tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1541349556101135972024-03-05T12:06:38.271-06:00Pastor Jason's BlogOccasional Thoughts, Concerns, and Lessons LearnedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-57136494947126250572018-02-12T15:10:00.000-06:002018-02-12T15:10:16.220-06:00Your Life is Like a House<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGYO1ZYZ85MaJPEPoAQXCLgQDLYV3gW5iRAi7uJp_9VFRtKd22ExhEzcoPn3CjeAL1oLZwb5pvpaPmReohu8erLTheRv2rjZNDf-6siA6RvIXJoWWHHEMnWVSj91OE8mLUTtLGBv88faG/s1600/Foyer-In-New-Construction-Home-5087423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGYO1ZYZ85MaJPEPoAQXCLgQDLYV3gW5iRAi7uJp_9VFRtKd22ExhEzcoPn3CjeAL1oLZwb5pvpaPmReohu8erLTheRv2rjZNDf-6siA6RvIXJoWWHHEMnWVSj91OE8mLUTtLGBv88faG/s320/Foyer-In-New-Construction-Home-5087423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your life is like a
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not just any old house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind, it has two floors with an open
atrium at the front entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you let
people in, they step under a twenty-foot ceiling with a humble chandelier
above them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twin stairs wrap the opposing
walls that introduce themselves to the guest on either side, but only for show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They inform the guests that there’s more to
the house than meets the eye, but no one is really allowed upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the right and left of the vestibule are
matching living rooms that are decorated to the owner’s taste: some with many
books like a library, others with sports posters and factual statistics kept on
hand to compliment a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
people keep the front part of the house immaculately clean and tidy,
accompanied by a well-practiced smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, almost anyone can come into the foyer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The back rooms on
the first floor are a little more difficult to get to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple inquiry is usually all it takes to
gain access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the back corners is
reserved for the owner’s favorite kitchen style; mine is half-Italian,
half-Mexican.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mood is set with low
lights, appropriate restaurant décor, and a well-worn wooden table with many
marks and character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the wall hang a
plethora of memories that are blurry at first, but come alive during the course
of a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, the best part is sharing
a cigar afterward and simply lingering with a full stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I don’t smoke, but if I did, it would be a
cigar after a meal with close friends.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The back hallway
is lined with pictures of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Underneath each picture is a list of pertinent information like how we
met, family connections, interests and preferences, and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always seem to be moving and rearranging
themselves in an unkept fashion, with no real rules to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the ones closest to the kitchen are
always more familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other back corner
room is another hang out place that is different for each owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing significant about it,
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s the catch-all
room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Upstairs is where
all the important rooms are kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
goes up here except the owner, who decorates each room according to what is most dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, my three kids have separate rooms
filled with laughter, tears, facial expressions, and moments that look like a
bed, dresser/mirror, and night stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Since m</span>y
guests can’t go into these rooms, I can sometimes bring an item down to the kitchen like <i>show and tell</i>, if I can get my words just
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one seems to appreciate those
unique antiques like I do, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids’
rooms seem to be growing with more and more collectibles. (I collect things from my extended family and really close friends in other rooms too.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At first, my wife had
her own room on the second floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
her room kept expanding disproportionately to the house until she became part of
the house itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, she’s like a musical color that has invaded every room, on every wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no space in my house where she isn’t
represented in some way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the most
hidden room of all; the center room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Imagine a ten-foot
by ten-foot square center of the house from top to bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is enclosed; no doors, no windows, yet you
can see every part of the house from inside this center room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost like the walls are translucent,
but only one-way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(My center room is
red, because it’s the inside of my heart.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s an old, cozy couch in here next to a stereo system that blares
random music on its own, and is often stuck on repeat for hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can detect the health of this room by the vibrancy and brightness
of it's red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time it pulses
vividly to the rhythm of whatever is playing through the dancing speakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But other times it can get pretty dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not pitch black, but like a flicker every now
and again that could last an hour if I’m not paying attention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Guests rarely get
a glimpse of what goes on in this room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After forty years of managing this house, I’ve gotten pretty good at
keeping the front rooms clean and the back kitchen stocked with the necessary
items; like a healthy supply of honey-buttered biscuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone likes honey-buttered biscuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people would rather show their guest out
of the house cordially if things got too close and personal, but I like it my
way better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There isn’t a cure
for that dark flickering that happens in the center room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, there is, but it is extremely invasive and
can take over the whole house if you’re not careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trade-off is that your center room will
burn with the brightest red you’ve ever seen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, Jesus should know how to light a heart on fire because He’s
the one who built everyone’s center rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Jesus likes to mess with the other rooms in your house, which is why
He is seldom invited in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll tell you
this though: Jesus is the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you let
Him reorganize your house and set it straight, the sky is the limit on upgrades
and square footage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t call Him
the carpenter’s son for nothing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still,
some people want Jesus in their house without access to a secret attic space
above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pain is locked away in there, and
it drips into the other rooms occasionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure who they think they’re fooling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell them, “Dude, Jesus already knows what’s
in that attic whether you hide it from me or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might as well give up and give God access
to every part of your heart!” I wonder why they seem fine without a healthy core, but then the music changes and it's somebody else's turn to come in the foyer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus is still
working on my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll let Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see how it turns out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-74382414700770573742017-09-27T16:30:00.000-05:002017-09-27T16:30:23.579-05:00Big City Folks Can Be Rural Pastors Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmXRLAgu3v8Brnf2fa3MGXjD412P-r7g-5qPrP7URhy-Y4_kHzcKh_6A32rb74nH9RPqzPOpocmRFoU5mzxzeO7caz-21JBaEn0wxRPnUG8XK0uVo9a2WPLHeDyHgUCH5IqbIut-O8xfa/s1600/depositphotos_11527784-stock-photo-american-country-with-blurred-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1023" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmXRLAgu3v8Brnf2fa3MGXjD412P-r7g-5qPrP7URhy-Y4_kHzcKh_6A32rb74nH9RPqzPOpocmRFoU5mzxzeO7caz-21JBaEn0wxRPnUG8XK0uVo9a2WPLHeDyHgUCH5IqbIut-O8xfa/s320/depositphotos_11527784-stock-photo-american-country-with-blurred-big.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My name is Jason and I’m a rural pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My wife
and I consider rural ministry our calling for life – even though I wasn’t born
in a small town. I was born in Los
Angeles, population: 7.25 million people (in 1977). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Los Angeles, CA: 7.25
million<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Other
rural pastors can usually brag about their cowboy or mountain-roaming roots;
but for me, the country setting of America wasn’t originally in my
wheelhouse. “Rural” was a stereotypical
word that gave me mental images of <i>Little
House on the Prairie</i> scenes with horseback riding and long underwear attire. I know how most native rural people respond: <i>what’s wrong with that?</i> But to clear up any urban stereotypical
questions: I wasn’t a part of an L.A. gang; I wasn’t taught how to spray paint
graffiti at school; nor did I own any cardigan sweaters or surfboards. We did go to Jack Hayford’s mega church though, where
I followed Jesus at an early age. And, I did meet movie stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tulsa, OK: 350K<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> In
1989, my parents moved us to Tulsa, OK with a population of 350,000. Although significantly smaller, it was still relatively
urban. I went to another large church. I attended a large school that graduated 700
students in 1995 (and I only knew about half of them). We went to the mall every weekend and drove
on four-lane asphalt roads with multiple street lights. I was a full-fledge city boy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mannford, OK: 3,500<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> But God has
a funny sense of humor. My first
ministry experience took me to a small town of about 3,500 people. It only had one stoplight. For the next 12 years I served as a youth
pastor for a church around 150 in size, and I never felt more at home. Pastor Don Yandell showed me how to visit the
sick, pray for the hurting, and treat everyone with dignity regardless of race,
gender, or social class. His specialty was hospitality. He was patient with this city boy and
invested in me. Little did I know I was
being bitten by the rural bug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> To complete the metamorphosis, I met a small town girl who never thought she’d marry a big city
boy. God is funny like that and now
she’s stuck, I tell her. In 15 years of
marital bliss, she has successfully turned me into a country boy. (Well, kind of. I have boots, but I still love and miss the ocean.) To this day, our three kids have been born
and raised in small towns. They’ll have
rural roots they may or may not be proud of, and it makes me smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Broken Bow, OK: 4,000<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Our
family was drawn to another small town for the next three years where I served a larger church of about 250 </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(again as youth pastor)</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">. This town had three stoplights! Pastor Terry Bradley showed me how to excel
in administration and personal growth, teaching me also how to manage systems and
teams. By this time, the rural
transformation in my heart had not only taken root, but was confirmed in dreams
and visions about our ministry future.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Barnsdall, OK: 1,200<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> In 2014,
God began to stir our hearts about becoming senior pastors. It was both exciting and extremely
frightening. As we prayed and fasted, God
continued to confirm our rural calling which helped us navigate the open-church
list with purpose and precision. We also
submitted to our denominational leadership which helped direct us to yet another
small town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> By June
of that year, Barnsdall Assembly of God decided to take a risk on a first-time,
young senior pastor. They didn’t really
have a choice, though – our names were the only ones in the running. They had less than 20 people, no money in the
bank, no organized board to help lead, and no parsonage. But we didn’t mind; we were at total peace
that God had put the nativity-star over Barnsdall that led us to this
place. Brenda didn’t flinch when it was
suggested that our family live in the church.
Our kids didn’t care that all their beds were crammed in one room
formerly used for Sunday School. I’ll be
honest though, it was pretty rough when some church folks would come in without
calling ahead first just because they had a church key. We lived like that for 26 months and somehow,
God gave us a grace to deal with it all. The folks there have been incredibly loving and progressive, with slow, steady growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It was
the praying and fasting beforehand that clenched a resolute, all-in-spirit
within us. Either God would build His
church or we’d die trying. If we failed,
we figured we would just brush ourselves off and get back up again. I mean, all we were really doing was saying
yes to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> By His
grace, three years later our attendance averages about 70 on Sundays and 50 on
Wednesday night Bible study. People are
getting saved and discipled. We give to
missions. We have a diversity of age groups. We’ve saved a little over
three months of expenses in the bank.
Our church is community-focused and gets involved regularly. And get this: at our first board meeting, men
full of faith decided to build a church parsonage! When I stop and think about all God has done
and continues to do, I’m blown away at the craziness of it all; even in our
little town of 1,200. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I’m
aware of several other <i>city folks</i> that haven’t had much success in rural
ministry. Pastoring in small towns isn’t
easy. You have to be available;
committed for the long haul; and willing to be patient when the pace of life
moves slower than anticipated. You also
have to guard against complacency and push yourself to learn more and lead
better. I’ve learned that wherever God
leads me I will follow. He is the lamp
unto my feet, and sometimes all I see is the very next step. God is funny like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Long
story short, here I am a city boy in rural America. And I love it. </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-15097306521916646082016-02-22T11:02:00.002-06:002016-02-22T11:02:56.204-06:00I Prayed for My Grandchildren Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10aDdgY6y9iLnhTdW2cL-zWm-6HkrxRlS3quhR62w8cXAdN1sySjaxx3tyjgBivfiJruf0I8fyqxxJxRIMxdUBj_dMfEh3Rw-pe1cSA0ZlD6fQkxYImE32DOsGpKJz9b7H9w-maXFIfBL/s1600/LegacyArt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10aDdgY6y9iLnhTdW2cL-zWm-6HkrxRlS3quhR62w8cXAdN1sySjaxx3tyjgBivfiJruf0I8fyqxxJxRIMxdUBj_dMfEh3Rw-pe1cSA0ZlD6fQkxYImE32DOsGpKJz9b7H9w-maXFIfBL/s320/LegacyArt1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I
prayed for my grandchildren today . . . and I don’t even have grandchildren! In fact, it is difficult for me to imagine my
9, 7 and 5-year-old children being parents.
I pray for my children every day.
My prayer is that they grow to become Godly men and women whose hearts
belong to Jesus. I pray that they <i>choose</i> Christ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But
today, God allowed me to see a grander picture of a possible legacy I could
leave, so I prayed for my grandchildren too.
I know God, who resides outside our space/time continuum, will transport
those prayers where they will be put to good use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I
wonder if I’m being affected by the many parents and grandparents I pray with
often for their children and grandchildren, many of whom are not living for
Jesus. These parental tears are
passionate; their hearts are crushed; and all they really want is a secure
eternity with the people they love most.
My heart breaks for them.
Consequently, I fear for the destiny of my own family. Will temptation be too great? Will an apathetic or agnostic spirit torment
them? Will they be surrounded by friends
or a spouse who don’t know You, God? As these
fears creep in my heart, faith also rises and fights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I
choose to believe that God will provide a strong heritage and steady platform
for my children to stand tall as God-chasers.
My hope is that God will reveal Himself to them in such a way that
living for Him becomes a non-negotiable.
I pray that they will be filled with wisdom to lead their own children
toward Grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When I
was a teenager, I was proud that my prayer life was picking up. At a family meeting, I told my grandfather,
who was a pastor, that I prayed for him weekly.
He smiled real big, and then his eyes widened as he said, “Jason, I pray
for you every day!” At the time, it just
felt like he one-upped me. But I cherish
those words more now than ever. My late
grandpa was the patriarch of our family and my continual role-model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So
today, I prayed for my grandchildren.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-46515649319785070882014-11-10T14:34:00.000-06:002014-11-10T14:34:41.710-06:00Pedigree Matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qgiwPsbme1Xl5OJoR5mtZo5AgQ4hS9-J0fQtywiqZW_h7lVE99NNBLjuBqkVPmK85f4P5n768LhSTUUiVRzEYFZG1KsgHqZqDyswcV4Ne2Q-1LKPuzk3J9bzSCeiHxGCWoRTxRq1RnxO/s1600/Star+Wars+Family.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qgiwPsbme1Xl5OJoR5mtZo5AgQ4hS9-J0fQtywiqZW_h7lVE99NNBLjuBqkVPmK85f4P5n768LhSTUUiVRzEYFZG1KsgHqZqDyswcV4Ne2Q-1LKPuzk3J9bzSCeiHxGCWoRTxRq1RnxO/s1600/Star+Wars+Family.png" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Your
family history can make you or break you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The key
word is <i>can</i>, because nothing is written in stone. Whether you come from a broken home or a
great home, you will ultimately be held responsible for the choices you
make. Some may not even know their biological parents who left genes with coded tendencies that sway them this
way or that. But every choice creates a
ripple. Yours included.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There
are many contrasts in the Bible between good and bad people. One such contrast is between the first and
second kings of Israel. It is
interesting to note the many differences of Saul and David. Saul is despised, while David is dignified. Saul is the selfish king who reigned from his
own desires while David was a “man after God’s own heart.” Among the differences is their <i>pedigree</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Saul
comes from the tribe of Benjamin, while David comes from Judah. Saul’s tribe is condemned at the end of the
book of Judges, while David’s ancestors are commended in the successive book of
Ruth. In Judges 19 through 21, an awkward
account is given of Gibeah’s poor choices.
(Gibeah was the capital of the Benjamites.) When a traveling Levite set up lodging, the
locals demanded to have sex with him. Instead,
they raped and killed his wife. The
dishonor of Israel caused a civil war costing the tribe of Benjamin 25,000 men. Generations later, Saul also bases his authority
on whim and feeling. He loses his reign
and his life because he did honor the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The
book of Ruth is a very different narrative.
“In the days when the judges ruled,” David’s ancestors seek to honor the
God of Israel; and one of them isn’t even Jewish! In short, a family left the country because
of a famine, and the boys married Moabite women. The men died quickly, leaving the mother
(Naomi) with two daughters-in-law (Orpah and Ruth). After Naomi’s bidding, Orpah returned
home. Ruth, on the other hand, was
interested in carrying on the family line.
For her faithfulness and loyalty, she is commended. She is recorded as the great-grandmother of
the most famous king of Israel: David.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You may
not come from a great family line, but you have the opportunity to impact the
generations after you. Your habits are
creating a pedigree for your children, and their children after them. Will they be stuck trying to break the chains
of your poor choices, or will they build on the good foundation you are
laying? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Pedigree matters.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-40014066507257802062014-07-23T11:30:00.000-05:002014-07-23T11:30:02.391-05:00Job's Deaf Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN10-C3HgccWNf76hxgx-R2jZ90iX5OGSr7ZyQe6qqBu5RgcQ6lUajgHMbaS2XPFW4Jj_yYejZEztnkNrL5m6nf2I4XlQDGrKZANIotkdacPUCk-bMMSNZ8hWO7IS31h32sXGfTEDhxSpQ/s1600/Job's+Deaf+Friends.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN10-C3HgccWNf76hxgx-R2jZ90iX5OGSr7ZyQe6qqBu5RgcQ6lUajgHMbaS2XPFW4Jj_yYejZEztnkNrL5m6nf2I4XlQDGrKZANIotkdacPUCk-bMMSNZ8hWO7IS31h32sXGfTEDhxSpQ/s1600/Job's+Deaf+Friends.png" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> While studying the book of Job, I found myself sympathizing with Job’s
friends. I mean, who of us when seeing a
friend suffer what would seem like judgment at his own hands could stick
around, remain silent and resist the temptation to rebuke? As a pastor-shepherd whose job it is to sometimes
help people grow even with a heart-stabbing remark, I sympathize with Job’s
friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After exchanging insults and "your mamma" jabs, I can see how frustrating it would would have gotten being called <i>Job's Friend</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But Job
shouted something at me in chapter 21, verse 2. “Listen, carefully!” he yelled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">In pain
Job cries, “Listen carefully!” to spiritually and emotionally deaf friends and
neighbors. “I’m hurting and you are not
helping.”</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have
to admit that I struggle with the gift of discerning between the right words and
the wrong ones; between when to say them and when to shut up. In the moment of a friend’s pain, as in Job’s
case, may I truly hear his heart – may I resist the temptation to be “right” –
may I offer my <i>silent</i> friendship that would shout a response to his deafening
cry, “I love you, and am here for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Instead
of being deaf to a friend’s cry for help, I wonder if we should ignore the
accusations. After all, isn't that what
Jesus does for us? </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-9426427676810662132013-10-23T09:50:00.001-05:002013-10-23T09:54:14.889-05:00Gravedigger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin62LVMAxahIh6fwrnmrFHsFuImHNqi0MaeqOkKQKOx7AjlMLma5o4oihUAKbDlUzgTxxr88UeLTJCNrfsLzAqnl9RfMQz-3pJ2HK7coryV3GvpGNlh7RgwpPRp7F7-XlDVjxGSNTSyhJU/s1600/Gravedigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin62LVMAxahIh6fwrnmrFHsFuImHNqi0MaeqOkKQKOx7AjlMLma5o4oihUAKbDlUzgTxxr88UeLTJCNrfsLzAqnl9RfMQz-3pJ2HK7coryV3GvpGNlh7RgwpPRp7F7-XlDVjxGSNTSyhJU/s1600/Gravedigger.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What do you do when a friend digs their <i>own</i> grave? What can
you pray when someone's sins are about to turn their world completely upside
down? Most of us avoid these gravediggers; I think because we're afraid we'll get sucked into the pit with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A man named Jeremiah faced such a situation a little less
than 3,000 years ago. The Israelites sinned constantly until God couldn't take
it anymore. "They've dug their own grave," He said in essence.
"In fact, do not pray for them, Jeremiah" (Jeremiah 7:16). When
someone's dug their own grave, what do we do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Weep</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet because of his
many tears for Israel. God basically told him there was no hope for his
countrymen. Jeremiah prayed otherwise. He hurt for them. It's O.K. to hurt for
those who have passed the point of no return. Instead of passing them off as
collateral damage, go ahead and hold onto the high value you placed on
friendship...and family. It is painful to hear about or watch a friend spiral
down an endless rabbit hole. But your broken heart will lead to intercession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Pray</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jeremiah disobeyed the Lord; he prayed for his country even
after God told him not to. He couldn't help it.
I will admit that sometimes I'm at a loss for how to pray for a friend
who is about to hit rock bottom. Didn't they dig this grave? Didn't they do this to themselves? </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremiah, on the
other hand, put himself in their shoes (Jeremiah 18:20) and spoke on their
behalf to God. Maybe God was just testing Jeremiah. Either way, his love for his neighbors brought him to his knees. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Stay</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The most damaging thing about sin
is separation. The sinner is separated from God, and the "non-sinners"
(even though there is no such person) avoids them like the plague. Stay with
your hurting brother or sister as long as possible. You may be the only Jesus
that shows true friendship by sticking around while everyone else threatens to
throw stones. Jeremiah also stuck around sinful Israel after the threats of the
Babylonians became reality. He stayed to hold hands, share meals, and weep some
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Everyone acts differently when
they come across a gravedigger. Most people keep moving along as if nothing is
happening. Others go the other extreme by grabbing a shovel and digging a deeper hole only to push them in. I think most gravediggers know their fate. They're just
looking for someone who cares; someone who can spark hope and life. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Gravediggers may be looking for someone to help them bury the hatchet.</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> How will you respond when a
gravedigger near you starts digging their own grave?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-35392028058410257542013-05-10T11:03:00.001-05:002013-10-23T11:50:01.335-05:00Deaf or Dumb?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA2fs4MiQVZjY8D5jnbehmJnaguluitPAudhkDnq5OZEOlGCxX9F54TEEYYpxtQ2hsjK2Ce3lZaegt-huWHAE44uc2Wfpc8UIevQb1VrkydwzhKXnYGcWHvYl4juCHW9iAn_eLKo_xHna/s1600/deaf++or+dumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA2fs4MiQVZjY8D5jnbehmJnaguluitPAudhkDnq5OZEOlGCxX9F54TEEYYpxtQ2hsjK2Ce3lZaegt-huWHAE44uc2Wfpc8UIevQb1VrkydwzhKXnYGcWHvYl4juCHW9iAn_eLKo_xHna/s320/deaf++or+dumb.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Deaf or dumb? I've been accused of both. Which would we choose, spiritually speaking?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> At the beginning of this 2013th year our
church went through the Daniel fast. I
can only say with honesty that I tried to participate. However, we were all encouraged to seek a
goal throughout the 30 day prayer-emphasis.
Mine was to hear the voice of God!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The fast has long since been over, and my
goal has continued on even in this month of May. I'm inspired when I read about the prophets
in the Bible who HEARD the voice of the Lord.
Some of those men seemingly heard God's voice audibly! Can you imagine? My dream is to hear God's voice so clearly
that I can undeniably carry out His
instructions with faith and fervency.
But . . . I think there is a problem with my logic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In order to have faith, I think there is
by definition a certain degree of uncertainty; an unseen path; and perhaps an
unheard command. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">That's what the writer of Hebrews alludes to: "Faith is being . . . certain of what we do not see." </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If this is true it
bothers me.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It's uncomfortable.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Even scary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> However, I'm more afraid that I've been
influenced by a world that says, "Seeing is believing." My prayer has become, "Let me see You so
I can follow; let me hear You so I can
obey." Aha! And there's my problem . . .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
obey. REGARDLESS of whether or I hear or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I wonder if the reason the prophets were
able to hear the voice of God so clearly is because they obeyed. This isn't about doing something to earn
God's love or salvation. It's about what
we do after we receive the knowledge of God's love and salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I also wonder if God can trust me with
hearing His voice. Should I learn to be
obedient regardless of my circumstances?
Regardless of my opinions?
Regardless of my doubt?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If I had to choose, I'd rather be deaf
than dumb.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (Now, before you bombard me with theological rebuttals, I'll have you know my aim is to hear AND obey.)</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What is God telling you to do? Are you in a position where you need to obey the Lord without question? </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-70958351864215462322013-03-02T10:37:00.000-06:002013-03-02T10:37:27.722-06:00God Named You First<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0iSf9_J9y47IxHaXlikOqUOaq3ViqJmcRW0qsgmIxvCMPmda-YDFcAHPWp9S2nvbP2fuaw14hQmvpe1dVzS9yFlBoDSHIcGNtqjf70Xm9H_BtpJVe7JhfAeoUi567NNVlMVdBRKirzcQ/s1600/God+Named+You+First.2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0iSf9_J9y47IxHaXlikOqUOaq3ViqJmcRW0qsgmIxvCMPmda-YDFcAHPWp9S2nvbP2fuaw14hQmvpe1dVzS9yFlBoDSHIcGNtqjf70Xm9H_BtpJVe7JhfAeoUi567NNVlMVdBRKirzcQ/s320/God+Named+You+First.2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Did you know that
God named you first? Yeah, God has a little white rock that says so; but we'll get to that in a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In a world that
tells you to be different and stand out but then push you to conformity, I can
see how easy it is for an identity crisis to develop. Now more than ever we are asking, "Does
my life matter?" "Do I have a
purpose or a destiny?" And,
"Who am I?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have good
news! Whether your birth was planned and
your parents picked your name out when they were in first grade; or perhaps you
were a surprise, or even unwanted – the One who really gets the credit for your
existence is God. In fact, before you
were formed in the womb, He knew you (Jeremiah 1:5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> So, before you
pursue your identity, let God illuminate His purpose! </i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The reason for
this post isn't to expound deeply on the purpose of our lives…but only to
encourage you to seek first Christ, the author of your life-book. The object of our being is both universal and
individual. Generally speaking, we were
created to glorify God! This is our collective destiny; God’s original plan for us.
However, He also made everyone as unique as their thumb print, with
personality and dreams to match. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Why not seek the
great Designer before trying to figure out the design?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here's the deal about that little white rock I was talking about earlier. Check out
Revelation 2:17: <span style="color: red;">“To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden
manna. I will also give him a white
stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”</span> Think of that day when Jesus pulls us closer
to Him, reaches in His pocket and pulls out a rock! He’ll look around to make sure no one is
looking, and He’ll show us our <b>TRUE</b> identity!
(Mine will say Hercules. I know...you're not surprised.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yes…we may not
see this rock until we enter Heaven, but I submit to you that because
Revelation was written in the first century, our identity (or our new name) was
established long before we were born.
Your blueprint is available upon request, submission, and obedience! We don’t have to wait to find out who we were
created to be. Lose your life for
Christ’s sake, and there you will find it (Matthew 16:25).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Maybe you like
your name . . . and then again, maybe you’d love to legally change it like
Metta World Peace did! The truth of the
matter is: <b>GOD NAMED YOU FIRST!</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-74574353113308667942013-02-21T21:38:00.001-06:002016-02-22T16:09:05.954-06:00The Reason I Like Rainbows<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySdxS5uT0AI7FTh7DLY_MN1Jq_q0S6y9K21qIxWwzEp_ohIXiuUkNLtDTh9rRLDU6yUX8tK1_AnGiqVaa-DTpiU-L2teT2Ejn0Dgcw24vBvGaYSYD7BKHEvyWDJv9-TIkt9tPaIQblHDC/s1600/Rainbow+People.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySdxS5uT0AI7FTh7DLY_MN1Jq_q0S6y9K21qIxWwzEp_ohIXiuUkNLtDTh9rRLDU6yUX8tK1_AnGiqVaa-DTpiU-L2teT2Ejn0Dgcw24vBvGaYSYD7BKHEvyWDJv9-TIkt9tPaIQblHDC/s320/Rainbow+People.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Whenever people want us to pick our favorite color, I get perplexed because I like them all. It's probably because I don't want to leave one out. Being an artist, I can’t imagine a pallet with a missing color. It would be like a mechanic with a toolbox without
a socket wrench, or a chef with drawers that have no whisks. Sure you could get by for a little while, but why?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I often get teased because I openly
embrace the rainbow. The sentimentality isn't political, but artistic. There’s just something about a band of colors
that unite and stretch across the sky to show the world that differences can be
overlooked! Can we learn from the rainbow? We, too, can work together to glorify the Creator of those colors. The same One who painted the universe also
made different personalities available to the Church so that she would be
brushed with life and character. And <i>that’s</i> the real reason I like the rainbow so
much. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Do you feel like God gave you something to offer this world? Do you ever feel like others can sometimes try to fit you into a mold you weren't created for? I can so relate. The answer, however, isn't found in individuality and forcing your views on others. Instead...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>What I’ve
learned is that if I want others to accept my differences, I must also accept the
differences in others.</i></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The Bible says that God commands His “blessing
and life forevermore” on those who choose to live in unity (Psalm 133). Do you have a roommate? Do you live with your family? If so, you know firsthand how difficult it is
to mesh lives. There is nothing worse
than being in the mood for a certain cereal and grabbing a bowl, a spoon, and
the milk only to find that your cereal is gone! I don't know about you, but it's enough to get me mad! But I believe God invented the family to smooth off our rough (& selfish) edges. This translates well for the church family too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I heard a pastor (Dr. Ron McManus) talk
about a newcomers meeting he held regularly for inquiring members. He made sure he said the following, “Here in
our church someone’s going to make you mad.
That’s when we’ll see what you’re made of!” </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is that living with unity is
difficult. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I’ll tell you a secret. The key to unity is our willingness to let
the Holy Spirit work in our relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My former pastor Don Yandell says, “The Holy
Spirit is the oil of relationships.” That reminds me of a time I drove for a food vendor delivering cold sandwiches. Everything was smooth sailing on the highway
with pretty blue birds flying overhead, and the smell of fresh-cut grass in the air . . . I
think I even saw a rainbow in the sky.
Then all of a sudden, BAM! My
Suzuki box truck came to a screeching halt on a busy 3-lane highway. I pulled over safely amidst the smoke rising
from the hood. Come to find out I ran
out of oil! One of the pistons had all
it could take with the intense heat and friction and decided to crack the engine
block. It cost the company ten grand. One little quart of oil could have spared many
tears and a serious rump-roast back at the office! The Holy Spirit acts as the oil in our relationships that helps prevent friction. A small encounter with the Holy Spirit on a
daily basis can make a large impact in the body of Christ. The fruits of the Spirit will help us treat
each other the way Christ has commanded us: with love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Everyone has a place in God's kingdom! So the next time you think you can do
without your Christian brother or sister, think of how the rainbow would appear without the color yellow, or red, or blue.
Or purple. Let's not forget green. Oh, and orange . . . and .
. .</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-26614060003294660372013-02-14T07:04:00.002-06:002013-02-14T07:04:37.336-06:00Behind Every Great Man . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJQqo9TeCwm7fVoAixad_bQqc_TQ3wFtZURl-040Zux0fnfe7Lk_g4c6UtJrQnHKNXBztkojaW5UuHlLdoLiieN2hIQuiou-eiCOuenKgD8M5fdYOl_Qbgahi2Ue6M2DYpJOMpe6OhHV7/s1600/Brenda+Joy+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJQqo9TeCwm7fVoAixad_bQqc_TQ3wFtZURl-040Zux0fnfe7Lk_g4c6UtJrQnHKNXBztkojaW5UuHlLdoLiieN2hIQuiou-eiCOuenKgD8M5fdYOl_Qbgahi2Ue6M2DYpJOMpe6OhHV7/s320/Brenda+Joy+Collage.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Surely you've heard the quote,</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> “Behind every great man there’s a great woman.”</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It should be: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Behind every great man there’s an even <b>GREATER</b> woman!”</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Now before you
dismiss this post as some devious way to exalt myself, please allow me to admit
and openly confess that I am not a great man.
I’m really a nobody that ended up meeting a somebody! This post is all about my better half. She is everything I wrote down in a prayer
to God about a future wife, and then some.
With Valentine’s Day in mind, here’s to the special and amazing woman of
God you are, Brenda Joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Being a married
man since 2002, I can see now (and hope to continue to see more in coming
years) how influential and powerful the woman is in the home. As a couple weaves their lives together as
one under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they begin to hold sway over the
other in ways that are intense, psychological and spiritual. For instance, good or bad, my attitude,
mental and spiritual well-being are directly affected by the status of my
relationship with Brenda, my wife. If
we’re at odds, I’ll do life on a poorer level than when we’re at peace and in
complete unity. The old adage is true:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“If mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Most women know
and use the power they have over men. But
most women fail at understanding that if they could build their husbands up
with that same influence it would benefit their relationship on every
level. It’s actually a fulfillment of
the law of Christ that you carry the burden for, encourage, and love others. How much more true and magnified is this than
in a marriage?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A strong woman
takes the weight off! Believe me. I would crumple under the weight of the world
if I didn't have the security of my home in place. That security isn't in the fact that Brenda
and I are so compatible we could have easily been matched on eHarmony.com. And you won’t find it in our check books or
gas tanks or closets or refrigerator either.
Our security is found only in Christ!
When I see my wife reading the Bible and living out the fruits of the
Spirit in our relationship, I know we’re going to be O.K. no matter what
obstacle we face. All that does is spur
me on to read the Bible more and challenge my own integrity and character in
everyday life. W.W.B.D.? It’s not like she doesn't experience weaknesses;
but her steady resolve to put Christ first in every part of our marriage takes
the weight off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Some men have
money or power or fame. I have a Godly,
gorgeous wife. So, bam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Now,
I’m sure I need to be helping her out like doing the dishes, or laundry, or
something besides writing this post . . .</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-45839032349127607332013-02-06T22:12:00.002-06:002013-02-06T22:16:05.593-06:00I Love the Law! Wait...what?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw37mrUky1SLXW6GNC6SgX_HbTjTbUw-uFWHdFi3_2DGoTcFe_Bba9lJTiBnJVdjXNF8_ijRz3sCRPVUQuh62GyfL5dE-w6dMe9_6zyiSWbm7oWeZ1lG9SYZAAnq67ScQKIyTZTg32bsi/s1600/teenager+reading+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw37mrUky1SLXW6GNC6SgX_HbTjTbUw-uFWHdFi3_2DGoTcFe_Bba9lJTiBnJVdjXNF8_ijRz3sCRPVUQuh62GyfL5dE-w6dMe9_6zyiSWbm7oWeZ1lG9SYZAAnq67ScQKIyTZTg32bsi/s320/teenager+reading+Bible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The other day I was reading in Psalms and
came across a disturbing verse. It was
Psalm 119:16 and says, “I <b><i><u>delight</u></i></b> in Your decrees . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> I stopped reading and thought, "Wait just a minute . . . so let me get
this straight, Mr. Psalmist, you</span><i style="line-height: 115%;"> like</i><span style="line-height: 115%;">
rules?" Well that’s the first. I don’t know anyone who particularly enjoys
rules (especially when the penalty of consequence is invoked upon them). Most of us agree that we </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">need</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> rules. We need that
stoplight in town telling people to go or stop so that the student driver </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> T-bone my car with my kiddos in it.
We need the signs at Wal-Mart and Target that say “Stealing will not be
tolerated” to help avoid our </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">sky-scraping</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> inflation from being further damaged
by people who want to live outside the law.
But to </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">like</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> these rules is
entirely different. Obviously the psalmist isn't talking about the general laws of the land, but about God's laws; but the same principles of our love and obedience to them still applies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> As I read on in Psalm 119, another verse
popped out that I could relate to better: “Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in Your law” (v. 18). Now
that’s more like it. I’m all about
honesty. Sometimes I want to say, “God,
Your laws stink! So help me to see the
good in obedient living!” It’s usually
about this time that God will smile and pull me closer to Him like a father
does his son with a gentle side hug.
He’ll show me a verse like in Psalm 119:24 that says, “[My] statutes are
[your] counselors.” Then He’ll show me several
more verses like 67, 71, 92, 105, 130, 140 and then back to 59. “</span><span style="line-height: 18px;">You've</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> done it your way, cowboy,” He will
say. “And </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">your</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> way never works!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> God’s right, you know. He’s always
right.</i></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The psalmist writes in verse 32 that the purpose
of God’s laws is not for restriction, but for freedom! Jesus said that His burden is light. He </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> want to harness us with a
lifestyle of rigid rules. In fact, He only
has two basic rules that all other rules flow out of. Consider these two rules the mother and
father of all laws and regulations: 1) Love God with everything in you, and 2)
Love and care for others like you love and care for yourself (Mt. 22:36-40). Now that’s simple. Not only simple, but truly liberating as
well!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Maybe that’s what the psalmist figured
out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Consider the old saying of the hippies, “It’s
all about love, man.” They were on to
something . . . but never joined that idea with God’s Word. The marriage of love and obedience is really
what it’s all about. As I continued
reading on in Psalm 119, I learned how the psalmist loved God’s law and chose
to follow and obey them. It may sound
easy and honorable, but he ends 119 with a confession: “(v. 176) I have strayed
like a lost sheep. Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten Your commands.” </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Isn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> it funny how the closer we get to God the further away from Him we seem? Perhaps I’m weird that way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Like the psalmist, all I
know is that I need God to guide my life.
I am a miserable screw-up that will continue to get it wrong all the days
of my life when I do things <b><i>MY</i></b> way. Thank God for His Holy Word
that helps me; guides me; and encourages me!
It makes me want to jump up and shout, “I love the law! Wait…what?!”</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-71294527267550056712013-02-02T20:10:00.000-06:002013-02-04T18:42:33.535-06:00Leadership Trick: Pull, Don't Push<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFADSBgiK43Sysd9AdkgShTciWTI1RTIg6nM-YCN0b_5c7SJnP76_eqir6Z75-44crvCyjyQIWl3bQIiP4FvSFLHnl0XiFVRA31W0l9ej8yNM0ehFob36dGkhsaAJa-jOJcnA1Q8_tiErE/s1600/Pull+Don't+Push.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFADSBgiK43Sysd9AdkgShTciWTI1RTIg6nM-YCN0b_5c7SJnP76_eqir6Z75-44crvCyjyQIWl3bQIiP4FvSFLHnl0XiFVRA31W0l9ej8yNM0ehFob36dGkhsaAJa-jOJcnA1Q8_tiErE/s320/Pull+Don't+Push.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Are you
in a position of influence over others?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If so, you’ve probably struggled with people who possess stubbornness,
pride, ignorance, and some flat out cold hearts while leading them. As a
minister that helps oversee a flock, I am endlessly trying to find ways to
influence people for their betterment. Although
it is easier (and lazy) to point and say, “Go that way!”, I heard a challenging
quote about leading by example: “It is better to pull rather than push.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The
thought provoking statement reminds me that no one likes being pushed and
possibly bullied (at least from their perspective); but everyone likes a
helping hand. Most people will readily
accept a word of advice or a word of experience from someone who has done it
before or are currently modeling inspiring behavior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have
learned two general reasons why people will not be “pushed” toward a goal. The first reason is that they may not be
ready. The second is that I may be a hypocrite. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The
difficulty of motivating people has been written about one thousand times a
thousand. Let’s face it: some people
aren’t ready to change! Allow me to give
you Biblical examples from the New Testament.
Peter did not change overnight; he was as stubborn and bull-headed as
some of us are. What about Judas Iscariot? Even Jesus couldn’t (or
wouldn’t) <i>force</i> change from him, who arguably never moved toward any
goal of righteousness. So, to expect a
change of behavior from everyone in your sphere of influence is unrealistic. Some people just aren’t ready. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Something
we should <i>always</i> consider before
giving advice or direction is looking in the mirror. Self-evaluation and repentance are the keys
to discipleship. We are called to make
disciples of Christ; but we will NEVER MAKE disciples of we are NOT disciples
ourselves. Are you familiar with
drowning rescue procedures? It is better
if you stay in the boat and throw a life-line so that you can pull someone back
to safety. But perhaps you decide to jump in
the water: experts teach to drag (or pull) someone toward safety rather than
push them (and risk both of you drowning).
The inescapable truth is that we cannot lead someone where we haven’t
been.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I can’t force people to change; but especially so if I haven’t experienced change, myself.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We all
would like to be known as influential people.
There’s a simple trick of motivation that many overlook: to lead by
example. Some may never change; sometimes due to
the condition of their hearts . . . but never let your lack of personal growth
be the reason. If we are on the Rock
promising relief to those in peril, we will find that it is much easier to pull
rather than push.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154134955610113597.post-80824368424744864482013-01-31T09:21:00.001-06:002013-02-01T00:58:04.938-06:00Judging Samson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokTQAV8qae55_LLh_f8UIR4tIt8BfSLri1sZg7y-gmL9_4ksOlqaoT9otxqgx8D2paAzxEi-aABmE3etGX5RT-RCpWhjGIaSTCMDIJqQXlE071XZO-mnH-jqF7x1QJ0NpdUtpJ8-4Rppn/s1600/mean-judge_616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokTQAV8qae55_LLh_f8UIR4tIt8BfSLri1sZg7y-gmL9_4ksOlqaoT9otxqgx8D2paAzxEi-aABmE3etGX5RT-RCpWhjGIaSTCMDIJqQXlE071XZO-mnH-jqF7x1QJ0NpdUtpJ8-4Rppn/s320/mean-judge_616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The
Bible dares to include stories of good people doing bad things.</b> One such story is of a man named Samson and
is recorded in the book of <i>Judges</i>. Ironically, many of us feel the need to JUDGE
Samson’s life (as well as the lives of many others). We ask questions like: “Was Samson a man of
God who was loyal and dedicated?” “Did
he live his life for God or for himself?”
“How good a guy was Samson, really?”
And my favorite, “How does my life compare with Samson’s?” Samson was supposed to be dedicated to the
Lord but was consistently impulsive and angry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We ask
questions of judgment all the time about the Samsons of our day; whether it is about
our neighbors, acquaintances, coworkers, and many others. In fact, I constantly size myself up with
people that I ought not. The Bible
encourages us <i>not</i> to compare
ourselves; that it is unwise (2 Cor. 10:12).
I wish I could tell you that I don’t judge people. What I can tell you, honestly, is that I’m slowly
getting better at not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There
is not much good to find in the record of Samson’s life, and it would be easy
to pass him off as a selfish, egotistical jerk who manipulated others to get
his way. He committed fits of rage; married
an ungodly woman outside of his heritage; slept with a prostitute; murdered
thousands of people in an act of war; and sought revenge rather than
pardon. Yet, for some strange reason,
Samson is listed as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:32.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It
seems to me that God is willing to overlook a lifetime of failure for a moment of faith. </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to tell you – that relieves me!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then, why am I so quick to categorize people into cute little boxes labeled: “Sainthood,” “Decent,” “Fence-Rider,” “Sinner,” and “Hellbound”?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why must I project the hatred I have of my own failures onto others?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truth is if God is willing to love all people and to forgive upon request (no matter how often), then so should I.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> "God, help me to see people through Your eyes. When the Samsons in my life perform selfishly and arguably in evil ways, remind me of Your great mercy - not only for me, but also for the many undeserving 'Samsons' that are mentioned in Your book as friends!"</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08844508528356266725noreply@blogger.com0