This morning I will take time to talk to God, listen to God, and to ask God to do things on behalf of people who have made requests to bring before God. I want to structure my time to invite God's presence to permeate my mind & thoughts. Next, I will focus on who God is--I will reflect on what I know about God from the Bible. Subsequently, I will tell God how I experience those qualities in my life. Moreover, I will then pray for myself and the needs that I have pressing on my mind and life. Lastly, I will make time to intercede, to pray on behalf of the other requests that have been shared. I can't wait to engage in prayer. May God visit me this morning.
Pastor D
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Day of Prayer
Join me tomorrow at 9am at Northwest Chapel 6700 Rings Road for an hour of prayer. Prayer is talking with God. Our church has designated tomorrow as the day of prayer. We set aside the chapel for quiet prayer and reflection. I will be there from 8-9am. You are invited to join me afterward for a Starbuck's debrief about your experience. I love a tall, decaf, no room. :)
Pastor D
Pastor D
Day with God
In my walk with God, I have been busy. But taking a day to commune with God is incredible. The focus and the direction I feel is amazing. If you haven't read, I spent a day with God yesterday. I want undisturbed, undistracted time to hear God speak to me. It was a spiritual experience.
In our busy lives, everyone is busy. Each one of us could use our own administrative assistants. Well, almost. I juggle responsibilities, tasks, appointments, etc. Sometimes it all drives me crazy. I find that being too busy deteriorates my health and damages my relationships. So where does God fit in when I am so busy with life and ministry--even busy with good things. I challenged our students to take five minutes to be silent and to listen to God. I decided to take more than that.
God did not design you and I to be pushed to the limit! It's a challenge everyone faces for their whole life. The great thing is to experience taking control of your schedule and reset positive patterns for your life that can tremendously impact your everyday life. I wanted to give some time over to God. As busy as anyone of us can be, it only feels like life gets busier, so I wanted to take time to be with God.
Links:
I used the following helps to direct my day. Clink on the link http://ctlibrary.com/2900 from the Christianity Today Library online. I was also glad to discover the detailed article on how to spend a day for prayer by Lorne C. Sanny: http://www.cmfhq.org/Training/Prayer/Day%20Alone%20with%20God.pdf This article is on the Christian Military Fellowship website.
I did hear from God. I'll share more about my experience later. I wonder if you've taken the five minute challenge to hear from God. Tell me your experience.
In our busy lives, everyone is busy. Each one of us could use our own administrative assistants. Well, almost. I juggle responsibilities, tasks, appointments, etc. Sometimes it all drives me crazy. I find that being too busy deteriorates my health and damages my relationships. So where does God fit in when I am so busy with life and ministry--even busy with good things. I challenged our students to take five minutes to be silent and to listen to God. I decided to take more than that.
God did not design you and I to be pushed to the limit! It's a challenge everyone faces for their whole life. The great thing is to experience taking control of your schedule and reset positive patterns for your life that can tremendously impact your everyday life. I wanted to give some time over to God. As busy as anyone of us can be, it only feels like life gets busier, so I wanted to take time to be with God.
Links:
I used the following helps to direct my day. Clink on the link http://ctlibrary.com/2900 from the Christianity Today Library online. I was also glad to discover the detailed article on how to spend a day for prayer by Lorne C. Sanny: http://www.cmfhq.org/Training/Prayer/Day%20Alone%20with%20God.pdf This article is on the Christian Military Fellowship website.
I did hear from God. I'll share more about my experience later. I wonder if you've taken the five minute challenge to hear from God. Tell me your experience.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Links updated
Thom asked about updating the links because they were not working. I trust the links do work. Let me know if they do not. Thanks.
Pastor D
Pastor D
goodreads | see what your friends are reading
goodreads see what your friends are reading
Check out this site for those wh0 like to read rather than who like to play. I wonder if there are any students who still read. Goodreads is a place i discovered as a growing trend among friends. I think I'll give it a try. You should check it out too.
Pastor D
Check out this site for those wh0 like to read rather than who like to play. I wonder if there are any students who still read. Goodreads is a place i discovered as a growing trend among friends. I think I'll give it a try. You should check it out too.
Pastor D
Quiet Time with God
I am in need of practicing quiet time with God. I often can quiet my body and mouth. But its my mind and speeding thoughts that scream loudly inside my head. God's truth and His voice is so dear to me. I want to hear God speak. I want to do what He prompts. I just need to stop and to listen. One of the practices that I need to implement is unloading.
Unloading is a process where you unload your mental pending files. So as you isolate yourself for quiet time with God take a note pad or piece of paper to list everything that comes to your mind. Simply unload and get it all on paper. This list becomes your memory bank. You may think that you will forget what comes into your mind. But this list acts as a prompter so you can remember the things that pop into your mind. You want to focus on hearing God's voice. You need to mentally focus on hearing God's voice. You want to be free of distractions and interruptions. Unloading things on paper is one good way to focus on hearing God's voice.
You will struggle to do this. But as I experience listening for God's voice. I find great comfort. And I discover how real God is--because He longs to speak to me. Throughout the Bible the word, "listen," permeates God's communication to humankind. He breathed forth His words for everyone to consider His truth,
So, hear God's voice right now. Take the FIVE minute challenge to be silent and to listen to God's voice.
Pastor D
Unloading is a process where you unload your mental pending files. So as you isolate yourself for quiet time with God take a note pad or piece of paper to list everything that comes to your mind. Simply unload and get it all on paper. This list becomes your memory bank. You may think that you will forget what comes into your mind. But this list acts as a prompter so you can remember the things that pop into your mind. You want to focus on hearing God's voice. You need to mentally focus on hearing God's voice. You want to be free of distractions and interruptions. Unloading things on paper is one good way to focus on hearing God's voice.
You will struggle to do this. But as I experience listening for God's voice. I find great comfort. And I discover how real God is--because He longs to speak to me. Throughout the Bible the word, "listen," permeates God's communication to humankind. He breathed forth His words for everyone to consider His truth,
"All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be
perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)."
So, hear God's voice right now. Take the FIVE minute challenge to be silent and to listen to God's voice.
Pastor D
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday Morning Lesson: Slow Down
The next two weeks we will target trying to slow down. Everyone is busy. Even elementary kids have Palm Pilots and personal administrative assistants, and students live with cell phones attached to themselves (at least its a dream for middle school students).
Juggling responsibilities with school, academics, sports, extracurricular activities, youth group, clubs, and homework can not only drive you crazy, but can deteriorate your health and damage your relationships.
So where does God fit in? Do you have time to explore and experience God in a world so amok with the business of life? Did God design you to be pushed to the limit? I don't think so, yet it's a challenge that everyone faces throughout one's lifetime. The cool thing is, though, that you can take control of your schedule and set positive patterns for your life will continue until you're old and gray, watching Wheel of Fortune reruns in your RV.
You viewed a film capturing what life may be like for an average overworked student. This may have served as a wake-up call--to remind you to give some time over to God. As busy as you are as a student, it only gets busier, so take time to be young, and to be young with God.
If you took the challenge or want to take the challenge this week to spend five minutes of silence to listen to God, then you can do the following and post your comment.
First, take a few deep breaths. Second, look up in the Bible the book of Proverbs and turn to chapter five. Read the whole chapter in one reading, silently whispering the words. Third, say a prayer like a young person in the Bible, Samuel who said in I Samuel 3:8, "Speak, God . I'm your servant, ready to listen." So whisper this prayer, "Speak, God. I'm your servant, i'm ready to listen" Fourth, set a timer and quiet your mouth, body, and thoughts. Block out the things that pop-up on your mind's desktop. When you are distracted, repeat the prayer in a soft whisper, "Speak, God. I'm your servant, I'm ready to listen." Then quiet yourself again.
God wants to speak to you. Tune into His still, quiet voice. Invite God to speak to you.
I wonder what your experience was. Share your comment.
Juggling responsibilities with school, academics, sports, extracurricular activities, youth group, clubs, and homework can not only drive you crazy, but can deteriorate your health and damage your relationships.
So where does God fit in? Do you have time to explore and experience God in a world so amok with the business of life? Did God design you to be pushed to the limit? I don't think so, yet it's a challenge that everyone faces throughout one's lifetime. The cool thing is, though, that you can take control of your schedule and set positive patterns for your life will continue until you're old and gray, watching Wheel of Fortune reruns in your RV.
You viewed a film capturing what life may be like for an average overworked student. This may have served as a wake-up call--to remind you to give some time over to God. As busy as you are as a student, it only gets busier, so take time to be young, and to be young with God.
If you took the challenge or want to take the challenge this week to spend five minutes of silence to listen to God, then you can do the following and post your comment.
First, take a few deep breaths. Second, look up in the Bible the book of Proverbs and turn to chapter five. Read the whole chapter in one reading, silently whispering the words. Third, say a prayer like a young person in the Bible, Samuel who said in I Samuel 3:8, "Speak, God . I'm your servant, ready to listen." So whisper this prayer, "Speak, God. I'm your servant, i'm ready to listen" Fourth, set a timer and quiet your mouth, body, and thoughts. Block out the things that pop-up on your mind's desktop. When you are distracted, repeat the prayer in a soft whisper, "Speak, God. I'm your servant, I'm ready to listen." Then quiet yourself again.
God wants to speak to you. Tune into His still, quiet voice. Invite God to speak to you.
I wonder what your experience was. Share your comment.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Purpose
In my challenge to oversee the areas of middle school, high school, and college-aged ministries. I discover a lot about who I am. I am a people person. But I need to get things done--many tasks get undone. I need to meet new people; to put myself out there. But I'm an introvert by nature. I re-energize by spending time alone not spending time with people. I need to communicate with lots of people. But I only have so many hours in the day. Yet this problem to communicate with people can be solved with a blog. That's why I've begun this blog. It's sort of a way to connect with people when face-to-face is not a convenient option for me or for others. I want to converse with others as best as I can. So here is my attempt to start communicating in a differnt way. I find it so hard to try to talk to people on Sundays. I am responsible for both hours of each service. When there are between service activities or events, I often miss them or I am late. I need a way to communicate with others beyond weekend service times. I've battled with email and still get spammed. But I am exploring new ways to filter unwanted messages while accepting needed messages. I guess it's everyone's challenge, but I am choosing to begin communicating in a blog. It's the best way I can get information out and get information in.
Here's to sharing the story of Student Ministries through a blog,
Pastor D
Here's to sharing the story of Student Ministries through a blog,
Pastor D
New additions
I just recently added a few links to my blog to other blogs I created. In the links field, there are blogs of activities (middle school & high school), and one called--3rd Night.
3rd Night is a new blog started to discuss and to comment on what high school students are studying on Wednesday Nights (three nights after sunday). Check it out and make a comment.
The activity blogs are a place to get news about what's being planned for students. I will ask if Chris Jordan can send me his picture so I can introduce him to the youth group again. He is willing to plan some activities for the summer and beyond.
Our activities focus either on contacting students or connecting students. Contacting means fun activities to invite friends to so that they check out what our church does and who comes to our church youth group. These events are just fun things to do with friends, or a place to possibly make new friends. There is an intention to bring students to church events and invite them to come to our church on Sunday mornings. For example, June 9th is PaintBall for Middle School students. Connecting means fellowship activities where students who want to get encouragement in their journey with God gather together. There is an intentional focus to direct students to talk about how to relate God's Word to your life. For example, Palm Sunday Communion is coming on April 1st.
The why.god link is a place for students to share their pain and get prayer for the toils of this journey with God. Everybody gets discouraged. Students can share loss or pain or grief. Occasional insights are posted and replies to comments will be made. So take advantage of this space whether school and homework are your frustration, fear over choices you've got to make, need for prayer about a relationship, hurt over a friend or relative who needs help, whatever it is--you have a place to post your comments.
Pastor D
I just recently added a few links to my blog to other blogs I created. In the links field, there are blogs of activities (middle school & high school), and one called--3rd Night.
3rd Night is a new blog started to discuss and to comment on what high school students are studying on Wednesday Nights (three nights after sunday). Check it out and make a comment.
The activity blogs are a place to get news about what's being planned for students. I will ask if Chris Jordan can send me his picture so I can introduce him to the youth group again. He is willing to plan some activities for the summer and beyond.
Our activities focus either on contacting students or connecting students. Contacting means fun activities to invite friends to so that they check out what our church does and who comes to our church youth group. These events are just fun things to do with friends, or a place to possibly make new friends. There is an intention to bring students to church events and invite them to come to our church on Sunday mornings. For example, June 9th is PaintBall for Middle School students. Connecting means fellowship activities where students who want to get encouragement in their journey with God gather together. There is an intentional focus to direct students to talk about how to relate God's Word to your life. For example, Palm Sunday Communion is coming on April 1st.
The why.god link is a place for students to share their pain and get prayer for the toils of this journey with God. Everybody gets discouraged. Students can share loss or pain or grief. Occasional insights are posted and replies to comments will be made. So take advantage of this space whether school and homework are your frustration, fear over choices you've got to make, need for prayer about a relationship, hurt over a friend or relative who needs help, whatever it is--you have a place to post your comments.
Pastor D
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Adjustments
God speaks to me when I reflect on my life and see the gap between where I'd like to be and where I am. I'd like to be so much more. Yet I am so much less.
The hard knocks of life are not pleasant. Yet in my short lifespan, I discover that I can learn from my missteps. I thought that when I made mistakes, I was dumb. But here God's Word distinguishes between truth and lie. I can correct my way and see it as a smart move. I don't have to see it as a dumb thing. What is dumb, is to not make any adjustments. Wow! God's truth informs me that I can be smart/wise by adjusting my life and not feel that such miss-steps confirm my ignorance. Whoa! God is helping me see things in a new way. I can be wise, even after making a mistake. The mistake is to make no adjustments.
As you travel along in this life, I wonder if you feel the same or how you deal with setbacks. I wonder if you beat yourself up or if you even give it any other thought and move on. I wonder what you think.
Pastor D
The ear that hears the reproof of life shall remain among the wise.
(Proverbs 15:31)
God speaks to me when I reflect on my life and see the gap between where I'd like to be and where I am. I'd like to be so much more. Yet I am so much less.
The hard knocks of life are not pleasant. Yet in my short lifespan, I discover that I can learn from my missteps. I thought that when I made mistakes, I was dumb. But here God's Word distinguishes between truth and lie. I can correct my way and see it as a smart move. I don't have to see it as a dumb thing. What is dumb, is to not make any adjustments. Wow! God's truth informs me that I can be smart/wise by adjusting my life and not feel that such miss-steps confirm my ignorance. Whoa! God is helping me see things in a new way. I can be wise, even after making a mistake. The mistake is to make no adjustments.
As you travel along in this life, I wonder if you feel the same or how you deal with setbacks. I wonder if you beat yourself up or if you even give it any other thought and move on. I wonder what you think.
Pastor D
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Give thought to your steps
I discovered something new in my walk with God. I talk too much. I'm trying to practice hearing God. I ask God to speak into my life--so I sit quietly and remain silent. However, I still talk in my mind. God tells me to be still and know that He is God.
God's truth challenges me to stop and think about what I am doing. Sometimes I don't like what I'm doing. Other times I am encouraged. Still, that moment when I ponder my path is what God wants from me. I wonder how often I've questioned why I do what I do. Have I given any time for reflection? Maybe I'm afraid of what I'll discover. Am I prudent? Or am I a simpleton?
I wonder if you've stopped to consider your own steps. In fact, what is your opinion of students? Are students simpletons or prudent? Do students view themselves as wise or foolish? How often do students consider their ways? What stops students from doing this? I wonder what you think. Join the conversation.
Pastor D
I discovered something new in my walk with God. I talk too much. I'm trying to practice hearing God. I ask God to speak into my life--so I sit quietly and remain silent. However, I still talk in my mind. God tells me to be still and know that He is God.
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I willStillness means quieting my body, my mouth, and my thoughts. Silence. To quiet my heart and mind to hear God's voice takes practice. I am learning how to do that better amid many tasks and new interruptions. In fact, today's chapter in Proverbs challenges me to consider what I am doing.
be praised in the earth. (Psalms 46:10)"
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their stepsDo I truly think about what I am doing? Or am I just a robot droning along in life without regard for my steps?
(Proverbs 14:15)."
God's truth challenges me to stop and think about what I am doing. Sometimes I don't like what I'm doing. Other times I am encouraged. Still, that moment when I ponder my path is what God wants from me. I wonder how often I've questioned why I do what I do. Have I given any time for reflection? Maybe I'm afraid of what I'll discover. Am I prudent? Or am I a simpleton?
Prudent: wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).
Simpleton: an ignorant, foolish, or silly person (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).
I wonder if you've stopped to consider your own steps. In fact, what is your opinion of students? Are students simpletons or prudent? Do students view themselves as wise or foolish? How often do students consider their ways? What stops students from doing this? I wonder what you think. Join the conversation.
Pastor D
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
ABC News: An Annual Rite: Brace Yourself for the Tourney
ABC News: An Annual Rite: Brace Yourself for the Tourney
Are you immune to the madness?
Are you immune to the madness?
March Madness
For all who love sports, especially basketball, this is our favorite time of year. I enjoy watching the games when I can. Back in college I would do extra studying and save up my excused absences and watch every game televised. I was a sports addict. Was? I still am, but anyways...
If you'd like me to join your group or you'd like to sound off regarding whether or not this is all a waste of time, then drop me an invite or your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Pastor D
For all who love sports, especially basketball, this is our favorite time of year. I enjoy watching the games when I can. Back in college I would do extra studying and save up my excused absences and watch every game televised. I was a sports addict. Was? I still am, but anyways...
If you'd like me to join your group or you'd like to sound off regarding whether or not this is all a waste of time, then drop me an invite or your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Pastor D
International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission
Check out the site, visit briefly, and post your comments.
Check out the site, visit briefly, and post your comments.
Amazing Grace
Last week at the Gathering, Amy Price suggested we watch the movie, Amazing Grace. Afterwards a few of us gathered to share our reflections on the movie. One of the resources cited by Luke Benedict was a World Magazine article on modern-day slavery in our world today. A group doing something about child slavery is the International Justice Mission. I heard the president speak at a missions conference over Christmas break. Her mission, her cause is compelling. Please visit the website on the link above. I'll post the questions and some of the answers from our group discussion later.
Pastor D
Last week at the Gathering, Amy Price suggested we watch the movie, Amazing Grace. Afterwards a few of us gathered to share our reflections on the movie. One of the resources cited by Luke Benedict was a World Magazine article on modern-day slavery in our world today. A group doing something about child slavery is the International Justice Mission. I heard the president speak at a missions conference over Christmas break. Her mission, her cause is compelling. Please visit the website on the link above. I'll post the questions and some of the answers from our group discussion later.
Pastor D
Right Living
God is reiterating one truth in my life. Integrity. God tells me in Proverbs 13:6; "Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." In order for me to nurture integrity in my life, I must live right. The standard of right-ness is God's truth. It is not what is best for me with no regard for others. It is right living according to the principles and precepts of God's truth in the Bible. So, as I live right my integrity is guarded. As I treat others right, my integrity is guarded. As I think right (of others, of myself), my integrity is guarded. The contrast is a life thrown over with wrongness.
God wants me to live a great life for Him. It will take principled discipline. Right living is not easy. Right living is for the strong, not the weak. I wonder if your experience is like mine. Do you struggle with living right? Do you seek to live out God's truth? Or are you feeling overthrown with wrong ways?
But there is hope. Every believer can confess sin and renew his or her walk in Christ. You are on the journey. You can reaffirm your commitment everyday. You can live for Christ. You can gain victory! Keep trusting God and living out His truth in your life. I wonder if you are encouraged or discouraged from these reflections. Drop me a comment.
Pastor d
God is reiterating one truth in my life. Integrity. God tells me in Proverbs 13:6; "Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." In order for me to nurture integrity in my life, I must live right. The standard of right-ness is God's truth. It is not what is best for me with no regard for others. It is right living according to the principles and precepts of God's truth in the Bible. So, as I live right my integrity is guarded. As I treat others right, my integrity is guarded. As I think right (of others, of myself), my integrity is guarded. The contrast is a life thrown over with wrongness.
God wants me to live a great life for Him. It will take principled discipline. Right living is not easy. Right living is for the strong, not the weak. I wonder if your experience is like mine. Do you struggle with living right? Do you seek to live out God's truth? Or are you feeling overthrown with wrong ways?
But there is hope. Every believer can confess sin and renew his or her walk in Christ. You are on the journey. You can reaffirm your commitment everyday. You can live for Christ. You can gain victory! Keep trusting God and living out His truth in your life. I wonder if you are encouraged or discouraged from these reflections. Drop me a comment.
Pastor d
Family: Entrusted treasures
I spent the day yesterday with my family. I have so many things to do and to think about. Like many of you I am at the crossroads of decisions for my life and ministry. I made a commitment to take my days off and invest them in my family.
I find it encouraging when your child tells you that one of your strengths is that you spend time with us. May God keep molding my life to value my family. I praise God that I can shepherd their lives. I love them so much! I enjoyed my time with them yesterday. From cleaning up the garage to doing errands late in the evening to folding clothes, I thank God that I can make time to be with them. I am a privileged man to have a wonderful wife and four growing children. I pray that you can experience a great family life. I ask God to keep you from a poor to mediocre family life. You can experience one each day by trusting in God like I do. I praise God for His help in my life.
I've added my family picture for you to see from Christmas where we posed in our Buckeye gear with Jesus. I praise God that He gave them all to me. I pray that I can do my best to shepherd them, treasures entrusted to me.
Pastor D
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Integrity
God is challenging me to work out my life with integrity. According to the dictionary, integrity means:
"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." To be honest with my life is challenging. I'd rather stretch the truth than deal with things honestly. I've heard people say that you need to be brutally honest, but I don't believe that to be true. God wants me to be candid; "characterized by openness and sincerity of expression; unreservedly straightforward (American Heritage Dictionary s.v. 'candid')."
To be unreservedly straighforward means honestly determining where I am with God, with family, with others. A person of integrity takes a sincere and open look at one's life. That scares you and I because we want to look good. Yet I need to balance that with what God's Word, the Bible says about all people. Rather than remaining in pride and seeking to look good, everyone can embrace humility. For Proverbs 11:2 says,
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." I can embody humility by taking an honest look at myself and know that God still loves me--warts, zits, acne and all! I can face myself with integrity. You can see yourself honestly and be free.
Moreover, I can live in the truth that God's love for me can impact my relationships. I wonder how many times I've said half-truths to cover my pride in order for others to receive the blame. I wonder how many times I've hurt others with my unfaithfulness. Proverbs 11:3 offers me a greater challenge,
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
If I am honest with myself before God, then I can be honest with everyone else in my life. This does not give me license to blast everyone brutally. But I gives me the foundation for deeper friendships. I want to build relationships rather than destroy them. I can build relationships on upright and honest values--values of intergrity. Living in this life is not easy, but with God's help anyone can thrive.
I wonder what you think about this issue of integrity. I wonder if relationships with others is only two-faced masks rather than real and honesty unmasked. Does how you view yourself truly impact relationships negatively? What has been your experience? your observation?
Peace out,
Pastor D
God is challenging me to work out my life with integrity. According to the dictionary, integrity means:
"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." To be honest with my life is challenging. I'd rather stretch the truth than deal with things honestly. I've heard people say that you need to be brutally honest, but I don't believe that to be true. God wants me to be candid; "characterized by openness and sincerity of expression; unreservedly straightforward (American Heritage Dictionary s.v. 'candid')."
To be unreservedly straighforward means honestly determining where I am with God, with family, with others. A person of integrity takes a sincere and open look at one's life. That scares you and I because we want to look good. Yet I need to balance that with what God's Word, the Bible says about all people. Rather than remaining in pride and seeking to look good, everyone can embrace humility. For Proverbs 11:2 says,
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." I can embody humility by taking an honest look at myself and know that God still loves me--warts, zits, acne and all! I can face myself with integrity. You can see yourself honestly and be free.
Moreover, I can live in the truth that God's love for me can impact my relationships. I wonder how many times I've said half-truths to cover my pride in order for others to receive the blame. I wonder how many times I've hurt others with my unfaithfulness. Proverbs 11:3 offers me a greater challenge,
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
If I am honest with myself before God, then I can be honest with everyone else in my life. This does not give me license to blast everyone brutally. But I gives me the foundation for deeper friendships. I want to build relationships rather than destroy them. I can build relationships on upright and honest values--values of intergrity. Living in this life is not easy, but with God's help anyone can thrive.
I wonder what you think about this issue of integrity. I wonder if relationships with others is only two-faced masks rather than real and honesty unmasked. Does how you view yourself truly impact relationships negatively? What has been your experience? your observation?
Peace out,
Pastor D
Friday, March 09, 2007
St. Patrick
In one week a special day arrives. Everyone wears green. People pinch each other. Some drink green beverages. Yet what do you know about St. Patrick. Well, here's a brief overview I found. Let me know what you think.
urbana.org - Great Cloud of Witnesses
In one week a special day arrives. Everyone wears green. People pinch each other. Some drink green beverages. Yet what do you know about St. Patrick. Well, here's a brief overview I found. Let me know what you think.
urbana.org - Great Cloud of Witnesses
Choices
Proverbs takes me to the crossroads everyday. I can choose one way or another. Sometimes my journey comes to a fork in the road. I am at wits end often. I have mounting things to do. I am unsetttled as to which course to take. So what do I do?
I worry. I fret. I seek escape. I procrastinate.
Yet I forget that I have a great God who wants me to share my burden. He tells me,
Proverbs takes me to the crossroads everyday. I can choose one way or another. Sometimes my journey comes to a fork in the road. I am at wits end often. I have mounting things to do. I am unsetttled as to which course to take. So what do I do?
I worry. I fret. I seek escape. I procrastinate.
Yet I forget that I have a great God who wants me to share my burden. He tells me,
"Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you (I Peter 5:7)."
God is there waiting for me. I can picture in my mind an older man waiting in the bend on the road with a wheelbarrow. I am carrying a heavy sack of stuff; worries, fears, challenges. Yet I often walk right by. He can carry my load--some or all of it. I just need to stop and ask Him to carry it. So what do you do?
Do you worry? Say it's all right, "I'm okay." "I'm good." "I can handle it. "
Don't forget that God is waiting to help carry your load. It doesn't matter what it is. He's there to carry it. For me its tasks--lots of things to do. Yet want to be wise not foolish. In Chapter Nine of Proverbs the contrast is between a simple person deciding who he or she will follow. Will you follow Wisdom? Will you follow Folly? What are the burdens you carry? Make a comment or share your struggles. Share anonymously, cryptically, or unfettered. I wonder what burdens you carry and need God to carry for you.
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