There were many times in the history of God's chosen nation of Israel when mighty victories were accomplished. In the events surrounding Nehemiah’s re-building of the walls of Jerusalem, a ragged band of exiles had returned from captivity in Babylon and were attempting to rebuild the broken-down walls in spite of detractors saying it couldn't be done--but this courageous leader knew it had to be done!
Opposition to this work comes through ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3); threats of invasion (vv. 7-9); discouragement (v. 10); fear of attack (vv. 11-23); internal friction (5:1-5); diplomatic treachery (6:1-8); and lying prophets (6:10-14). But in the face of each threat, Nehemiah was equal to the task. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night" (4:9), and eventually, as we read in our text, "the wall was finished."
Nehemiah's victory was not of his own power but was preceded by his confession of his own sins and that of the people (1:6-11), and the purification and dedication of the people. It was followed by great rejoicing and blessing.
There are times in our lives when God wants to do a mighty work. It may be something as large as building the wall around Jerusalem which was the task Nehemiah had. The great work could be fixing a relationship that went bad or increasing in the ability of a certain ministry. Its completion can only be done when we confess our own sins and believe that God has forgiven us of those sins and dedicate our lives to His purpose. It is then that great rejoicing and blessings will be realized and people will understand that “this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). May it be so!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Fast Easy Devotion
We enjoy our conveniences; they speed things up. Imagine how much time you save each morning with your automatic coffee maker, blow dryers and Toaster Studdels. How did the world survive without drive through hamburger joints? Communication is now so much faster with texting taking the place of emails which took the place of typed letters and so on. While I am writing this with “tongue in cheek” I do appreciate those things that do help up save time and make our lives more efficient.
However I do not think some things were meant to be stream lined. There are those things that need to be given attention. Talks with those you love, that lingering look at the sunset just cannot be shortened and still be effective.
Recently I was driving to Fort Worth and a church caught my attention. It wasn’t the architecture which was unusual but a gigantic banner that hung across the front that made me wonder if it was speaking to me. The banner read:
30 MINUTE WORSHIP SESSIONS
If we who call ourselves “people of God”, “followers of Christ”, “devoted Christians” cannot find in our weeks more than thirty-minutes to put all things aside and worship the God who created and loved us enough to give Himself for our eternal salvation then something in our “devotion” must be wrong.
I know how I felt when I saw the banner. I wonder how God felt when it was hung or how he feels each time people enter into His house with just thirty-minutes to give. We can spend two hours driving to and eating at a good restaurant. It is easy to spend three hours or more sitting in a movie theatre or even five hours in a club dancing with those we love but only have thirty minutes to worship the God who gave us the time to enjoy.
I know, nowhere does it say how long worship should be. But, still, it just hits me wrong!
However I do not think some things were meant to be stream lined. There are those things that need to be given attention. Talks with those you love, that lingering look at the sunset just cannot be shortened and still be effective.
Recently I was driving to Fort Worth and a church caught my attention. It wasn’t the architecture which was unusual but a gigantic banner that hung across the front that made me wonder if it was speaking to me. The banner read:
30 MINUTE WORSHIP SESSIONS
If we who call ourselves “people of God”, “followers of Christ”, “devoted Christians” cannot find in our weeks more than thirty-minutes to put all things aside and worship the God who created and loved us enough to give Himself for our eternal salvation then something in our “devotion” must be wrong.
I know how I felt when I saw the banner. I wonder how God felt when it was hung or how he feels each time people enter into His house with just thirty-minutes to give. We can spend two hours driving to and eating at a good restaurant. It is easy to spend three hours or more sitting in a movie theatre or even five hours in a club dancing with those we love but only have thirty minutes to worship the God who gave us the time to enjoy.
I know, nowhere does it say how long worship should be. But, still, it just hits me wrong!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Who is Training You?
Who trained you? Who helped you learn to accomplish certain tasks, tackle various activities? I would guess that you have probably had many trainers. Parents and Grand-parents maybe, aunts and uncles, school teachers, sports coaches and friends all are added to my list of trainers. Some taught me to do good things and others well lets just say not so good. Some of the lessons I learned well and still use their training today. Others I have outgrown or for whatever reason no longer need their guidance.
There is one activity that I continuously have to deal with; a fight that never seems to end. I wake up in the morning and face the battlefield. I often go to bed at night only to take a break in the action. It is not a battle against a person. It is not a competition against another antagonist. It is not financial worry per se. It is a spiritual battle that places me at odds with what God wants for my life.
The odd thing is that the best trainer for this battle is God. The Psalmist said “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1 We all know that King David faced many physical adversaries but the most devastating ones were those of a carnal and spiritual nature. David knew that God (Lord my Rock) was the only one who could help in most of his circumstances.
Do you face battles that you just can’t seem to win? Fights that all the training everyone else has given seems to be useless? The trainer you need stands in your corner ready to help and all you have to do is accept it. You say you don’t know how? You don’t believe that God would be willing to jump in on your side! He already has. At the cross He chose you to be on His side and accepted the position of Head Trainer. All you have to do is let Him become what He is.
If you have not done that. . . you’re loosing the battle already!
There is one activity that I continuously have to deal with; a fight that never seems to end. I wake up in the morning and face the battlefield. I often go to bed at night only to take a break in the action. It is not a battle against a person. It is not a competition against another antagonist. It is not financial worry per se. It is a spiritual battle that places me at odds with what God wants for my life.
The odd thing is that the best trainer for this battle is God. The Psalmist said “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1 We all know that King David faced many physical adversaries but the most devastating ones were those of a carnal and spiritual nature. David knew that God (Lord my Rock) was the only one who could help in most of his circumstances.
Do you face battles that you just can’t seem to win? Fights that all the training everyone else has given seems to be useless? The trainer you need stands in your corner ready to help and all you have to do is accept it. You say you don’t know how? You don’t believe that God would be willing to jump in on your side! He already has. At the cross He chose you to be on His side and accepted the position of Head Trainer. All you have to do is let Him become what He is.
If you have not done that. . . you’re loosing the battle already!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Something Bigger than Me
She came into my office different than I had ever seen her. Just a few days ago I saw her full of life, seemingly very confident and ready to take on the world. Now her eyes seemed empty, her shoulders slumped and her chin was not held quiet at high. She looked tired.
Those were almost her first words. After the normal greetings and polite handshake she sat down opposite my desk. I looked at her and waited for her to speak. After a big exhale of what seemed to be all of the energy she had left she quietly said “I just seem to be kind of lost”. She explained how she had been successful in high school and college. She had many friends but they all seemed to have moved on in life. They were either married now with other priorities or in other locations. The world she had created no longer existed and for the first time she was actually alone. She had changed jobs several times thinking that was the answer and in public she expended all her energy keeping up pretense that all was still perfect in her world. The truth was this was not the way she pictured the evolution of her life taking place.
It has been a number of years since she came into my office and now I believe I have a better answer for her than I did at that time. It is funny how one’s own experience educates and informs.
I can remember how full my life seemed when I got married, how it became more purposeful when each of my children were born, when I accepted the call to the ministry. Each of these events had one thing in common; they were much bigger than me. Each one took me out of my universe and placed me in something with more meaning. The truth is however, the young girl who walked into my office that day could have been me on several occasions in my life. It is easy for us to loose fact that there are things bigger than we are. That we need to have those “causes” to live for, to fight for and to champion.
What is the purpose of your life? Could it be that you too are just wondering around from one pasture to the next? Out of one gate and through another and never seeming to find your place? You have a purpose, a meaning in this world and there is only one who can show you the way. If you have never met Him or never really given your life to him, lets talk!
Those were almost her first words. After the normal greetings and polite handshake she sat down opposite my desk. I looked at her and waited for her to speak. After a big exhale of what seemed to be all of the energy she had left she quietly said “I just seem to be kind of lost”. She explained how she had been successful in high school and college. She had many friends but they all seemed to have moved on in life. They were either married now with other priorities or in other locations. The world she had created no longer existed and for the first time she was actually alone. She had changed jobs several times thinking that was the answer and in public she expended all her energy keeping up pretense that all was still perfect in her world. The truth was this was not the way she pictured the evolution of her life taking place.
It has been a number of years since she came into my office and now I believe I have a better answer for her than I did at that time. It is funny how one’s own experience educates and informs.
I can remember how full my life seemed when I got married, how it became more purposeful when each of my children were born, when I accepted the call to the ministry. Each of these events had one thing in common; they were much bigger than me. Each one took me out of my universe and placed me in something with more meaning. The truth is however, the young girl who walked into my office that day could have been me on several occasions in my life. It is easy for us to loose fact that there are things bigger than we are. That we need to have those “causes” to live for, to fight for and to champion.
What is the purpose of your life? Could it be that you too are just wondering around from one pasture to the next? Out of one gate and through another and never seeming to find your place? You have a purpose, a meaning in this world and there is only one who can show you the way. If you have never met Him or never really given your life to him, lets talk!
Standing Alone
Between Cotulla and San Antonio there is a pasture and in the middle of that pasture stands one Oak Tree; big, old and alone. I am sure there are other places with other pastures and other Oak Trees but this one is special to me for some reason. It is not a landmark that reminds me I am getting close to my destination. It is not a particularly pretty picture; I have never caught the sun rising or setting behind it. But it has become special and I always notice it.
It reminds me that sometimes in our faith we feel like we are standing all alone. Like the King David who wrote “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7). Where are those who support us? Where are those who can give us comfort?
However, the old Oak tree standing all alone in that pasture is fulfilling a great duty. It has probably served as shade for many animals in the heat of the day. It serves as a sanctuary for birds and a place to rest weary wings. It serves as a source of strength for me as I drive past. It may be reminding me that I am not alone. In working out my duty I may be providing shade and rest for those who are near me. I pray it be so!
It reminds me of another tree. A tree that my savior died on; that tree at Calvary. It reminds me of the words of Jesus on that tree as He felt alone and deserted: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46) It is because of that Tree when I start feeling alone, like a bird alone on the roof that I realize I am not alone. Truth is that I find shade, rest and peace because of that lone tree and you can too. You ask how? You don’t know that rest and peace? Then we need to talk!
It reminds me that sometimes in our faith we feel like we are standing all alone. Like the King David who wrote “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7). Where are those who support us? Where are those who can give us comfort?
However, the old Oak tree standing all alone in that pasture is fulfilling a great duty. It has probably served as shade for many animals in the heat of the day. It serves as a sanctuary for birds and a place to rest weary wings. It serves as a source of strength for me as I drive past. It may be reminding me that I am not alone. In working out my duty I may be providing shade and rest for those who are near me. I pray it be so!
It reminds me of another tree. A tree that my savior died on; that tree at Calvary. It reminds me of the words of Jesus on that tree as He felt alone and deserted: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46) It is because of that Tree when I start feeling alone, like a bird alone on the roof that I realize I am not alone. Truth is that I find shade, rest and peace because of that lone tree and you can too. You ask how? You don’t know that rest and peace? Then we need to talk!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Riding the Rapids Backwards
This is actually a blog that I submitted when we left Virginia. I thought it sort of fit where we are now. Life does not always “flow” the way we want it to. Sometimes we have trouble navigating our trails the way we want to. Like that horse that wants to buck on cold mornings, or that cow that never wants to drive, you just have to take life as it comes sometimes and “let go and let God. . .”.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The last place Debbie and I lived was a small town called Brookneal, Virginia. The Staunton River flowed through it. For many who may look on a map yours may say the Roanoke River but actually there is a small stretch that is properly named the Staunton. It was named after a protection force that covered a stretch of the river protecting the settlers from Indians. It is a beautiful scenic part of the river where the water flows at a fast clip. People will usually put their canoes or kayaks in at Long Island, Virginia and float down to Brookneal. There is one day a year when the whole area seems to come out and have one big “Fun Float Day.”
I had the opportunity several times to take a kayak down the river with people who were experts and kept me out of trouble in the rapids and shoots. I found that it wasn’t too difficult most of the time if you simply paid attention and used a little common sense. However, Debbie and I wanted to join in on the fun and decided to borrow a canoe and go with another family down the beautiful stretch of God’s creation. We didn’t seem to be having any problem until we got to the first major rapid. I stayed back and let David and Cindy show us the line to take. I found that “driving” a canoe with two people was different than maneuvering a solo kayak and we found ourselves sideways against a rock with all the force of the rive trying to move us and the rock. Everything I tried seem to tip us over just a bit farther. If it had been just me I would not have been worried but Debbie is a survival swimmer (just good enough to save herself if she is in trouble) and I was afraid that if she went into the fast running water she would panic.
Realizing that everything I tried was getting us into more trouble I decided that we needed to let the water carry us around the rock, even though it was be backwards, and try to save the situation later. We both pulled up oars and I gave a little push to move the center of the canoe off the rock and the water took over. Needless to say there was no opportunity to “right” ourselves and we somehow shot the whole rapid backwards. Luckily there are no fronts and backs on most canoes so it did not know the difference.
We arrived at the end of the rapid dry and upright. I was laughing, Debbie was big eyed and David and Cindy were amazed. To make a wonderful long story bearable and short we ended up doing this in every rapid but one which says a lot about my ability to drive a canoe.
Sometimes you just have to let go and flow with the river. I have found this to be the case in my spiritual life as well. Sometimes God works so powerful and out of the ordinary that my own attempt to maneuver the rapid is futile. I find myself against rocks and doing everything I can just to stay upright. It is in those times that I just lift my paddle and “let go and let God.”
Most of the time I do not like loosing control of my life, but there are those times that God reminds me that ultimately I am not in control, and it is in those times that I ride the river backwards and feel most free.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The last place Debbie and I lived was a small town called Brookneal, Virginia. The Staunton River flowed through it. For many who may look on a map yours may say the Roanoke River but actually there is a small stretch that is properly named the Staunton. It was named after a protection force that covered a stretch of the river protecting the settlers from Indians. It is a beautiful scenic part of the river where the water flows at a fast clip. People will usually put their canoes or kayaks in at Long Island, Virginia and float down to Brookneal. There is one day a year when the whole area seems to come out and have one big “Fun Float Day.”
I had the opportunity several times to take a kayak down the river with people who were experts and kept me out of trouble in the rapids and shoots. I found that it wasn’t too difficult most of the time if you simply paid attention and used a little common sense. However, Debbie and I wanted to join in on the fun and decided to borrow a canoe and go with another family down the beautiful stretch of God’s creation. We didn’t seem to be having any problem until we got to the first major rapid. I stayed back and let David and Cindy show us the line to take. I found that “driving” a canoe with two people was different than maneuvering a solo kayak and we found ourselves sideways against a rock with all the force of the rive trying to move us and the rock. Everything I tried seem to tip us over just a bit farther. If it had been just me I would not have been worried but Debbie is a survival swimmer (just good enough to save herself if she is in trouble) and I was afraid that if she went into the fast running water she would panic.
Realizing that everything I tried was getting us into more trouble I decided that we needed to let the water carry us around the rock, even though it was be backwards, and try to save the situation later. We both pulled up oars and I gave a little push to move the center of the canoe off the rock and the water took over. Needless to say there was no opportunity to “right” ourselves and we somehow shot the whole rapid backwards. Luckily there are no fronts and backs on most canoes so it did not know the difference.
We arrived at the end of the rapid dry and upright. I was laughing, Debbie was big eyed and David and Cindy were amazed. To make a wonderful long story bearable and short we ended up doing this in every rapid but one which says a lot about my ability to drive a canoe.
Sometimes you just have to let go and flow with the river. I have found this to be the case in my spiritual life as well. Sometimes God works so powerful and out of the ordinary that my own attempt to maneuver the rapid is futile. I find myself against rocks and doing everything I can just to stay upright. It is in those times that I just lift my paddle and “let go and let God.”
Most of the time I do not like loosing control of my life, but there are those times that God reminds me that ultimately I am not in control, and it is in those times that I ride the river backwards and feel most free.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Born to Do Something!
”I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live” Ecclesiastes 3:12
Three years ago I inherited a Smooth Border Collie from my oldest son. He named her Dallas and while at the time I did not want a dog I would not take anything for her now. It wasn’t that I did not like dogs. I have almost always had one. But I did not have the time to take care of one. The training and care of a dog takes time. Well I got her anyway and in three days she was mine and there was no question. You seldom see me now without her.
While at the time we did not have any stock Debbie and I did several things with her to help her burn off her young energy. We took long walks and played ball and Frisbee on the football field. I started training her to be obedient and calm. She learned to trust me and her lessons came easy. She is a smart dog.
However, she was not born to fetch balls, nor run 70 – 80 yards full out to catch a Frisbee. Her blood does not run through her body to walk on rails. She is a herder and herd she must. To this day she cannot be comfortable unless she knows where everyone is. She will pace back and forth in the house from room to room checking and making sure her herd is safe. The only time she can relax is when Debbie and I are in the same room and still. That is what she was born to do. That is when she is happy because she is doing good!
We all have our “gifts”; those things it seems we were born to do. What is yours? Do you hear the word of the “preacher” in Ecclesiastes; “there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live”. For those of us who have experienced the new birth are re-born to do good works. Paul says: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. If you are a follower of Christ and are not happy it may be because your focus is on something other than what you were born for. Only you can change that, do it today.
If you have not followed Christ as your Lord and Savior and you are tired of chasing Frisbees and fetching balls and seem to be lost and unhappy give me a call (respond) and let me tell you how you can find what you were created to do. For there is ‘nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”
Three years ago I inherited a Smooth Border Collie from my oldest son. He named her Dallas and while at the time I did not want a dog I would not take anything for her now. It wasn’t that I did not like dogs. I have almost always had one. But I did not have the time to take care of one. The training and care of a dog takes time. Well I got her anyway and in three days she was mine and there was no question. You seldom see me now without her.
While at the time we did not have any stock Debbie and I did several things with her to help her burn off her young energy. We took long walks and played ball and Frisbee on the football field. I started training her to be obedient and calm. She learned to trust me and her lessons came easy. She is a smart dog.
However, she was not born to fetch balls, nor run 70 – 80 yards full out to catch a Frisbee. Her blood does not run through her body to walk on rails. She is a herder and herd she must. To this day she cannot be comfortable unless she knows where everyone is. She will pace back and forth in the house from room to room checking and making sure her herd is safe. The only time she can relax is when Debbie and I are in the same room and still. That is what she was born to do. That is when she is happy because she is doing good!
We all have our “gifts”; those things it seems we were born to do. What is yours? Do you hear the word of the “preacher” in Ecclesiastes; “there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live”. For those of us who have experienced the new birth are re-born to do good works. Paul says: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. If you are a follower of Christ and are not happy it may be because your focus is on something other than what you were born for. Only you can change that, do it today.
If you have not followed Christ as your Lord and Savior and you are tired of chasing Frisbees and fetching balls and seem to be lost and unhappy give me a call (respond) and let me tell you how you can find what you were created to do. For there is ‘nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Follow My Leader
The good thing about pushing your cattle is that you usually have an idea which ones you would like in front and who you want in front leading them along. It doesn’t always work out like that but when it does it is much easier. When you have someone riding point that knows the way and some good cows in front of the bunch then you usually get where you are going with much less headaches.
Our spiritual lives are much like that. We have the best point man ever. Jesus said that if we wanted to be His disciples we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. That means we have to keep our eyes out ahead and know which way He is leading us. We need to have faith that in following Him we will go the right way. We deny our own desire to go this way or that way in favor of following him.
But there are others that help in that guide. Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those who have gone on before us and can help show us the way. Sometime the trail may get a little dusty and we may not be able to make out our lead but if we have the right people in front of us then we can stay on track.
Many people think those are only the ones spoken of in Hebrews 11; those “fathers of the faith” who accomplished mighty acts of faith. But I believe it can even be closer to us. That father or grandfather, or mentor of some sort could be that witness to us. It might be someone in your church or maybe your pastor but I believe that God will give us that help as we need it.
Yep, thinking about that drive, you will agree that we have the best point man guiding us, and those who we can trust to follow, but that means there may be someone behind you. Someone whose view at this point in time may not be a good as yours. The only fly swishing tail they may be able to see is yours. Which way are you leading them?
Our spiritual lives are much like that. We have the best point man ever. Jesus said that if we wanted to be His disciples we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. That means we have to keep our eyes out ahead and know which way He is leading us. We need to have faith that in following Him we will go the right way. We deny our own desire to go this way or that way in favor of following him.
But there are others that help in that guide. Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those who have gone on before us and can help show us the way. Sometime the trail may get a little dusty and we may not be able to make out our lead but if we have the right people in front of us then we can stay on track.
Many people think those are only the ones spoken of in Hebrews 11; those “fathers of the faith” who accomplished mighty acts of faith. But I believe it can even be closer to us. That father or grandfather, or mentor of some sort could be that witness to us. It might be someone in your church or maybe your pastor but I believe that God will give us that help as we need it.
Yep, thinking about that drive, you will agree that we have the best point man guiding us, and those who we can trust to follow, but that means there may be someone behind you. Someone whose view at this point in time may not be a good as yours. The only fly swishing tail they may be able to see is yours. Which way are you leading them?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Piles of Rocks, Piles of Stories
I remember going to the Terry County Cotton Gin with my father and grand-father when I was a boy. Most of the time it consisted of me sitting just outside a small square table with a green slate top and four chairs filled with “old” men playing dominoes. I was to be quiet, watch and listen. I learned a lot about dominoes but learned more about R. B.’s new ropin’ horse, or how Ed’s cow-dog turned a bull in drive years back. I learned that stories, while often stretched, were important and there was always a kernel of truth in them. I remember my grand-dad saying, after a particularly fascinating story, “first liar never stands a chance,” and everyone laughing. I still love those stories!
Those stories were important. They gave geographical landmarks like “the place where that filly paint threw ol’ Jim”. Or, that salt flat that the calf got stuck in “clean up to her neck” just south of Brownfield. They also gave moral landmarks like the times good and bad deals made on napkins over coffee and a handshake at the local café. But those stories were important!
The Bible is filled with examples of the importance of stories. In Exodus God tells Moses that they are to remember the times they spent in the desert and tell their children so they would never forget. Sometimes there would be physical landmarks made that would be a starting point to tell the stories. In Joshua the third chapter God is going to lead the Hebrew mass across a raging, flooded Jordan river. When this is completed He tells Joshua to get men from each tribe and get stones from the middle of the river and place them on the bank. Why? We verse six tells us “…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Every time a family would make the journey they would see the pile of rocks and the father would tell the story. They were to never forget. The stories were important!
There is another story the Bible tells. It tells of God loving me so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to live the life I cannot not and to die the death I deserve so that I might have the life He wishes for me. Every time I see a cross I remember that story. I told it to my children and now tell it to others. The story is important!
Do you know that story? If you don’t email me or comment and lets talk. I would love to tell you my story because it is yours too. THE STORY IS IMPORTANT!
Those stories were important. They gave geographical landmarks like “the place where that filly paint threw ol’ Jim”. Or, that salt flat that the calf got stuck in “clean up to her neck” just south of Brownfield. They also gave moral landmarks like the times good and bad deals made on napkins over coffee and a handshake at the local café. But those stories were important!
The Bible is filled with examples of the importance of stories. In Exodus God tells Moses that they are to remember the times they spent in the desert and tell their children so they would never forget. Sometimes there would be physical landmarks made that would be a starting point to tell the stories. In Joshua the third chapter God is going to lead the Hebrew mass across a raging, flooded Jordan river. When this is completed He tells Joshua to get men from each tribe and get stones from the middle of the river and place them on the bank. Why? We verse six tells us “…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Every time a family would make the journey they would see the pile of rocks and the father would tell the story. They were to never forget. The stories were important!
There is another story the Bible tells. It tells of God loving me so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to live the life I cannot not and to die the death I deserve so that I might have the life He wishes for me. Every time I see a cross I remember that story. I told it to my children and now tell it to others. The story is important!
Do you know that story? If you don’t email me or comment and lets talk. I would love to tell you my story because it is yours too. THE STORY IS IMPORTANT!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Squeeze Chute
You have seen it. You push that yearling or old mama cow down the alley and into the squeeze chute, her head gets pinched off from the rest of her body, she blows hard and her eyes are a little wild with fear, or at least a lack of understanding. She does not realize that what is taking place is not bad for her but because of this crisis she finds herself in now she will be a better cow. She will be vaccinated, palpated, blood will be drawn to be tested and a myriad of other things. But when she is released and returned to her herd she will be better able to be what she is supposed to be.
James said that we should “count it pure joy. . .whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV) Another way to say this may be that when we find ourselves in the “squeeze-chute” of life we should not panic but understand that when all the “doctorin’” is done we will be in better shape to face our futures and be the person we were created to be.
That does not necessarily mean that the “squeeze-chute” of life is fun, or even comfortable but if we are looking for it we will find the meaning of our “testing” and when we are in God’s will we will even be able to find a peace.
I pray today that you are able to find the peace that Jesus has to offer in this life. If you do not have that peace because of a situation you are in then give it to Jesus. Let him teach you how to handle it…then you will find that when your faith develops perseverance the outcome will be that you will be a step closer to being mature and complete!
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