This Sunday evening, America's sports event - Super Bowl XL - will be played in Detroit. The Steelers meet the Seahawks for the world championship. It's a contest of TEAMS, not individuals. The game is not just a match up of Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Hasselbeck, though these men in the quarterback position attract a lot of attention. The efforts of hundreds of people in each organization will be focused on gaining the Lombardi trophy. Coaches, trainers, linemen, receivers, kickers, special teams - will each fulfill their role with the hope of getting the win for the TEAM.
We describe team effort in many ways - network, organization, community, company, squad, troop, band, body, club, church, crew, army - to mention a few. Why so many words to describe our relationships? Because relationships are what makes life happen. Think about that. How much does anyone accomplish on his own? It is as we form the webs of inter-connected relationships that we find a meaningful, purposeful, and effective life.
.
I am part of the Scott family, connected to dozens of people through my parents, my siblings, my children. This past summer I saw how far reaching that web is as I had the privilege of meeting my Danish cousins at a reunion of the Skjodt family at Dad's farm!
I am part of Washington Assembly of God, a body of Believers that works together to educate children, to care for the needy, to provide a place of worship, to strengthen people's commitment to Christ. We pool our resources and share our spiritual gifts. Some amazing things result, things that I could never do alone!
I am part of the Assemblies of God, the body that ordained me to Christian ministry 26 years ago. That world-wide organization connects me to a network of churches and missionaries numbering in the tens of thousands.
I am part of PIP - Pastors In Prayer - a small fellowship of local pastors whose love and support is an invaluable resource to me. Through that little group, numbering less than a dozen, I find friendship and I am able to offer my support to those working locally in God's field alongside of me.
I am an American citizen, a defining description, that is often taken for granted, but as tax-paying citizen of this great nation, I have great privilege and responsibility.
I could go on, but you're hopefully getting the picture. Relationships are built, they do not spring from nowhere! They require hard, and sometimes expensive, work of maintenance. The more we expect from a connection, the more time we must spend on it, weaving the web of inter-connectedness. There are the costs of giving our time, our money, and even some of our autonomy for the sake of the group. Why? Because the best relationships are mutually beneficial - involving give and take. Each of us has had the unfortunate experience of getting into a relationship with a parasite from time to time! Those are life-draining connections where someone who is dysfunctional makes the relationship all about their needs, never returning anything of value.
Jesus said that God's desire for us is summed in just two commands: "Love God wholeheartedly, and love others!" There is a big lie about happiness is that tells you and me that we need to be independent, free from expectations and connections, able to 'do our own thing' in life. Don't buy it. The most miserable people in the world are those without a web of connections that enrich them emotionally, that provide them with opportunities to care for others and to be cared for, that give a setting for the expression of their unique gifts and abilities as part of an organized effort to make a difference!
Are you inter-connected? Are you valuing those ties to others, strengthening them with investment of yourself?
Are you choosing what connections and to whom you are connected with wisdom? The Bible reminds us that we must not be drawn into intimate partnership with those who reject God. "Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15, NLT)
We're out to win the world for Christ; not in the sense of conquest, but rather as agents of transformation. The work is obviously beyond anyone of our abilities. But Together we can do it, as the Spirit of God makes us one!
Are you on the TEAM?
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Power Encounters
Miracles! They excite us, fascinate us, don't they? The record of the Church's first decades, written down for us by Luke in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, is compelling reading! The world was changed by a few people who were full of the Spirit of God, who occasionally raised the dead and often healed the sick. These intrepid men and women constantly preached the Good News of Jesus, finding both acceptance and rejection. In between the miracles and conversions, there are stories of conflicts, the stuff of humanity. Christians who were of differing ethnicity -Jews and Greeks- fought over fair distribution of food to their needy people. There were intense struggles over doctrines of grace and the role of the Jewish Law in the Believers' lives which led to a major church council and a compromise. (Acts 15) Paul and his friend, Barnabas, had a fight over a kid named Mark, about whether he was trustworthy enough to take along on a missions trip and it became so sharp, they parted company. I write of these things because we have the tendency to romanticize Acts, thinking that the Church in that era was a kind of heaven on earth with miracles happening everyday. Not so, however....
There is one constant throughout the story. It is the Spirit-inspired faith that these Believers had in God's ability to work in their world! They believed He is a God of power and that He is presently active! Do we?
There is a humorous story found in Acts 12 about people who prayed somewhat faithlessly. Peter was imprisoned, scheduled for trial for preaching about Jesus. Believers gathered at the home of Mary, Mark's mother, to pray. While they prayed, an angel appeared in the prison and led Peter out to the street, through locked gates and past watching guards. Knowing that Believers gathered there, Peter went to that house. The Bible says, "When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter’s voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street. But they wouldn’t believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. “You’re crazy,” they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn’t believe her and said, “It must be his angel.” All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away. Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild!" (Acts 12:13-16, The Message)
Do you ever pray that way - your mouth saying one thing, but your mind thinking another? Take heart! Jesus says we don't need perfect faith to see the release of God's power. But, faith is important. Without it, we don't 'see' what God is doing, nor what He wants to do. If we desire to see power encounters where sin and evil are defeated and the goodness of God is released through Jesus Christ, we must let the Word lay a foundation of faith that asks boldly!
Miracles happen everyday, all around us. Do we see them? Do we have 'spiritual eyes' that perceive God at work?
Believer, pray confidently! Yes, let God be God. Ask great things of Him. Pray for people you know to enter the Kingdom. Pray for those who struggle with sin to become holy. Pray for God's will to be done, for His kingdom to come. Listen to your prayers and learn to pray 'deeply' moving past the "Lord, bless me, my wife, my kids, my friends - Amen" kind of prayers. Watch too for prayers that are focused exclusively on 'creature comforts.' Yes, we are taught to pray for our 'daily bread,' but let's also ask for spiritual food, for transformation of hearts - ours and others.
And -"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, NIV)
There is one constant throughout the story. It is the Spirit-inspired faith that these Believers had in God's ability to work in their world! They believed He is a God of power and that He is presently active! Do we?
There is a humorous story found in Acts 12 about people who prayed somewhat faithlessly. Peter was imprisoned, scheduled for trial for preaching about Jesus. Believers gathered at the home of Mary, Mark's mother, to pray. While they prayed, an angel appeared in the prison and led Peter out to the street, through locked gates and past watching guards. Knowing that Believers gathered there, Peter went to that house. The Bible says, "When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter’s voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street. But they wouldn’t believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. “You’re crazy,” they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn’t believe her and said, “It must be his angel.” All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away. Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild!" (Acts 12:13-16, The Message)
Do you ever pray that way - your mouth saying one thing, but your mind thinking another? Take heart! Jesus says we don't need perfect faith to see the release of God's power. But, faith is important. Without it, we don't 'see' what God is doing, nor what He wants to do. If we desire to see power encounters where sin and evil are defeated and the goodness of God is released through Jesus Christ, we must let the Word lay a foundation of faith that asks boldly!
Miracles happen everyday, all around us. Do we see them? Do we have 'spiritual eyes' that perceive God at work?
Believer, pray confidently! Yes, let God be God. Ask great things of Him. Pray for people you know to enter the Kingdom. Pray for those who struggle with sin to become holy. Pray for God's will to be done, for His kingdom to come. Listen to your prayers and learn to pray 'deeply' moving past the "Lord, bless me, my wife, my kids, my friends - Amen" kind of prayers. Watch too for prayers that are focused exclusively on 'creature comforts.' Yes, we are taught to pray for our 'daily bread,' but let's also ask for spiritual food, for transformation of hearts - ours and others.
And -"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, NIV)
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
"Lord, give them wisdom!"
Last night, I watched the President's State of the Union address. As the camera swept the room, packed with Senators, Representatives, Supreme Court Judges, Cabinet officers, military brass, and various dignitaries, gathered to hear the President; two thoughts came to mind - the challenges of leadership are great and these are not supermen! President Bush pointed to the threats of war in places like Iran and N. Korea. He spoke of the need to finish the job of defeating the radical Islamic factions that want to destroy America. He urged action on issues involving the continuing cost of care of the elderly and the escalating cost of medical care in our country. He pointedly addressed the nation's "addiction to oil" and the priority of developing other energy sources. One thing is clear - this is a tough time to be a political leader.
The Bible tells Believers to "Plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. ... for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT)
Praying for someone is a gift! Last Sunday night in a prayer meeting, as I was praying, I became aware of a person calling out to God for me, her Pastor. I stopped praying for a moment to listen. Her words asking God to keep me strong and to use me in teaching His Word were so encouraging and humbling. What a gift. Then, too, I love to pray for people, speaking to God on behalf of someone who is broken, sick, confused, or in need of forgiveness. The Bible reminds us that "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)
That gift of prayer should be offered to those who are in authority. While you and I may not have much political clout, we have God's ear. He listens to us and His Spirit is not restrained by security or scheduling coordinators. As we pray, we can have a powerful effect on public policy makers. The Bible says - "The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1, NLT) Isn't that wonderful? We can help our leaders by praying for God's powerful Presence to lead them, to guide their decisions. Let us pray with more specificity than "Lord, bless the President!" How about praying for courage, for insight, for wisdom, for humility? Then too, how about praying for ALL of those who lead? Learn the names of policy makers and those who represent you in Congress, in the State House, at the local level and pray for them by name.
As we pray for those who lead, let us pray for more than greater prosperity. Let us go beyond "America First" prayers. Let us pray as citizens of Heaven who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." As we pray for those entrusted with power to become good and godly, to be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit, and to be true servants - we lay the foundation for positive results that go beyond serving our self-interest. In prayer we become partners with God influencing our leaders to use their office in the cause of justice and peace.
And, "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." (Proverbs 29:2, NLT)
The Bible tells Believers to "Plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. ... for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT)
Praying for someone is a gift! Last Sunday night in a prayer meeting, as I was praying, I became aware of a person calling out to God for me, her Pastor. I stopped praying for a moment to listen. Her words asking God to keep me strong and to use me in teaching His Word were so encouraging and humbling. What a gift. Then, too, I love to pray for people, speaking to God on behalf of someone who is broken, sick, confused, or in need of forgiveness. The Bible reminds us that "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)
That gift of prayer should be offered to those who are in authority. While you and I may not have much political clout, we have God's ear. He listens to us and His Spirit is not restrained by security or scheduling coordinators. As we pray, we can have a powerful effect on public policy makers. The Bible says - "The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he turns it wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1, NLT) Isn't that wonderful? We can help our leaders by praying for God's powerful Presence to lead them, to guide their decisions. Let us pray with more specificity than "Lord, bless the President!" How about praying for courage, for insight, for wisdom, for humility? Then too, how about praying for ALL of those who lead? Learn the names of policy makers and those who represent you in Congress, in the State House, at the local level and pray for them by name.
As we pray for those who lead, let us pray for more than greater prosperity. Let us go beyond "America First" prayers. Let us pray as citizens of Heaven who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." As we pray for those entrusted with power to become good and godly, to be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit, and to be true servants - we lay the foundation for positive results that go beyond serving our self-interest. In prayer we become partners with God influencing our leaders to use their office in the cause of justice and peace.
And, "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." (Proverbs 29:2, NLT)
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
All stressed out and a heart attack to go
Dr. Mimi Guarneri, cardiologist, writes that stress is a factor in heart disease equal to hypertension (high blood pressure). She also reports that at least 3/4ths of visits to health care providers are triggered by stress related issues! Living under constant psychological stress is a strong predictor of future cardiac events. (Reader's Digest, Feb. '06) Reading that, and knowing the levels of stress that accompanies my life work, I wondered if this might be the time for a change in career? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that no matter what a person does in life, stress can be present.
Stress results at least as much, and probably more, from how we react to life as it does from what is happening to us!
The life of Jesus points the way to lower stress levels and thus, to better health. How so? Consider these things.
First, He was not hurried. Think of how much stress we create by hurrying. When the line slows down at the bank 'cause the Grandma at the teller window decides to have a chat, we fret and fume over the minute or two that we are delayed. When our kids aren't ready to go when we are, we feel the tension rising. Many of us (yes, me included!) awaken and mentally program our day or week, creating checkpoints and deadlines that raise stress levels as the schedule is messed up by unforeseen events. Jesus was commissioned by His Father with the work of saving the world and He had to get it done in three years, but He didn't rush or hurry or fret! He even stopped to play with kids which drove his disciples a little crazy! I wonder if all our rushing and multi-tasking really makes us any more effective in our work?
Second, He regularly prayed. Early in the morning, late at night, the Gospels record Jesus going off by Himself to commune with His Father. From the model prayer He gave us (see Matthew 6) we can conclude that He prayed more than 'grocery list' or 'gimme this, gimme that' prayers. He communed with God when He prayed! He says, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.. . . You have so little faith! “So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans (those who don't know God) who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs." (Matt. 6:27-32 NLT) Put a couple of 15 minute prayer and meditation breaks in your day. Don't program those moments with endless babble! Just go and commune with God like a friend. Bill Hybels reminds us that we are too busy not to pray! (No, that's not a typo!) Read it again.
Third, He lived in community. Jesus took time to be alone, but He did not live alone, nor did He act like the Lone Ranger! He involved Himself with people and even when His friends disappointed Him, He didn't write them off or leave them behind. So how does that lower our stress? You might be thinking, "Jerry, it's people that stress me more than anything!" Might that be because you are not really relating, seeing the people in your life more like chess pieces to be moved around in your game plan? Real community means that we cultivate deep relationships with people that goes beyond their 'functionality' in our strategy and plans. After a couple of Simon Peter's dumb moves, why didn't Jesus fire him and call somebody else? Because He loved him, impulses and all! Real love for others, deep community, enriches our lives and helps stress to dissipate. Ask anybody who has ever been a part of a support group that functions well how much it means to go and talk through some issue of life with a group of real friends.
Fourth, He lived humbly with God and others. We joke about having a "Messiah" complex, but the true Messiah lacked one! The Savior of the world washed feet, served lunch, and played with kids! He didn't seek recognition, climb the social ladder, or position Himself for promotion. He took each day as it came, loved people, and trusted God. Don't tell me that it was easy for Him, or that He just loved everything that came His way. From time to time he grew frustrated. Remember the anger that flowed from him as he saw the religious abuse that was allowed in the temple for the sake of greed? Remember the passionate prayer that poured from him in Gethsemane? Jesus was an emotional man who lived with a sense of His mission, but He was also a humble man who trusted God. His humility is never more clearly seen than in His acceptance of the will of God on the night before the Crucifixion - “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Luke 22:42, NLT)
So, when you think you need to find a new job, or change your neighborhood, or ... something to relieve the stress of life; think again.
Change your response to life.
-Eliminate the inner pressure to hurry, take deep breaths and pace yourself.
-Pray often, and connect with the Spirit of God.
-Strengthen your ties to those in your family, your church, and your workplace, accepting them as the flawed people that we all are!
-And, work on humility that allows you to accept the fact that life cannot be lived on your terms!
You'll live longer and everyone will be glad you did!
Stress results at least as much, and probably more, from how we react to life as it does from what is happening to us!
The life of Jesus points the way to lower stress levels and thus, to better health. How so? Consider these things.
First, He was not hurried. Think of how much stress we create by hurrying. When the line slows down at the bank 'cause the Grandma at the teller window decides to have a chat, we fret and fume over the minute or two that we are delayed. When our kids aren't ready to go when we are, we feel the tension rising. Many of us (yes, me included!) awaken and mentally program our day or week, creating checkpoints and deadlines that raise stress levels as the schedule is messed up by unforeseen events. Jesus was commissioned by His Father with the work of saving the world and He had to get it done in three years, but He didn't rush or hurry or fret! He even stopped to play with kids which drove his disciples a little crazy! I wonder if all our rushing and multi-tasking really makes us any more effective in our work?
Second, He regularly prayed. Early in the morning, late at night, the Gospels record Jesus going off by Himself to commune with His Father. From the model prayer He gave us (see Matthew 6) we can conclude that He prayed more than 'grocery list' or 'gimme this, gimme that' prayers. He communed with God when He prayed! He says, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.. . . You have so little faith! “So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans (those who don't know God) who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs." (Matt. 6:27-32 NLT) Put a couple of 15 minute prayer and meditation breaks in your day. Don't program those moments with endless babble! Just go and commune with God like a friend. Bill Hybels reminds us that we are too busy not to pray! (No, that's not a typo!) Read it again.
Third, He lived in community. Jesus took time to be alone, but He did not live alone, nor did He act like the Lone Ranger! He involved Himself with people and even when His friends disappointed Him, He didn't write them off or leave them behind. So how does that lower our stress? You might be thinking, "Jerry, it's people that stress me more than anything!" Might that be because you are not really relating, seeing the people in your life more like chess pieces to be moved around in your game plan? Real community means that we cultivate deep relationships with people that goes beyond their 'functionality' in our strategy and plans. After a couple of Simon Peter's dumb moves, why didn't Jesus fire him and call somebody else? Because He loved him, impulses and all! Real love for others, deep community, enriches our lives and helps stress to dissipate. Ask anybody who has ever been a part of a support group that functions well how much it means to go and talk through some issue of life with a group of real friends.
Fourth, He lived humbly with God and others. We joke about having a "Messiah" complex, but the true Messiah lacked one! The Savior of the world washed feet, served lunch, and played with kids! He didn't seek recognition, climb the social ladder, or position Himself for promotion. He took each day as it came, loved people, and trusted God. Don't tell me that it was easy for Him, or that He just loved everything that came His way. From time to time he grew frustrated. Remember the anger that flowed from him as he saw the religious abuse that was allowed in the temple for the sake of greed? Remember the passionate prayer that poured from him in Gethsemane? Jesus was an emotional man who lived with a sense of His mission, but He was also a humble man who trusted God. His humility is never more clearly seen than in His acceptance of the will of God on the night before the Crucifixion - “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Luke 22:42, NLT)
So, when you think you need to find a new job, or change your neighborhood, or ... something to relieve the stress of life; think again.
Change your response to life.
-Eliminate the inner pressure to hurry, take deep breaths and pace yourself.
-Pray often, and connect with the Spirit of God.
-Strengthen your ties to those in your family, your church, and your workplace, accepting them as the flawed people that we all are!
-And, work on humility that allows you to accept the fact that life cannot be lived on your terms!
You'll live longer and everyone will be glad you did!
Monday, January 30, 2006
My tomorrow's are all known to Him
I'm a news buff; reading the newspaper everyday, watching TV almost every evening, and keeping my eye on headline development with pop-ups on my PC screen at the office. These are the headlines that I've read in the last few days...
Iran ready to produce nuclear weapons with aim of Israel's destruction!
Bird Flu reaches to Turkey. (Really, that was a headline. I'll bet the editor thought it was 'catchy.')
Tragic wreck ends life of husband and father!
Hamas takes power in Palestinian world!
ABC News Anchor, critically injured in Iraq by bomb!
There are those things that don't make headlines, but that are real threats to personal security all the same - things like viruses and layoffs. On one hand, my life seems as predictable as the sunrise. I awaken each day to a peaceful neighborhood, and move through familiar rituals. I have no sense of doom or danger, occasionally even joking with my wife about how 'boring' we are, two middle-aged people who just do what needs to be done without much fanfare or excitement. Boring, in the 'no crisis' sense, is good!
But, I am also aware that life can change in a moment! One visit to the doctor's office; a patch of ice on a country road, as I was reminded again last week, can rewrite the script for family's future in 2 seconds. Just over four years ago, on 9/11/01, our national illusion of invincibility was erased by 19 terrorists with murderous intentions. An ordinary Tuesday morning, turned into a national month of mourning and literally changed the course of history.
So, how do we live in a world that is so full of potential threats and danger?
1. We acknowledge our vulnerability! But doesn't that make us insecure? Doesn't that fill us with anxiety? Not necessarily, but it does make us act more wisely. When I climb into my Mountaineer with its heavy frame and air bags for safety, I 'feel' secure; so secure that I'm tempted to ignore the seatbelts. But it's a false sense of security! The activity that exposes me to the greatest risk of injury or death everyday is driving my car! So, if I recognize that danger and put on my seatbelt, I reduce the risk by a huge margin!
Spiritually, we risk falling into terribly destructive behaviors when we think we're too good, or too smart, to be tempted, to make foolish or sinful choices. That is why the Word reminds us (1 Cor. 10:12 The Message) "Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence."
2. We keep our hope secure in Christ, our Lord. Watch out for 'magical' kind of thinking that corrupts authentic faith! I know a man who is a modern Job! If it could go wrong for him, it has. He has lost nearly everything he held dear and is on the edge of even throwing away his faith. I have no clue why the Lord has allowed him to taste such a bitter cup, nor would it be proper for me to make a judgment. But, I think I know why he has come to such bitterness in his soul. He was taught, wrongly, that if he did the 'right things' and said the 'right prayers,' that he could exempt himself from the suffering that is common to the human race. His Christianity was tinged with religious magic. So, when life fell apart, he could only conclude one of two things - "God lied!" or "I failed." Either one of those is a pretty devastating conclusion. The first is impossible, the second possibly not true! Jesus reminds us that bad things happen even to good people. (see John 9)
So what does it mean to hope in Christ? We raise our sights to eternity, trusting His promise to 'never leave us, nor forsake us' in this world and to bring us home to the Father's house when our life is complete! (Col 3:1-3 NLT) "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." That is an amazingly wonderful way to live.
3. We pray with a child-like faith! Yes, I believe in angels, for the Bible tells me that "they are ministering spirits sent to serve" Believers, so I ask for God to send His angels to watch over those I love. And, too, even as I trust in God's ability to rule all of the matters of life, I recognize that He has given me the privilege of praying for change, so I do. And as someone has said, "the more I pray, the more amazing 'coincidences' happen around me." The prayers of God's people change the course of history. So, I pray - with humility, yet boldly, coming into the very Presence of God to present my petitions, to ask for Him to keep me in His hands, to present myself to the Spirit for guidance and change.
Feeling a little anxious today? Me, too. So, I'll pray. Join me.
_______________
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, help me stand!
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night;
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near.
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, hear my call,Hold my hand lest I fall.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
When the darkness appears,
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone.
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
Precious Lord (Take My Hand) Tommy Dorsey
Iran ready to produce nuclear weapons with aim of Israel's destruction!
Bird Flu reaches to Turkey. (Really, that was a headline. I'll bet the editor thought it was 'catchy.')
Tragic wreck ends life of husband and father!
Hamas takes power in Palestinian world!
ABC News Anchor, critically injured in Iraq by bomb!
There are those things that don't make headlines, but that are real threats to personal security all the same - things like viruses and layoffs. On one hand, my life seems as predictable as the sunrise. I awaken each day to a peaceful neighborhood, and move through familiar rituals. I have no sense of doom or danger, occasionally even joking with my wife about how 'boring' we are, two middle-aged people who just do what needs to be done without much fanfare or excitement. Boring, in the 'no crisis' sense, is good!
But, I am also aware that life can change in a moment! One visit to the doctor's office; a patch of ice on a country road, as I was reminded again last week, can rewrite the script for family's future in 2 seconds. Just over four years ago, on 9/11/01, our national illusion of invincibility was erased by 19 terrorists with murderous intentions. An ordinary Tuesday morning, turned into a national month of mourning and literally changed the course of history.
So, how do we live in a world that is so full of potential threats and danger?
1. We acknowledge our vulnerability! But doesn't that make us insecure? Doesn't that fill us with anxiety? Not necessarily, but it does make us act more wisely. When I climb into my Mountaineer with its heavy frame and air bags for safety, I 'feel' secure; so secure that I'm tempted to ignore the seatbelts. But it's a false sense of security! The activity that exposes me to the greatest risk of injury or death everyday is driving my car! So, if I recognize that danger and put on my seatbelt, I reduce the risk by a huge margin!
Spiritually, we risk falling into terribly destructive behaviors when we think we're too good, or too smart, to be tempted, to make foolish or sinful choices. That is why the Word reminds us (1 Cor. 10:12 The Message) "Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence."
2. We keep our hope secure in Christ, our Lord. Watch out for 'magical' kind of thinking that corrupts authentic faith! I know a man who is a modern Job! If it could go wrong for him, it has. He has lost nearly everything he held dear and is on the edge of even throwing away his faith. I have no clue why the Lord has allowed him to taste such a bitter cup, nor would it be proper for me to make a judgment. But, I think I know why he has come to such bitterness in his soul. He was taught, wrongly, that if he did the 'right things' and said the 'right prayers,' that he could exempt himself from the suffering that is common to the human race. His Christianity was tinged with religious magic. So, when life fell apart, he could only conclude one of two things - "God lied!" or "I failed." Either one of those is a pretty devastating conclusion. The first is impossible, the second possibly not true! Jesus reminds us that bad things happen even to good people. (see John 9)
So what does it mean to hope in Christ? We raise our sights to eternity, trusting His promise to 'never leave us, nor forsake us' in this world and to bring us home to the Father's house when our life is complete! (Col 3:1-3 NLT) "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." That is an amazingly wonderful way to live.
3. We pray with a child-like faith! Yes, I believe in angels, for the Bible tells me that "they are ministering spirits sent to serve" Believers, so I ask for God to send His angels to watch over those I love. And, too, even as I trust in God's ability to rule all of the matters of life, I recognize that He has given me the privilege of praying for change, so I do. And as someone has said, "the more I pray, the more amazing 'coincidences' happen around me." The prayers of God's people change the course of history. So, I pray - with humility, yet boldly, coming into the very Presence of God to present my petitions, to ask for Him to keep me in His hands, to present myself to the Spirit for guidance and change.
Feeling a little anxious today? Me, too. So, I'll pray. Join me.
_______________
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, help me stand!
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night;
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near.
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, hear my call,Hold my hand lest I fall.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
When the darkness appears,
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone.
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand.
Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.
Precious Lord (Take My Hand) Tommy Dorsey
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