Sunday, April 26, 2009

Where Am I?

Last week I used a GPS navigator for the first time (when I really needed it). I was in a town I didn't know and looking for specific places, but had no clue how to get there from where I was. Amazingly, I was still able to make a few wrong turns and got frustrated...but instead asking the question I usually do- "Where is this place?" I asked, "Where am I?"

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29

Sometimes we feel lost- we don't know what is going on in life, we have a pretty good notion of where we need to be, but don't understand how we can get there from where we are. Irritation builds, and soon we're ready to lash out. At these times, it's easy to blame others or blame God...but what we really need is a little guidance.

Take time to re-evaluate the situation. Look to scripture, spiritual companions, and consult with God in prayer. Seek God, trust that the rest will be taken care of by the One that cares for you more than you can ever comprehend.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Crying Foul

"Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" Habakuk 1: 13

We live in a world that isn't fair. From an early age we learn...

"That's not fair."
"Life's not fair, get over it."

That's usually how the conversation goes. Habakuk was willing and bold to complain. He told God exactly how he felt about unrighteous, ungodly people conquering Israel. In some ways, he was basically telling God, 'you're perfect, but you're wrong for allowing this to happen... how could you?' 

I believe God delights in you. God loves to see you moved. Apathy is impossible to work with. But if you're upset or angry about something, there's something to work with because you actually care. 

God desires a relationship with you. A major part of any successful relationship is communication. Let God know how you're feeling. Even if it means expressing your displeasure. God delights in hearing your voice and seeing that you really care. 

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Fast Food Poll

Four months ago I stopped eating fast food. I'm going to start eating it on occaision. Which of my faves should break the fast?
  
pollcode.com free polls

Monday, April 13, 2009

Now What?

Christ is risen! Now what?

All of the eggs are found, the candy has been partially or mostly consumed, and the new clothes are no longer new. So now we're on a break until next year, right? Not at all. In fact our work has just begun. Christ has done his part- he's paid the price and conquered death. Now it's time for us to start letting others know. This is usually the part that I struggle with.

The miracle of Easter should spur us on to do something great. We should be doing the unexpected- loving those who don't deserve it, helping those who can't return the favor, caring more about people and less about rules or what people think... living like Jesus.  But I usually don't, because I know that what Christ said is true,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."
John 15: 18-20

The resurrection changed everything. I hope that it will change your perception- that you'll see things differently. I pray that you will have your eyes opened in the coming days to what God can achieve through you. 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16: 33

Monday, April 6, 2009

Breaking Traditions

This week, take time to observe the ridiculous love that God has for you. Too often we get caught up in the business of life, and the traditions of this week and this weekend...we go through the motions, tend to traditions...but I fear that we (myself included) overlook the enormity of Easter. God came to earth, died willingly although undeservedly, and conquered death... all so that we may live. Take a moment to let that sink in.  

"Where is the god who can compare with you— 
   wiping the slate clean of guilt,
Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, 
   to the past sins of your purged and precious people?
You don't nurse your anger and don't stay angry long, 
   for mercy is your specialty. That's what you love most.
And compassion is on its way to us. 
   You'll stamp out our wrongdoing.
You'll sink our sins 
   to the bottom of the ocean."  Micah 7: 18-19 (The Message)