A little light to help on your walk

in our image...

2010-01-15T08:12:00.001-08:00

Remember when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt? They were not too far into their journey when God met them at Mt. Sinai. The presence of God was seen by the cloud covering the mountain... there was thunder and lightening... it was an awesome scene. Moses stayed on the mountain for a while... the people thought it was too long. When they got tired of waiting they went to Aaron and asked him to make them a god who would go before them. Although the idol looked like a calf, the truth is it was really a god made in their own image.

They worshipped the calf and did for the calf exactly what they thought this new made god would want. Where did they come up with this? It was what THEY THOUGHT! Thus they have a god made in their own image.

I've been reading Job this week... I always enjoy reading Job. It is, to say the least, an interesting study. This week one thing has impressed me more than anything else... In Job there are 4 "friends" who are "encouraging" and rebuking Job. They have concluded that all these bad things have happened to Job because God is punishing him. What I had to keep reminding myself of was that what we have is 4 guys lying about God - at least much of what they think about God is not true. They too have made the God of heaven a god in their own image. Here is what I mean - God must be this kind of god, and do these kind of things... because if I was God, that is what I would do.

Sometimes I just want to skip to the best part... Job grows increasingly frustrated by his friends and even he questions the justice of God. Finally God has had enough. That's enough of you guys talking about Me... you think you know so much about Me... you think you know what I do... how I do it... and why I do it... Now, you are going to call Me in to defend Myself... and My actions?
"Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; when I made a cloud its garment And thick darkness its swaddling band, and I placed boundaries on it And set a bolt and doors,
and I said, Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop?
Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?"

This is what I call an attitude adjustment. God has had enough and puts them all in their places.

Reading what Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, Elihu and even Job say about God, makes me wonder... how am I guilty of making God into my image of God. What I think God would want... say... do...

God would only forgive if...
God will only forgive when...
God will always do...
God would never do...
God could not...

This list could go on. Here is the challenge we all face. We are created in the image of God... and we must be sure that we do not return the favor to Him of creating Him in our own image. The only way to really know Him is to take Him at His word. To listen to what He has said about Himself... to pay attention to what He has revealed by His very consistent interaction with mankind.

Today... draw near to Him.
Today... take Him at His word.

God in a box

2009-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Do you remember playing with a jack in the box? If not, can you remember watching a young child play with one? The younger the child was... the greater the surprise when Jack finally pops out. The older you get the more you have the thing figured out. If I just keep cranking this handle long enough... the lid will pop open and Jack will surprise me with his appearance.

I remember having a jack in the box that was broken. If you cranked the handle it still played the music... but it did not matter how long you cranked the handle the door was not going to open... Jack was not popping out... the music was not that good. I figured out that you could take something and pry the lid open... Jack would pop out... but it was not the same! You can probably guess how long I continued to play with this toy... NO, I do not still play with it! It was QUICKLY discarded. I mean the problem was the Jack in the box... it was not me. I could handle my part just fine, thank you very much. But no matter how I did my part... he just would not do his part.

This morning I was reading 1 Samuel 4. The Israelites are at war with the Philistines. On this day the Philistines route the Israelites - 4,000 of them died. When the soldiers get back to camp an interesting conversation takes place. They ask "why did the Lord bring defeat on us today?" I can imagine the suggestions that were made. The amazing thing to me is the conclusion they come up with. This will fix our problems. Since God did not take care of us today... this is what we will do SO THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT WE WANT TOMORROW... let's take the ark of the covenant... then God will fight for us.

Does that sound like Jack, I mean God in a box to you? Let's carry this box (yes, it was a very special box, but come one) out to war tomorrow. If we take our God in a box... He will have to fight for us... He will have to give us victory.

The next day... when the ark comes into the camp the Israelites start the celebration... the Philistines wonder what is going on. When they find out here is what they say, "a god has come into the came, we're in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us!" Are they right? Is that how it works... bring out your box... turn the handle... out pops your god... and victory is assured?

Not a chance. Here is the next paragraph. "So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great..." WHAT? WHY DIDN'T IT WORK? I mean they brought out their god. They were sure it would work. The enemy was sure it would work. Why did this "great" plan fall apart?

God does not fit in a box. He cannot be controlled... manipulated... ordered... the problem is they had a little g god... just like the Philistines. Oh sure, they called on the one true God... but they treated God like a little g god... just like an idol... As some of my students have said, God don't play that game.

Today... how do you view God?
Today... how do you approach God?
Today... is it time to hit your knees one more time... to acknowledge who He is... what He has done... to submit to His will... to seek His paths? If your god fits in a box... you have no God.

Rejoice... you have a hope that lives!

2009-08-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is the last in a series of blogs about dealing with the challenges of life (at least it is the last one I have planned right now!).

Peter wrote to a church that was facing times that would at least eclipse the difficulties I face... I suspect that is true for all of us. Here is a simple list (of course with a little discussion!) of the things that make joy possible when we are in the fire of suffering. Be sure to read 1 Peter 1:3-9!

We can have joy because...
1) The Father has great mercy. I know this will come as a shock to many of you... but there were occasions when I was growing up that I would be disciplined even though I did not deserve it. HOLD ON! What I mean by that is... I was being punished for something I did not do. On more than one occasion my protests regarding such cruel treatment found this response. "OK, you may not have done that, but you have gotten away with plenty." How could I respond? If this teenager was into full disclosure... I may have said, "you have no idea!" My dad was simply using what he knew I had done, and not been punished for, as a cover for this time. He did not know all that I needed to be punished for. God does. His mercy is when He does not give me what I deserve. I agree with Peter - that's GREAT mercy!

2) He has given us new birth. When I deserved the very worst, God not only decided to give mercy, He also gave grace. New birth far surpasses a "do-over." And this is not just a new birth, it is a new birth into a hope that lives. There is a difference between hope that empowers living... that would be good, and a hope that lives. We have been given hope that can never die. It can never die because the One who gave it is risen from the dead! Jesus will never die. The hope Jesus gives will never die!

3) We have been given an inheritance that is untouchable. It never wears out. It never loses any of it greatness, and we should never lose our gratefulness!

4) By our faith we are shielded... when we keep on trusting... keep on walking by faith... God keeps on protecting us!

Today... rejoice. The storms are real... but they do not compare to the power... the blessing... the hope we have as those who have received the best God has to give!

choosing not to get all worked up...

2009-08-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

today is part 4 in dealing with the clouds and storms that come our way... I hope you have found something helpful... I KNOW it has been for me!

The storms are real... sometimes the clouds are thick... it can be really difficult to keep on going... to see anything but the problems. Is there anything we can do? YES! Here is a different route... and it does make a difference.

"Rejoice in the Lord, I will say it again, Rejoice! Be gentle with everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Read that verse again. Sometimes the difficulties in life seem to come from other folks. Have you ever noticed some folks are hard to put up with? How often do we get worked up over something someone said or did... did not say or do? Do you ever feel like just writing someone off... being done... giving them a piece of your mind... setting them straight? Be careful... this first step is to be gentle. When we have trouble with folks we need to remember we have needed and wanted someone to be gentle with us... in the same way we need to be gentle.

The best reason to be gentle is the Lord is near... how often has He chosen to be gentle with us? Only when we forget how much we have been forgiven of will we be in the spot of not being gentle with others. When we remember how much we have been forgiven of we are able to forgive more easily.

When we remember that the Lord is near it helps us handle all of the problems that come our way. We can choose to get worked up over them... or we can choose to pray. When you feel yourself becoming anxious about something... PRAY! Start praying to the Lord who is near... and keep on praying. All of the sudden you will find what this verse promises... the peace of God will come... you will not understand it, but it will be there... your heart and mind will find peace.

Today... have some joy
Today... be gentle
Today... remember He is right there with you
Today... talk to the Father about what you are worrying about
Today... enjoy the peace

well... what do you know?

2009-08-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought you knew something for sure... but still had that "lingering doubt" about whether it really was exactly the way you thought it was? Maybe an illustration will help. During our most recent roller coaster ride on the stock market... I was not sure what to do. There were some advisers that I really trust... who kept saying in the market's history it has ALWAYS gone up in a 10 year period... therefore, it will again this time... just sit tight... hold on... it will be ok. I believed their history lessons... I knew what they were saying was true... BUT!!!!!!!!!!

Today is part 3 in dealing with the storms of life... James said, "Think about all of the hard times that come in your life differently. I know it is hard to do but you KNOW that when your faith is tested it produces perserverance. God has you on a course here, perseverance must complete the course, and you will then be mature and complete, nothing will be missing." (James 1:2-4)

Here is one of those REAL challenges regarding what we know! James teaches us that we can think differently about all of the hard things... and he is careful to say they come in many different forms and in many different levels of intensity. Think for a moment what your first reaction to hard times is. Do you ever wish... especially after the storm has blown over... that you had responded differently? James says we can... and it all depends on what we know!

Are you interested in what we know that can change the way we respond to hard times? Me too! It is right there in the passage... we know that God is not only able to use the hard times... we can know that He is using the hard times to help us grow.

Have you ever faced something that in the moment seemed too big.. too hard to handle? Of course you have... we all have. Now, as you look back on it, you see that you were able to handle more than you thought... and if you look closely enough, you will be able to see that in some way... either big or small, God has matured you through that difficult experience!

This is a test of faith... the testing develops endurance... and if we will keep on trusting... keep on walking with the Lord... He will work in our lives to make us mature... complete... so that there will be nothing lacking. Think about that. I would love to be there, wouldn't you? It is easy for me to see where I fall short... I long for the day when I am finally grown up in Christ. Until that day we can take assurance and find comfort in this truth... God is at work in us... using even the most difficult of times to help us get there.

Today... hang on.
Today... step back from the difficulty and think a little differently about it.
Today... remember what you KNOW... because of the one you KNOW!

what's on the other side of the clouds...

2009-08-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we started thinking about the clouds and storms that come in our lives... today is the first part of how we deal with the tough stuff that comes our way.

"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we need to get rid of everything that ways us down, especially sin, because sin entangles us so easily. Then we can run the race with endurance, keeping our eyes focussed on Jesus. Jesus is the author of faith and He is the perfector of faith. Because of the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame that a cross means, and He has set down at the right hand of the Father. Consider Him..." Hebrews 12:1-3

This is one of my favorite passages. Tucked away towards the end of it is a powerful lesson... especially when you are in the midst of a storm! Notice this phrase, "because of the joy set before Him..." You don't have to think about it very long to be absolutely convinced that Jesus did not want to go to the cross... His prayer in the garden is that if there is any other way, to go that way. He prays so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood. He prayed this prayer three times.

So how could He face it? What was the joy set before Him? Jesus knew what He was doing, why He was doing it and what the result would be. Jesus did not just see the cross... He looked at it... and then what was on the other side...
the Father was pleased...
sin was paid for...
Satan was defeated...
redemption became possible...
we became children of God...
we became His brothers and sisters...

I don't know what you are facing right now... what form the storm and clouds are taking in your life. I do know this... sometimes they seem too big... too dark... too hard... too much.

Today... remember on the other side of the clouds the SON is still shining!
Today... remember that Jesus has been down this road too... He knows what you are going through.
Today... remember you are not walking alone... Jesus walks with you.
Today... don't allow your life to be fixed on the problem... fix your eyes on Jesus!

clouds...

2009-07-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

It has been really strange around here the last week. It seems like every evening the clouds start building and we get a little shower. I enjoy the cloudy evenings and sure appreciate the rain. At the same time... I really like the days - they have been cooler, the sun has been shining... that's important to me.

I like sunny days. I know lots of folks live in places where it is cloudy most of the time... that is not for me. In fact I don't particularly like days when it cloudy all day... I want the sun shining. Please read that last sentence again.

I know. I know the sun is shining on cloudy days too. I know it is still there. Here is the problem... if the clouds are thick enough I cannot see the sun! If you stop and reflect on that last sentence you will find a great analogy for life!

We all have cloudy days... sometimes weeks, months, years and longer. When it is cloudy... when it is stormy... especially the thicker the clouds and the stronger the storm... it is hard to see anything but the storm. When we are there we get caught up in it... the problems we face seem to be all we can think about.

You know how the storms come...
you wake up in the middle of the night to a ringing phone...
you go to the doctor and receive the results from the test...
papers are served...
relationship are severed...
the car breaks down...
the air conditioner goes out...
the money is gone, and the month just keeps going and going and going...

You can add your own to the list... the point is clouds and storms are part of living... but they are not life. If we let them become life... they keep us from really living. So what do we do with them? I am glad you asked! I have thought about this A LOT this week. I have listened to the One who knows us best... made us... protects us... rescues us... and is working - even in the storm. He has some things He wants us to know... and to do... to do more than just make it through the storm.

In the next several days I will write about some that have been the most helpful for me. Check back!

Today... know this... the SON is still shining... even when the clouds are thick and the wind is blowing... and the rain is beating... and the lightening is flashing... and the thunder rolls... and the waves crash... and it seems to be all that you can see.

Jesus is still there... He sees... He knows... He cares... He is at work in you... and for you! so take a breathe... close your eyes... remember Him in whom you believe... and HANG ON!

"encouragement" from the boat...

2009-07-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

No. I am not on a cruise... not even water skiing and certainly not fishing. These are thoughts about encouragement that comes from those on a boat.

I've been brewing on a thought from yesterday.... I thought it might be helpful to you too.

Remember when Jesus fed the 5,000? He sent the apostles away on the boat, then He sent the crowds away... then He went up on the mountain to get away... to pray.

During the night a storm blew in. The disciples find themselves in the middle of the lake... fighting the winds and the waves... rowing with all they've got... and getting no where. Early in the morning... while it was still dark... Jesus saw them (we'll save the "Jesus sees in the dark" thoughts for another time)... came down off the mountain and was walking towards them.

I love to imagine the scene from the boat. I don't know how... but they saw Jesus walking on the water. Think about it... middle of the lake... bad storm fighting you... and then all of the sudden someone is standing out there... I'd be scared too, how about you?

They cry out... it's a ghost... and the ghost responds. Did you hear that? The voice seems familiar... I think it was Jesus. Maybe those thoughts, or something like them, flashed through Peter's mind a split second before he opened his mouth. "Lord, if that's You, tell me to come to You on the water." Do you ever speak before you think? Have you ever regretted it? If I was Peter I would be taking it all back... not really, I was just kidding, I'll stay right here...

Jesus simply said, "come."

Next thing you know, Peter is heading for the side of the boat. Can you imagine anyone, especially his brother, asking him, "just where do you think you are going? What do you think you are doing? Are you crazy? Don't you get out of this boat. If you don't get back in here I am gonna tell mom."

You remember the story... Peter crawls over the side and starts walking towards Jesus... walking on water... I WOULD LOVE TO HAD SEEN THAT! I know Peter sank in a minute... but stay here for a little bit. He was walking on water! He was walking towards Jesus. I wonder what folks in the boat were saying?

Do you think anyone was amazed? Do you think anyone was excited? Do you think anyone started pointing out all of the reasons why you can't do what Peter was doing... or even warned him to look out for a wave that was about to crash into him?

Then it happened. He noticed the winds and the waves... and he became exactly what his name means. Peter means rock, and he sunk like one.

Have you ever stepped out of the boat... taken a step of faith... and had someone from the safety of the boat tell you all the reasons it could not work, and why you should just give up? It is easy to see all of the problems when you don't have your eyes fixed on Jesus and when you are not walking by faith. Have you even been guilty of staying in the boat and giving all of that "encouragement?"

Today... crawl out of the boat... ignore the nay-sayers and walk towards Jesus.

Today... if you are in the boat... SSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Don't shout down the folks who are walking by faith. Be a real encourager, not a "watch out for the winds and waves" person.

Talents...

2009-06-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am helping the Parkway Drive church in Lubbock with their VBS this evening. It is the first time I have had the opportunity to work with this congregation and I am really excited about it.

Tonight's message is on "The Parable of the Talents" from Matthew 25. For many this is a familiar parable. The thing I keep struggling with is how do I communicate the great message of Jesus to the teens I will be speaking to?

It is way beyond interesting that this parable is right in the middle of two others... all of them have to do with folks who will not be in the kingdom of Heaven... folks who are left out. That's not really a message we like to think about.

Another observation. This parable is not about what we call talents... ability to sing, speak, etc. It is about $. More than that it is about how we use what God has given to us.

Today... what do you have a hard time letting go of? What do you have a hard time trusting God for. Are there times when you want to, or actually do, just bury your talent in the ground?

blessed...

2009-03-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend in Eastland. For the last 3 years I have been invited by the Daugherty Street Church of Christ to come speak at a "Men of Faith" conference at Lake Cisco Christian Camp. We had a really good time on Saturday. There were a good number of men from Eastland, Cisco, Gorman, Commanche, Cross Plains, Baird, Ranger, and a few other places in attendance. We spent the morning studying the life of Abraham - basically from Hebrews 11 - it does not matter how far along you are on the journey of living by faith - there is LOTS to learn from Abraham. On top of the good studying we did we had great meals and even better conversations!

This weekend I will be doing some work with the North A Church in Midland. I have a real passion for working with young people. A couple of their folks were in attendance at a workshop I spoke at recently and have asked if one of our students and I would come and make a similar presentation.

I am so grateful for these opportunities. I hope they will be a blessing to the folks who come - and that the Kingdom will be stronger because of it.

I hope you are having a great day

remember...

2009-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Folks have "encouraged" me for years with lines like this... "it only gets worse from here!" That encouragement comes in response to something about me forgetting. I tell people all the time - "Let me write it down. If I write it down there is about a 50-50 chance I will remember. If I don't write it down there is no chance!" For years I have been encouraged that it is a sign of old age... and it only gets worse... THANKS!

How about you? There is a truth about us... we are habitual forgetters. I know some of us have perfected forgetting better than others... but we all forget. Sometimes my forgetting is worse... more embarassing... than others - it all depends on what I have forgotten!

It caught my attention yesterday while reading 2 Timothy 2. Paul told the young apprentice missionary Timothy to "remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel." Of all the things Paul reminded Timothy of in his two short letters, this is the most shocking to me. Why? Why would he think it was necessary to remind Timothy to remember Jesus... to remember the resurrection... to remember Jesus' lineage... to remember the Gospel?

Maybe because Timothy, like me - and maybe like you, could easily forget. Forget Jesus? Surely this does not mean completely forget Jesus... so it must mean to not remember some specific things about Jesus. Paul is telling Timothy to keep Jesus always on his mind. Paul is saying to remember that Jesus was raised from the dead... since that is true several other things are true as well.
Jesus was raised... faith is not vain.
Jesus was raised... sin has been paid for.
Jesus was raised... death has been defeated.
Jesus was raised... you can have real hope.
Jesus was raised... never to die again.
Jesus was raised... you will be raised as well.
Jesus was raised!

Paul wants Timothy to remember where Jesus came from... descended of David. Why? GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES. You do not have to read very far in one of the geneologies of Jesus to see that God works in all kinds of people... in all kinds of situations... when folks are working for God... and when they are seemingly working against God... in order to keep His promises. Even when there seemed to be no way God could keep His promises... He did.
descended... you can count on God
descended... God will never fail you
descended... what He has promised He will do.

Today... remember!

where have I been?

2009-02-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

You only have to look for a second or two to realize that I have been much of a blogger lately. Thanks to several of you who have encouraged me to start back up. This is a warning... more blogging to come!

count your many blessings...

2008-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

This is not original... but what really is original? As you prepare to give thanks maybe these questions will help you count the many ways you have been blessed and then thank God for it.

Name a blessing for which you are thankful that comes from...
living where you live
belonging to your church family
a specific talent, gift or knack that is useful in the kingdom of God
your occupation or work
your association with a specifc living person (not a relative)
your association with a specific person who has passed on (not a relative)
each of your immediate family members
a family member who has passed on
the trials you have experienced
a present disability or hardship that is a challenge for you
your education
your citizenship
your personality
a particular scripture
things you have read
a specific possession
five specific spiritual blessings
the world that you have seen
someone in another country
an activity you participate in
your imagination
your childhood
someone in your church family (not already named)
one of God's natural wonders that awes you
a recent unexpected kindness
a past kindness that you have not forgotten
someone who has forgiven you
someone you have forgiven

It will be cool for us to share these blessings with one another! Have a great thanksgiving - and I thank God for you.

you can't fool God!

2008-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was in college I worked at an automobile dealership in the service department. My job was to drive customers back to their home or work when they brought their car in for service. My assignment was clear. There were times when we were super busy. There were also times when it was incredibly slow. I learned an important lesson during one of those slow times.

It was right before Thanksgiving and there had only been a few people bring their cars in for service. So there were several of us standing around. The owner came through the shop and in just a few minutes we were all called to come to the front of the shop. The boss had talked with our boss, now he was passing down the word from above. “If we would like to continue our employment we had better start working.” Simple message. It was hard to misunderstand. After we were dismissed from this impromptu meeting I asked the service manager what I was supposed to do. He said, “I don’t care. You just be sure that you look busy.” I was not the only one who was told the same kind of thing.

From that day on, when anyone saw the owner coming there was a quick word and then everyone “looked busy.” It did not matter what you were doing, or even what you needed to do – just do something – and look busy! The message I remember was this – just fool the boss. It does not matter what you are doing – as long as he thinks you are doing what you should be doing.

Have you ever played this kind of game with God? Ever felt like you were just going through the motions, not giving yourself to God, just acting like it? I have not only felt that way – that has been the case. These words from God have really challenged me. These are words that have made a real difference in my life. I trust they will in yours as well.

Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked,
whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.
If you sow to the flesh,
you will from the flesh reap corruption.
If you sow to the Spirit,
you will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8

Every time I run across a passage that begins with these words, “do not be deceived…” I have to stop and wonder why the passage starts this way. I think it is because what we are about to read is written about something we have the tendency to be deceived about. Don’t you hate it when someone deceives you? It is a terrible thing to realize that someone has played you for the fool. They have set out to make you believe something that is not true… and they have accomplished it.
Do you know what is worse than being deceived by someone? What about deceiving yourself? It is more than a possibility. We can get so caught up in doing our thing, in wanting something to be a certain way, that we convince ourselves that something is true – even when we know better. Surely this is one of those areas.

The apostle Paul wants to make this very clear. It is not enough to say we want to see spiritual growth in our lives. The desire alone is not enough. What we must pay attention to is this – what kind of seed are we sowing? If we sow spiritual seed, we will find spiritual fruit. If we sow to please the flesh, we will find corruption. If you are not finding the kind of fruit in your life that you really want… instead of blaming others why not start by examining yourself?

What kind of seed are you sowing? Are you making decision, and taking actions, both big and small that will lead to spiritual growth?

give thanks...

2008-11-24T10:12:00.001-08:00

This is the week. I love this time of year. I'm not that much for the turkey - something about the whole cannibal thing : ) The dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs... and wait, there is something missing... in fact it is sooooo important that it just owould not be thanksgiving without it... oh yes, that is it... PECAN PIE!
What? There is something else? How could I have forgotten? That's right, it would not be Thanksgiving without giving thanks. So will you? Have you?
I want to challenge, encourage, beg you to. Do it right now. In fact, if you have never written a thanksgiving Psalm - make it a new tradition.
If you need a little help starting - read the Psalms. Read what the Psalmist thanked God for. Take time to make a list of all you have to be grateful for... then actually do it... and really write it down.
If you want - share it on the comments section of the blog - I think that would be encouraging for all of us!

not worthy...

2008-11-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

When I was in Jr. High and High School someone would say or do something - that was either impressive, or at least they thought it was (!) and folks around would either literally bow down, or they would at least put their arms up and bend over - paying respects and saying, "not worthy, not worthy." It was actually funnier then than it seems now. Of course it was joke. It was really a very animated way of saying - get back in your place - you are not better than everyone else around...

In Hebrews 11 the writer is teaching about folks who lived their lives by faith. Great stories. Encouraging stories. They teach us what it means to live by faith... they inspire us to live by faith. (Read Hebrews 11 and receive the blessing!) Then in 11:38 there is this great phrase "men of whom the world was not worthy." Think about that. They were folks who were in the world but not of the world. They lived in the world, but they did not live in the way of the world. They lived above the world. The world was not worthy of folks who lived by faith the way they lived by faith.

For them it was about being better than anyone else... acting in a certain way to gain the approval of man. For these folks it was all about this, "without faith it is impossible to please God," so with faith God is pleased. They wanted more than anything to please Him. Don't you want to be among them? Don't you want that to be true of you as well. For people of faith this is what matters - does this please God?

Today... live in but not of the world
Today... let's be people whose lives are lived by faith
Today... let's be encouraged by those who have gone before - of whom the world was not worthy

you have got to do this!

2008-11-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

Want to know how a small thing on your part can be used by God to bless a lot of folks?

Have you ever read about Jesus taking 5 biscuits and 2 fish and feeding 5,000 - and then wondered if something like that could take place again.

Follow this link to see how the Lord can take $20 and feed so many! http://www.treymorgan.net/2008/11/feeding-dump-people.html

Join in. You can be used by God to make a difference!

chasing after the wind...

2008-11-10T10:03:00.001-08:00

I needed to get out of the office for a little while this morning. I don't think it was a case of claustraphobia... it was a case of too much noise. It seems the further I go the harder it is to block out the distractions. So I took my Bible and went to the park to read. It was perfect. The temperature was just to my liking. The sun was shining... occasionally it was blocked by a cloud floating by.

As the pages turned the conditions did too! After a few chapters I no longer needed to turn the pages myself... in fact I was holding them to stay at the same opening. I was reading about chasing after the wind and was seeing it take place around me!

I hate it when something gets away on a windy day. I can't tell you how many times I have chased after something. You get close... reach down to grab whatever you are after... then another gust. Away it goes. Away you go.

Think of how many ways that reflects the way we live life. We set our eyes/our hearts on something. We chase after what we cannot catch. We are tired... frustrated... running.

Take a moment to step back and look at your life. What are you chasing after?

I don't like...

2008-11-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

She caught me off guard. It was not one of those "I thought I was alone, and you scared me" times. It was one of those "I did not expect that" times.

I had gone over to the church building on a Wednesday night. I was making sure that everything was set up for class. I was early but I was not the first one there for class. When I walked into my classroom I found a dear, sweet sister. She was over 90 years old. She was in good health. We had a great relationship. I greeted her. Her response caught me off guard.

"I don't like David," she stated bluntly. My mind raced. I thought to myself, "which one?" We had several guys at church named David... but I could not think of which one she could be referring to.

"Which one," I enquired.

"That one you are having us read." I was encouraging the whole congregation to read the Psalms together. We had a schedule we were following. After about 10 days of reading the Psalms she decided that she did not like David.

"Why not?"

"He complains too much." I wanted to laugh... but I didn't.

We talked about those times in life when we do not like what is going on. We talked about those times when life is really hard. We talked about how we talk to God about those times and during those times.

Sometimes we think we can only talk about certain things with God. David did not have such restraints. It seems to me that David and others who wrote the Psalms talked to God all the time. No matter what was happening they took it to the Father. When they did not like it - they told God. When it was incredibly good - they told God.

Our conversation ended with us agreeing, "I like David and I like that I can talk to God about everything."

Today... have you talked to Him?

keep your eyes on the road...

2008-10-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Katelynn is almost finished with her driver's education. She has the best driver's ed teacher ever... or maybe not! I find myself remembering all these little lessons that I need to pass on to her. Things to always do... and things to never do. One of the lessons that has kept coming up is where to look.

When we are driving there are temptations to look around in the car. Sometimes we look only at what is right in front of us. There are distinct dangers with both. If something happens inside the car we may be so distracted at checking our phone, reading a text, picking up what fell... that we miss what is happening outside of the car - what a danger. If we focus only on what is right in front of us we miss so much. The light may be changing, there may be a stop sign, someone may be pulling out into our lane of traffic... or slowing down... or there may be something in the road... what a danger when we fail to see these things. So the lesson has been keep your eyes up. See what is coming.

We live life this way. Sometimes we are so caught up in our own problems - many which are inside of us that we are focussed only on them. We miss so much that goes on around us - and much of it is dangerous. Other times we can only see the problems around us. We drive through life only seeing the immediate - the here and now. This too is dangerous.

Faith teaches us to get our eyes up, our hearts and minds up. There are things we know by faith that make it possible to see differently. To see what others cannot see. To know what others cannot know. To live like others cannot live.

Today... get your eyes up.
Today... read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Today... keep your eyes on the road... and the ONE who ran this path ahead of you... and now runs it with you!

think

2008-10-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

- John Quincy Adams

are you concerned for the future of the USA?

2008-10-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

PRAY!

I hear... and I have said much about the future of the USA. I don't know about you... although if you are not concerned it seems to me that you would be part of a small group. This morning I am impressed with how important it is that we do this. We must pray. A good friend forwarded this to me. I share it with you as a possible starting point. Whether you pray these suggestions or others - please join me in praying for our country.

Prayer Guide for the Presidential Election James Balcom

It is critical that Christians pray for the upcoming presidential election.

There is amazing power in united prayer. Please print out this prayer guide and pray daily until the election. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can
overcome any obstacle or ungodly influences and, indeed, do great things! Please forward this to every Christian you know.........START TODAY

Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.

Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be
led astray.

Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

2 Cor. 12:9 Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man/woman in any area of weakness.

Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.

Luke 12:54-57 Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

Phil. 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special
strength and unusual ability from God.

Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.

During the days of November 1st-4th, be encouraged to set aside a time of fasting during these days to commit this election to the Lord in whom we put our trust. Acts 14:23

Remember 2Chronicles 7:14: 'If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'

staying in your lane...

2008-08-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Let us run with endurance the race set before us... that's what we've been talking about. I have spent more than enough time distracted... veering out of my lane... doing my own thing - how about you? I need... I want... to stay in and on this path God has laid out... Jesus has blazed. Last time we talked about 3 of the 6 things that James lays out - actually commands - for us to do:
1. Submit to God
2. Resist the devil
3. Draw near to God

now for the rest of James 4:7-10
4. Cleanse your hands and purify your heart. I have a REAL fear of snakes. The way I feel about them is much like the way I feel about working with electricity. I was helping an uncle replace an electric hot water heater. He started taking the wires apart and I was pretty sure we had not "kicked the breaker" - in other words the juice was still flowing. I asked if he wanted me to turn off the electricity - and he said no. What followed was a short lesson as long as you don't do this... or this... or this... there won't be a problem. I thought, "I'd rather just turn it off and not have to worry about it." I know there are snakes that are poisonous and there are others that are for the most part harmless - I would rather just stay away from all of them - then I don't have to worry. This is the attitude James is teaching us to have regarding sin. Don't play with it... don't see how strong you are... don't see how close you can get to the edge - cleanse your hands - quit any acts of sin and get your heart fixed on the Lord. Being double minded is the problem - so change your heart and mind - decide you really want this relationship with God.
5. Weep, wail and mourn. Instead of ignoring or denying what sin has done in the world - what it has done in your life - the pain it (and you and I when we sin) have brought into the world - how deeply it grieves the heart of God - acknowledge it all. Let the sin that breaks the heart of God break your heart as well. We are all guilty... we are all unworthy... we have all had enough... done enough... Instead of trying to isolate ourselves from the results of our sin - we need to take responsibility - it is not anyone else's fault - it is mine. I made the choice... you made the choice... the effects are worse than we know (and the grace is greater than we know as well!). Jesus said blessed are the poor in spirit and followed that by saying blessed are those who mourn.
6. Humble yourself - this really is the short statement for #1 - Submit. It is constantly being aware of how great God is... and how far I fall short. It is saying, "You are God in Heaven and here am I on earth, so I will let my words be few." God knows more... understands more... has and can do more... He is God - so we must constantly bow before Him - then He will lift us up.

Today... Submit, resist, draw near, clean up, come clean, stay humble - these 6 things can keep you in the race... following Jesus!

running off the road...

2008-08-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

I drive. I drive a lot. I drive at least 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. I have seen a lot on the road. I have done a lot on the road. I have missed a lot on the road. Monday I saw something I have never seen before. I actually heard about this on Sunday, but I saw it on Monday.

On my path to school there is a place where the strangest thing happened. Very early (4:20) Sunday morning a truck ran off the road. The driver over corrected and the truck rolled and the driver died from the injuries he suffered in the wreck. Several hours later a car was travelling in the opposite direction. This is a four lane, divided highway. Yet, in almost the exact same spot as the truck wrecked this car ran off the road and ran into a pickup that was off the road. The driver of the car also died from her injuries.

When I first heard the report I tried to remember that section of the road. Were there any turns or other obstacles that would have contributed to the wreck? I could not remember any. Monday I looked. Nothing. The road was flat and straight. The conclusion has been that the drivers in both instances, without any mechanical failures and no extenuating circumstances, simply failed to keep their vehicles on the road... the results were disastrous.

I don't know if I have ever wandered out of my lane in those exact spots... but I do know that there have been "plenty" of times that I have. More times than I care, or am capable of remembering, I have been distracted by something and wandered out of my lane. I thank God that the results have not been the same for me - but there have been some moments that struck fear deep in the heart.

Have you ever run off the road? I'm not asking about the highway as you drive... I'm asking about the path of walking with God. Have you ever been distracted... lost focus... or simply chosen to jump off of God's path? The answer for all of us is yes. We have "all sinned and fallen short of His glory." Have you recently or frequently run off the road?

There are six things that James in his short letter that I have to remind my self of frequently to keep me on track. James talks about the source of so much of the trouble that goes on around us... and in us. Then he offers these things to keep us on track...

1. Submit to God - what does that mean? It means I have a will and you have a will and ultimately God has a will. My will is not always God's will. Let's shoot straight about me... and you. I don't always want what God wants... and sometimes I do not care what God wants - there are times when we want to be in control of our lives... we want what we want... when we want it... because we want it. Submit means I CHOOSE to seek God... His will... His way... to acknowledge who He is... and who I am - He is God... I am not. He knows... I don't. Since that is true I will rely on Him and place myself under Him.

2. Resist the devil - we do not live in a vacumn. We cause enough trouble for ourselves... but we also have a real, active enemy... who is out to get us. He does not want for us to simply have a bad day... week... month... year... or life. He wants us to spend eternity in Hell - seperated from God. It is not so much that he cares about us - he has found this is his way at striking and hurting the heart of God. We all know that what he wants for us is not what we want... it always turns out bad. Sin has taken all of us further than we wanted to go... and kept us longer than we wanted to stay... and cost us more than we could afford to pay. So what do we do? We fight against him. Whatever the enemy wants we resist. We play defense. When we do... he flees from us. When we submit to God and resist the devil - the devil runs scared. Have you been fighting against temptation... are you weary... do you feel like you have been on the firing line... do you feel like giving in? Do this. Submit and resist. Quit playing games. Get radical! Make a big change... quit hiding it... depending on you to fight it... admit it... get some help... if you will, he will flee.

3. Draw near to God. Are you as close to God as you want... as you need to be? The answer for all of us has to be no. Then why don't we do something about it? Right now... admit it to God and commit to changing. In doing just that you have started. Right now... commit to spending some time listening to God - open your Bible and read! Set your heart on drawing near to God and here is His promise - "He will draw near to you!"

Today... three steps.
Today... do it!
Today... quit reading and start

Yes, I did say six things... I figured this was enough for today. Check back in a day or two for the rest!

can you hear me now...

2008-07-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

It is hard to remember life before cell phones! Even harder is to imagine life now without a cell phone. We have become so accustomed to them that for most of us life we be very different if they were gone... don't believe it? Just turn yours off for a day or two!

Nearly everywhere we go we are connected. Need something... make a call. Someone needs you... take a call. Have you ever been talking with someone and it seems like they are on the other end... but not really there? You can't see... but you feel pretty certain they are not really listening to you... there is something else going on. There have been a few times when I've been talking with the girls over the cell phone and had to say, "hey, listen to me for just a second. I need to tell you something important." Otherwise I felt certain that they would have missed the message.

I wonder if God ever wants to say to me, "hey, listen to me for just a second. I need to tell you something important." I know there have been many times when I have missed some really important things because I was too distracted to really listen. How about you?

Once we've heard... we have got to follow through. "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Today... listen.

Today... do it!

the oops button...

2008-07-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I like the commercials for Staples. You know the ones... someone has run out of an office supply... they start to lose it... as if the world is quickly coming to an end. Then right on the edge of a breakdown someone hits the "Staples Easy Button" and all is well.

Don't you wish it was really that simple? Whether we are talking about office supplies... or things that matter a whole lot more. A few weeks ago a friend told me he wished we had an "oops button." It would be so helpful! Whenever you said or did something that you later wished you had not done... punch the "oops button" and it is all cleared up. When you have been misunderstood... punch the "oops button." Just think of all the things that could be handled by this one simple thing.

Unfortunately we do not have an oops button. If there were an oops button there would surely be an empty spot in John 5. John 5 starts with a great story. John introduces us to a man who is lame... he has been lame for 38 years - think how his life would have been different if someone pushed the oops button... He is laying beside the pool called Bethesda. Jesus walks up and asks a question that seems weird. What we find out is that folks are laying by this pool hoping to be the first one in when the waters are stirred. Whoever was first was healed of their disease. Jesus approaches the man and asks him if he wants to get well.

How would you have responded? Consider these possibilities: Of course I want to get well! That is why I'm here. I've given up after all these years. That's just a distant, forgotten dream. He could have said a lot... but his response is filled with brokeness... I can't get there first. I have tried but someone always gets there first.

If I had been there I would have clarified my question. "I did not ask why you are still here. What I asked was do you really want to get well?" Jesus does not respond that way... He simply says, "get up, take your mat and go."

Imagine what might have raced through the man's mind. Get up? I would love to get up. I can't get up that's why I am here... None of that happens. John says IMMEDIATELY the man got up. We find out he did not even know who Jesus was, but for some reason when Jesus told him what to do... He did it.

I am sure we would all need an "oops button" a lot less if we learned from this lame man... whatever Jesus says... don't argue... don't fight it... don't rationalize some other action... just do it!

Today... are you struggling with something? Maybe for so long that you have all but given up...

Today... have you heard the word from the Lord but chosen not to IMMEDIATELY do it?

Today... get up... pick up your mat... walk!

whose kingdom?

2008-07-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

I am directing a session of Jr. High and High School camp this week. Wait! No, it is not punishment... I chose to be here... and I know it is just Tuesday, but I am still glad to be here! We have a great group of counselors. Our campers are doing a good job being campers :) I am getting to work with some of my favorite people. It has been... and I am confident it will continue to be a good week.

This week we are using the popular song "Reign in Me" as our theme. Today's focus is on who will reign in "your" kingdom. As much as we hate to admit it, this is not just for teenagers is it? I have spent quite a bit of time examining my own life. It is easy to hold out in a few areas isn't it? Lord, I want Yoo to reign in my life... but I think I will hang on to this area... I'll take care of this... I will do my own thing here. How often have I led a quite revolution? We don't want to declare war... forgetting )or ignoring, trying to forget) God's jealous, exclusive nature - "No one can serve two masters..."

Yesterday we stood on Mount Carmel. Some of us, or was it most of us knew real well what it was like to "limp between two divided opinions." We heard the call of God through Elijah, "if the LORD is God serve Him." Those folks could not walk in two opposite directions. We can't either.

Today... how are you walking? Which direction are you going? Are walking in the Light... with the Lord... heart fully devoted?

Today... take your time maching back to 1 Kings 18. Join us on the mountain. Hear the call... see the power of God... turn your heart... and keep walking with Him!

lift up your eyes...

2008-06-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Raegan got contacts last week... in fact she had a super eight days. On Friday the 13th she was born again into the family of God. Family and friends gathered as she was baptized into Jesus. It was a beautiful day! On the following Monday she got glasses... on Wednesday she got new hair color... on Friday she got braces... it was an extraordinary week for her - and for us!

She was really exctied about her contacts. I thought about her and then myself as I was reading Psalm 121 the other day... "I lift up my eyes to the hills." I thought about how nice it would be for her to be abnle to see more clearly... to not have to look for her glasses... to not have to adjust them frequently... but to simply be able to see.

I spent a lot more time thinking about my need to see. It is so easy for me to have cloudy eyes... to not be able to see clearly. It is so easy for me to have distracted eyes... to only see the problems and challenges I face. It is so easy for me to just close my eyes. How much I need to lift up my eyes to the hills... to remember what the Psalmist says in Psalm 123 "as the eyes of a slave look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He shows us His mercy."

No matter what is going on in or around us... our greatest need is to see differently... to see from His perspective... then we are reminded that our God reigns - He is still in control... to see ourselves differently... and to see the challenge differently.

Today... lift up your eyes... remember the Maker of heaven and earth

it is finally raining...

2008-06-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

I know. There are lots of folks around who would think the message of "it is raining" would be the worst news ever. My heart goes out... and many prayers are offered in behalf of those who have suffered the devastating effects of the floods along the Mississippi River and other areas...

BUT... it has been soooo hot and soooo dry in the part of the world we call home. We have needed rain desperately. The last several days have seen rainfall... some "good rains" and a few "light showers." Either way. God has blessed us and we are grateful.

I have been working on our yard more than usual this year - guess it is that get it ready to sell thing... it was fine for me, but we want it to look better for others (I know - just call me goofy!). I have watered more and had less return than normal. That has all changed... when God sends the water... well it is just different.

That is true for more than just a yard isn't it. When we are open to and receive the rain from God we are different.

This week has been different for me. We had brought Raegan to camp and I just decided to take a week off. I have spent a couple of days now doing "nothing." Sonya had to go home for a doctors appointment. She and Katelynn will be joining me tomorrow - that will be good. She has texted several times and said what are you doing... Several times all I could say was... NOTHING!

This has been a great time of soaking in the rain... of listening to God... of enjoying some time with friends... of watching the clouds... enjoying the mountains... of being refreshed.

I knew I was tired. I did not realize how tired I was. It has been good.

Today... you may not be able to just take a week off... find/make some time to soak it... to read and pray... to watch and thank.

the fellowship of WIMPS...

2008-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

I've been getting ready to teach a class on 1,2 Peter next school year. I just finished reading it again... the major lesson today is this... I won't throw anyone under the bus... I'll just say if the shoe fits...

I am part of (maybe the only one - but I doubt it) of the fellowship of WIMPS. I read 1 Peter... I think about the way of Jesus... I am caught by the repeated theme of how we encounter suffering... then I think, Ray you are the biggest wimp. I am amazed... I am ashamed... I am challenged by the "momentary light affliction" that I face and how powerfully it can shake and challenge me... especially when I consider the things our Savior and brothers and sisters in the first century faced.

I do not really want to sound like I don't think the things we face are challenges - Paul wrote about the things he faced and called them "momentary light afflictions." There are lots of hard things we go through - but come on. I think this has been one of the most difficult years of my life - but when I get a different perspective... when I remember Jesus... those who faced suffering that was REAL SUFFERING... I have not seen anything.

How about you? What difference would it... could it make... if we, you and I, decided that no matter what we were going to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel? What if we would trust more... pray more... endure more... There is much to learn in times of suffering.

Today... be encouraged. I know you may be in the middle of hard times. You are not alone! If you are suffering for the Lord... for doing right... rejoice! You are becoming more and more like HIM!!!

Today... remember Jesus said "blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness..."

blessed...

2008-05-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Do you read Revelation much? In our Bible class Wednesday night I told about a commitment I made lots of years ago - challenged by a youth minister to read the WHOLE New Testament. I added the emphasis because this was a new idea to me... read it all? Are you kidding? Isn't that too much? He was persistent. So I agreed. We started with Matthew... and I liked that. Mark was fast paced... I liked that. Luke was a great story teller... I liked that. John was... different... I liked that. On and on it went. Acts was neat. Romans was good. 1 Corinthians was amazing... are you sure that's God's church? (ha) I read several chapters every day... kept reading one book after another.

Then I got to Revelation. I started... and it was cool. I wasn't so sure what this "to the angel of the church at..." was, but the message to those churches was pretty easy to figure out. John looking into Heaven and seeing God and Jesus - well, he described them in a different way... but I liked it. Then we started with those seals... then trumpets and bowls, and beasts and heads and horns and crowns... actually I don't think I got that far. The first time I got to chapter 6 - read it and said - I don't get this... so it was back to Matthew!

There is no telling how often I did that. I am so glad that has changed. Now as I am reading through the New Testament I can hardly wait to get to Revelation. I really like it! If you have not been reading Revelation much... or even any other part of your Bible much I want to share with you the promise that begins Revelation. Let's frame it this way...

Do you want your life to be really blessed by God? Here is a good place to start... "blessed are those who read... who hear... who put into practice the things written here..."

If you really want to be blessed... if you really want your life to be changed... get in the word! This living and active word of God cannot accomplish in your life what God desires if you are not in the word.

Today... take, make, some time. Read.
No matter what, be sure to listen to the voice of God... He promised... you will be blessed.

If you run across something that really blesses or challenges you... post it on the comments section of the blog -that way we can spur one another on to love and good deeds!

it is hard not to be selfish...

2008-04-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it... one more time... I am selfish.

Obviously this is not the first time I have had to wrestle with the truth... it probably will not be the last. It is a little different this time. Usually I have to come to grips with this reality because I am being a jerk... I am upset because I am not getting my way, others are not doing what I want them to - you know the kind of thing...

Today it is different. I am selfish... but not really for myself. I am selfish for some folks I care about. This morning I got an email... it was the kind you have to read several times - that could not be... surely I did not read that right. But I did. I read it over and over and over. I made a couple of calls... got a couple more emails... Now I am in the grasp of a selfish mood.

It was unexpected. There were no warning signs. One moment is filled with the good stuff - friends, family, food, pictures, memories and laughter. The next moment is confusion, fear, paramedics, emergency room, prayers, hard work and words that are too hard to hear.

Some folks I care a great deal for are suffering terrible pain today. Last night still seems like it could not have happened - yet it did. A great lady who was a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a teacher is now gone.

I keep reminding myself where she is - for that I am grateful. Here is the selfish part - I keep thinking about these friends who have been part of our lives for about 15 years - maybe more - are hurting. I taught these kids at camp - then the twins were in my classes at LCU. We've shared meals - crashed family reunions - worked on men's retreats together. Now they are hurting - paralyzed with pain and confusion and denial.

I am selfish - she would not want to come back - no doubt there is no better place to be than with the Father in Heaven. I am selfish for these good folks - wish they were not feeling this pain.

Today... say a prayer. This is such a public forum that I will not put their names on here - you say the prayer - God will know who they are and what they need.

Today... be sure to tell the folks in your life how much they mean to you.

Today... spend some time reflecting on your walk with the Lord - these moments teach us that there are really only a few things that matter - none compares to this - when your time/my time come - let's be ready.

on your mark... get set...

2008-04-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

No. I am really not inviting you to join me in starting a foot race. Those of you who know me, know I am not in to running! I'm not aksing you to start a race with me... I am asking you to run the race we are already in...

No, not the race against the clock.
Not the race to get IRS stuff taken care of... in fact if it's not done now... I hope you filed and extension!
No, I am not thinking about the race towards the weekend...
Nope, not the race to finish with the most toys...
So many of those things, and things like them, keep us distracted from the race that really matters. The Hebrew writer teaches that we are running a race... and we need to run that race with endurance... we need to run that race with our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Did you catch that? It is so simple... but sometimes we make it so hard. What we need... if we are really going to run this race... finish the race... receive the victor's crown... is to fix our eyes on Jesus. Paul said it this way in Colossians 3:1-4 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

SET... we need to get our eyes... our hearts and minds... up... not caught up in the here and now... in the problems and challenges... in our worries and struggles... we need to get our eyes off of those things and get them up. When we are focussed we need to set our hearts and minds there.

In many ways we are like cell phones. When we are close to the tower and the programming in the phone is right... we just work so much better. When we get away from the tower, or we get our programming messed up, life is just not working too well. When we get a long ways from the tower... there is some roaming that costs so much, and there are places when the phone will not work at all.

How clear is your signal? How close is the Lord... how close to Him are you?

Today... get set!

Right now...

2008-04-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first time I had preached in Plains on a Sunday in 4 years. For almost 9 years we called Plains home... in many ways it still feels like home. We love the church there... lots of good folks... folks God used to bless our family in so many ways... many I have thought of... I am confident there are many more that only with the passing of more time, and then finally with the end of time, will I realize.

As I drove to Plains yesterday I remembered the first time we came to Plains. In fact we drove the same road this time. My thought then was, "I really do not want to move to Plains." How quickly a mind can be changed. I wanted to preach... REALLY wanted to preach. That was almost 15 years ago. Not many churches were looking for a minister who was all of 24. I have often wondered if they had any idea what they were getting themselves into when they asked us to move to Plains... they asked... we agreed...

As I sat in the auditorium yesterday there were so many scenes that flashed through my mind. So many great memories. As I preached... and we visited before and after... I was just overwhelmed with a deep gratitude.

Thanks to them... thanks to God... Right now, take some time... think about who and what you are thankful for. Remember where you have been... recognize where God has brought you... dream of where God will take you... and thank Him... RIGHT NOW!!!

give me a break

2008-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a while... but I can remember hearing this phrase pretty often. Someone (never me!) would be telling a story - and the story would be so "extraordinary" that it would be hard to believe... as the tall tale got bigger someone would say "give me a break."

It has not been so long since I've heard the phrase... but in a different context. This one goes something like this. I have been working so hard... so many folks have been asking me to do so many things... I don't think I can handle it any more... "GIVE ME A BREAK."

This week is Spring Break week for us. Yesterday was just another work day for me. This morning is just another work day, but starting this afternoon - "GIVE ME A BREAK!"

I'm so excited about it that I can hardly wait. I feel like we shold have left this morning - who can focus when you have something coming up that you are looking forward to so much?

We are going to begin our break with one of our favorite family activities - Jeeping. We are going to follow that up by visiting one of our family favorite places. I like the offroad challenge... I am excited about the rest of our activities... but the best part is... together.

Struggling to stay focussed this morning has reminded me of an important lesson.

When you are really looking forward to something it dramatically changes the present. When you are looking forward to something it dramatically changes what you think about. When you are looking forward it motivates you to get ready.

What are you looking forward to? This morning I am looking forward to our spring break activities... but not as much as I am learning to look forward to that break... "let's pay attention, since the promise of entering His rest remains, so that none of us will fall short of it... there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God."

Salty...

2008-02-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

There were a few times I was not sure I would or even could... but I think it is official. I have survived the flu!

I am amazed at how far it set me back. I think I can still feel the effects, but hope to be back to "normal" - whatever that means, soon.

I have been spending a lot of time in Colossians recently. One of the things I have been challenged by is Paul's request for prayers on his behalf that he would proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly... and then his instruction to be wise... make the most of every opportunity... let your conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt...

Thinking about those few words leads me to ask myself a question - to ask all of us a question - are we - our lives... our conversations... seasoned with salt - are we salt and light... are we influencing culture, or is culture influencing us?

I spent some time today with a friend I rarely get to see. There was a dramatic, notable, difference in this time compared to any other conversation we have had in the last 15 or 16 years. He ONLY talked about things from this perspective - what is God doing... what does He want me to do... no matter what the subject.

We've talked about the Father before... the difference was before I felt like I had to make the most of the opportunity... now the table was turned. Instead of me working to lead the conversation that way... he took the lead.

In a dark world... you and I have to be people of light. In a decaying world... we have to be people of salt. Have we so relgated faith to something to be shown/lived only a few hours a week... only in a building... only with folks who think like we think on many subjects?

Today... you are a city set on a hill... let your light shine!
Today... you are the salt of the earth... get out of the salt shaker!

P.S. Today... be sure you are not letting the salt become saltless.

YUCK

2008-02-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

I knew something was not quite right Monday. While I was teaching I just did not feel good. By the time I got home I was feeling pretty bad. Sonya "urged" me to go to the doctor - I resisted. I don't have time. I have lots to do before I go to Mexico with the AIMers. After more urging I went. "I just want to know if I have the flu." They ran the test. Yes. You have the flu and strep.

It probably goes without saying, but this has not been a fun week. I have spent the rest of the week feeling miserable. The AIMers left today. I was really looking forward to going.

This has been the source of several challenges for me. I don't do sick very well. I don't do my plans got changed very well either.

Guess I'm learning

the real deal...

2008-02-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

I have been reflecting on Luke 4 again. I am speaking in a youth rally in Jal, New Mexico today. I found out yesterday that my assignment has doubled. Fellow blogger Trey Morgan was supposed to join me as we tag teamed on the messages... he's got the flu - so I've got both messages.

The youth rally is playing off of the famous Geico Caveman commercials - "So easy a caveman could do it..."

So my assignments are "Christianity: So easy a caveman could do it" and "Winning: So easy a caveman could do it."

Here's what I have been thinking - as it so easy? I think following Jesus is simple - but there are times when it is anything but easy... mainly because it was not easy for Him either.

Take for instance... when Jesus takes the time out in the wilderness - yes, there is fasting and praying - good stuff - but there is also a REAL enemy there fighting... tempting.

There are some who have said Jesus had an advantange in resisting temptation so it was easy for Him - not so! Here is a REAL man... with REAL temptations... and He is REALLY having to fight to resist. I have been guilty of making simplistic lessons from Luke 4 in regards to resisting temptation... not today. It is REALLY hard... but we REALLY can.

Today we are going to talk about REALLY winning over temptation... and REALLY staying connected to Jesus. Pray for the messenger... and the messages... and those who will hear.

Timeout?

2008-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have been to LOTS of basketball games. I love the game... in fact, and this really is a big deal - or at least to me it is - I like basketball more than football... and I really like football! I have seen all kinds of things at basketball games... I have seen some really good teams... and I've seen some "not so good" teams... I've seen some of the best plays... some of the funniest things I have ever seen. I am sure I have not seen it all - but I have seen a lot.

I have never seen a team come to the gym and dress out... go through their warm up drills - stretching, running, passing, shooting... team captains meet with the officials... final pep talk from the coach... introduction of the starteers... get set up for the tip off and THEN... one of them asks for a time out.

It just does not happen. When you have done everything to get ready to play... you get after it... tip the ball off, set your offense... run your play... that is just what you do. You cannot start the game with a timeout. You have had plenty of time to plan and prepare. Now it is time to play the game. Now it is time to do what you came here for...

Unless you are Jesus! Imagine this. God has been working on a plan... preparing peolpe... telling them to hold on... the time is coming... John the Baptist begins his ministry and tells everyone, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near." All Israel is in a state of anxious expectation... they are all going out to John. One day John sees Jesus... he tells everyone, "there is the Lamb of God, He will take away the sins of the world." Another time John is baptizing many... Jesus came to be baptized as well. John tries to get out of it - You should baptize me, not me baptize You. Jesus persuades him to go ahead. When Jesus came up out of the water the Spirit descended on Him and God spoke from Heaven, "this is My beloved Son, He pleases Me!"

As I read, I am ready. Now the ministry of Jesus begins. Now He is going to take on Satan. Now He is going to preach and teach. Now He is going to drive out demons. Now He is going to cure diseases... deaf people will hear... lame people will walk... blind people will see... dead people will live... it will all happen NOW!

But it doesn't. The next thing Luke tells us is that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, and He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He goes away from the crowds... away from the ministry opportunities... away from all of the folks in desperate need. Why? What happens in the desert? He fasts. He prays. He fights the enemy. He resists temptation. Satan flees... waiting for an opportune time.

There is so much to think about here.

Today... let's just think about this. Do you ever get in such a big hurry to get the important things done that you forget to find/make some more important time to be all alone... to be with God... to focus... to pray... to prepare?

Today... make some time for the desert.
Today... be sure to focus on the Father.
Today... draw near in prayer.
Today... NOW!

starting strong...

2008-01-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought?
I titled my last blog "The Last Day." I did not intend for that to be my last blog for over three weeks... this is where you insert any excuse you can think of... fighting a serious sinus/ear infection that had actually started a few days before the end of 2007 - and is still in full force... classes starting and Ray (in the spirit of presidential elections - that was Bob Dole style - ie. referring to my self in third person!!!!!!!!) driving back and forth to Lubbock at least 4 times a week - though so far it has been no less than 5 trips per week...

I really have not given much thought to blogging... until this morning I was encouraged to do so. I was email conversing about Luke 4 - and Jason said looks like you have the start to your next blog... stay tuned - it is coming. Right now I've got to run!

the last day????????

2007-12-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

WHAT? This can't be. I know they are right - my calendar says this is the last day of the year... the newscasters said this is the last day of the year... but this does not seem possible. Can another year have flown by?

Yes. It has - and what a year it has been. This morning as I have reflected on the last 365 days there have been many emotions. There have been some of the most exciting things happen in the last year. There have been some of the hardest - almost unbearable things happen in the last year. Joy and pain, laughter and tears, gain and loss... I'm sure you know all of these as well!

I don't know about you - but I am thankful for 2007 - in some ways I am glad it is over. What I needed this morning were those good words from a simple preacher - "Consider it pure joy my friends when you face all kinds of trials. You can know this for sure - the testing of your faith develops perseverance. If you hang on that will make you mature and complete - not lacking anything!

Consider - it really matters how we think about things.

Perseverance - so often what we need is to hang on... to hang in there... to not give up and not give in.

Mature and complete - I long for that day!

Not lacking anything!

Today - thank God for all the good... and consider it joy that He uses the rest to help us grow!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

I hope your Christmas will be, is, or was great (depending on when you read this!). We are about to head over to spend the rest of the day with our extended family. I've spent the morning opening gifts (that was fun), watching Sonya and the girls open presents (more fun) and sharing Merry Christmas wishes with lots of friends. I wanted to let you know - I am grateful for you today. Thanks to all of you who have enriched my life in so many ways - many of you I have not even met - but the Father has still used you to bless me - THANKS.

Today... remember... give thanks... and eat all you want! New Year's resolutions are coming - so don't worry about weight loss today!

this is a test...

2007-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I can't get to the preset buttons or the volume quickly enough. When that sound starts I burst into action... you know that sound. The one they use to snap you back into the moment. You are driving down the road and all of a sudden this horrible screeching sound comes over the radio. I immediately turn it down... check the skies... listen for the first few words... and usually change the station.

In just a few words it is clear. Either "the National Weather Service..." or "this is a test of the emergency broadcast system... this is only a test, if a real emergency..."

Many of you know this has been a rough year for me in lots of ways. (I have to acknowledge that in many ways - in more ways than the other - this has been a really good year - the dilemma of the living.) This mornnig I was thinking about the present struggle and reflecting on what many of you good folks have said on my blog, in emails and face to face - and that line came to mind. I hate the noise, the pain, the frustration... but in the midst of our trials and tests we need to remember "This is a test, if a real emergency were taking place...!"

I don't know what sound is frustrating you... I don't know what struggles you are facing... remember "this is a test." I'm not sure all of the ways we can turn down the volume... I don't know exactly what all it means to change the channel... I do know we can... we must.

Today... I am helped in remembering "this is a test."
Today... I am especially grateful for these words: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the genuiness of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Today... is a new day... a God day... a testing day... a proving day!

Lord let the light shine...

2007-12-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

I love reading the Psalms... they really help me. I guess I always need help, but there are times when I REALLY need help.

There have been somethings take place in my life this week that are better not blogged about. I actually thought about blogging them - I just would have needed to start a new blog - or change the name of this one! I guess I could have gone with "A Ray of Catharsis: A little darkness to burden your day" or something along those lines. I told Sonya Tuesday morning - "I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I would hate for anyone to think about this long enough to feel compassion or sympathy - cause that would mean you had to imagine what it was like."

So... I have spent a few days on a "roller coaster." I will be doing pretty well, and then... YUCK! This morning I was reading the Psalms... I ran across David asking God to let the light of His face shine upon us. I stopped... thought... then started flipping through for several of the places where David made such a request.

I know I need that light shining all the time... but especially today. "Many are saying, who can show us any good? Let the light of Your face shine on us, O Lord."

Today... Lord shine Your light into my pain.
Today... Lord shine Your light so I can see clearly.
Today... Lord shine Your light so I can see what I have not seen already.
Today... Lord shine

the prodigal...

2007-12-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you have read Luke 15 lately... please take/make time to do it... even right now.

What do you think of the prodigal? Not that one... not the son... the other prodigal... the one the story is about. I thought for a long time the story was about the son. It is not... the story is about the Father... the one who welcomes tax collectors and sinners (15:1).

What an amazing Father. Can you imagine how he felt? Your child comes and says - I know I should wait until you are dead... but I don't want to wait that long... can we act like you are gone... so I can take my $ and be gone. Who could blame a father if he "straightened him out" or cut him off... kicked him out... but not this father... not our Father.

Our Father let us go... chose our own path... make a mess out of our lives... in other's lives... knowing, yet still letting us waste what was His.

THEN... when we were in the pig pen.. broke and broken... when we remember where we have been and want to come home... He is waiting... He is watching... He is running... He is compassionate... He is loving... He is welcoming... He is celebrating...

Not even worthy to be slaves... made children because of His grace. What a prodigal our Father is. He is extravagantly wasteful.

does it matter?

2007-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

About the middle of October I made a new resolution... I'm not going anywhere else to preach until 2008. Since May I have been traveling/preaching somewhere nearly every weekend. I was worn out - still am to some degree :( I did take one more preaching opportunity in November - it's a hard habit to break! I have preached at home a few times in these months. Of all the places I preach home is the most challenging... There are several reasons for that... the one that is hardest right now is this - I can't remember what I have preached here and what I have preached somewhere else. I am preaching in Denver City Sunday. What I have done the most is read... get excited about preaching something... the realize - I preached that already.

I know... I could start a record of what I preach where... that sounds like a good idea - but it is of no value today! It is Thursday... and Sunday is coming... if you know me, and the way I like to prepare for sermons, you know this is not a good thing. I like to have the sermon in almost ready to preach state by Monday afternoon...

Here is the genesis of Sunday morning's message. In the Christmas season... with a few nativity scenes still being used... and some folks thinking about Jesus... the sermon will be about the way we see Jesus... a baby... a fighter... a lover... a savior... the Christ... the Lord... the teacher... the way... the truth... the life... We will work with this question - Does it matter how we see Jesus?

Today... how do you see Jesus? When you stop and focus... think... what do you come up with? Who do you see? What do you need?
I'd love to hear your comments... who knows? You may make the sermon!

bearing fruit...

2007-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

I want to be more... I need to be more... The Japanese call it Kaizen. Kaizen means constant improvement. For what seems like my whole life I have focussed on being better.
I want to be...
-a better Christian
-a better man
-a better husband
-a better father
-a better son
-a better brother
-a better friend
-a better neighbor
-a better helper
-a better leader
-a better follower
-a better worker
-a better employer
-a better student
-a better teacher
-a better preacher
-a better counselor
-a better money manager
--- you get the point - there has been... there is... plenty of room for improvement.

In my walk with Jesus I go through times when the desire, the drive, the progress are greater, stronger, longer. There are times that I feel like I am in something of a desert - it is long, hard, hot, dry, life sapping, energy tapping, mentally exhausting - and I end up not caring much - about any of it.

When I was in those more intense times I would work hard at growing, improving, being more spiritual, overcoming temptation and sin. I would read passages like Galatians 5:22 "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self congrol; against such things there is no law." Here's what would happen... I would read it, but never got very far without being really convicted about a certain area I REALLY needed to grow in. For instance - there have been many times that I have not read past the first one without saying to myself, "man do I need to grow in love. I have got to be more loving." I would think about why I was not... how I could be... and what I was going to do to be more loving. I don't guess I ever got passed patient without some kind of personal conversation like that... you know, count to 10, let it go, that kind of stuff.

THEN... it all changed. We lived in Plains and a good sister, who came to visit her sister at least once a year, was at one of our Home Bible Studies. We were not studying Galatians 5, but she used it to illustrate one of the best lessons I've learned in a long time. She pointed out that Paul was writing about the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of you or me. This is what God does in us, part of how He changes us - not that self-help stuff.

That captured my heart. For as long as I could remember there were those times when I focussed on overcoming a particular temptation or sin. There were several problems I kept encountering... the more focussed I was on the temptation or sin, the harder the fight was... the more I found myself giving in... the more frustrated I was.

That started me down a road... a new/old way of thinking... then someone assigned me to preach out of John 15. I had studied, taught and preached out of John 15 before... but, (and this is one of the things I love about the word of God - it keeps on teaching me!) I was just in the right time and place to finally get it. Jesus taught His followers that He is the vine and we are the branches... there are several things that are important because of this... "I am the vine and you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."

Why was it so hard? Because I was trying to do it myself. I was into self improvement, getting better... not into being connected to Jesus. When I try to find fruit and make it part of my life - that is not bearing fruit... that is being fruity!

Today... Abide in Him... decide that no matter what you will stay connected to Jesus.
Today... Abide in His word... read it... meditate on it... lay it up on your heart...
Today... make it your aim to follow Jesus... to be like Him...
Today... we can be amazed at how He transforms us... prunes us... conforms us to His image.

thanks...

2007-11-14T09:47:00.000-08:00

It does not seem possible... it has not been long enough... the weather is too warm... regardless of those things (and others), Thanksgiving is next week. WOW.

I don't know what you will be doing on Thanksgiving. I am not much of a turkey fan (something about cannibalism!)... but I will have some turkey. I do really like the dressing... the deviled eggs... broccoli rice and cheese casserole... mashed potatoes... home made rolls... pecan pie... I just got ready... forget that it does not seem like a year has passed... who cares that it is not cold enough around here... I am ready for Thanksgiving!

It may be hard for you to believe, but I am more ready for Thanksgiving for other reasons... I love when I get to spend time with family... especially during the holidays. The smiles... the laughter... the fun... it is so good. Life is better when you are around folks you love... around folks who love you.

I also love to stop... to think... what all do I have to be grateful for? The list is so long... how about you?

Today... make a list... keep on adding... then tell our Father - the giver of all good things - thanks

ordinary folks

2007-11-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

We live in the times of the impressive... turn on the tv... flip through the magazines... listen to the radio... what do they all say really matter to us? They are filled with what some might call "the best and the brightest." They are filled with the folks who look just right... the folks who have that just right education... the folks who have the just right friends... the folks who can be found in the just right places... doing the just right things... what some might call the dream life.

Turn off the tv... put down the magazine... tune out the radio... step into a community of faith... what do we value? Is there any difference... we want the best preacher... good looks... glowing personality... pleasing voice... intriguing lessons... we want the "A team" song leader... be careful who you get to pray... on and on.

I noticed something really important yesterday... when Peter and John were on trial in Acts 4 there was something about them that caught everyone's attention. It was any of the things we have been thinking/talking about... they noticed that they were uneducated, ordinary men who had been with Jesus.

Don't you love that... they could tell... by looking... by listening... these guys have spent time with Jesus.

Don't you want that to be true of you as well? Don't you want to spend enough time with Jesus that He so changes you... the way you talk.. the way you think... the way you live... that folks can just tell - you have been with Jesus. I want that!

Today... have you spent some time at His feet?
Today... have your thoughts been like His?
Today... have your words been His?
Today... have your actions been His?
Today... let it be more true of us!

I like this math!

2007-11-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

Katelynn is taking geometry this year. I have to get this out of the way - I HATE GEOMETRY! Last year she could come to me with math homework problems and we could work them out together. Not this year. I told her last year, when she was working on her class schedule, I cannot help you. It was just a few (ha, ha, ha!) days ago that I took geometry... but the best I can remember is that the teacher had to give lots of points at the end of each semester so that I would not have to "try this class again!"

Today I was reading 2 Peter and came across some of the best math I know... "grace and peace be MULTIPLIED to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seein gthat His divine power has gratned to us everything we need for life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

Multiplied! I love it. Not grace and peace given to you in fractional measure. No way. Grace and peace Multiplied! May our knowledge of God and Jesus not grow by addition... but multiplication... the more we know... the longer we look... the closer we get... the better and better it gets!

There is a path we walk that opens our lives up for this math... go read all of 2 Peter 1...
Today!

I think I hate being it!

2007-11-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

The fun has ended... I have run across several blog friends who have been "tagged." It was fun to read things about them I never knew - and never would have known... then I got tagged... wait - this is not so fun... will I really do this? I don't want to play this tag you are it game... then I got a little "pressure..."

Here were my instructions: “Here are the rules. 1)Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.”

1) I really like living in West Texas. Folks who are not from around here (basically Lubbock and a little south of Lubbock) can't understand it. Call me weird. I don't like the sand storms... but I really like living our here. BIg cities are fun - but give me small town.

2) I am a car nut. Even before I was in this "car business" it was impossible to count all the cars I have owned. I have had a couple of Corvettes - which was way cool... I got to drive a friends Lamborghini Diablo... but my favorite car is a 1969 Camaro Z-28 or RS/SS.

3) I ride a Harley. When I was 10 or 11 I got my first motorcylce (of sorts). It had a small engine - no transmission - was not very fast... but I loved it. In fact, the best I can remember, I liked it so much that I rode it to its death the first or second day. I've loved bikes ever since

4) I/we moved A LOT when I was a kid. Until I was in High School I never started and finished a school year in the same house. We lived in Lubbock and Austin most of my school years. Moved to Seagraves right before my junior year.

5) I thought living in Seagraves was the worst possible place to live. I loved living in Austin. I had great friends - there were aa couple of really good friends - for a time we went to church, work and school together - that's not all we did together - but that is a subject that will not make this blog!!!!!!!!!!!

6) I found out God can take what you think is the worst and turn it all around. You see... there was this girl in Seagraves - she lived near my grandparents, was best friends with my cousins, and for 20 years has been my wife - I thank God for Sonya.

7) I now have my dream job - although it is not a job. It does not feel like a job for a couple of reasons - I love teaching so much it is not labor. I also have never had a job that you did not get paid for. You gotta love teaching in a ministry training place that is tuition free and where teachers raise their own support - which has proven to be much more difficult that I imagined it would be. What this means is I am doing some other work to take care of responsibilities.

8) Finally! Half of my life ago I decided to go to the Sunset School of Preaching. It does not seem possible that it was that long ago... my birthday was Tuesday - I have thought about a lot of things that I feel like I am not old enough to have experienced... yet here we are. It has been a great ride.

I tag: Sonya Young (who does not have a blog - and probably does not have time for one, but it would be great reading!), RaDonna and James Kinnaird (neither of whom have a blog - but both should - it would be great reading! I love to hear what they are thinking), Rudy Munoz, Doug Oakes Jr. Trey Morgan, Geoff and Melinda Dunn

How to reduce STRESS

2007-10-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little stressed? No? Oh, it's the little part you disagree with, not the stress part... I understand! It seems that everyone I know is struggling with stress.

Today... here are some practical... helpful things in dealing with stress. They is not original... I hope you find it helpful, I know I did! If one of them really helps you - share with us which one... and if you care to why.

I heard it was said, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and un-clutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it!
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

us versus them...

2007-10-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I was at a funeral... it seems like I get to go to more than my share of funerals... by the way the preacher said that's not a bad thing - that death is the destiny of all men and the living should take it to heart... anyway... at this funeral I was sitting right behind the family. I had known the family for a long time... I was very close to a few of the family members. It was a pretty large family and the two rows right in front of me were members of the family I had never met.

During the funeral there was something that caught my attention. One of the folks had one of those Town and Country (a regional convenience store) 44,000 ounce soft drinks - yes, that is an exageration - but not by much!!!!!!!! He reached down and got a drink... then someone down the row said (not in an inside voice - and definately not in what I would consider a funeral voice), hey, I want a drink. As the behemoth drink was being passed down the row it slipped - the whole thing - remember 44,000 ounces :) falls to the floor and spills all over the carpet. Then they started getting on each other - and even cussing at each other. It was quite a scene.

I sat there mortified. All these thoughts were running through my mind. I can't believe this... I have never seen anything like this before... what kind of people... don't they know better... I am so glad my family is not like this...

It was not until later that I felt ashamed... what was I thinking. What makes me think I am any better than anyone else. Have you ever been there? Something happens and you find yourself looking down... thinking down... talking down at someone else - acting like they are not as good... as important... as valuable... as smart... as experienced... as spiritual... or at least I'm not as bad... I have my problems but I'm not like...

In the book of Romans Paul begins by pointing out how the Gentiles (folks who generally did not know God... His law... His ways) lived and what the results had been and would be... in chapter two it is like the Jews were jumping on the band wagon - that's right, get them, they deserve it, we are not like them, we are good, we are spiritual... so Paul points out that the Jews had their own sins that they were not paying attention to. As he draws that point to a close he tears this us versus them thought to pieces... there is no us and no them... we are all us... we are all them. What can we conclude - all have sinned... all have fallen short of the glory of God... all of us have made a mess out of life... all of us are in need of a savior... we all need to be forgiven... we all need the good news of Jesus... none of us deserve what Jesus did for us... we are all us.

There goes pride... there goes boasting... here comes humility... here comes gratitude... here comes grace... justice... justification... forgiveness...

Today... say thanks...

chasing after the wind

2007-10-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you lived in the same part of the world that I do (west Texas) you would probably be pretty close to being tired of the wind. It has been blowing here since Thursday. I don't know if it really changes the way I feel- or I just think it changes the way I feel... but either way - I don't feel good when it is howling outside.
We were getting out of the suburban yesterday... when it is really blowing we have learned to only open one door at a time - otherwise my filing system falls apart!!!!!! We forgot. The girls opened both doors to get out... a receipt I had left on the console, so I would be sure and get it out at the office, was blown out... I watched as it quickly was carried away. I thought man I should chase it. Nope. Not gonna do it... wouldn't be prudent (yes, that needs to be read in a George Bush Sr. voice!)...

Today as I was reading Ecclesiastes I was reminded of yesterday. One of the preacher's favority phrases is "chasing after the wind." He says that so much of what we do in life... so much of what we chase after is simply chasing after the wind.

How silly! Chasing after the wind. At least if I chased after the receipt as it was carried by the wind I would be able to know if I was making progress... getting closer... and if I caught it, I would know. If you chase the wind how do you ever know if you are getting anywhere? How do you know when you have it... if you open your hand to see if it is there - surely it is gone!

Yet this is what we do so often. We chase after what we cannot catch... would not know... without realizing what we are doing... never stop and think what am I doing?

Today... are you chasing the wind or chasing God?

my new favorite blog...

2007-10-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you... I like this blog thing. As far as blogs go - I like mine the least - feel like I've got the least to add to the blog world, but I like having a forum to write some of what I am thinking - even if it is just for me!!!!!!!!!

I don't know about you... I have some blogs I read - or at least look at - daily. I enjoy reading what the blogger has to say, and joining in on the conversations that take place there. Some days I run across some great things. Some days it is a not so captivating. Today I enjoyed my friend Rex's post about his dad you can check it out at http://www.rexboyles.com/blog/ My friend Trey had some good things about what a wife needs from her husband at his blog http://www.treymorgan.net/.

This morning I felt like I needed more. So I went to a blog I've been reading for quite a while now. The blogger has not added anything new in sooooo long... but the blogs are always fresh. I read a lot of preacher's blogs - and this is a preacher's blog as well.

Here are a few of the subjects on this blog:
frustrations in life...
living like a hamster in the wheel...
emptiness...
out of control...
being happy...
the evil done to the oppressed...
the blessing of fellowship...
worship...
the deception of $...
the gift of God...
an unsatisfied soul...
lessons learned from death...
not looking back...

As you "cruise" around to different blogs... go ahead and give this one a look. Some of it you will identify with immediately... some of it will be for a different time. No matter what you will be aware of a different perspective of life.

The author simply goes by "the preacher."
Ready for the address?

Ecclesiastes.

Today... it hit me... this blog is among the best blogs ever written. It is new... relevant... helpful... worthy of discussion.

Today... give it a read... at least the first 3 chapters.

Today... comment on the blog about what you learned.

to this you were called...

2007-10-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

I've got a problem... WAIT! Before you jump down to the comments section and HELP me understand that I have more than A problem... what I am trying to say is there is a particular problem I am struggling with - more than I am with some of my other problems...

When I perceive that I have been mistreated (real or sometimes imagined) I want to go to whatever extreme is necessary to make sure it is noticed and corrected. I want to set the record straight... let the offender know how wrong he or she or they were... wait on the apology... feel justified when I offend the offender...

In many ways this is realted to my prior post... when I get caught up here I cannot see. Today I am thanking God for helping me to see through the eyes of others... I don't know if he knew he was talking to me... but my friend Skip reminded me of how Jesus was silent in the face of the worst of undeserved wrongs... He took it... He hated it... He kept His mouth shut... He entrusted Himself to one who judges rightly.

This is the way He has called us to... "finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Today... which path will I follow?
Today... which path will you follow?
Today... I want to walk with Him... for Him... towards Him!

I can't see it...

2007-10-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was one weird day for me... MAYBE I will write more about that later. I was under a lot of stress Wednesday... my dad's funeral was that afternoon, I was supposed to give a devotional thought that morning... I woke up and was going to read for a little while. I opened up my Bible... I was looking for Romans 8. I have opened there often enough that I know the general area. I opened to 1 Corinthians... then the problem. I could not read. I tried to read my Bible... I simply could not do it. I flipped a few pages and tried again - I still could not read.

What's the deal? I rubbed my eyes and tried again. I still could not read. I got into better light... I still could not read. I rubbed my eyes again... looked around at other things - they seemed fine. I looked at my Bible again - nothing changed. I told Sonya - I can't read my Bible... she worried, I tried to focus. I refused her "encouragement" to go to the doctor.

We went on up for the devotional... I thought surely it would clear - then I could read. We sang for a while... then it was my time. I could make out the larger print in my Bible. I knew I was in Romans 8, but I still could not read the words. So I gave them the Ray revised version of Romans 8:28-29 - We know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose, for whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.

What I found out later was that some medicine I had taken for motion sickness can "disturb" your vision. It's better now.

Today I'm aware of how what was happening to my physically is a reflection of what was going on in my heart. There were some very painful events. My heart was aching. That's why I was thinking about Romans 8. I knew God was in control. I knew He was working. I just can't see it.

I still can't see it... but I know it!

Today... I'm focussing on "be still and know that I am God."

Today..."my heart is still wrestling"

Today... I'm thinking my "vision" will clear and I will be able to see - I hope that's the case. Either way I am convinced my FATHER is working it all out for my good.

Today... I don't what you are facing... what you are going through... what you are finding it impossible to see... whatever it is... remember what we KNOW!

To all of you who have prayed and called and written - thanks.

on the edge...

2007-10-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

I had to climb up on the roof a few days ago... let me just get this out of the way - I'm a chicken. There's something about being that high up that just scares me... I said something, not because I don't know what it is... it is clearly a fear of falling. I walk very carefully... deliberately... and as far away from the edge as possible. I feel like I have nothing to prove... can I get on the edge? Sure. Do I need to? Only twice - stepping on the roof and stepping off. That makes me uncomfortable - but it is a lot better than falling! This all seems perfectly rational to me. It is not a huge fear... it does not control my life. I can get up there and even be close to the edge - I simply believe it is better to not be on the edge.

I've been wondering this week though... It seems to make such sense - and I do so well at staying away from that edge... here's what I'm wondering... why does it feel like my LIFE is on the edge? I know it is not a good place to be, yet so often it feels like I'm right there...

So often I feel like I am always running behind in getting done the things I need to get done. I hate the pressure - wait, that's not totally accurate - in many ways I love the pressure of a pending deadline. But I do not like the feeling when there are so many and I am so far behind. Life on the edge...

I can't remember the last time I had nothing to do... I know too well the feeling of having too much to do, but not really caring to do any of it. I try to keep a to-do list... I even prioritize it sometimes... but on more than one occasion lately I have felt so tired that I did very little more than sit and look at my list and wonder - what else do I need to do that I have not even remembered to put on my list? Life on the edge...

We seem to be running so hard and late that it is easy for Sonay and I to not make time for each other... for the girls... for the people and the things that are most important in our lives... Life on the edge...

It is even easy to be more "on the edge" with God. How often do we not give ourselves to Him... we let things push Him aside... take our time with Him... I'll read later... I'll pray later... I'll help later... I'll worship later... Life on the edge...

The problem with living on the edge is that it takes so little for us to fall off. The smallest of things can have the biggest of consequences... far beyond the ability of the thing...

I am determined... it is not the first time... but once again... I hope to have come to my senses... I don't want to be in the pig pen... I don't want to live on the edge... I will.

Today... are you on the edge?

Today... are you tired of it?

Today... will you do something about it?

running late...

2007-09-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

I am running late today... but it is not a problem. If you know me - even if you barely know me... you know that being late is something I do not do well. I HATE being late... I'll "break my neck" to not be late.

Today I am late. I am late by choice. I am not talking about being a fe minutes late... at least one hour. Why does it not matter today when it matters so much any other time?

Today is Raegan's birthday. Usually I leave on Wednesday mornings before she is even out of bed. Not today. Today I took Katelynn to "See You at the Pole" after Raegan opened her birthday presents. I picked up Raegan's favorite breakfast... we hung out for a little bit... THEN I took her to school.

When I said it was not a problem - that's not completely true... it was a problem. When I got here I felt some pressure... when I got into my office I was a little stressed... but I stopped and thought about it. This was a good decision... it was really not a big deal... at least to me... there was nothing that I really HAD to take care of right now (yes, there were a few people who THOUGHT it had to be done)... the big deal is that it was a big deal to Raegan - she thought it was really cool that I stayed to take her to school.

Today... what little thing to you could be a big deal to someone else? What can you do for someone that would bless their life so much and we require so little from you?

Today... don't wait. I have a terrible habit of doing it later - which so often does not come... so TODAY - do it! I'm on my way right now. Since I am already late (and it feels so good!) I'm going to be a little later... put a few more things off... I will not have this moment EVER again... so I want to use it the best way I can... gotta run!

gripped...

2007-09-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just got home... Sonya and I just took a little ride on the motorcycle - it is a great way (at least for me) to unwind... to relax... we enjoy riding - especially together. I have to admit something though - I was nervous. I was not completely sure I wanted to ride. My leg was hurting... my back was hurting... my confidence was hurting.

Why? I did something this afternoon I have not done in a long, long time. In fact I do not remember the last time. Looking back now I am still unsure what happened. I was riding in a parking lot... it was not a paved one, just gravel... I was going slow... taking it easy... and the next thing I know... I have laid the bike over. It just happened.

When I got home Sonya asked about us taking a ride... I was not sure I was up to it... laying a bike down is bad... but it does not begin to compare to crashing with the love of your life on the bike.

You already know what we did... we rode. In the seconds that I thought about whether to ride or not I was reminded of class today. We were studying in Exodus 14. The Israelites have been delivered from Egyptian bondage. They are still singing the song of Moses... they are being led by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. They are camped beside a mountain and the sea. This is it! This is what they had longed for. Life is finally back on track... at least it appears that way until someone notices a cloud of dust on the horizon. Who could that be? It can't be... what... the Egyptian army?

With no hesitation the whining is on... Moses... we told you to leave us alone... did you not think there were enough graves in Egypt... did you lead us out here to be slaughtered? Their eyes... their hearts are set on going back to Egypt. Being a slave was not all that bad... really we kind of liked it. Never mind that they were crying out to God for a deliverer... let's retreat. Moses told the folks to quit crying and just be still... but that was not God's plan... it was just better than crying out and going back...

What did God want? "Why are the people crying out? Tell them to go forward!" Go forward? There is a sea in front of us... how can we go forward? Their concern did not need to be how... just stop crying... stop standing around... start moving!

Are you ever gripped with fear? Do you ever find yourself on the brink of something new... something big... something different? Can you feel your heart pulling you back? Do you want to just turn around? Do you ever get paralyzed by fear?

Our situations and circumstances have incredible power... they can cause us to be focused only on them... what Israel needed... what we need is not just to see the problems... we must look past them... over them... through them... we must see God.

Today... don't back up...

Today... don't stand still...

Today... go forward!

look again... what do you see?

2007-09-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

We just finished studying Genesis in my Old Testament Message class. I was blown away again by Joseph... it seems to me the only way that you aren't just floored by Joseph is if you leave him as a flat, little b "bible story" character... One of the things we talked about in class was - if it was you what would you have done.

Imagine what it would have been like... your brothers grab you and stick you in pit... and they leave you there. Maybe at first Joseph thought it was a joke... "OK guys, real funny - now get me out of here." Who knows what they might have said to him. Could he hear them when they said, "what will we get out of it if we kill him, let's sell him... after all, he is our brother." Did Joseph say, "Come on, that's not funny. Get me out of here." As the Ishmaelites carry him off, Joseph cries out, begs for his own brothers to rescue him. They don't.

Imagine what it would have been like... sold into slavery. Would you have been a good slave? Would you have tried to escape? Would you work hard? Would you blame God? Joseph did his work so well that he was promoted... finally he is in charge of everything... he is trusted... When his master's wife starts whispering in his ear - "come lie with me," he refuses her day after day... finally she grabs him - he fights her off. "My master trusts me... I cannot sin against God... NO!" Is he rewarded for his integrity... for doing right? NO! He's thrown in prison.

Imagine what it would have been like... a prisoner. What kind of prisoner would you have been. Would you have moaned and groaned to everyone you met about how unfair this is... how you don't deserve it?

Joseph's story could go on and on. I am not only amazed at how he responds each step of the way... I am most amazed by what he believes along the way... the conclusions he draws about his life - and all of the bad things that have happened. "God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives... it was not you who sent me here, but God... you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."

What incredible faith. It is as if Joseph looks at his life - all the bad... all he could have been upset by... all the folks who treated him poorly... and then says - look again. What do you see? What he saw was God... a God so big... so powerful... that He can overrule the evil work of men - that He can acheive His purpose - that He can intend it for good and make it work out that way.

Today... is there any bad... hard... painful thing in your life? Something in the past... or something right now?

Today... will you look at it again? Don't look at it to see who is to blame... or to remember how painful it was and is... or to remember how you did not deserve it - or why you did...

Today... will you look again... and see... imagine... dream... what can God do with this? How can He turn it - all of it - into something good.

God intended it for good!

the older brother...

2007-09-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

I love it! I love that we never quit learning! I am often amazed by how little I know. It does thrill me that I can keep learning... it keeps me reading... thinking... stretching... growing.

This morning I was reading my friend Rex Boyles' blog http://rexboyles.com/blog/ and he taught me, as he has done literally countless times before, something I never knew. He was writing about the welcome home the Father... and all who have His heart for those that are lost... gave the younger brother... the sinnner... you and me.

Here's the section that caught my attention with my own emphasis added...
"May God work through my weaknesses and through your graciousness to build a fellowship of sinners, who have come to our senses, made our apologies, seen God run, celebrated our return, and ignored the elder brother, so that we can provide a safe place … a welcoming place for any and all others, who are coming home … or wanting to come home. Help me welcome them home, please. "

WOW! When I've seen the older brother I have wanted to straighten him out... to deal with his hard heart... I have missed lots of celebrating and enjoying the love, grace and forgiveness given by our Father because I have not simply ignored the older brother. (By the way - I am sure I have been the older brother in need of the straightening out as well - if it was with you please forgive me).

Today... remember God's grace in your life!

Today... thank Him!

Today... let's be sure our hearts are like our Fathers.

how is your ax?

2007-09-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Man - I am dragging today. I know many - maybe most of you will understand when I mention the terrible pace of life - and how we are going non-stop.

I walked out of the house at 6:40 this morning - heading to Lubbock for a day of teaching. I will get home in time to grab a little supper and then run over to Hobbs to preach there tonight. You have to understand... most of you already know... I love this. I love teaching... I love preaching... but I have to say as I walked out to the car this morning I thought...

I thought... I am not ready for this. I am tired. My mind is not refreshed... my body is sore... I've got a headache... oh it went on and on. I had a few minutes in the word this morning and "found" just what I needed - I blog today in hopes that maybe you - not someone else - you will be blessed... helped... encouraged...

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharepened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success."

I've got too much to do to slow down... I can't wait... if I don't get started now I'll never get through... I've got all the excuses down - and then God said, "if the ax is dull..."

There's no doubt as we are busy... as we are living life... loving God... loving others... serving God... serving others - the ax will dull. The question is will we - will I - take the time to be sharpened? To be refreshed? Will you?

Today... take a break - even if it is short... even if you have lots to do... even if you are behind already... get your Bible -read... pray... stop.

When the next Today comes... start it with the Lord...

waiting...

2007-08-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am teaching an Old Testament Message class right now. I love the class... both the who I teach... and what I am teaching. Both are a personal challenge for me to grow.

Monday's class and today's class are on Abraham. There are so many good things to learn from this man of faith. The one I am wrestling with the most is this:

From the time God told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation and the birth of Abraham's first son is 25 years. Read that again! Think about 25 years... your last 25 years. Can you imagine knowing that you were going to have a promise that you longed for come... you pray... you wait... you pray... you wait... you get tired... you pray... you wait... you wait... you WAIT! After 25 years and constant reminders... FINALLY God gives Abraham and Sarah a son named "laughter."

Anyone who knows anything much about me is sure to know this... I am not good at waiting. How about you? I have also realized that very often I make BIG messes for myself because I am like Abraham in this way. Remember when he and Sarah got tired of waiting? Sarah gave her hand maiden to Abraham - so they could have a child - in essence they are doing for God what must have seemed to them that God was unable to do. The results of their lack of faith are still felt today. There has not been peace in that part of the world since! I have gotten tired of waiting... I have thought I will just take care of it... I can handle it. The truth is I can make a BIG mess.

Today... do you need to wait?
Today... remember God... trust Him... and wait

nothing to say?????????????

2007-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

My deepest apologies... I know... I know... several of you have asked what has happened. The common joke I've heard/been asked is... "did you run out of having anything to say?"

What? Me? Nothing to say? You have got to be kidding! It's not that I've had nothing to say... there are several reasons for the blog deficiency...

I've gotten into several other business ventures that have kept me scrambling...

I've been blessed by God with several opportunities to speak in different places recently... which I consider a FANTASTIC THING... in regards to the blog that means I have spent most of my time thinking about the message from God... and for those who I get to preach Good News to...

I've been getting ready for camp. I am directing one week of camp this year... I am totally pumped about it... several of the guys I will be working with met last week - which only fueled the fire!

I am still refelcting on the last post... I am constantly reminded... yet still in need of much growth in enjoying RIGHT NOW!

The only word I have for today is this... remember that no matter what is going on... whether it is hard or easy... it is all good - if you love God and you are being conformed to the image of Jesus you can count on this... God is at work... God is working it all out in your life and mine.

Today... reflect... remember... enjoy!

Right now...

2007-04-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

One of the things I have missed TERRIBLY since we left Carlsbad and started working towards me teaching full time is preaching. It is hard to know if you are effective or not in ministry... it is hard to know if your preaching is hitting the mark... bringing the word of God and the world we live in together so that we are changed... shaped... closer... (oops, I nearly changed blog directions into my thoughts about what preaching is). Here's what I do know... for whatever it is worth... I do love to preach. I got to preach a lot this weekend. Sonya and I did a family retreat this weekend and then got home in time for me to preach here in Denver City.

In one of the prayers before the sermon there was a phrase that was a great reminder... Brad thanked God for right now. That's something I really focussed on for a long time, but then I let it slip...

Join me for just a few minutes... don't you love right now?

It is so easy for the past to steal loving right now. We can let the past cheats us in several ways - basically these two - there can be something so great in the past that we get caught up in remembering... trying to relive... trying to recapture a time... and event... a feeling. The other major way the past cheats us is that we could have had something so difficult... so hard... so bad that it just puts our lives on pause... we can't deal with right now... live right now... love right now... because we are caught by the past.

It is also easy for the future to distract us from loving right now. We can dream of life being so much better when... when we get out of school... get a job... get married... have kids... they crawl... walk... run... go to school... graduate... have kids... we retire... build the house... get the car... (you get the point). The other way is we can forget to love right now because we are dreading something in the future...

One of my favorite preachers said... "then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is the gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, becasue God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

Today... what are you grateful for?

Today... what do you love about right now?

Today... remember where all the good came from and give thanks to the Lord... for He is good!

Great quote

2007-04-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

This has got to be one of my favorite quotes - EVER!
It makes me laugh... makes me cringe... it helps me not whine - I hope it helps you too!

Jesus can turn water into wine, but He can't turn your whining into anything. -- Mark Steele

the spectacle...

2007-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

I love sporting events... almost any kind of sporting event. I really get into them... especially if I am there - there is just something about being there! Sometimes I get so into it that it almost feels like I am participating... I'm working hard... it matters to me... but I'm not participating... I am a spectator. I am there to watch... I may feel elated at victory, or pain in defeat... but I am just a specatator.

Jesus had lots of spectators in His life. Folks who were just checking Him out. Not ready to follow... too intrigued to walk away... they were spectators. Even at His death there were folks there to watch. Luke says in Luke 23:48 "and all the multitudes who came together for this spectacle..." Jesus had just breathed His last. A centurion (Roman official over 100 in the army) saw how Jesus died and said, "surely this man was righteous." And this multitude saw and left.

Why was the multitude there? Of all the things they could have been doing... of all the places they could have been... why did they choose to watch this? We lose the appalling images of a crucifixion... even with "The Passion of the Christ" we are still left short of how terrible a thing it was to die that way. For some reason - curiosity... expecting something great to happen... I don't know, but for some reason these folks decided to go to the hill that day... to watch this great teacher... this miracle worker... DIE!

When He died... they went home. I would like to think they were different from the experience... that they would be some of the first to believe... we have no way of knowing.

When it comes to you and I... are we ever spectators? Do we ever just watch... sit in the stands (or the pews)... get worked up... almost feel like we are "in the game"... when we are simply spectators?

Today... He calls us to follow!

Today... He calls us to be His hands.... His feet... His mouth... His eyes... His heart... His body.

I don't want to just spectate... to just watch...

Today... let's live His life!

a sea of red...

2007-04-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

I don't usually forward things on, but this is different! We have several veterans enrolled at Sunset who have been to Iraq. I have asked them what was the hardest thing for them. Their answer surprised me. They said the hardest thing was hearing/seeing the reports from home that were so negative and feeling like their country was not supporting them. I don't really care which way you view the war, our men and women in the armed forces ARE WORTHY OF OUR SUPPORT! So I am on my way home to put on a red shirt (read the rest if you want to understand!

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was Heading Home.

No, he responded.

Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq I'm taking him home to His family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the Soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what You do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn Off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the Casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I Am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.Red Fridays.Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support Our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a Sea of Red much like a Homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the Media lets on.The first thing a soldier says when! asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is ..."We need your support and your prayers."

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

Let's get the word out!

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

strange and unexpected blessings...

2007-04-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

I just realized this morning that I received a strange and unexpected blessing. Strange because no one else may have thought of it as a blessing - I surely did not until the last 30 minutes. Unexpected... well, it was not something I was looking for... if I would have thought of it, I could have made it possible... but I did not think of it... did not ask for it... did not plan it... it "just happened." (If you know me very well, you know I don't believe in "just happened," I believe in good things coming from above...)

Do you know what the blessing was? Are you ready?

Here was the strange and unexpected blessing... I woke up at the last minute this morning... got ready as quickly as possible... and went to a men's Bible study and prayer group (wait! That was a blessing - but it was neither strange nor unexpected!). After the study and prayer time, I ran home to get Katelynn and take her to school. Here comes the strange and unexpected... I usually watch the news every morning. This morning I had only a few seconds to catch it.

Did you see the blessing? Let me be a bit clearer... the blessing was only catching a few seconds of the news!

Here's the deal. I am SICK of hearing about Don Imus of Imus in the morning. No. I do not think he should have said what he did. Heat of the moment... caught up in having fun talking about a game... or whatever other excuse he may offer, he should not have used such characterizations. But come on... for 3 days that is about all I have heard. I usually tune in to one news station and stick with them for my morning news. Yesterday I was non-stop chanel surfing... to no avail. It was everywhere.

That's why I am feeling strangely and unexpected blessed today. Let's move on. No amount of bantering back and forth will change what has happened. No suspension or firing will change it. All this "talk" just further polarizes. What the sensational news folks give us is one bigot on this side arguing against another bigot from the other side. Racist versus racist. Hate versus hate.

Who wins?

Today... thank God for blessing your life so richly!

Today... thank God that He has made us new creatures... we are not color... we are not social class... we are not financial standing... we are not slave or free... we are not Jew or Greek... white... black... brown... or any pigment of skin color. God has torn down the barrier... the dividing wall... God has made us sons and daughters! "... Christ died for all, that they who live shold no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh."

Today... let's don't get caught up in the national "talk" (and sorry for basing this in that!)

Today... let's focus on how we see others... how we treat others... how we can be Jesus to others... how we see Jesus in others....

be on the alert

2007-04-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

I spent quite a few hours driving last week... on the way home from Dallas on Wednesday I could feel the effects of lots of driving... late nights... early mornings... not enough sleep. I really had to fight myself... with the cruise set... good music on the radio... a good road... not much going on around me... it was hard to pay attention. Several times I "found" myself somewhere else... or even no where! When you do something over and over and over and over (well, you get the over and over point!)... it is easy to not pay attention.

When you on the interstate... and there are lots of vehicles around... it is really important that you stay alert. So I had to fight... to stay awake... to pay attention... to stay alert! So much bad can happen... so quickly... when we don't stay on the alert.

Jesus gave a similar warning in Mark 13. He was preparing His followers for what was to come... He wanted them to be ready... "what I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!'"

I've never had a wreck driving down the interstate... I have had some wrecks running through life and no being on the alert. It is vital that we pay attention... that we watch out... that we see what is going on around us... that we respond to life.

Today... be on the alert!

Ray Young
806.592.1947
check out my blog at: http://arayoflight4today.blogspot.com/

giving your best...

2007-04-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

I used to have a mobile car wash business... it started small, but really grew into a thriving business... I have to admit... it was a good day when I sold it! One of the most challenging things for me was finding good help... the reason was that the business was built on making cars look the very best they could. So often there were things - usually little things - that were left undone. It was hard to get folks to understand that the little things make such a difference. It was important for us to give our very best... every time... to every customer. Please understand, I had no problem understanding why someone would let the "little stuff" go... I had to fight it myself. I had to constantly remind myself to give the very best.

The Lord, through Peter, encourages us to give our very best to growing... to becoming more and more like Him. "So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing yyour faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm frendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus."

I've spent a lot of time in recent weeks thinking about "what really matters." Even when we spend time examining our priorities and lives... that's not enough. We must... I must... give my very best.

Today... are you coasting?

Today... are you giving your best?

Today... don't waste a minute!

the best of intentions

2007-04-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrote about IDD - intention deficit disorder. This morning as I was reading Matthew I was struck by this...

Remember when Jesus takes Peter, James and John with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane? He tells them of the great distress He is under, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death..." Then Jesus made a request, "stay here and keep watch." When He came back from praying for an hour (I don't know about you, but that in and of itself convicts me - I need to grow in praying)... He came back and found them asleep. Jesus said, "could you not keep watch for one hour? The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

So what do we do... when we have the best of intentions and still fall short? Does that mean it is hopeless? Should I just give up? Of course not. Remember what else Jesus said? Keep watching and praying.

It is not enough for us to have the best of intentions... we cannot depend on ourselves... we cannot let our guard down... we must keep on watching... we must keep on praying... we must be intentional...

Today... watch

Today... pray

Today... be intentional

Today... be salt and light

IDD

2007-03-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

I.D.D.
I have yet to find it in any of the medical or psychological journals... but I do see a lot of it around... and in... me. It seems to me that it is even spreading more rapidly... affecting more and more people.

You know what A.D.D. (or now as it is know A.D.H.D.) is... Attention Deficit Disorder. What I see in myself is not A.D.D., it is I.D.D... that is INTENTION deficit disorder!

I have been preparing for a couple of really exciting things that are coming up in my life. I've been preparing some messages for a "Men of Faith" weekend. My assignment is to challenge, encourage and equip men to be better husbands... fathers... men... I am also preparing an 8 week marriage seminare. As I have been working on these messages I have been convicted of this... I know a lot more than I live. I have been forced to recognize how often I just go through a day... how I am not intentional about being the best husband... father... man...

How about you? Are you just coasting by? Have you taken your hands off the wheel... are you just going to see where this ride ends up? We were made for more than this! God designed us for more. We need more... those around us need more.

I know it is easy to get caught up in all the things that have to be done each day...

I know the power "pressing needs" have in our lives...

I know that life can sometimes just wear you down...

I know...

This morning as I was reading Nehemiah I wondered... how many marriages are like Jerusalem? How many families are like Jerusalem? How many lives are like Jerusalem? This book opens with Nehemiah learning of the condition of Jerusalem... walls broken down... a city in ruins... people who are in great distress and reproach... Do you know what Nehemiah did? He prayed... he looked at the situation... he dreamed of what it could be again... he shared that dream with others... he went to work... he encouraged others to rebuild.

Today... the walls may have fallen down around you... or it just may be a crack in the walls...

Today... DECIDE... be INTENTIONAL... make some changes...

Today... what is the most important thing you can do... will you?

Today... let's join God in rebuilding lives... marriages... families... churches... communities... cities... states... nations... continents... the whole world!

I constantly remember...

2007-02-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in class we were studying from 2 Timothy 1. Paul reminded Timothy that he was constantly praying for him... one of the reasons Paul prayed for Timothy was because of his sincere faith that first lived in his grandmother... then his mother... then in Timothy.

I asked the AIMers who God had used to bring them to faith... and who God had used to help them grow to this point in their faith. It was a great time... they talked about parents... friends... challenges... class mates... family... and how God had used all it. Then one said - what about you? Ray, who has God used in your life.

I was prepared... I've thought a lot about it. I told them about parents who were Christians... grand parents who were Christians... great grandparents who were Christians. I told them about a great woman of faith... who took the time... who loved so much... who wanted (and still wants) me to grow in faith and love for the Lord... how my mom would sit between the door to my room and the door to RaDonna's room - reading and discussing the Proverbs... how I could remember sitting on the dryer as she encouraged my faith by telling the story of David and Goliath. I told them about a youth minister... Bo Davenport... who showed some special interest and helped me be a follower of Jesus... about friends... Keith... Ben... David... who helped me on this walk... I told them about a hard move from Austin to Seagraves... about a blessing there... who lived across the alley from my grandparents... was best friends with my cousins... who is now my wife... about a youth group that was basically RaDonna and I... about hard work... about friends and churches who believed in me... about folks in churches I have worked with who God used to refine me... we could go on and on and on...

Today... How about you? Who has God used to develop your faith?
Today... Thank God for His work in your life... and the people He has used!
Today... Thank the people God has used - in big and small ways...
Today... let's encourage each other by responding on the blog site and sharing some of our stories!

they had been with Jesus...

2007-01-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you were "under the gun?" Have you had any "extreme" pressure lately... thing gotten a little heated... challenges seemed overwhelming... when did you last find yourself between a rock and a hard place?

When you were there... what would or did others see? How do you respond to those challenging times? I am constantly amazed by how our brothers and sisters in the first century responded to such difficult times.

In Acts 4 Peter and John are before the ruling council of their time... the same folks who condemned Jesus and pushed that murder thru... now have their sights fixed on Peter and John. There were three things they noticed about them... they were unschooled... they were ordinary... they had been with Jesus!

Think of all the things that last phrase could mean! By just observing Peter and John these folks could tell - they have spent time with Jesus.

He will change us if we will spend time with Him! He will shape our lives if we will spend time with Him! Peter and John did not have great education... there was nothing outstanding about them. What was astonishing - and I'm sure they were astonished by the results of it - is that they had been with Jesus.

Today... will you take time?
Today... will you make time?
Today... will you spend time with Jesus?

sharpens...

2006-12-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

When I was in school there were several classes that Sonya and I took together. That always made them better classes... it made study so much better... so much easier... I was thinking about that today... wondering why it was easier when we studied together than it was when I took a class alone... NO! It was not because Sonya did all the work... read the books... wrote the papers... etc. We both did our own work in those areas. The way it was most beneficial was in studying for tests... as we quizzed each other and worked on the material we learned the information more effectively - even easier ourselves.

I don't know if you have any experiences that are like that. I don't know if you've ever thought about it or not. This is true for all of us because God designed us to learn better with someone.

As we get close to a new year... as we look back at the last year... as we dream and plan for the future... spend some time thinking about how you have grown this year. Would you like to grow even more next year? If the answer is yes... these wise words from a wise father will be especially meaningful... and helpful - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

What a difference it makes in our lives... in our growth when we have someone (or two) to walk on the journey together. Someone who will help us grow... someone we can help grow.

Today... spend some time looking back.
Today... spend some time looking ahead.
Today... find someone to help sharpen you and someone you can help sharpen!

it'll do... WILL IT?

2006-12-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

How many times have you said it? How many times have you heard it? It is not exactly what I wanted... expected... hoped for... planned for... worked for, but it'll do. I hate settling! Sure there are times when it is OK.

At the car wash the other day I was struck - the attendant said we needed to go back through because the bugs on the front of our Suburban were still pretty bad. I said, "it'll do." He said, "are you sure? It will be no problem." "Naw, it will be fine," I replied. It really was no problem.

I did not think about it again, until the thought hit me yesterday - How often do you just settle... just get by... simply say - it'll do? There are some times when this is a tragic statement to make:

My marriage is not all it could be. It is not all I want, or we need for it to be... but it'll do. YIKES!

My relationship with my children has been neglected... it's not terrible, but it is not as good as I want and they NEED for it to be, but it'll do. CAUTION!

My level of performance at work is slipping. It's not that I'm not doing anything... I'm just not doing anything very well, but it'll do. TROUBLE!

We could go on and on... but let's just take time for one more: My relationship with God just does not seem to be very strong.

My discipleship has wavered... my desire is weak... my faith is faltering... Sure, there are lots of people who have abandoned ship, but that's not me. I'm better than most folks. I try to do right. I show up for church. I go through the motions. I even put on a good show occasionally. It's not all it needs to be... I want it to be... God wants it to be, but it'll do.

WHY SETTLE? Sure there are times and subjects that it may be fine. But in the ones mentioned above (along with several more aspects of our lives) we have got to quit settling, quit just getting by, quit saying, it'll do!

Today, make a decision... take some action... seek some help... find someone to hold you accountable... and give your best. Give your best to your family... and especially to God.

what's this all about...

2006-12-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Do you ever forget... forget what you are doing... forget why you are doing it? Several times in our running all over town looking for Christmas gifts we would get side tracked talking about what else we needed to get... where else we needed to go... one time we even left the store... purchases in hand... pulled out of the parking lot... then it hit me - we did not even get the gift we came here for.

Yesterday I realized how easy it is to foget that this season... this time of year... Christmas is about remembering God's amazing (stop and think about how amazing it really is that God became flesh!) gift... that Christmas is about us becoming more like God... God is a giver and when we sacrifice... when we give... we look like our father.

With all of the lists... the shopping... the wrapping... the parties... the traveling... it is way too easy to forget who we are... what we are about... WHO really matters... and our journey of becoming more like Jesus.

Today... Lord, my desire is to be like You - thanks for coming... for serving... for teaching... for dying... for being raised... for life... THANKS!

Today... Remember!

holding your breath...

2006-12-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

How long can you hold your breath? Have you ever seen someone hold their breath until they passed out? Have you ever talked or sung until you just could not say another word without taking a breath?

How long do you go without breathing in the breath of God? This week my "quiet times" have been especially helpful - maybe for this reason - I have really focussed on stopping... being still... exhaling everything that is going on... that bothers me... and breathing deeply... letting the word of God come in and re-oxygenate my blood supply.

Just a qiuck note...

Today... breathe. Stop... read... pray... be still... listen!

momentary light afflictions...

2006-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

By my last blog you know that I have had 2 "bruising" weeks. I got home from Houston Tuesday night... EXHAUSTED. I could feel the effects, but did not figure out until I woke up early Wednesday morning... I was sick. So I've spent the rest of the week trying to get well. I have loaded up on all kinds of good stuff... and finally yesterday - right before they closed I went to the clinic to get a shot and a couple of prescriptions. Today is better. I'm only here at the computer because I REALLY need to work on my sermons and Bible class for tomorrow. If you know me... you know what a mess this week has been - I NEVER wait this long. Sure I've been brewing on them for a while, but if I get to Wednesday and the messages are not ready... I go into panic mode. There was no time for that this week. I got home to a desk swamped in paper work... to a class to prepare for Thursday morning, and a memorial service here in Denver City - remember I was feeling like dirt!

This morning as I was working on the messages for tomorrow - both on the cross - the words of Paul came to mind "momentary, light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory." I needed that encouragement. When I feel like I am suffering I want to know what is wrong... how I can fix/change it. I rarely think of God using it - although I KNOW He not only can, He ALWAYS does.

I hope next week will be a slow down - I am committed to making it one. I need time to exhale and inhale... time to read... time to pray... time to sleep... time with Sonya... time with the girls... time. I need to remember that this is momentary... and not really that big of a deal... I need to remember He is using it to produce something in me... and through me.

Today... what do you need? Thanks for praying for me. Let me know what I can pray for you about.

HELP!

2006-11-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I just got home... what an incredible weekend. God blessed my life in so many ways... some of them were pure joy... some of them were very painful. I had to face some things about myself... about my faith... about my walk with the Lord that I would rather not face... and would rather not admit.

One of the things I had to say... sadly it is say again... is this: I am not very good at letting go and trusting... sometimes it is trusting God... sometimes it is trusting others...
One of the results of this "do it myself" things is that I go and go and go... until I can't go anymore.

That's where I feel like I am right now... I am completely exhausted. I feel weary. I need to stop and breathe... but I can't. So I am asking for your help... it is not just for this, but also in the future... I had a fast paced week (this is an understatement). Yesterday a friend called from Houston to ask if I could come and do the funeral of her 7 month old daughter. I am completely overwhelmed. Not only am I weary... I am totally inadequate for what I am asked to do. I have not stopped asking myself - what do you say, what do you do. I don't know. But I leave in the morning for a 10 hour drive to Houston. The funeral and graveside will be Tuesday and then I will head home.

Here's what I need. Please pray for me. Pray that God will give me strength through His Spirit in the inner person. Pray that God will use me to help begin the healing process for a young couple - and their families. Pray for me... that I will let go... lay it all down... that I will learn to trust more... to walk faithful...

Today... HELP!

they're always watching...

2006-10-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

I ran across this news item and brief contemplation of it today. It is good food for thought, but let's not leave it there...
TODAY... let's listen
TODAY... let's take the message to heart
TODAY... let's live it out!

LONDON (Reuters) -- Jack Neal briefly became the proud owner of a pink convertible car after he managed to buy it for 9,000 pounds ($17,000) on the Internet despite being only three years old. Jack's mother told the BBC she had left her password for the eBay auction site in her computer and her son used the "buy it now" option to complete the purchase. "Jack's a whiz on the PC and just pressed all the right buttons," Rachel Neal said.God's truth must be translated into action at home!I can laugh, but only because it's not my child! However, this episodeserves as a powerful reminder to us all that children are constantlywatching us and they will imitate us -- even in ways we least expect.This can be a scary thought, but it can also be a powerful incentivefor parents to live in such a way that imitation will result ingodliness in their children.Children can hear all the right facts at church. They can hear theScriptures being quoted. They can hear the preacher and their Bibleclass teachers say, "This is the way God wants you to live." However,these words aren't going to mean much at all unless God's truth istranslated into action at home. May God help those of you who areparents to fulfill this awesome responsibility. So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates (Deuteronomy 6:5-9 CEV).Don't ever forget -- they're watching you!

Alaln Smith via heartlight.org

secure...

2006-10-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am part of a Keenage Christian Conference... I am excited about it. My assignment is this topic, "I can stand secure!"

It has been a good week for me to just think about that. There are lots of things that threaten our security. I heard this morning about a threat on the major football arenas this weekend - "they" said the threats were not credible... but there will probably be a few folks "concerned." How would you like to be a neighbor to North Korea right now? Do you think there is much security there? How would you like to be in one of the many places around the world that are home to military actions? Those are not the only threats... maybe you are undergoing tests... maybe you are concerned about your relationship to your spouse... your kids... your parents... your family... your neighbors... your coworkers... maybe it is a job threat... on and on the list could go... how can we face all of those threats?

Beyond these... what about standing secure wtih Jesus? Are you ever "worried" about your relationship with Him... with His body... about eternity? How can we stand secure? Only with this assurance and conviction - security with God depends on Him - not us. It is His choice, in spite of us, not our performance. We can stand secure because the blood of Jesus secures our future, redeems our past, empowers our present. We sing the song... we need to believe it more whole-heartedly - Jesus paid it ALL!

Today... take a breath... say a prayer... thank God for salvation... security in Christ... and enjoy living it!

he blessed them...

2006-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling a lot of time pressure the last few months... I hate to be bored... which is usually not a problem - but there is no doubt now, there is not even the possibility of being bored... the only time I'm doing nothing here lately is just when I am too exhausted to jump onto any more projects.

I've noticed my to do list never gets shorter... it seems like I go from one fire to the next... what is most pressing right now... now... now...

I know Jesus lived differently... it was not that He did not have plenty to do... that there was not an abundance of good things to be involved in... He just never let it get control of Him.

Those around Him were not always like that. Remember when the children were flocking to Jesus... and the Apostles did the responsible thing... they sent them away... you can almost hear them say: Jesus is too important... He has too much going on... He does not have the time... not right now... come back later.

Jesus would have none of it... let the children come to Me for the kingdom belongs to such as these... He took them in His arms... placed His hands on them... and He blessed them.

What... or who... has been pushed aside in your busy life? Do you need to hear what Jesus said... and see what He did, like I do?

Today... take the time... make the time... give yourself to the people that God has blessed your life with!

Listen...

2006-09-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if you keep hearing the same message because you need to hear it... and maybe you are having a hard time actually "hearing" it?

I don't know if it is just my sensitivity to the subject... or if I just need the message so badly... whatever the reason I cannot count the number of times in the last 10 days that I have wrestled with... been challenged... been convicted... that I need to be a better listener.

Yes, it is true. I need to listen to Sonya... to the girls... to my family... friends... customers... students... more, better... but what I am really convicted of right now is that I am not listening as well to God as I want... should... or need to.

I've caught myself reading and thinking about a list of different things. In the middle of a prayer... I am somewhere else - I guess I'm still praying... but I'm not focussed.

In class on Tuesday we talked about how it is sometimes possible to get bored reading the Bible... for me I've concluded that happens when I forget WHO is speaking... or there is something going on in my life that causes me not to want to hear (you may want to picture a spoiled little brat with my hands over my ears and making as much noise as possible so that I won't... can't hear).

How about you? I don't think I need hearing aids... what I need is for my ears to be ears to hear... I need to spend some heart time... some quiet time... some still time... so I can have more HOLY time.

Today... will you join me as we LISTEN?

bad company

2006-09-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Since we have been moving... which also explain the lack of posts this last few weeks... I have missed the news - I almost feel lost. I did hear that Steve Irwin died.

Do you remember him? If not, maybe this will help... Crocodile Hunter. I don't know why anyone would ever do what he did... I would have had a heart attack the first time. This guy loved to play with crocodiles... alligators... snakes... anything poisonous or dangerous. Surprisingly it was not one of them, but a stingray... typically thought to be one of the least dangerous animals he "played" with.

I mean no disrespect... but there is a lesson we all need here. I am not surprised he died... if you play that way long enough it will happen. Remember reading in 1 Corinthians "don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." It makes a difference who we are with... what we do... There are so many things we think will be no big deal... it won't really matter... whose it oging to hurt... and then... it is too late.

Today... are there any people... places... temptations... attitudes... you are letting get hold of you? Don't be deceived...

pursue

2006-08-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

I noticed something in the gym yesterday. I am on a team that is going to walk on the eliptical walkers a distance equivalent to walking from Denver City to Galveston. We don't officially start for about another month, but I am trying to build up so I can carry my part of the responsibility.

Here's what I noticed. I walk different on the "walker" than I do normally. I get on the "walker" and really get after it. I rarely, interpret that NEVER, walk at that pace any other time. This morning I was wondering what the difference is.

I think it makes a big difference when I am doing something on purpose. It is hard to forget why I am on the "walker." Can you think of times when the same principle applies to in life?

What about your walk with Jesus? Paul urged Timothy to flee from some things and to pursue some things. Not to walk casually in a general direction, but to get his eyes on the goal and to run with great intensity away from things that kill our spirits, and to run with great intensity towards righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

How intense are you in your walk?

flashback...

2006-08-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

I just had a flashback. I was reading in Ezekiel 22 where God says "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap..." and all of the sudden I was in High School again... my grandfather, who was very sick at the time and had just gotten out of a stay in the hospital, has just walked in the side door of the auditorium in our little church building. The preacher has just started a sermon on this passage... the introduction was almost complete when he said, "the sermon I was going to preach today has just been preached." Papa and Mama walked in... and just his presence preached a sermon.

I'm sure you won't be surprised... at least not if you have been around many preachers... he went ahead and preached his sermon on people standing in the gap... but it came after Papa lived his sermon of standing in the gap.

Before we lived in Seagraves... Mama and Papa would come for visits... I can only remember them going to church with us one time... Papa was an elder and he thought it was important for him to be home on Sunday. That's just one way he stood in the gap. It would not have meant much if he was not the kind of man who was always building up... and standing up.

There is much said about principles, ethics and integrity these days. Could it be that much is said because so few are living those sermons?

Today... build up the walls - be a source of encouragement and help.

Today... stand in the gap.

God sent me ahead...

2006-08-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

It is easy to forget... but it is so important that we do... or at least that I remember. I was reading about Joseph this morning and he once again impressed me. Can you imagine what it would have been like. It seems that Joseph was raised to have an easy life... he is his father's favorite son - remember the coat of many colors? He seems to be given special treatment - the others are out doing the hard work of shepherding while he is at home.

ALL THAT CHANGED. How would you have responded if your family sold you into slavery... your master's wife lied about you and had you thrown into prison... you helped powerful people and asked for them to remember and they forgot? This would be a story for Oprah or Dr. Phil - my life is ruined... I am terrible... I have hurt so many people because of my brothers and the way they treated me.

Not Joseph. The whole way through - captured - slave - prisoner - he is above it. I wonder if it was as easy as it seemed - either way Joseph is blessed by God - recognized by those over him - promoted by those in charge of him.

When he reveals himself to his brothers - imagine how terrified they are. Joseph makes an incredible statement - don't be afraid, I fear God. God sent me ahead to save many lives.

Instead of seeking revenge Joseph extends mercy. How could he do it? Joseph was able to view his life - all of it - in the hands of God. He knew that no matter where he was... or what was going on... how it looked... or how it felt - God was working. He can take the very worst and hardest and use it for His purposes and for His glory.

Today... if you are struggling with where you are, or what is going on, remember "God sent me ahead."

Today... focus on how you can serve God where you are.

Today... look past the clouds and remember.

invitation to revelation...

2006-07-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Did you catch that title? Invitation to revelation? I hope I have piqued your interest! I wrote the title and then thought - you could go a million different ways with that one... but I will restrain myself!

I was reading Luke this morning and got caught up in Jesus' encounter with the two men on the road to Emmaus. Remember they were coming back from Jerusalem... amazed and bewildered. They HAD thought Jesus was going to be the ONE to redeem Israel... but in just a few hours their hope had been dashed... their redeemer had been killed... Jesus gave them a lesson from the prophets and then...

Then... as they came near town "Jesus acted as if He were going farther. But they URGED HIM STRONGLY 'stay with us.'" They sat down to break bread... Jesus blessed it and gave it to them... and THEN... "their eyes were opened and they recognized Him."

It was as Jesus gave them the bread He had just blessed that their eyes were opened. Let's play the what if game.
What if... they just let Jesus go on His way?
...they did not bring out bread to feed their guest?
...there had not been the blessing?
Would they have known otherwise? Luke frames the story to say it had to happen this way.

Because of their invitation... their "urging Him STRONGLY" Jesus did stay... He did bless the bread... and they received a revelation... they realized who they had brought home.

Today... do you long for Him to be in your home?

Today... do you take the opportunities to spend time with Him?

Today... you can have your eyes opened to see what you may never see any other way than spending time with Him... partaking of the blessed bread of life.

Don't wait, do it... TODAY!

convinced...

2006-07-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

What does it take to convince you? When was the last time you heard something that just seemed... unbelievable, but after much persuassion you finally gave in... you did not just decide that it was possible... you were convinced that it happened just as you were told.

For me it depends... not just on plausibility... but also on the one who is telling me, on the evidence that is offered, sometimes on others who can support what is being said - yes, sometimes I can be a skeptic.

WHat about when it comes to the word of God - again we are on the theme of not just believing it is true, but believing so much that you actually live it out - Jesus told a great story in Luke 16 about a rich man who died and went to eternal punishment. The man asks for Lazarus, who died and was taken to Abraham's side, to be sent back to his brothers to convince them to LISTEN to what God had to say. Abraham said they have Moses and the Prophets... in essence he is saying that is enough to convince someone. The man continues by saying that's not enough... it would really make a difference if someone rose from the dead. Abraham replied "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."

Do you have ears to hear? Are you longing to hear the word of God... and to live it?

Today... listen... and live!

watch out!

2006-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Several years ago we were driving to Hobbs on a Sunday morning for me to preach there... we were about half way there... in the middle of a conversation and then... out of the blue Sonya says, "dear." I replied, "yes, honey." Two more times she simply said, "dear." Then I hit it.

All the time Sonya was warning me about a dear that was coming towards the road... and I thought she was just being sweet on me.

You may wonder why I am sharing this "tender" moment with you... there really is a point... here it comes - just because someone gives you a warning... that does not mean you will hear it... or heed it. No doubt Sonya was sounding a warning for me... I just did not get it.

Have you ever been in a situation like that? Do you ever "just not get it?" Here's one to think about... and then do more than think... actually hear and heed. "WATCH OUT! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

We (US Americans) live in the society of "whoever dies with the most toys wins." We are consumed with being consumers. We never have enough. I am constantly amazed at the number of self storage buildings that are build and filled... we can't find enough room for all of our STUFF!

When we slow down enough to take an honest look we have to agree with the LORD... always a good thing to do! We can fill our lives up with Stuff... but that will not fill us up. We need more... but it is more of Him that we need!

Today... let's not waste our lives on stuff... let's get more of HIM!

2006-07-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

I heard some folks on the radio yesterday... they were doing their very best to whip folks into a frenzy about the extreme global warming condition we are in... it is soooooo hot... every year it gets hotter... we have to do something - NOW!

Last night the weatherman "happened" to put up the statistics for the last 5 years, and then went back to the hottest time (I think that was 1932). What the statistics show is that the last couple of years have been unusually mild and this year is more like the normal conditions - and still shy of the hottest year - at least that's the way it is around here according to his records.

You may be wondering why I'm sharing this discovery... the radio folks were "up in arms" about the future... what will it be like for the next generation? Even if their information was not accurate... their motivation was great.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION? What will the future of your family... community... school... church... be like? David, the writer of many of the Psalms, was concerned about the future... and he did a lot to make it better... but one of his greatest concerns was that those who were NEXT would know God. "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come."

What are you doing... in your family... in the family of God... in your community... with your schools to pass on this great knowledge of God?

Too often I have paid attention to making things better for our girls in lots of way while neglecting to declare the mighty works of God...

Today... notice what God has done in your life.
Today... share your discoveries with others.
Today... prepare the next generation... to know God... to love God... to serve Him.

hear...

2006-07-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the longest vacation I have ever had... IT WAS AWESOME! We spent a lot of time doing not much... the rest was wonderful. During our extended travel times I noticed something... as we were riding along Sonya or I would ask the girls a question... and we would get no response. After several incidents I learned to ask them to take their headphones out of their ears before I asked my question. The next step was to "encourage" them to really listen.

Today I was reading Mark's gospel... I wondered how often God has wanted to "encourage" me to really listen. I was struck by how often Jesus says "he who has ears to hear..." We all have ears... the question is are we using them to really hear? Do we pay attention to His voice? Do we do what He says? Do we think about what He has spoken?

That's one of the things about the word of God... the more we listen... the more carefully we listen... the more we hear!

Today... LISTEN!

rest...

2006-06-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is get it done week around our house... we are leaving for vacation next week so everything that needs to be done in the next several weeks must be done this week... we are paying bills... arranging for dog care... getting hair cuts... getting lots of little projects done beforehand... all so we can rest.

I am glad... it feels like I'm really going to need a break... rest will be nice! It usually takes me a few days to get in the "take a break" groove. I am used to constant motion... even when I rest I can't take it too slow. Not all of my activity is productive... but there is motion!

Do you ever feel like that last line describes your spiritual walk? It may not all be "productive... but there is motion." I was reading Hebrews this morning and these words jumped off the page... "anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." God created in 6 days... He said it is finished and then He rested.

What has God finished that you are still trying to complete? Why is it so hard to just accept that when He says it is done... that it is done. We sing "Jesus paid it all," and then try to earn right standing with God by our activity.

How else do we do this?

Today... take a breath... thank God for what He has done... trust Him that it is enough!

what good is that?

2006-06-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

It is halftime... we are having VBS this week and we just finished the midway point. Tommorow will be the third quarter! This morning I was about to leave my office to go to the building and get into character... I am Hilkiah, a prophet in the days of Josiah. Before I left Skip called... do you have a gas can? Sure. We had a bus run out of gas... so off I went. Put a little more gas in the can... and found the bus. When I got there we had another problem... the nozzle on my can was too short to reach the fuel tank. I did not have a funnel, so I just put my gas can back in the Jeep and wnet to VBS... left the kids... the bus... the driver... and the helper on the side of the road!

Not really! I did not have EXACTLY what was needed... but there was a way it would work. We got a piece of water hose... stuck it on the nozzle with the other end in the tank... poured it in and away we went. Yes, we were a little late, but 40 more kids got to go to VBS.

What would you think if I really did just forget it. What I have won't do the trick, so I'll just take my gas and my can home. Are you ever guilty of the same thing? In John 6 a huge crowd has surrounded Jesus... they are listening to Him teach. Jesus does a strange thing (imagine that!)... He says get some food so we can feed this crowd. Philip says, there is no way - it would take too much money... more than we have, and it there is no place to buy that much food. It can't be done. Andrew goes looking... remember what he found? A boy who had a sack lunch, 5 biscuits and a couple of small fish. That's better than Philip's reaction, but listen to Andrew's next line, "what good is that with this huge crowd?"

If they don't give the sack lunch to Jesus 5,000 men, plus women and children leave hungry. But IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. Anyone can look at that crowd and that sack lunch and see immediately, it is so small, we could not give everyone just a crumb. But the boy offered... and Jesus took it... and HE MADE IT ENOUGH!

What do you have? What have you been holding on to because you have thought it is not enough... it is not good enough... it won't make a difference?

Today... give it to Jesus.
Today... trust Him to make it what He wants.
Today... pour the gas out of the can... and see what He will do!

Ray

choose this day...

2006-06-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about how many choices we make each day?
What time will I set the alarm clock for?
Will I get up when the alarm goes off... or hit snooze?
How many times will I hit snooze?
What to eat for breakfast?
What to wear?
Which route to take to work?

Well, you get the point, and that's just to get the day started! We make thousands of choices each day. Some - most - we make without giving any thought to it... we've done it so long we just hit automatic pilot and get on with it.

We need to stop occasionally and think about decisions we make withouth much thought. We also need to think about the things we are not consciously thinking about.

In Joshua 24 Joshua challenges the people to choose "this day" who they will serve. They lived in the midst of people who served gods of their own making. Joshua called the people to make a choice about who was going to be god in their lives... and then to support that choice with action.

How often is it "this day?" This day is today... what have you chosen? No, I'm not asking about what you chose in the past...

Today... have you made the choice?
Today... are you taking action in support of that choice?

Choose this day who you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

speaking the truth in Love...

2006-06-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

I would not say it is funny... in fact I don't know exactly what word to use to describe it... but however you describe it, it is disheartening how some good things... words... phrases take on a new meaning. We took Raegan to camp this last weekend... on the way she was using a word - not a bad one, but one that had changed in meaning... at least in conotation. She said, "I mean it the way it is supposed to be." We said, "yes, but that's not what people hear when you use that word. You have to learn not only what the word actually means, but the way it is used." You have to learn...

I've learned that way to often when I hear someone talk about speaking the truth in love I better hold on. There is usually something coming that sounds like anything but love... it feels like anything but love. It is usually, I have a bone to pick with you... I'm right, you are wrong...

Tonight I am thinking of the way that phrase was intended... what I think God was after when He said through Paul to speak the truth in love. I just got home and checked email. I was "greeted" with news I was expecting, but was not wanting to read. A great lady in Carlsbad passed from the land of the dying to the land of the living.

You may be wondering if I forgot what I was writing about... the road I was taking. I assure you I have not. I am remembering my first real conversation with Cleo. I had known her for a little more than a decade... but now I had been hired as her new preacher. I was young... I was dumber... we were at Family Camp... she asked if we could go talk. Of course we did. She asked me to be careful with my use of humor in the pulpit. She said some people were really concerned, they thought I was a bit too irreverent. She said, I think you are a good preacher, and will do a good job, but the way you make jokes can make it hard to believe what you say. I can still see her. We were in the dining hall. She was holding my hand. She was not mean. She was not giving me a hard time.

Don't think I enjoyed it. I'm never fond of criticism - even when it comes from someone who reminded me in so many ways of my grandmother.

I was not sure where she was coming from then... I am certain now. Cleo was a great friend... we shared many special times, great visits, games of dominoes, serious talks, laughter. I know she was speaking the truth in love. Because she wanted the best for me, she was helping me be a better preacher.

God, thanks for blessing so many people with Cleo. Thanks for speaking your truth through her... for filling her with Your love... and letting it overflow into so many lives.

on one of these little ones...

2006-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just finished visiting with a friend... he's known me longer than I've known me! He knew my folks... Sonya's folks... our grandparents... he asked about our girls... he was shocked by how old they were now... it is amazing how time flies. The visit made me reflect on something I read this morning in Matthew's gospel.

Kenneth and I talked about how quick kids grow up... how awesome it is when they are small... the thrill of watching them mature... but there are those times when we wish they were maturing a little quicker.

Have you ever thought that about yourself... regarding your walk with Jesus? Have you ever thought it about someone else. It is easy to see how we should be stronger... more mature, and to see that in others. Jesus gave a warning... in the form of a direct teaching... "see to it that you do not look down on these little ones." Others have said it differently - you know, "until you walk a mile..." However you say it... this is the point - we need more love and compassion on others... to be more understanding.

Instead of looking down... let's help each others!