I try to spend some time every morning reading my Bible. There are days when I just don't do it (particularly on Saturdays), and then there are some days when I read through with a mentality of "Let's get this done so I can move on to my next project of the day." Some days I have a stellar quiet time and walk away feeling refreshed and encouraged, and other days I feel like I've just gone through the motions and ten minutes later probably couldn't tell you what I'd read.
This morning, before I turned to my reading, I prayed that my heart and mind would be receptive to whatever God wanted me to learn today. I've prayed that prayer many times before but for whatever reason it had been a while. I wanted to read until God told me to "stop", no matter how long or how short that was.
Well, it didn't take long for God to speak to me. I began reading the 25th Psalm, and was stopped short in verse one:
"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;" (Psalm 25:1)
The word "you" is what stood out to me, as if written in letters ten inches high. I began to ask myself, how often have I looked elsewhere besides the Lord to minister to my soul? So often when I'm hurting or need to vent or just want someone to talk to, my inclination is to pick up the phone and call a friend. While God can and certainly does use other people in my life to minister to me, He wants me to turn to Him first.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've found my prayers getting a little shorter and a little more formal. For quite a while there I was "letting it all hang out", pouring out my heart to God about everything. I'm not sure why, but lately I've been holding back and doing more sharing of my heart with friends than with God. Today's verse convicted me that I need to first and foremost put my trust in God and be more open with Him once again.
Amazing what one little verse can do to your heart...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Early Riser
Normally I'd consider myself a morning person--just not an early morning person. I probably hit my stride at around the 10:00 a.m. point. Although I do get up extra early on weekdays in order to have time to exercise, read my Bible, check email and blog before work, it still takes a lot of willpower to drag myself out of bed while it's still dark outside.
Today I'm up even earlier because I'm interviewing someone for a job opening, and the only time the girl could come in to meet with us was at 7:00 a.m. (Let's hope she's a REALLY good candidate!) At least my boss and another VP will be sitting in on the interview, so if I fall asleep during it they can nudge me awake. Seriously, I'd appreciate prayers that the interview will go well and that we'll have wisdom and discernment in choosing the right candidate for the job. (We are conducting another interview on Thursday--in the afternoon, thank goodness.)
On the plus side, at least getting to work so dadgummed early guarantees me a primo parking spot. Maybe I'll even get out of the house early enough to have time to make a Starbucks run on the way in. Knowing me, that's doubtful though...
Today I'm up even earlier because I'm interviewing someone for a job opening, and the only time the girl could come in to meet with us was at 7:00 a.m. (Let's hope she's a REALLY good candidate!) At least my boss and another VP will be sitting in on the interview, so if I fall asleep during it they can nudge me awake. Seriously, I'd appreciate prayers that the interview will go well and that we'll have wisdom and discernment in choosing the right candidate for the job. (We are conducting another interview on Thursday--in the afternoon, thank goodness.)
On the plus side, at least getting to work so dadgummed early guarantees me a primo parking spot. Maybe I'll even get out of the house early enough to have time to make a Starbucks run on the way in. Knowing me, that's doubtful though...
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Good Quote
"Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to commit into the hands of the Lord."
-- A. W. Pink
-- A. W. Pink
Monday, February 26, 2007
Did Jesus Have a Quirky Side?
I have a quirky side. For instance, when I buy a magazine off the rack, I always have to take one in the middle of the stack (never the one up front). Don't ask me why, it's just a peculiar quirk I have.
Another one: I have to have my bedroom closet door and all my drawers shut when I go to bed. I'm not scared that there's some creature lurking inside who's going to jump out in the middle of the night. It's just another one of my weirdo quirks.
I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle of the tube. (Okay, so maybe that's more of an annoying habit than a cutesy quirk.) I like all my paper currency turned right side up in my wallet, and I like my toilet paper facing down on the dispenser. I sleep on my side and like to have both my ears covered while I sleep.
And I wonder, did Jesus have any quirks or weird habits while on Earth? Did He hate having his food touch on his plate? Did He sleep with one foot under the covers and one foot on top? Did He have to knot His sandals a certain way?
I realize that these aren't earth-shattering theological questions debated by scholars for centuries. But sometimes thinking about my human-ness, and the things that make me uniquely me, makes the incarnate Jesus more real to me. Jesus wasn't just some deity disguised as man--He WAS man, fully man, with bad hair days and colds and maybe even a childhood crush or a nickame or favorite pet.
These are just some things I wonder about from time to time...How about you? Anything you wonder about Jesus' life on Earth?
Another one: I have to have my bedroom closet door and all my drawers shut when I go to bed. I'm not scared that there's some creature lurking inside who's going to jump out in the middle of the night. It's just another one of my weirdo quirks.
I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle of the tube. (Okay, so maybe that's more of an annoying habit than a cutesy quirk.) I like all my paper currency turned right side up in my wallet, and I like my toilet paper facing down on the dispenser. I sleep on my side and like to have both my ears covered while I sleep.
And I wonder, did Jesus have any quirks or weird habits while on Earth? Did He hate having his food touch on his plate? Did He sleep with one foot under the covers and one foot on top? Did He have to knot His sandals a certain way?
I realize that these aren't earth-shattering theological questions debated by scholars for centuries. But sometimes thinking about my human-ness, and the things that make me uniquely me, makes the incarnate Jesus more real to me. Jesus wasn't just some deity disguised as man--He WAS man, fully man, with bad hair days and colds and maybe even a childhood crush or a nickame or favorite pet.
These are just some things I wonder about from time to time...How about you? Anything you wonder about Jesus' life on Earth?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Where the Grass Grows
He makes me lie down in green pastures... (Psalm 23:2a)
In this week's small group Bible study, we discussed the 23rd Psalm, and the imagery of a shepherd leading his sheep. In the accompanying video, speaker Ray Vander Laan explained that our picture of the green pastures mentioned in Scripture are not the same as what we typically imagine. Here's an explanation from his website:
The regions in Israel where shepherds live are predominantly wilderness areas. They have two seasons: the rainy season from November through March (when even the desert becomes green), and the dry season from April through October when the landscape is brown.
Even during the rainy season, the wilderness grasses remain short. Blades of grass grow in the shade of rocks, where moisture is trapped. At first glance, the “green pastures” of Israel look like a barren, rocky wasteland. But each day, a few blades of grass grow and there is enough to nourish the flocks for another day.
Sheep that graze in the wilderness receive enough nourishment for the moment—but no more. Day to day, the sheep depend on their shepherd to lead them to “green pastures” and water they need.
In this week's small group Bible study, we discussed the 23rd Psalm, and the imagery of a shepherd leading his sheep. In the accompanying video, speaker Ray Vander Laan explained that our picture of the green pastures mentioned in Scripture are not the same as what we typically imagine. Here's an explanation from his website:
Many Westerners think of the “green pastures” mentioned in Psalm 23 as tall, lush grasslands like those in North America. But such pastures don’t exist in Israel.
The regions in Israel where shepherds live are predominantly wilderness areas. They have two seasons: the rainy season from November through March (when even the desert becomes green), and the dry season from April through October when the landscape is brown.
Even during the rainy season, the wilderness grasses remain short. Blades of grass grow in the shade of rocks, where moisture is trapped. At first glance, the “green pastures” of Israel look like a barren, rocky wasteland. But each day, a few blades of grass grow and there is enough to nourish the flocks for another day.
Sheep that graze in the wilderness receive enough nourishment for the moment—but no more. Day to day, the sheep depend on their shepherd to lead them to “green pastures” and water they need.
In the video, Vander Laan pointed out that, just as the shepherd leads his sheep to the nourishment they need at that particular time, likewise, God gives us what we need at the moment, and not more. We should not worry about where God will lead us tomorrow, or next week. Instead, we should trust Him to provide for us in every moment, knowing that He will move us on to the next "green pasture" at the right time.
That was a powerful reminder to me that I too often worry about what happens next, or how God's going to come through for me in the future, rather than focusing on the here and now. I hope that you are likewise encouraged to trust Him for your "green pastures" today!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Day to Day
Some days I am filled with confidence and hope in knowing that God is working in me and preparing to do powerful things with my life.
Other days, I struggle to have that sense of hope. Intellectually, I know that God is at work, but my heart longs to see tangible evidence of His plans.
Quite honestly, on really bad days, I can't see how I'll get through another week or month without falling apart, and I have to tell myself that I only have to make it through one more day.
How thankful I am for God's Word that encourages my soul on the darkest of days.
Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.
(Psalm 71:19-21)
Other days, I struggle to have that sense of hope. Intellectually, I know that God is at work, but my heart longs to see tangible evidence of His plans.
Quite honestly, on really bad days, I can't see how I'll get through another week or month without falling apart, and I have to tell myself that I only have to make it through one more day.
How thankful I am for God's Word that encourages my soul on the darkest of days.
Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.
(Psalm 71:19-21)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A New Level of Praying
Yesterday I listened to part of a sermon series by Dr. Charles Stanley titled "Lifting the Level of Praying". One of the points that he made that really stuck with me was that the apostle Paul never seemed to have self-centered prayers. Rather, the prayers that are recorded in his letters are always kingdom- or Christ-centered.
Paul doesn't ask for his fellow Christians to be delivered from their trials and suffering. Instead, he asks that God increase their wisdom and understanding and endurance through their circumstances.
Dr. Stanley used one of Paul's prayers in Colossians 1:9-14 as an example of how we can elevate our level of praying for others (and, I believe, for ourselves as well):
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins. (Col. 1:9-14)
Quite often, whenever I or someone I love is faced with some trial or suffering, my instinct is to try to pray them or me "out" of that situation, to pray for deliverance. I don't think that's wrong, but many times God wants us to remain in that situation because of lessons He's trying to teach us. I don't think it's wrong to ask for blessings, but many times we end up being more blessed (by God's standards) through struggles than we do from earthly prosperity.
I want to have the attitude that Paul had in seeing the good in suffering, and recognizing the wisdom and strength that come through it. Instead of praying a lot of "Bless me and bless them" prayers, I want, like Paul, to pray for patience, endurance, joy, and power.
For many years I've had what I consider a fairly consistent prayer life, but it's not always been deep. I want to take my prayer life to a new level and focus more on what God is doing in my life and the life of those I love.
Paul doesn't ask for his fellow Christians to be delivered from their trials and suffering. Instead, he asks that God increase their wisdom and understanding and endurance through their circumstances.
Dr. Stanley used one of Paul's prayers in Colossians 1:9-14 as an example of how we can elevate our level of praying for others (and, I believe, for ourselves as well):
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins. (Col. 1:9-14)
Quite often, whenever I or someone I love is faced with some trial or suffering, my instinct is to try to pray them or me "out" of that situation, to pray for deliverance. I don't think that's wrong, but many times God wants us to remain in that situation because of lessons He's trying to teach us. I don't think it's wrong to ask for blessings, but many times we end up being more blessed (by God's standards) through struggles than we do from earthly prosperity.
I want to have the attitude that Paul had in seeing the good in suffering, and recognizing the wisdom and strength that come through it. Instead of praying a lot of "Bless me and bless them" prayers, I want, like Paul, to pray for patience, endurance, joy, and power.
For many years I've had what I consider a fairly consistent prayer life, but it's not always been deep. I want to take my prayer life to a new level and focus more on what God is doing in my life and the life of those I love.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Life-Changing Reading
I recently finished reading Jerry Bridges' excellent book, Trusting God. As I mentioned in a couple of earlier posts, this book spoke volumes (no pun intended) to me about the sovereignty of God. I was particularly struck by the description of how everything that happens is for our own good and for God's glory, and that they are not mutually exclusive--in fact, you can't have one without the other.
This book has really changed my perspective on some things and brought me to a new awareness of how God is working in my life. I can tell that it's definitely going to be one of my "repeat reads", books that I keep coming back to over and over again throughout my life.
So, let's hear from you now...other than the Bible, what book or books have you read that greatly challenged you, encouraged you, changed you--or all of the above? In what ways did those books speak so clearly to you?
This book has really changed my perspective on some things and brought me to a new awareness of how God is working in my life. I can tell that it's definitely going to be one of my "repeat reads", books that I keep coming back to over and over again throughout my life.
So, let's hear from you now...other than the Bible, what book or books have you read that greatly challenged you, encouraged you, changed you--or all of the above? In what ways did those books speak so clearly to you?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Open Hands
Whenever we experience the loss of someone or something precious to us--whether through death, dissolving of a relationship or friendship, loss of a job, financial ruin, disease--there are several options for reacting.
One response is to tightly grasp onto everything and everyone else in desperation and fear of losing them. Ironically, the more we try to hang on to what's precious, especially in the case of people in our lives, the more we may end up driving them away. Desperation is a turn-off. No one wants to feel "possessed".
Another common response is to close our hands and our hearts firmly against loving anyone or anything again. While this may seem a safe approach, a way of guarding against loss and hurt, in reality it causes much more damage than any loss could.
As C.S. Lewis so wisely said,
"Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
Although I've certainly been tempted at times in my life to try both of these "closed hand" tactics, I've found that the best way to respond to loss is with open hands. Opening my hands, and my heart, to what God chooses to bring into them--and keeping them open so that, should God choose to remove those people and things that are precious to me, I can freely give them back to Him.
I've always been amazed at Job's response to the overwhelming losses that he experienced. One messenger after another arrived at Job's house to inform him of one loss after another, from his oxen and servants to his sheep and camels to, most devastating of all, his own children.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (Job 1:20-22, emphasis mine)
Job wasn't some superhero who didn't feel hurt or loss. On the contrary, he tore his robe and shaved his head, traditional signs of mourning. But his response was to worship God and recognize that all he had ultimately belonged to God, who could give or take it away as He so desired.
I'll admit that Job's response is not often my first response when I face some loss. Even something as petty as losing a dollar in a faulty vending machine smacks of injustice to me; I do not always immediately think, "Well, Lord, this is Your dollar, so You can take it away from me as You please."
But the more that I recognize that everything I have and everyone in my life is a gift from God, the more freedom I am able to give them. Realizing that what I have could be taken away at anytime, I am more appreciative of what I have while I have it. I worry less about losing them, because they are all ordained by God to be in my life, and they are under His care.
It is funny how sometimes loss can bring about great freedom, particularly freedom from fearing loss. Perhaps that is part of the reason that God allows loss into our lives, to teach us to rely not on the gifts of people and things in our life, but rather on the gift-giver.
One response is to tightly grasp onto everything and everyone else in desperation and fear of losing them. Ironically, the more we try to hang on to what's precious, especially in the case of people in our lives, the more we may end up driving them away. Desperation is a turn-off. No one wants to feel "possessed".
Another common response is to close our hands and our hearts firmly against loving anyone or anything again. While this may seem a safe approach, a way of guarding against loss and hurt, in reality it causes much more damage than any loss could.
As C.S. Lewis so wisely said,
"Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
Although I've certainly been tempted at times in my life to try both of these "closed hand" tactics, I've found that the best way to respond to loss is with open hands. Opening my hands, and my heart, to what God chooses to bring into them--and keeping them open so that, should God choose to remove those people and things that are precious to me, I can freely give them back to Him.
I've always been amazed at Job's response to the overwhelming losses that he experienced. One messenger after another arrived at Job's house to inform him of one loss after another, from his oxen and servants to his sheep and camels to, most devastating of all, his own children.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (Job 1:20-22, emphasis mine)
Job wasn't some superhero who didn't feel hurt or loss. On the contrary, he tore his robe and shaved his head, traditional signs of mourning. But his response was to worship God and recognize that all he had ultimately belonged to God, who could give or take it away as He so desired.
I'll admit that Job's response is not often my first response when I face some loss. Even something as petty as losing a dollar in a faulty vending machine smacks of injustice to me; I do not always immediately think, "Well, Lord, this is Your dollar, so You can take it away from me as You please."
But the more that I recognize that everything I have and everyone in my life is a gift from God, the more freedom I am able to give them. Realizing that what I have could be taken away at anytime, I am more appreciative of what I have while I have it. I worry less about losing them, because they are all ordained by God to be in my life, and they are under His care.
It is funny how sometimes loss can bring about great freedom, particularly freedom from fearing loss. Perhaps that is part of the reason that God allows loss into our lives, to teach us to rely not on the gifts of people and things in our life, but rather on the gift-giver.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
True Love
Love has been a hot topic this week, with the celebration of Valentine's Day and the accompanying onslaught of advertisements for rose bouquets, 2-for-1 dinners, and diamond rings on sale. I have to admit that it's been a somewhat challenging week for me, as this is the first Valentine's Day since my boyfriend and I broke up. I was sort of dreading this week, and asked several close friends to pray for me that my spirits would be lifted and that I would not indulge in a pity party for myself.
I was blessed with plenty of time alone in the car on Wednesday to pray, and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I found myself overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for having dated and been loved by such a wonderful man. I won't bore you with a long list of reasons why I love him, but one of the many things that I am so grateful for was how much he has taught me about love and sacrifice. I've come to a new appreciation of the sacrifices he made for me while we were dating, and I've realized how closely love and sacrifice go hand in hand.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:9-13)
Jesus didn't say, "Greater love has no one than this, that he buy his friends flowers and treats them to expensive dinners." Don't get me wrong, I'm as sentimental as the next girl, and I am thrilled to receive flowers and have sweet nothings whispered in my ear. But those romantic gestures do not define love to me. Love, by God's definition, is at its very core sacrificial.
I used to think that, in these verses, Jesus was only referring to physically sacrificing one's life in order to show love, but now I think it means much more than that. Jesus did give the ultimate sacrifice of His own life for us, but most of us won't be called to step in front of a speeding bus or flying bullet to give our lives for another. However, we are all called to sacrifice ourselves in thousands of smaller ways.
What means more to me than romantic gestures is the willingness to sacrifice time, energy, and personal desire. It can be making time in the midst of a busy schedule to spend time with someone. It can be sacrificing pride by letting our guard down and letting someone else into our innermost thoughts, even at the risk of rejection or embarrassment.
While this week the world has focused on romance, I've been thankful to be reminded of how deeply true love has been demonstrated to me through this relationship that has ended, through my friends and family, and most of all, through God Himself. Candy hearts and flowers may be symbols of love, but they are not its definition.
I was blessed with plenty of time alone in the car on Wednesday to pray, and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I found myself overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for having dated and been loved by such a wonderful man. I won't bore you with a long list of reasons why I love him, but one of the many things that I am so grateful for was how much he has taught me about love and sacrifice. I've come to a new appreciation of the sacrifices he made for me while we were dating, and I've realized how closely love and sacrifice go hand in hand.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:9-13)
Jesus didn't say, "Greater love has no one than this, that he buy his friends flowers and treats them to expensive dinners." Don't get me wrong, I'm as sentimental as the next girl, and I am thrilled to receive flowers and have sweet nothings whispered in my ear. But those romantic gestures do not define love to me. Love, by God's definition, is at its very core sacrificial.
I used to think that, in these verses, Jesus was only referring to physically sacrificing one's life in order to show love, but now I think it means much more than that. Jesus did give the ultimate sacrifice of His own life for us, but most of us won't be called to step in front of a speeding bus or flying bullet to give our lives for another. However, we are all called to sacrifice ourselves in thousands of smaller ways.
What means more to me than romantic gestures is the willingness to sacrifice time, energy, and personal desire. It can be making time in the midst of a busy schedule to spend time with someone. It can be sacrificing pride by letting our guard down and letting someone else into our innermost thoughts, even at the risk of rejection or embarrassment.
While this week the world has focused on romance, I've been thankful to be reminded of how deeply true love has been demonstrated to me through this relationship that has ended, through my friends and family, and most of all, through God Himself. Candy hearts and flowers may be symbols of love, but they are not its definition.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
On the Road Again
I'm hitting the road again today, this time for a speaking engagement in beautiful Florence (Alabama, that is). Stormy weather is predicted, so prayers for my safety as I drive will be much appreciated!
I'll be driving alone, which I really don't mind. I do some of my best thinking in the car. It's also where I do some of my best praying. Even though I live alone, I find that I can often concentrate more in my car than in my house, where I'm distracted by the phone, email, and assorted other interruptions. I have some of my best alone time with God while I'm driving.
My quiet time lately has been, well, quiet. I've read, but have not had an in-depth prayer time in a couple of weeks. Not sure why. Sometimes I think I'm afraid that if I start to let everything out, I'll never stop. Then there's the part of me that rationalizes that God already knows what I would say anyway, so why waste the energy? Finally, part of me simply does not want to confront certain hurts, issues, etc. But I know that I must, for my own good.
So as I travel today and tomorrow, I anticipate my car becoming a sanctuary, the dashboard an altar. Once again I will lay it all out there for God to see, the good, the bad and the ugly. I am sure that He has things to share with me that I have been too busy or too distracted to sit down and listen to, and I look forward to what He's going to reveal.
I'll be driving alone, which I really don't mind. I do some of my best thinking in the car. It's also where I do some of my best praying. Even though I live alone, I find that I can often concentrate more in my car than in my house, where I'm distracted by the phone, email, and assorted other interruptions. I have some of my best alone time with God while I'm driving.
My quiet time lately has been, well, quiet. I've read, but have not had an in-depth prayer time in a couple of weeks. Not sure why. Sometimes I think I'm afraid that if I start to let everything out, I'll never stop. Then there's the part of me that rationalizes that God already knows what I would say anyway, so why waste the energy? Finally, part of me simply does not want to confront certain hurts, issues, etc. But I know that I must, for my own good.
So as I travel today and tomorrow, I anticipate my car becoming a sanctuary, the dashboard an altar. Once again I will lay it all out there for God to see, the good, the bad and the ugly. I am sure that He has things to share with me that I have been too busy or too distracted to sit down and listen to, and I look forward to what He's going to reveal.
Monday, February 12, 2007
History in the Making
Growing up with a dad who hailed from Indiana, it wasn't surprising that I developed a love of basketball--college basketball, in particular.
Somewhere along the way--I'm not exactly sure how or when--I became a fan of the Duke Blue Devils. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach K and the program that he has built. I still get chills whenever I watch replays of the 1992 NCAA East Regional Finals between Duke and Kentucky (widely considered one of the best college basketball games, period).
Duke is a perennial favorite come tourney time. Every year without fail, when I fill in my brackets, I pick Duke to win its region and, most of the time, the whole shooting match. (I tend to lead with my heart rather than my head, can you tell?)
So imagine my disappointment to see that Duke has fallen out of the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll for the first time ever. After hitting a losing streak, the Blue Devils are unranked. But there's still time for a comeback before selection night, right? I can't imagine the shockwaves circling the basketball world if they don't get a tournament bid...
Somewhere along the way--I'm not exactly sure how or when--I became a fan of the Duke Blue Devils. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach K and the program that he has built. I still get chills whenever I watch replays of the 1992 NCAA East Regional Finals between Duke and Kentucky (widely considered one of the best college basketball games, period).
Duke is a perennial favorite come tourney time. Every year without fail, when I fill in my brackets, I pick Duke to win its region and, most of the time, the whole shooting match. (I tend to lead with my heart rather than my head, can you tell?)
So imagine my disappointment to see that Duke has fallen out of the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll for the first time ever. After hitting a losing streak, the Blue Devils are unranked. But there's still time for a comeback before selection night, right? I can't imagine the shockwaves circling the basketball world if they don't get a tournament bid...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
On Asking "Why?"
"Sometimes we come to the place where we do not demand of God that He explain Himself, but we try to determine or comprehend for ourselves what God is doing. We are unwilling to live without rational reasons for what is happening to us or those we love. We are almost insatiable in our quest for the 'why' of the adversity that has come upon us. But this is a futile as well as an untrusting task. God's ways, being the ways of infinite wisdom, simply cannot be comprehended by our finite minds." (pps 125-126)
"If we are to experience peace in our souls in times of adversity, we must come to the place where we truly believe that God's ways are simply beyond us and stop asking Him 'why' or even trying to determine it ourselves. This may seem like an intellectual 'cop out,' a refusal to deal with the really tough issues of life. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is a surrender to the truth about God and our circumstances as it is revealed to us by God Himself in His inspired Word." (pps 126-127)
from Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
"If we are to experience peace in our souls in times of adversity, we must come to the place where we truly believe that God's ways are simply beyond us and stop asking Him 'why' or even trying to determine it ourselves. This may seem like an intellectual 'cop out,' a refusal to deal with the really tough issues of life. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is a surrender to the truth about God and our circumstances as it is revealed to us by God Himself in His inspired Word." (pps 126-127)
from Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Getting Away
I spent the better part of this week in Orlando for our national conference. Although we stayed at this lovely hotel on the grounds of the Universal Studios theme park, we didn't have time to set foot near any rides--too busy with meetings all day. No sign of Mickey Mouse either. We did, however, enjoy some fine dining, including one of my favorite restaurants on the planet.
Whenever I return from an extended trip, it always takes me a couple of days to catch up, not only on laundry and grocery shopping, but on email, mail and the news, not to mention everyone's blog. Taking a break from my normal routine is good for a couple of days, but I'm always ready to get back to it. Even though I usually bring my Bible and journal along on trips, it's still a challenge to make time for devotions on the road. That's when I realize that my devotion life has become more about being part of the routine, rather than responding to a craving for time alone with God. In the times when I really look for God outside of my routine, I am often blessed by extraordinary times of worship.
Some of my most memorable non-routine devotion times have been when I've been traveling. I remember another work trip to Orlando several years ago (with a different employer) when we arrived a day early to spend time at Disney World before our conference began. It was a Sunday morning, and my co-worker and I headed to the Animal Kingdom, which was relatively new at the time. Back home, I would have naturally been at church, but this particular Sunday, miles from home and my routine, I found myself on the animal safari ride. It was a beautiful sunny day, and as the ride progressed, animals emerged--tigers, lions, giraffes, monkeys, exotic birds. I began to sing to myself, "This is my Father's world..." and it was. There, in the middle of this man-made savannah, I was surrounded by God's creation in a way that I had never before experienced. And I worshiped.
Other memorable worship experiences have taken place at the beach. Taking communion at midnight on the beach, watching the starry sky above and listening to the waves crash upon the shore, I was reminded of God's awesome power and control.
Routine is a good thing, and a necessary thing to large degree. But sometimes getting away for a little while helps me see God in fresh and exciting ways. The challenge, of course, is returning to a routine without letting my devotion time become just another part of the ritual.
Whenever I return from an extended trip, it always takes me a couple of days to catch up, not only on laundry and grocery shopping, but on email, mail and the news, not to mention everyone's blog. Taking a break from my normal routine is good for a couple of days, but I'm always ready to get back to it. Even though I usually bring my Bible and journal along on trips, it's still a challenge to make time for devotions on the road. That's when I realize that my devotion life has become more about being part of the routine, rather than responding to a craving for time alone with God. In the times when I really look for God outside of my routine, I am often blessed by extraordinary times of worship.
Some of my most memorable non-routine devotion times have been when I've been traveling. I remember another work trip to Orlando several years ago (with a different employer) when we arrived a day early to spend time at Disney World before our conference began. It was a Sunday morning, and my co-worker and I headed to the Animal Kingdom, which was relatively new at the time. Back home, I would have naturally been at church, but this particular Sunday, miles from home and my routine, I found myself on the animal safari ride. It was a beautiful sunny day, and as the ride progressed, animals emerged--tigers, lions, giraffes, monkeys, exotic birds. I began to sing to myself, "This is my Father's world..." and it was. There, in the middle of this man-made savannah, I was surrounded by God's creation in a way that I had never before experienced. And I worshiped.
Other memorable worship experiences have taken place at the beach. Taking communion at midnight on the beach, watching the starry sky above and listening to the waves crash upon the shore, I was reminded of God's awesome power and control.
Routine is a good thing, and a necessary thing to large degree. But sometimes getting away for a little while helps me see God in fresh and exciting ways. The challenge, of course, is returning to a routine without letting my devotion time become just another part of the ritual.
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