel is not His word, but me. Something in me doesn't feel new, act new, live new.
So here we go... "why do I not feel new sometimes?" Simply put, it is not a feeling. It is a fact. The reality that we struggle over the question is a new thing in and of itself. If I was still lost in my sin, I wouldn't even understand this question. But God, who is stirring in me New Life, is drawing me into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Himself, and as I grow, I am more troubled each day by my lack of newness. That troubling is part of the New. I was never troubled before by my lack of closeness to God, not in any real sense. So the struggle, in fact, signals that I am alive to God.
So far, this is not satisfying.. let's keep going... In order to have a new life, we have to die first. Have you died to yourself? Have you taken up your cross and committed to following Jesus? If so, you are in the new. If not, we need to talk.
When a person is born, they are called a.. come on everyone, what are they called? Yes, a baby. What does a baby do? Well, they eat and cry and poop and sleep. They are amazed by the simplest things. They strive to learn everything and anything. They struggle to reach, to move, to crawl, then to walk. I think you are getting my point here. When we are born again into the New Life, we enter into this life as babies. Typically, a new believer is absolutely stunned by the grace of God and they are ecstatic about what is going on in their lives. Later, as they grow, some of the struggles start. Where each person's particular struggles manifest are particular to each believer. What I have seen in real life is that God chooses the areas of your life that He wants to work on. He is gracious, and perfect, and He loves you. He loves you the way you are, but He wants more for you... He wants you to truly experience the New Life, so He begins to conform you into the person you were created to be. And though we are New, we still need to be conformed, and it is a process (Romans 12:1-2)
Again, why do I feel so old sometimes? Final thought is, you are not alone. Even Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, struggled. Ever read Romans 7? Go ahead.. check it out... He struggled too. You see, the real problem is not God... it is us. We return to the familiar. C.S. Lewis wrote that we are like children playing in a mud puddle, unaware that an ocean of grace is waiting for us. We are too easily frustrated, too easily discouraged. We are afraid of what the Deep of God might call us into. We are afraid of drowning in Him and losing our identity of the Old Self. (The fear of the unknown is greater than the fear of staying in the known.) That fear is unfounded, and I believe the source of that fear is from the enemy. It is a lie that we should fear the Deep of God.
God is good... that is absolutely true. But He is not safe, as though He will lead us through fields of flowers and puppies... No, He is not safe (Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis) Even Jesus remarked that He would be with us through our troubles. He didn't say He would keep us from troubles. Even green pastures have chiggers. But, my bottom line is that I would rather have the New Life in Him, troubles and all, than any kind of life without Him. God is good. His plans for us are good. And He will bring us into the New... He promised.
Enjoy the journey.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Everything
"May every word that I speak, every thought that I think, and every thing that I do, bring glory to You."
Somewhere in the conversation a few mornings ago, I said this to God. And, I am actually sure that I meant it. And even more incredible than that, for the very first time, I really believed it was possible. What I mean, is that it is really possible for this finite, foolish, messed-up dude to be able to bring glory to God all day long. Every word, every thought, and every thing...
At first glance, it sounds like one of those prayers you get on a bookmark... great sentiment. (For all I know, there is a bookmark out there with this prayer... as posted earlier, I am not sure that I ever had an original thought :-) But you know what I mean... it sounds really pie-in-the-sky; unreachable, yet really fun to "wish" for. The funny thing is, though, I really did believe it. And I still do.
Now you are thinking there must have been something else in my coffee besides caffeine. I swear, I don't do drugs...any more :-). I am serious: I really can bring glory to God all day long - every word, every thought, every thing. Romans 8:28 says: " For we know all things work together for good, for those who love God, for those who are called, according to His purpose." God did say all things. I used to repeat this verse over and over and over, as I trudged through th emuck of my life... kind of a montra to take away the pain of the mystery of why so many things in my life are screwed up. But something new has entered into my mind. And I think I like it: I potentially can become the man that God has created me to be! Yes!! (spoken fiercely, fist clutched, elbow drawn quickly back to my waste...)
Follow me here: God says that even as messed up as I am, He is going to conform me into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). Well, Jesus brought glory to God all day long... right? True, Jesus is God, but He was also 100% man as He lived for us on earth. Scriptures says He came down here to be with us so He really knows how it feels to be human. If He had some special "something" that in truth made Him not really man, something that we could not attain, then we would be in trouble. I believe the truth is that we really can give glory to God all day long, every day. Granted, it is a tall order, and the probability is remote, but it is still something to aspire to. Ever Peter reminded us that God said, "Be holy as I am holy." While I am sure the pessimistic phrase, "Nobody's perfect." is a true statement as it applies to all humans other than Jesus, I really do not think that is what bringing glory to God means. Not that we are perfect, but that we are intimate with God. Really, really intimate.
So, what I am saying is that if we could just get up in the morning, and start thinking for the glory of God - pure thoughts, thoughts of how we can participate in what God is doing in our lives that day, and speak truth and grace into the lives of those we encounter that day, and obey God as He nudges us along... I really think that is what giving Him glory looks like. Not me, walking around holding up one hand with two fingers up and two fingers gently folded, like the statues I saw growing up in the Catholic church... but me loving others... putting them first... listening with empathy and compassion...remembering that everyone I encounter is a miracle, and they are loved by God. I think that's what "perfection" looks like. It's real life. Filled with Joy, Hope, and Grace. And that's what I hope for today.. for you... for me.
Have a great day!
Somewhere in the conversation a few mornings ago, I said this to God. And, I am actually sure that I meant it. And even more incredible than that, for the very first time, I really believed it was possible. What I mean, is that it is really possible for this finite, foolish, messed-up dude to be able to bring glory to God all day long. Every word, every thought, and every thing...
At first glance, it sounds like one of those prayers you get on a bookmark... great sentiment. (For all I know, there is a bookmark out there with this prayer... as posted earlier, I am not sure that I ever had an original thought :-) But you know what I mean... it sounds really pie-in-the-sky; unreachable, yet really fun to "wish" for. The funny thing is, though, I really did believe it. And I still do.
Now you are thinking there must have been something else in my coffee besides caffeine. I swear, I don't do drugs...any more :-). I am serious: I really can bring glory to God all day long - every word, every thought, every thing. Romans 8:28 says: " For we know all things work together for good, for those who love God, for those who are called, according to His purpose." God did say all things. I used to repeat this verse over and over and over, as I trudged through th emuck of my life... kind of a montra to take away the pain of the mystery of why so many things in my life are screwed up. But something new has entered into my mind. And I think I like it: I potentially can become the man that God has created me to be! Yes!! (spoken fiercely, fist clutched, elbow drawn quickly back to my waste...)
Follow me here: God says that even as messed up as I am, He is going to conform me into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). Well, Jesus brought glory to God all day long... right? True, Jesus is God, but He was also 100% man as He lived for us on earth. Scriptures says He came down here to be with us so He really knows how it feels to be human. If He had some special "something" that in truth made Him not really man, something that we could not attain, then we would be in trouble. I believe the truth is that we really can give glory to God all day long, every day. Granted, it is a tall order, and the probability is remote, but it is still something to aspire to. Ever Peter reminded us that God said, "Be holy as I am holy." While I am sure the pessimistic phrase, "Nobody's perfect." is a true statement as it applies to all humans other than Jesus, I really do not think that is what bringing glory to God means. Not that we are perfect, but that we are intimate with God. Really, really intimate.
So, what I am saying is that if we could just get up in the morning, and start thinking for the glory of God - pure thoughts, thoughts of how we can participate in what God is doing in our lives that day, and speak truth and grace into the lives of those we encounter that day, and obey God as He nudges us along... I really think that is what giving Him glory looks like. Not me, walking around holding up one hand with two fingers up and two fingers gently folded, like the statues I saw growing up in the Catholic church... but me loving others... putting them first... listening with empathy and compassion...remembering that everyone I encounter is a miracle, and they are loved by God. I think that's what "perfection" looks like. It's real life. Filled with Joy, Hope, and Grace. And that's what I hope for today.. for you... for me.
Have a great day!
Just getting started
This, being the very first blog, will be the most boring. I know, that is not the way you are supposed to do these things... but, I really do not like the conventional. Not really. Not at all. I think the rules say you need to start with something profound, but you know.. it's about 9:42 PM and I am just tired.
I did want to say that the blog name is "Coffee with God". Honestly, I thought I made that up. I was really proud of how creative and deep that was... that's probably not a good sign about how good this blog will be :-) But really, I thought it was like, a new idea... You know.. coffee.. a very popular drink... and then God... I mean He is REAL popular. His book has been translated in to pretty much every language that has writing, and tons of movies have been made about Him. Some people give tons of money to His followers, and some people just get REAL mad when you talk about His Son. ((Jesus, in case you don't know Him yet...) So anyway - I thought it was a cool idea. So when I googled it, it turns out I wasn't the first one. And then, when I tried to get the address here on blogspot, it didn't work again. The bubble... she was bursted... that's all I am gonna say about that.
So, the coffee with God thing... no really, I have changed subjects... for the last few weeks, I have woken up, I grab a cup of coffee, and go outside on my back porch and just sit with God. (He hasn't touched His cup...) I hang out.. sometimes I pray... some times I just listen. Every time, it is a good time. Time well spent. Me and God, we are getting to know each other better. (If you know God, you will know He knows me completely, so that statement really was intended to be tongue in cheek...)(You will get used to me)(and I do use a lot of ...) (yep... I know.)
And there you have it. The first post, or blog, or whatever you call it. It's in the can... or whatever the proper geek term is.
Just relax... grab a cup of coffee... Let's just see what happens:-)
God is good.
I did want to say that the blog name is "Coffee with God". Honestly, I thought I made that up. I was really proud of how creative and deep that was... that's probably not a good sign about how good this blog will be :-) But really, I thought it was like, a new idea... You know.. coffee.. a very popular drink... and then God... I mean He is REAL popular. His book has been translated in to pretty much every language that has writing, and tons of movies have been made about Him. Some people give tons of money to His followers, and some people just get REAL mad when you talk about His Son. ((Jesus, in case you don't know Him yet...) So anyway - I thought it was a cool idea. So when I googled it, it turns out I wasn't the first one. And then, when I tried to get the address here on blogspot, it didn't work again. The bubble... she was bursted... that's all I am gonna say about that.
So, the coffee with God thing... no really, I have changed subjects... for the last few weeks, I have woken up, I grab a cup of coffee, and go outside on my back porch and just sit with God. (He hasn't touched His cup...) I hang out.. sometimes I pray... some times I just listen. Every time, it is a good time. Time well spent. Me and God, we are getting to know each other better. (If you know God, you will know He knows me completely, so that statement really was intended to be tongue in cheek...)(You will get used to me)(and I do use a lot of ...) (yep... I know.)
And there you have it. The first post, or blog, or whatever you call it. It's in the can... or whatever the proper geek term is.
Just relax... grab a cup of coffee... Let's just see what happens:-)
God is good.
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