Goodbye 2010

It's hard to believe that 2010 is about to be written into the history books forever. 365 days have literally felt as though they've flown by. Where did the time go?

Each day you've read my rants, listened to my complaints, pondered my thoughts and have been there to laugh and celebrate when God had shown up. This year was full of ups and downs. Sometimes, life's curve balls brought about humility, or developments in character (or revealed how far I have to grow). Thankfully, God saw us through each trial. Sometimes His blessings weren't in the format we anticipated, but He always made a way. We've made it!

Hebrews 13:5-6 (New International Version)

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

2011 is merely hours away, and it holds the promise of infinite possibilities. Anything is possible; it's a blank canvas that's begging to be painted. Dream a little. Talk with God a little. Ask what His will is for your life and make 2011 the year to begin doing what the Lord says. He'll help you through anything.

Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

My assignment is complete- I've finished the race! My 1 year commitment to journaling the daily walk of an ordinary Christian life is a success. I hope to reflect on these blog entries in the future; to glean wisdom, remember successes and learn from failures. I'm hopeful they were meaningful to you as well. God bless you.

Goodbye, 2010.

It Hurts When Family Isn't Near

I'm missing my family tonight. I'm thankful that we have my in-laws within driving distance, but my mother, father, sister and brother all live thousands of miles away in other states, so having access to them is pretty rare. Obviously, there are phone calls, FaceTime, iChat and Skype to help keep us "virtually" connected, but there's nothing quite like being there (or here).

Perhaps it's the Holidays coming to an end, and the new year beginning that's making me feel this way. I spoke to my mother a few days ago, as well as my father, sister and brother. In fact my brother and I spoke on the phone for quite some time this evening, but all that did was cause me to "ache" to spend time with him.

I suppose that's what it's supposed to feel like, when the people you love aren't physically present with you. You yearn for them. You love every phone call, letter or visit. Time is precious.

Maybe that's what the Lord feels toward us, on a global scale. He loves us, and He's eager for a relationship with each one of us. If God were to sleep, I'm sure that He would dream about us! We're always on His mind- He misses us, too.

Isaiah 30:18 (New International Version)

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

Perhaps before you drift off to sleep tonight, you can say a prayer and catch up with our Father in Heaven.

Good Night

Let It Snow (Please, Lord!)

I've not much to say tonight. I'm not necessarily in a bad mood, I just don't have anything to share. Thankfully, God is still on the throne (and THAT'S a good thing)!

The weather man said it might snow tonight. I'm surely hopeful- it could mean another day off over the New Year's weekend.

May God bless and keep you this cold, winter evening.

Good Night

Unexpected Blessing

After working a full day, there wasn't much on the radar except for macaroni and cheese and hot dogs for dinner. It was going to be a simple, yet uneventful night.

Imagine my surprise when my wife sent a text message late in the afternoon, indicating that a couple of friends of ours were coming over with a Microsoft Kinect and dinner! Games, dancing, laughter, lasagna (with bread and salad) and pie for dessert were had by all. Add in a DVR'ed episode of "Chuck" and the evening was complete.

It was exactly what we needed, even though we didn't know it. Thank you, Lord for good friends and unexpected blessings like tonight.

Good Night

Happy Birthday, Son!

I can still remember what we were doing this evening, a dozen years ago. My wife and I were watching a DVD collection I was given at Christmas, called "From the Earth To The Moon". Our eldest son was fast asleep and my wife and I were eating a cheese ball with crackers while catching the film.

What started out as what my wife thought to be indigestion, turned out to be labor late in the evening. After driving about 40 miles into town, my wife was admitted into the hospital and gave birth to our second-eldest son.

I can't believe you're twelve, son.

It has gone by far too quickly. You've grown into such a talented, good and honest young man. I'm so very proud of you! I love you.

Good Night

The Day After

No, I'm not referring to the made-for-Television movie from 1983. I'm talking about the day after Christmas. The gifts are unwrapped, the meals eaten and exchange of goodwill between family and friends are, for the most part, complete. We've only a few days left of 2010 and then the birth of a new year is upon us.

The Holidays will soon be over; decorations and lights will be taken down and songs of celebration will give way to the sounds of everyday life. Things will soon be back to 'normal'.

What does normal look like to you?

For me, it's a circular pattern of weekdays and weekends that intertwine work, (home) family and church. Quite predictably, I'm spending almost all of my time in one of these three places, doing basically the same things throughout the year. It's not a bad thing; in fact it helps keep me grounded as a Christian man. However, sometimes it's a good thing to plan on doing something new.

What are your designs on 2011? I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions that are often made in haste, and have no staying power. I'm talking about honest to goodness change.

Perhaps before you can honestly answer that question, you'll need to evaluate the successes and failures held within 2010. Would you do or handle any of life's situations differently now, if you were pressed to face them again today? Do you have any regrets? Are there lessons learned that need applying?

Ponder 2010 for awhile, and maybe write down some bullet points. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.

Now that you're back, what did you come up with?

I plan on spending more quality time with my wife and children. I'm not talking about just being in the same house or room, and calling it "quality time". More activities, meaningful conversations, meals, fun and laughter are in store for 2011. With each birthday, I'm reminded of just how quickly their childhood is fleeting- and I already have far too many regrets about what should have been. I also plan on being a much better husband to the wife the Lord has blessed me with. She deserves nothing but the best, and I feel that she often gets short-changed. I'll be a better friend to those who call me friend, as well.

At work, I plan on giving it my all- day in and day out. Even when nobody is watching. At church, I'll honor my commitments in volunteering. I'll work to be more reliable, and if I can't accomplish something within a reasonable time-frame, I'll learn to say "no".

Above all else, I plan on diving deeper into a relationship with Jesus. I'll spend less time placing my demands and more time listening and learning about Him through the daily expression of the Word (reading it myself, or via podcast).

So, what am I planning to do differently in 2011? Nothing. And, everything.

Perhaps you'll consider joining me?

Good night.

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time on this special day and share a work of art in the form of words, that my beloved wife wrote several years ago. She has a unique perspective (actually several) on Christmas, and the birth of our Savior. Enjoy.


THROUGH THE EYES OF ...
a donkey:
We've come such a great distance. She doesn't weigh much, and his demands are few. But I sense the need for caution. I feel a presence that is not a presence. So I go carefully, picking my way through the stones in the road, trying to keep the ride smooth and not to jar her.

The city is just ahead, and is very busy. Throngs of people and their beasts have gathered for what looks to be a celebration. The noise is deafening and I feel an urgency in both this man and this woman. She is so weary. I slow my steps as we enter the crowd, trying to shield her from the jostling mobs. Her voice is low. We must be patient. There are so many seeking lodging - - I am hungry and quite thirsty. She seems afraid. Is she crying? He's coming back from the innkeeper's door and in his arms he carries blankets.

AH, a stable! Some sweet hay and a little water! At last a place to lie down and rest! But I cannot rest. I prick my ears to hear the sounds she makes. A rustling. His soft murmur. And suddenly The Presence I have felt so long -- a lusty cry and He is here! With me! In this stable! I crane my neck around the corner of the stall and I see them! He covers the Child with soft wrappings. She holds Him close and kisses His head. She smiles as her tears fall on His blanket. Such a small Child, to change the course of the world! And the Light! The Light still shines amidst the darkness!
The baby sleeps and the light shines on. How blessed I am, a mere beast of burden, to have borne Him on my back. To have witnessed His birth. To have heard His first sounds. To have seen The Savior face to face. Thank you, Jesus!


II Through The Eyes ...
of an innkeeper:
My heart is sore within me in spite of the profits made that night.  They came to my door, the man and his wife, two among hundreds seeking admittance to my inn.  She was riding a donkey and looked to be near her time of delivery.  He was soft-spoken and anxious to get them settled for the night.  But what could I do?  My rooms were filled with others who had come for the census.  First come, first served.  How was I to know?
She held my sympathy for only a moment as she patiently waited on the donkey.  As a gesture of kindness and magnitude I rented them the stable - I even sold him blankets - and went back to my family who waited within, where there was warmth and food and water and comfort.

He made her a pallet of used hay and blankets.  A lantern was hung midst the beasts and the dung.  If they had food I do not know it.  If they had water I do not know it.  If there was warmth I do not know it.  But there was no comfort.  This I do know.  What comfort could be found in rancid hay and beast-fouled air?  And a Child was born - her first, they told me - and she called Him Jesus.
How was I to know He was the King of all the kings?  How was I to know He was the Lord of all the lords?  How was I to know He was the Light of the World and that nothing in the world would ever be the same?  How was I to know how the shame would overtake me?  How was I to know I would forever regret my brusque reply?
If I had known, I would have opened my doors to them, would have welcomed them in with much celebration.  If I had known, my concern for their comfort would have driven the greed right out the window and would have taken first precedence.  If I had known, the Light would have shown upon my heart and upon my humble dwelling - the peace of the ages would have entered my soul!

If I had known, I'd have given my own bed, would have given my very best to Him.  I'd have given my ALL to Him ...
If I had known ....


III Through the Eyes
of Joseph:

He has been born, and Mary named Him Jesus, as she said she would.  This has been a trying and wearisome time for me.  I'm glad this part is over, but I sense there's more to come.  How do I father the Prince of Peace?

Will this Child grow as children grow?  Or will He be an oddity - a strange one - a millstone round my neck?  Will I be expected to be perfect, as He will be perfect?  Can I finally be a husband to my wife?

So many questions as I lie here in this barn.  Who would have thought God's Son would be born?  He is a pretty child - not uncommon - and He lies quiet in the feed-box, allowing His mother a time of rest.

God only knows what the future will hold for us.  It has been written we will be persecuted and pursued.  Perhaps this child, Emmanuel, Almighty God, will be the One to save us.  Perhaps this child, the Messiah to our people, will rise up and bless us, his mortal parents.  Although I don't expect any special favors, of course.  My days have been pre-planned, it seems.  But I can't help but wonder if all this is leading to something greater.

How will this baby Jesus save us from our sins?  Is there a plan?  Does He yet know of it?  Will He speak of it with me?  Will he love me?  Will He let me love Him?
So many questions, as I lie here in this barn.  I pray God will protect us.  I vow to keep my promise.  With God's help I will raise this Child as a member of my family.  With God's help I will teach Him my trade and will guide Him to His manhood.  With God's help I will nurture Him in the scriptures and will live for Him, an example of a man of God.  With God's help I will provide for Him His earthly needs and protect Him from His earthly enemies.  With God's help I will uphold Him as my Redeemer, the Messiah, the Counselor, the Savior of mankind.  With God's help I will do these things.  And now I pray for sleep.  It's been a long journey and a long, long night.  With God's help I will rest until the morning, when He will show me how to do what He has planned for me to do.  Praise your name, O Great Jehovah!
Mary stirs in her sleep.  I will blow out the lantern, though a Light still shines.


IV Through the Eyes
of Mary:
There is a worried look on my husband's face as he returns to me, waiting on the donkey, just outside the inn.  I see he carries blankets, and my spirits sink as I realize we may have to sleep outside again tonight.  The pressure in my back increases and I re-adjust my weight on this poor donkey's back.  The journey has been so far - - and the trip has taken a long time, it seems.  But we are here at last.  And soon I will be able to lie down.

Joseph has been so very good!  I know he doesn't fully understand what's going on ... I don't fully understand myself ... yet he believed in me, and has done his best to spare me from discomfort and from criticism.  He lights the lantern in this stable as darkness falls over the city.  The pallet he has made for me is soft and fragrant.  The Child will be born soon, I think.  I need to rest, but I'm getting so excited -- the Son of God -- MY son as well!!  As I try to imagine what He will look like, I can only praise God that He chose me to be the one to bear this precious child.  Oh -- there's a light out there that beams through the window -- could it be a star that shines so brightly?  How pretty!!  Joseph has come over to comfort me, and we speak of the star, and of our journey, and of this baby boy whom we shall raise together ....

Joseph is such a strong man.  It seems strange to see him cry.
 
At last the Little One is in my arms.  He is so tiny!  His fists wave at us as if to say, "Hello!  I'm here!  Now feed me!!"  His perfect little fingers curl around my thumb.  As He snuggles closer to my heart I feel my own tears well up and spill over onto His blanket.  How sweet He is!  My first-born son!  My baby, Jesus!  - - MY LORD!!  Incredible that one so small could be the one to change the course of the world forever!  I kiss His downy head and place Him gently in the feed box.  Such a lowly beginning for such a Mighty Savior!  His eyes open slowly ... He has such beautiful eyes ...

He sleeps.  It's so quiet in here right now, I think I hear my own heart beating.  So many questions, as I lie here in this barn.  I pray God will protect us.  I vow to keep my promise to Him.  With God's help we will raise this Child to be the King that He is meant to be.  How will Jesus save our people from their sins?  Is there a plan I don't yet know about?  Does Jesus know?  Will He speak of it with me?  Will He love me?  Will He let me love Him?

I'm very, very tired.  It's been a long journey and a very long night.  With God's help I will rest until the morning, when He will show me how to be the mother of this child which He has given.  God's Gift to mankind.  Praise your name, Jehovah!  You have blessed me with your Son.  You have blessed my people with their Savior.
I can't help myself -- one last look before I go to sleep.  I touch His cheek and He smiles.  Oh, Baby, I love you so ....

Jesus stirs in His sleep.  The lantern is not burning now, though a Light still shines.


God Bless you this Christmas!

Good Day/Night

On The Twelvth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten Lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The drummers in the 12 days of Christmas song are said to represent the twelve points of the Apostle's creed. They are:

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
5. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and life everlasting.

Even though some of the theology behind the song is disputed, and some argue that the 12 Days of Christmas has no relevant religious value at all, I believe that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ. So, let's lighten up and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Good Night

On The Eleventh Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping, ten Lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The pipers illustrate each of Jesus' eleven faithful apostles; Peter, James (son of Zebedee), John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus and Simon. Like a musician plays his/her music for all to hear, these men were spreading the Good News to everyone they met.

Good Night

On The Tenth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, ten Lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

Each leapin' Lord represents each of the Ten Commandments that God issued to Moses on Mount Sinai. It's these commandments that illustrate our true fallen condition (and God's sterling standards). Without Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we're doomed.

Thank goodness Christ was born nearly 2,000 years ago, with a mission to save all of humanity from all of our sins and failures!

Good Night

On The Ninth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit are illustrated by each dancing lady.

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Good Night

On The Eighth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The eights maids represent each of the Beatitudes that Jesus spoke of during His Sermon on the Mount.

Good Night

On The Seventh Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The swimming swans in this parable represent the seven gifts of the Holy spirit. They are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence and Fear of the Lord.

Good Night

On The Sixth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The six geese in this portion of the song represent the 6 days of Creation.

Good Night

On The Fifth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The five golden rings represent the Pentateuch (pronounced Pen-ta'-took); the first five book of the Old Testament. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Good Night

On The Fourth Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The four calling birds represent the four Gospels of the New Testament; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Good Night

On The Third Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The three French hens represent Faith, Hope and Charity.

Good Night

On The Second Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

The turtle doves in this song represent the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.

Good Night

On The First Day Of Christmas...

My true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree. Although the historical origins of the song have been disputed, I'm going to "go with it" this holiday season.

The partridge represents Jesus.

Good Night

Ubuntu

As we gathered in church for a Christmas party for pastors, staff and elders (and their spouses) tonight, it felt "right" being there. While the warm greetings and refreshments were welcome, it was the fellowship with other members of the church body that brought the evening to life.

As our pastor and others shared in situations where God had shown up over the past year and somehow blessed the effort at hand, the more I realized that it's the church body (that's us) whom need to be helping others; feeding the sick, visiting the lonely and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. We're all interconnected and we all need each other. Surely, it's God that's the center of our focus, but we're meant to also fellowship with and minister to one another. We need to help carry each others burdens and stand together and fight against the evil one.

The party was excellent. At the end of the night, all I could think about was Ubuntu.

Ubuntu? What's that? Well, It's a Linux Operating System- one of the best distributions in my opinion, and it's absolutely free. How does this tie into my previous topic? Read on and I'll explain.

You see, "ubuntu" is also an African word which embodies several meanings. The one I first came to know was: "I am what I am because of who we all are." Another definition reads: "A single straw of a broom can be broken easily, but the straws together are not easily broken."

That sounds a lot like Ecclesiastes 4:12 and 1 Corinthians 12:16-18 to me.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (New International Version)

12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

1 Corinthians 12:16-18 (New International Version)

16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

We're all very different members of one united family and we rely on each other each and every day. I love that.

Good Night

It's All About Communication

This morning, I made the jaunt downtown to meet up with a friend. He had recently purchased a new Yamaha Home Theater Receiver and he wanted my assistance in configuring it at his house. He already had the knowledge to hook it up himself, but I was there to help with any unforeseen issues he might have faced, since I'm "into" home theater equipment as a hobby.

After several hours, the Home Theater was alive; playing test tones and sweeps and clips from movies. We didn't have any real source material that was using the latest surround encoding, so we had to get by with older 5.1 material. The net result was mediocre, although we tweaked some things to make the system sound better before I headed home (in time, I hope to help my friend even more with his setup).

When I got home, my wife was pretty upset. She wasn't necessarily angry at me for leaving her today, she was just irritable. She knew I'd be gone for some time, but the kids were more than a handful, and I fear I stayed out an hour or two longer than what she'd desired. She felt alone and unsupported- and I understand her frustration. As the night wore on, the atmosphere of stress didn't dissipate much.

Church service revealed the second "Christmas Unwrapped" gift associated with Frankincense, is prayer. As our pastor put it, prayer is basically our opportunity to speak with the creator of the universe, as if He were our best friend. Think about that for a minute. It's obvious, isn't it? But, there's something special about saying those words aloud- and letting them sink in.

Fast forward to date night. The Netflix instant movie for tonight was "Have You Heard About The Morgans?" It was a romantic comedy that seemed like a surefire way to laugh a little and end the evening in a non-stressful way. However, I learned something after watching the film. It's all about honest communication!

In the movie, an estranged urban couple find themselves enrolled in a witness protection program, located out in the middle of nowhere. The plot didn't require a degree to understand; the estranged pair eventually draw closer through their shared experiences in the country and eventually end up falling back in love. Although predictable, the flick contains some unexpected humor and is far better than my wife or I expected.

One of the characters mentioned something during the climax of the movie which rang true with me. It was something to the effect of "even if things aren't going well, if you have laughter [and associated honest communication], there's still a chance". I'd bet this is applicable to our personal relationships, as well as our relationship with the Lord. We need to talk about things with our loved ones!

Communication, communication, communication.

Good Night

Burning The Midnight Oil

It's pretty late on a Friday evening. In just a few minutes, the calendar will flip to Saturday. Meanwhile, I'm still toiling away at the keyboard. It's been a very long day, and the events of this evening's server maintenance are pushing my "work day" into overdrive. It's not that things are out of control, it's just getting late and I'm tired.

Thankfully, I'll be able to head off to bed soon. I'm thankful that I have a job to go to each day. I'm thankful that the people I work with are (for the most part) good. I'm blessed to be able to work from home remotely, when these late night upgrades are necessary (versus slumping over in my chair at work, or crashing on a couch in the lobby).

Even during these periods of "the grind", I'm thankful.

Good Night

God Bless You Tonight

It's been a long day, with a decent level of productivity. I'm very thankful that the Lord helped me through the activities of the day, one step at a time. It's much later than I'd realized, so I won't be sharing a whole lot. I'm trying to get some online browsing done with my wife, as the kids are finally asleep and we have a rare opportunity to talk about our Christmas plans.

God Bless you. Have a great night's sleep!

Good Night

Stressed

I'm seeing a recurring theme in my life: stress and exhaustion. Craziness at work, long hours for maintenance that impact my weekends and over-extension in my personal life. It's a non-stop treadmill of commitments, domestic duties, blown deadlines and stress. There isn't much to look forward to each week, and something's got to give relatively soon.

Some people tell me to take up a hobby, or obtain "a vice" or an "outlet". Others tell me to take a walk outside. Still others are going through the same things that I am and have no advice.

What would you do to relieve stress, simplify your life and still function within God's will? Please feel free to make suggestions!

Good Night

Remember Pearl Harbor

On December 7th, 1941 Japan declared war on the United States by violently attacking the USS Arizona via air strike in Hawaii. The death toll hit 1177 as explosions rocked the hull and quickly sank the ship. Nearly 900 men are still entombed in the wreckage today.

Let's never forget the ultimate price they paid for preserving the freedom of the citizens of the United States.

Good Night

The Word Is My Life

The title to tonight's blog materialized as I reviewed the day's events in my mind- but it might not mean exactly what you think.

It's funny when you can relate to people and situations within scripture. Well, it's not actually "funny" at all, it's designed to work this way. What I meant to say was that we can read scripture day in and day out and (at least for me) it doesn't always come alive. But when it does, you'll certainly know it!

What happens when you see yourself in multiple portions of the Bible? That's where I'm finding myself of late. Maybe I'm being overly dramatic, but here is a collage of what I'm feeling (those whom are close to me in person, will understand exactly what I'm struggling with).

Proverbs 28:15 (New International Version)

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

Jonah 1:17 (The Message)

Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish's belly three days and nights.

Daniel 3:1-23 (The Message)

1-3 King Nebuchadnezzar built a gold statue, ninety feet high and nine feet thick. He set it up on the Dura plain in the province of Babylon. He then ordered all the important leaders in the province, everybody who was anybody, to the dedication ceremony of the statue. They all came for the dedication, all the important people, and took their places before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had erected.

4-6 A herald then proclaimed in a loud voice: "Attention, everyone! Every race, color, and creed, listen! When you hear the band strike up—all the trumpets and trombones, the tubas and baritones, the drums and cymbals—fall to your knees and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Anyone who does not kneel and worship shall be thrown immediately into a roaring furnace."

7 The band started to play, a huge band equipped with all the musical instruments of Babylon, and everyone—every race, color, and creed—fell to their knees and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8-12 Just then, some Babylonian fortunetellers stepped up and accused the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "Long live the king! You gave strict orders, O king, that when the big band started playing, everyone had to fall to their knees and worship the gold statue, and whoever did not go to their knees and worship it had to be pitched into a roaring furnace. Well, there are some Jews here—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have placed in high positions in the province of Babylon. These men are ignoring you, O king. They don't respect your gods and they won't worship the gold statue you set up."

13-15 Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought in. When the men were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't respect my gods and refuse to worship the gold statue that I have set up? I'm giving you a second chance—but from now on, when the big band strikes up you must go to your knees and worship the statue I have made. If you don't worship it, you will be pitched into a roaring furnace, no questions asked. Who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"

16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."

19-23 Nebuchadnezzar, his face purple with anger, cut off Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace fired up seven times hotter than usual. He ordered some strong men from the army to tie them up, hands and feet, and throw them into the roaring furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, bound hand and foot, fully dressed from head to toe, were pitched into the roaring fire. Because the king was in such a hurry and the furnace was so hot, flames from the furnace killed the men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to it, while the fire raged around Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Thankfully, there are positive ends to these stories and Proverbs.

Proverbs 28:18 (The Message)

Walk straight—live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life.

Jonah 2:10 (The Message)

Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore.

Daniel 3:24-30 (The Message)

24 Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm and said, "Didn't we throw three men, bound hand and foot, into the fire?"

"That's right, O king," they said.

25 "But look!" he said. "I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!"

26 Nebuchadnezzar went to the door of the roaring furnace and called in, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the High God, come out here!"

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the fire.

27 All the important people, the government leaders and king's counselors, gathered around to examine them and discovered that the fire hadn't so much as touched the three men—not a hair singed, not a scorch mark on their clothes, not even the smell of fire on them!

28 Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him! They ignored the king's orders and laid their bodies on the line rather than serve or worship any god but their own.

29 "Therefore I issue this decree: Anyone anywhere, of any race, color, or creed, who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be ripped to pieces, limb from limb, and their houses torn down. There has never been a god who can pull off a rescue like this."

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

This gives me hope for my own situation. When you're "in the thick of it", it can be easy to become discouraged. I pray that the Lord helps purify my heart, bolster my actions and speech with integrity and things end well. I pray that the Lord accomplishes His will in my life, as well as those within my sphere of influence.

Good Night

Another Weekend Comes To A Close

Tomorrow morning, I'll be up at 6:00 AM and running through the rat-race routines that formulate each weekday. After a bus ride downtown, I'll be diligently working on any number of things in my cubicle by 8:00 AM, yet wishing I were still at home in bed next to my wife. Welcome to adulthood responsibilities! We can't always do what we want to do...

As work, school, personal obligations and extra-curricular activities fill up your calendar this week, take a minute of each day to thank the Lord for your life- no matter what you're facing. It's easy to feel lost and discouraged by our choices and circumstances, but we're never really alone.

Good Night

Thanks For The Reminder, Pastor John

Although I was serving in the tech area tonight at church, I was struck by tonight's message. I was reminded of the buried treasures that lurk within the scriptures, that these passages and lessons are more valuable than gold! (and often, the Bible is one of the least used applications on my phone, and the King James is sitting in a drawer in the coffee table) How sad that we often forget this simple truth.

I suppose it should come as no surprise when my faith is lacking and things are seemingly falling apart, where there's limited hope and I'm ill-equipped to handle any given situation, the explanation may very well be a lack of spiritual nourishment. I'm just not spending as much time in The Word as I should, and I'm starving.

I listen to the Bible via podcast several times per week. However, on Holidays and weekends this year, this precious time with the Lord is often placed on the back burner. It simply isn't right. How am I supposed to apply The Word to my everyday life, if I'm not taking the time to read (or listen to) it? To put it bluntly, if there's no input (The Bible), there will be no output (Fruit of the spirit). I felt deeply convicted tonight.

Thanks for the gentle, sobering reminder Pastor John.

1. Be honest with yourself.

Proverbs 24:10 (The Message)

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place.

2. Read the Word for nourishment and strength!

Romans 10:17 (New International Version)

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

3. Do what it says!

James 1:22 (New International Version)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

4. Realize that through Christ, you've already won.

Romans 8:31-39 (The Message)

31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Good Night

Yes, It's Friday!

This week has been brutal. There were no big "bombs" that went off, but I'm just really, really ready for a break. This weekend brings more duties and tasks of a different kind, but at least there will be periods of rest.

I'm so thankful that it's Friday night!

As we sat down to dinner tonight (Subway!) I quietly realized how blessed we are to have the wonderful shelter that is our home, freedom to choose the food we want to eat, and great company in the smiling faces gathered around the dining room table. In that moment, life was perfect. "Thank you, Jesus for true blessings."

Good Night

Open The Eyes Of My Heart, Lord

Sometimes, I just need to hear some worship music (and sing along) in order to align with God.

Good Night

Let's Be Real

As I was playing catch up on the Daily Audio Bible podcast today, this snippet from James felt as though it was meant for me. You see, I've been struggling with swearing at certain times of the work week when things fall apart, gossiping about "office politics" and finding myself repenting to the Lord for the shameful way I've conducted myself. I know better. An outsider might not even see any differences between me and any other worldly person.

My light doesn't seem to be shining very brightly lately.

In the past, I've worked very hard to try and maintain an image of holiness. Don't swear, don't speak ill of others, don't do this and don't do that. It was a real effort to try and fix the outer man, hoping that the inner man would follow suit. While keeping yourself in check and holding thoughts captive is desirable, presenting a facade is not. God sees right through our faux-visage.

He instructs us to be authentic and holy inside, not religious. I'm feeling totally convicted.

James 1:19-27 (The Message)

Act on What You Hear

19-21Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

22-24Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

25But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

Good Night