During my recent mission trip with 12 high school students who are all young, sharp, talented, skillful in ministry, and did I mention young. I would kid with them by flexing a bit and saying "watch out, I'm old man strong." They would laugh, and ooh and ahh, as they humored the "old man."
I used the phrase repeatedly throughout the trip. I sorta became attached to the sound of my little saying. Though I was just kidding at first, I began to think, what is old man strong?
Old man strong is knowing when to use muscle and when to use leverage. As a young man I used to try to impress my wife by opening the pickle jar as a feat of strength. Now, I run hot water over it and immediately grab the jar opener tool out of the drawer. Am I using my strength, yes but with much greater leverage. Old man strong.
A couple of weeks ago, I was struggling to find a place for our mission team to spend the night on the way home. Instead of cold calling church after church in a town where I knew very few people, I just put out a request for help on Facebook. In less than an hour I had three places to stay. Old man strong.
As a choral musician, I've had to help move many a piano. Mostly uprights and some grands. I used to get some guys and we would muscle those uprights around. Until a piano mover showed me a certain kind of piano dolley technique that he used to load and move heavy upright pianos, all by himself. It still takes some strength, but is really quite simple and a whole lot easier. Old man strong.
But the greatest old man strong, is understanding where real strength comes from.
Here is the psalm of "Old Man Strong."
Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.
Psalms 71:5-8
For You are my hope;
O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.
I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.
O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
Feeling strong,
Joe
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Heart Connection.
One of the things my daugher is really into right now is a game on the computer called 'Animal Jam'. If you so much as reference the slightest hint of this game in her vicinity, she will talk your ear off (about 118 miles an hour). In the past, I have kind of checked out when she starts playing 'Animal Jam' or talking about it. But I decided to start taking an interest recently. So on Sunday we were at the computer and she spent a good 15 minutes showing me each of her animals (the outfits they wore, the way they played, slept, danced and sat down). I must admit it was a bit overwhelming, but I purposed to hang in there.
That same night as I was tucking her in bed, she started asking me about which animals were my favorite on 'Animal Jam.' Then she had me create my own animal, and I had to pick out its outfit, color, special abilities, etc. It was a wild conversation but one thing that started to hit me was that her heart was drawing closer to mine as we spent this time together. I started to realize that if I wanted to have true influence on her heart and not just behavioral conformity, I needed to connect with her on a heart level.
I was reminded about Paul's words about reaching people for Christ from 1 Corinthians 9, '19 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 20 religious, nonreligious, 21 meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 22 the defeated, the demoralized - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.'
So, I am trying to learn to love people by entering into their world and actually listening to their stories, their experiences and their opinions. Then, and only then, do I truly begin to have a platform of influence for the sake of the gospel in their life.
in Christ,
Brian
That same night as I was tucking her in bed, she started asking me about which animals were my favorite on 'Animal Jam.' Then she had me create my own animal, and I had to pick out its outfit, color, special abilities, etc. It was a wild conversation but one thing that started to hit me was that her heart was drawing closer to mine as we spent this time together. I started to realize that if I wanted to have true influence on her heart and not just behavioral conformity, I needed to connect with her on a heart level.
I was reminded about Paul's words about reaching people for Christ from 1 Corinthians 9, '19 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 20 religious, nonreligious, 21 meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 22 the defeated, the demoralized - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.'
So, I am trying to learn to love people by entering into their world and actually listening to their stories, their experiences and their opinions. Then, and only then, do I truly begin to have a platform of influence for the sake of the gospel in their life.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, July 29, 2013
"I Love to Laugh.......Long and Loud and Clear"
Part of friendship is sharing a good laugh. Tonight, "Evidence," our high school mission and music team, was telling stories from the week of ministry. Some of the stories were emotional and deeply touching. However, near the end, the team began to tell stories on each other. The story telling became quite animated, and soon there were peals of laughter that grew into hysteria. We laughed, and then laughed at the sound of our own laughter. You know the kind of laugh where you can't breathe. It was a full workout. If a good laugh extends your life, we all got an extra month tacked on tonight.
This group of individuals had bonded across the week as they served, ministered, sang, shared meals and slept on the floor. They had bonded as close friends, with much transparency and much trust. And so now they laughed, and laughed some more, because close friends don't have to hide, or wear masks. Close friends can let go and truly be themselves. How freeing and fun that is. A belly laugh is good for the body and the soul.
So after a full week of ministry with these amazing young men and women,
"I feel good......nana nana nana na"
(James Brown)
Joe
Eccl. 3:4b A Time to laugh
This group of individuals had bonded across the week as they served, ministered, sang, shared meals and slept on the floor. They had bonded as close friends, with much transparency and much trust. And so now they laughed, and laughed some more, because close friends don't have to hide, or wear masks. Close friends can let go and truly be themselves. How freeing and fun that is. A belly laugh is good for the body and the soul.
So after a full week of ministry with these amazing young men and women,
"I feel good......nana nana nana na"
(James Brown)
Joe
Eccl. 3:4b A Time to laugh
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Evidence.
Our high school choir, Evidence, led worship this past Sunday and they did a great job. It wasn’t just a group of teenagers singing for us, it was a group of young adults really leading us in worship. Those young adults have a passion for singing praises and sharing His message with the people around them and this week they are getting to do just that! Evidence is hanging out in Atlanta, Georgia for the week using songs to minister to people and running a Vacation Bible School for children. They have stepped out in faith to a degree that many adults would struggle with, by going to an unfamiliar place and sharing the gospel with strangers, many of whom are twice their age.
So while they are away for a week we pray for their courage and the ways that God will move in them and through them.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Hailey
So while they are away for a week we pray for their courage and the ways that God will move in them and through them.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Hailey
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What Kind of Tree Are You?
This sounds like a question you might hear at a psychiatrist's office, doesn't it? Actually it is a metaphor that Jesus used in Matthew 12:33-34, when Jesus said “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”
We have all heard you can't judge a book by its cover. But Jesus said you could judge a tree by its fruit. So I have to ask myself the question: What type of spiritual fruit is being produced in my life?
According to Galatians 5: "22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Tim Keller teaches a Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. He explains the difference between good fruit, bad fruit and counterfeit fruit. Here is a quick synopsis of his study:
Love
Joyfully serving another for their good, not to get something in return.
Opposite: Fear leading to self-protection resulting in the harm of others.
Counterfeit: Affection shown to others for selfish reasons. Attraction to others for how they make you feel. Helping others to feel good about yourself.
Joy
Delighting in the beauty of God and the salvation he gives us in Christ even in difficult times of loss, disappointment, and pain.
Opposite: Despair and a lack of or fear of hope.
Counterfeit: Excitement and happiness that exists only when things are good leading to mood swings. Happiness not in God but in what he brings.
Peace
Confident assurance that God is for us, that he is wise, and that he is in control rather than trust in ourselves.
Opposite: Worry and anxiety.
Counterfeit: Apathy that does not grieve over the difficulty.
Patience
Suffering joyfully and not becoming angry at God when his timing doesn’t match our own.
Opposite: Bitterness and resentment toward God that manifests itself in agitation or outright expressions of anger with others.
Counterfeit: Self-righteous cynicism that pretends concern is unspiritual.
Kindness
Sincere vulnerability that involves empathy, compassion, and help.
Opposite: The inability to rejoice in the good happening to others.
Counterfeit: Helping others in an attempt to control other people marked by promotion of self and pride.
Goodness
Honesty, openness, and consistency in all contexts of life.
Opposite: Hypocrisy, phoniness, and insincerity.
Counterfeit: Being honest in an insensitive way without love. Insincerity that pretends to be sincere.
Faithfulness
Loyalty, reliability, and courage based on convictions and not on practical benefit leading to loving confrontation when it is right.
Opposite: Opportunistic living that swings from committed to absent.
Counterfeit: Being ‘loving’ without any concern for truth. Being loyal out of self-righteous pride leading to an unwillingness to address wrongs.
Gentleness
Not thinking of yourself highly so that you are sensitive to the needs of others.
Opposite: Thinking you are superior leading to self-absorption and self-promotion that crushes others.
Counterfeit: Insecurity that is self-absorbed so that words of self-deprecation are said so that others affirm us.
Self-control
Staying focused on the important things rather than what is urgent.
Opposite: Impulsive living in the moment.
Counterfeit: Using willpower to stay disciplined resulting in pride over your accomplishment.
So as we mature in Christ, as we are pruned by the vinedresser, through God's spirit we will produce more fruit, real fruit and it will be good.
Joe
We have all heard you can't judge a book by its cover. But Jesus said you could judge a tree by its fruit. So I have to ask myself the question: What type of spiritual fruit is being produced in my life?
According to Galatians 5: "22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Tim Keller teaches a Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. He explains the difference between good fruit, bad fruit and counterfeit fruit. Here is a quick synopsis of his study:
Love
Joyfully serving another for their good, not to get something in return.
Opposite: Fear leading to self-protection resulting in the harm of others.
Counterfeit: Affection shown to others for selfish reasons. Attraction to others for how they make you feel. Helping others to feel good about yourself.
Joy
Delighting in the beauty of God and the salvation he gives us in Christ even in difficult times of loss, disappointment, and pain.
Opposite: Despair and a lack of or fear of hope.
Counterfeit: Excitement and happiness that exists only when things are good leading to mood swings. Happiness not in God but in what he brings.
Peace
Confident assurance that God is for us, that he is wise, and that he is in control rather than trust in ourselves.
Opposite: Worry and anxiety.
Counterfeit: Apathy that does not grieve over the difficulty.
Patience
Suffering joyfully and not becoming angry at God when his timing doesn’t match our own.
Opposite: Bitterness and resentment toward God that manifests itself in agitation or outright expressions of anger with others.
Counterfeit: Self-righteous cynicism that pretends concern is unspiritual.
Kindness
Sincere vulnerability that involves empathy, compassion, and help.
Opposite: The inability to rejoice in the good happening to others.
Counterfeit: Helping others in an attempt to control other people marked by promotion of self and pride.
Goodness
Honesty, openness, and consistency in all contexts of life.
Opposite: Hypocrisy, phoniness, and insincerity.
Counterfeit: Being honest in an insensitive way without love. Insincerity that pretends to be sincere.
Faithfulness
Loyalty, reliability, and courage based on convictions and not on practical benefit leading to loving confrontation when it is right.
Opposite: Opportunistic living that swings from committed to absent.
Counterfeit: Being ‘loving’ without any concern for truth. Being loyal out of self-righteous pride leading to an unwillingness to address wrongs.
Gentleness
Not thinking of yourself highly so that you are sensitive to the needs of others.
Opposite: Thinking you are superior leading to self-absorption and self-promotion that crushes others.
Counterfeit: Insecurity that is self-absorbed so that words of self-deprecation are said so that others affirm us.
Self-control
Staying focused on the important things rather than what is urgent.
Opposite: Impulsive living in the moment.
Counterfeit: Using willpower to stay disciplined resulting in pride over your accomplishment.
So as we mature in Christ, as we are pruned by the vinedresser, through God's spirit we will produce more fruit, real fruit and it will be good.
Joe
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
What we're really looking for....
I love this quote from Albert Greene, a Christian educator:
‘To be holy means to be set apart for God, to be His friend, to be absorbed in our fellowship with Him. Actions that we think of as holy are not stepping-stones to make us holy; they are the fruit of an intimate relationship with Him in which we learn to rely on His presence in and with us, and in consequence of which we practice what pleases Him. Because we are sinners, we tend to think of pleasure, possessions, and power as the things worth seeking in life. But these are the things the non-Christian world seeks. Holiness in the sense of a communion with God in our ordinary daily activities is what we are really meant to strive for. This identifies true beauty.’
That encourages me today. Here we are, near the beginning of our week, many of us facing the 'ordinary daily activities.' But it's in experiencing God in the everyday and ordinary, where we find real and lasting joy. It's not in winning the lottery. It's not in climbing a mountain, sky diving or kayaking a river (although those things sound like fun). It's not found in the arms of another human being. Our souls were destined and designed for intimacy with God. When we practice His presence moment by moment, that's the sweet spot and the best stuff we'll ever find.
Listen to the words of Psalm 63:1-8 from the Message
'1 God - you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. 2 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. 3 In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. 4 I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. 5 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises! 6 If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. 7 Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. 8 I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.'
May You know Him deeply today!
Brian
‘To be holy means to be set apart for God, to be His friend, to be absorbed in our fellowship with Him. Actions that we think of as holy are not stepping-stones to make us holy; they are the fruit of an intimate relationship with Him in which we learn to rely on His presence in and with us, and in consequence of which we practice what pleases Him. Because we are sinners, we tend to think of pleasure, possessions, and power as the things worth seeking in life. But these are the things the non-Christian world seeks. Holiness in the sense of a communion with God in our ordinary daily activities is what we are really meant to strive for. This identifies true beauty.’
That encourages me today. Here we are, near the beginning of our week, many of us facing the 'ordinary daily activities.' But it's in experiencing God in the everyday and ordinary, where we find real and lasting joy. It's not in winning the lottery. It's not in climbing a mountain, sky diving or kayaking a river (although those things sound like fun). It's not found in the arms of another human being. Our souls were destined and designed for intimacy with God. When we practice His presence moment by moment, that's the sweet spot and the best stuff we'll ever find.
Listen to the words of Psalm 63:1-8 from the Message
'1 God - you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. 2 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. 3 In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. 4 I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. 5 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises! 6 If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. 7 Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. 8 I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.'
May You know Him deeply today!
Brian
Monday, July 22, 2013
Love Is the Greatest of All the Fruits of the Spirit.
Rick Warren wrote, "People become beautiful when you love them, and you become more beautiful when you love others."
This week we are teaching the Fruits of the Spirit for our vacation Bible school to the Boys and Girls Clubs at the Salvation Army in Atlanta Georgia.
Do you know what the first Fruit of the Spirit is? It is Love.
I have heard it said that the other fruits are just a description or expansion of the first, that if you have the fruit of love, you will be full of joy. Love will take away your anxious thoughts and will give you perfect peace. Love in action will make you patient with others as an expression of that love. Love expresses itself in kindness. Love brings out all that is good. Love brings us into a faithful trust. Love compels us to put the needs of others ahead of our needs, producing self-control.
That's how you treat people whom you love.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law.
But the greatest of these is Love.
Joe
This week we are teaching the Fruits of the Spirit for our vacation Bible school to the Boys and Girls Clubs at the Salvation Army in Atlanta Georgia.
Do you know what the first Fruit of the Spirit is? It is Love.
I have heard it said that the other fruits are just a description or expansion of the first, that if you have the fruit of love, you will be full of joy. Love will take away your anxious thoughts and will give you perfect peace. Love in action will make you patient with others as an expression of that love. Love expresses itself in kindness. Love brings out all that is good. Love brings us into a faithful trust. Love compels us to put the needs of others ahead of our needs, producing self-control.
That's how you treat people whom you love.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law.
But the greatest of these is Love.
Joe
Friday, July 19, 2013
Desire.
One of my favorite quotes from CS Lewis is:
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – CS Lewis
'Our desires are far too weak....'
Jesus speaks to desire often in the Bible. In John 7:37 it says, '37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.' This story is set on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (or tents) where the Israelites celebrated and remembered God's provision for them during their wandering in the wilderness under Moses' leadership. During that time God fed them through manna and quail and he gave them water to drink from the rock.
As many religious people were going through the motions and customs to celebrate this feast, God Himself, in the flesh, was among them. That day many people would have considered Jesus' declaration a distraction and a disturbance. They were content to continue on in their predictable religious life rather than risk a new relationship with Jesus, the Messiah.
How about you and me? Am I simply content with my normal motions of religious devotions or is there a part of me that wants to respond to the voice of Jesus, crying out to me today? Is there any thirst left in me to take Him at His Word? Is there any faith left in me to break out of the normal rut and follow Him? May we have ears to hear that voice crying out to us today! May we have a heart and will to follow.
in Christ,
Brian
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – CS Lewis
'Our desires are far too weak....'
Jesus speaks to desire often in the Bible. In John 7:37 it says, '37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.' This story is set on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (or tents) where the Israelites celebrated and remembered God's provision for them during their wandering in the wilderness under Moses' leadership. During that time God fed them through manna and quail and he gave them water to drink from the rock.
As many religious people were going through the motions and customs to celebrate this feast, God Himself, in the flesh, was among them. That day many people would have considered Jesus' declaration a distraction and a disturbance. They were content to continue on in their predictable religious life rather than risk a new relationship with Jesus, the Messiah.
How about you and me? Am I simply content with my normal motions of religious devotions or is there a part of me that wants to respond to the voice of Jesus, crying out to me today? Is there any thirst left in me to take Him at His Word? Is there any faith left in me to break out of the normal rut and follow Him? May we have ears to hear that voice crying out to us today! May we have a heart and will to follow.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Revved Up and Ready to Go.
It’s that time again. Tables of crafts set up in the gym, thundering footsteps, and the voices of children echoing through the halls.
Summer music camp is back and I am always surprised by how much I enjoy participating in the rehearsals and watching the kids learn songs and dance moves.
This year’s production teaches the children about forgiving people, getting a “custom built heart” from Jesus and becoming excited to be a light that can reach out and help people. Everything they do, from the scenes to the songs and even their dance moves, is a learning experience for them. They look sharp, sound great and there are definitely some laughs to be had with a couple characters.
If you get the chance, come by Friday night at 7pm to see all the hard work they have put into making this a great show.
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Rev it up!
Hailey
Summer music camp is back and I am always surprised by how much I enjoy participating in the rehearsals and watching the kids learn songs and dance moves.
This year’s production teaches the children about forgiving people, getting a “custom built heart” from Jesus and becoming excited to be a light that can reach out and help people. Everything they do, from the scenes to the songs and even their dance moves, is a learning experience for them. They look sharp, sound great and there are definitely some laughs to be had with a couple characters.
If you get the chance, come by Friday night at 7pm to see all the hard work they have put into making this a great show.
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Rev it up!
Hailey
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Strength in the body of Christ.
I just got back from a mission trip. I am at the same time exhilarated and exhausted. And while I planned a day of rest, I had one task that needed to be taken care of before my mind would let me take a break. For quite a while I have been planning a mission trip for the last week in July, with our high school music team Evidence, to serve the homeless in Atlanta. Some parts of the trip came together very easily. Some took a little while longer, and a few aspects of the trip seemed to be stuck. One of those was overnight accommodations on the trip to and from Atlanta. Several leads were pursued. But contact people just weren't calling back and the window was getting smaller and smaller. I wasn't at panic mode, but I was getting a little anxious. As I was "recovering," I thought, "why not cast a wider net." So I posted on Facebook how our mission team needed a place to sleep and shower on the way to Atlanta in Baton Rouge, LA and in Mobile, AL on the way back.
Just posting the need brought an immediate feeling of relief. Just sharing my need relieved my stress. Before anyone said a thing, I felt better. But then, dear friends almost immediately started sending church names with contact persons with direct cell phone numbers. One person went ahead and called, made the reservation at the church, and had the youth pastor call me. Within a few hours we had multiple invites in both cities. It was miraculous and wonderful. I was elated.
So if the burden is too heavy, if you are weary, share your need. Ask the body for help. Don't let pride or insecurity keep you from seeing Christ work for you through His body.
Joe
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it
Just posting the need brought an immediate feeling of relief. Just sharing my need relieved my stress. Before anyone said a thing, I felt better. But then, dear friends almost immediately started sending church names with contact persons with direct cell phone numbers. One person went ahead and called, made the reservation at the church, and had the youth pastor call me. Within a few hours we had multiple invites in both cities. It was miraculous and wonderful. I was elated.
So if the burden is too heavy, if you are weary, share your need. Ask the body for help. Don't let pride or insecurity keep you from seeing Christ work for you through His body.
Joe
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Ask.
What are you asking God for today? Jesus directly told us to be 'askers'. Check out His words to us in John 14, '12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.'
On Friday we wrapped up our last day in the village of El Pino, Honduras. Whitney had really built a special relationship with a little girl named Marjorie (see picture above). As the VBS time concluded Whitney asked Marjorie to meet her over at the church. We waited and waited but saw no sign of her. We desperately wanted to see her again to be able to share some gifts with her and encourage her again. So I stopped and prayed and asked God to bring her to us.
Sure enough a few minutes later, the Pastor's Son, Christian, went into the village, found Marjorie and brought her to us. God answered our prayers and desire to want to bless this litte girl. We even had the opportunity to go to her home. She lived along the river among the poorest of the poor in her village. Her Mom looked mal-nourished and we had a chance to bless her and love on her.
This whole experience challenged me. I realized that God had put a desire in our hearts to want to bless someone. We cried out to Him in prayer and He answered that prayer. We then were able to put love into action and God was glorified.
What am I asking God for today? Jesus tells us if we are trusting in Him today and cry out to Him about things that line up with His heart, He will answer those prayers and God will be glorified. So may the love of Jesus flood our hearts today and give us godly desires that turn into prayers that turn into actions and changed lives all around us!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, July 15, 2013
What's in a Name?
As I spent the week with my ten orphan boys in Lusaka, Zambia; each day they opened up more and more. Their smiles became bigger. Then the last couple of days, they began to be silly and really have fun. All but one boy. I couldn't figure out why. I heard from several of my fellow ambassadors that the problem might be his name. I reacted to this with some incredulity. " What's wrong with his name,"I asked? I was told that his name, "Tuwanda", was similar to the name "Legion" in the bible which means "many." And that this name could have been given to him to allow "many" spirits to possess the boy.
I was counseled to change the boys name. I asked,"change his name, how can I do that?" I was assured that it was a common occurrence in Zambia. I was also told that his family would welcome the change. So, I went to Tuwanda, and asked him, "How would you feel about me changing your name?" He broke into a big smile and said he would be very pleased to have a new name. I told him I thought he should be called John, because this was the disciple Jesus loved. He became quite joy filled. His name change made a huge difference in how he saw himself.''
So do you need to let God change your name? It happened in the bible fairly frequently.
Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. God touched their lives and changed their names.
Let God name you. Let Him define you. He made you. He is best equipped to give you a name meaning something good, pure, strong, beautiful, and faithful. May each of us allow God who is uniquely qualified, to bless us with our "given" or "christian" name. It might be the thing that will help us to fully receive his grace.
Joseph, (earthly father)
I was counseled to change the boys name. I asked,"change his name, how can I do that?" I was assured that it was a common occurrence in Zambia. I was also told that his family would welcome the change. So, I went to Tuwanda, and asked him, "How would you feel about me changing your name?" He broke into a big smile and said he would be very pleased to have a new name. I told him I thought he should be called John, because this was the disciple Jesus loved. He became quite joy filled. His name change made a huge difference in how he saw himself.''
So do you need to let God change your name? It happened in the bible fairly frequently.
Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. God touched their lives and changed their names.
Let God name you. Let Him define you. He made you. He is best equipped to give you a name meaning something good, pure, strong, beautiful, and faithful. May each of us allow God who is uniquely qualified, to bless us with our "given" or "christian" name. It might be the thing that will help us to fully receive his grace.
Joseph, (earthly father)
Friday, July 12, 2013
No se trata de mi - It's not about me.
We are wrapping up a great week here in Honduras. Our construction team was kind of like the team under Nehemiah as they came together and built the wall. Instead of the wall around Jerusalem it was the four cinder-block walls of a church in a small neighborhood in Honduras. Inside of those walls many people will get to hear about Jesus, worship God together, and pray for one another in a community that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.
The VBS team was amazing to watch as well. They helped bring smiles to the faces of many kids through building little boats, tops and bracelets. In a community where children are forgotten, abused and wander aimlessly, we had a chance to let them be kids this week. They got to color, sing songs, play games, laugh together, and experience the love of God through a caring hug or quality time spent together. Our team was also able to clean off an old slab of concrete that was piled up with trash, needles, and junk and transform it into a soccer field for the community. People donated money to get two soccer goals built and put out on the field.
I was especially challenged by the Christians here in Honduras. They live in such poor conditions compared to me and yet their generosity and compassion for others was extravagant. Yesterday at the work-site the ladies came together and prepared lunch, cake and pine-apple juice for our whole team to simply thank us for coming. These people barely have enough to feed themselves. Our partner church prepared a meal for our whole team and conducted a whole appreciation service on our behalf. This same church regularly puts together sacks of food and goes and feeds the extreme poor who live along the river. They truly live selfless lives that seek to glorify God in all they do. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:31 that says, ' So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.'
in Christ,
Brian
The VBS team was amazing to watch as well. They helped bring smiles to the faces of many kids through building little boats, tops and bracelets. In a community where children are forgotten, abused and wander aimlessly, we had a chance to let them be kids this week. They got to color, sing songs, play games, laugh together, and experience the love of God through a caring hug or quality time spent together. Our team was also able to clean off an old slab of concrete that was piled up with trash, needles, and junk and transform it into a soccer field for the community. People donated money to get two soccer goals built and put out on the field.
I was especially challenged by the Christians here in Honduras. They live in such poor conditions compared to me and yet their generosity and compassion for others was extravagant. Yesterday at the work-site the ladies came together and prepared lunch, cake and pine-apple juice for our whole team to simply thank us for coming. These people barely have enough to feed themselves. Our partner church prepared a meal for our whole team and conducted a whole appreciation service on our behalf. This same church regularly puts together sacks of food and goes and feeds the extreme poor who live along the river. They truly live selfless lives that seek to glorify God in all they do. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:31 that says, ' So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.'
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Friend of God.
“How are you today?”, “I’m good, you?”
“How’s work?”, “It’s going well.”
Do those sound familiar? They are to me. I use them even when I’m having a really crummy day or I’ve got a lot going on at work and it’s starting to stress me out. Depending on who I’m talking to those questions may not be really questions seeking a genuine answer. Sometimes it just seems like so much effort to fully answer the question honestly and what if they didn’t really want to hear my answer anyway and they were just being polite and making small talk?
Ugh.
The Jesus Calling entry for today was about that. About how we aren’t always real with people and we have these “performance pressures”, keeping up appearances. It talked about how God wants us to relax in His presence. He wants us to trust him so completely that we are completely at peace with being ourselves around Him.
If God asks you, “How are you?” and you just answer with “Fine.” instead of being truthful about that hurtful word someone said to you that has really stuck in your mind I think He may give you a look. That look a father gives their child when they know their kid just fibbed. Yeah. That one.
John 15:13-15 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
We have been called friends of God. He shares with us and we should share with Him through our honesty with Him.
Your friend,
Hailey
“How’s work?”, “It’s going well.”
Do those sound familiar? They are to me. I use them even when I’m having a really crummy day or I’ve got a lot going on at work and it’s starting to stress me out. Depending on who I’m talking to those questions may not be really questions seeking a genuine answer. Sometimes it just seems like so much effort to fully answer the question honestly and what if they didn’t really want to hear my answer anyway and they were just being polite and making small talk?
Ugh.
The Jesus Calling entry for today was about that. About how we aren’t always real with people and we have these “performance pressures”, keeping up appearances. It talked about how God wants us to relax in His presence. He wants us to trust him so completely that we are completely at peace with being ourselves around Him.
If God asks you, “How are you?” and you just answer with “Fine.” instead of being truthful about that hurtful word someone said to you that has really stuck in your mind I think He may give you a look. That look a father gives their child when they know their kid just fibbed. Yeah. That one.
John 15:13-15 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
We have been called friends of God. He shares with us and we should share with Him through our honesty with Him.
Your friend,
Hailey
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.
I asked my 10 Zambian boys, how many meals they eat a day, during my one on one "Blessing time" the last couple of days.
None of them eat 3 meals a day. Most of them eat 2 times and a few only once.
When I asked them what they ate, they all said, "shima."
Shima is something like grits. It is the staple of the Zambian diet. I asked what else they ate, almost all said, just shima.
Although, sometimes, they might only have tea for a meal.
Three things come to mind. Those of you who know me well are aware I'm a bit of a "foodie." I hope in the good sense, but let's just say I have an "appreciation" of and for the taste, texture, quality and presentation of a meal. While I won't say that I will never be a "foodie" again, I can say my perspective on a meal is forever changed knowing my boys eat "shima" for every meal. I have tasted shima and while I liked it okay, I would not enjoy it as the only food I would ever eat.
Second, when we pray, "give us this day our daily bread," it expresses a dependence on God, recognizing that every good thing in our lives is given by Him. While we might live in affluence, we can still pray in a way that is humble, dependent and grateful.
May God's Holy Spirit counsel and teach us to ask God for our daily bread and to give Him thanks for it from a grateful heart.
Third, I like food best when it is shared. So I would encourage you to share a meal with a friend or loved one. And perhaps share some food by sponsoring an orphan from Zambia, Honduras, Haiti, or by supporting the StoneBridge Food Pantry. I believe all the food we eat will taste even better if we do.
God is great,
God is good,
Let us thank him,
for our food. Amen
Joe
Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
None of them eat 3 meals a day. Most of them eat 2 times and a few only once.
When I asked them what they ate, they all said, "shima."
Shima is something like grits. It is the staple of the Zambian diet. I asked what else they ate, almost all said, just shima.
Although, sometimes, they might only have tea for a meal.
Three things come to mind. Those of you who know me well are aware I'm a bit of a "foodie." I hope in the good sense, but let's just say I have an "appreciation" of and for the taste, texture, quality and presentation of a meal. While I won't say that I will never be a "foodie" again, I can say my perspective on a meal is forever changed knowing my boys eat "shima" for every meal. I have tasted shima and while I liked it okay, I would not enjoy it as the only food I would ever eat.
Second, when we pray, "give us this day our daily bread," it expresses a dependence on God, recognizing that every good thing in our lives is given by Him. While we might live in affluence, we can still pray in a way that is humble, dependent and grateful.
May God's Holy Spirit counsel and teach us to ask God for our daily bread and to give Him thanks for it from a grateful heart.
Third, I like food best when it is shared. So I would encourage you to share a meal with a friend or loved one. And perhaps share some food by sponsoring an orphan from Zambia, Honduras, Haiti, or by supporting the StoneBridge Food Pantry. I believe all the food we eat will taste even better if we do.
God is great,
God is good,
Let us thank him,
for our food. Amen
Joe
Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
It's not What you know but rather Who you know.
Greetings from La Ceiba, Honduras. I arrived yesterday afternoon to join our team from StoneBridge on a week long mission trip. I had to get to the Houston airport, fly to San Pedro Sula (Honduras), get on another flight to La Ceiba, and then get from the airport to the worksite. The key component to this series of hoops I had to jump through was finding a guy by the name of Alex. Alex is a friend and he happens to be from Honduras and is fluent in English and Spanish. As I got off the plane in Honduras, went through customs, and got my baggage I started to get a little nervous. I knew that if I could find Alex, I would be OK and that I wouldn't have to worry about any of the details. Sure enough as I entered into the main atrium I caught Alex in my line of sight waving his hand at me.
A huge sense of relief came over me when Alex joined me. He explained to me that he had our airplane tickets, showed me where we could eat, translated all of my questions into Spanish, and helped me navigate through the airport. With Alex all I had to do was make sure I just stuck with him and followed his lead. It kind of reminded me about the Christian life. The Christian life is real simple....Follow Jesus. Jesus said to a worried group of disciples in John 14:6, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.' We can worry about all the details and stress about how we're going to get through today, tomorrow and the next week or we can just simply follow Jesus' lead. He is fully aware of the details of our situation. He knows what we need and He love us. Let's look for Him today and follow wherever He leads us!
in Christ,
Brian
A huge sense of relief came over me when Alex joined me. He explained to me that he had our airplane tickets, showed me where we could eat, translated all of my questions into Spanish, and helped me navigate through the airport. With Alex all I had to do was make sure I just stuck with him and followed his lead. It kind of reminded me about the Christian life. The Christian life is real simple....Follow Jesus. Jesus said to a worried group of disciples in John 14:6, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.' We can worry about all the details and stress about how we're going to get through today, tomorrow and the next week or we can just simply follow Jesus' lead. He is fully aware of the details of our situation. He knows what we need and He love us. Let's look for Him today and follow wherever He leads us!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, July 8, 2013
Camp Life.
By the time you're reading this I will have spent most of the day at Camp Life. (Zambia is seven hours ahead of the Houston time zone.)
Camp Life, in Lusaka, Zambia is designed to "bring healing, hope, and joy to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia." Well over a 1000 children with more than 100 Americans and 200 Zambian partners will worship, dance, sing, play, and study God's word together. They will receive food, clothes and at the end of the week, they will be showered with gifts. Each child will receive at least 30 minutes one on one counseling time. During this "blessing time" they will hopefully share their hopes, dreams, hurts and fears. They will be prayed for out loud and blessed with the laying of hands.
You see all of these children have experienced John 10:10a
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; "
My prayer and hope is that this week they will experience John 10:10b
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
C.S. Lewis wrote, "He who has God and everything else,
has no more than he who has God only."
May all of us experience the fullness of life that only Jesus can give.
Joe
These two verses teach us how to be rich and fully alive.
Colossians 2:2
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Ephesians 2:4
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.
Camp Life, in Lusaka, Zambia is designed to "bring healing, hope, and joy to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia." Well over a 1000 children with more than 100 Americans and 200 Zambian partners will worship, dance, sing, play, and study God's word together. They will receive food, clothes and at the end of the week, they will be showered with gifts. Each child will receive at least 30 minutes one on one counseling time. During this "blessing time" they will hopefully share their hopes, dreams, hurts and fears. They will be prayed for out loud and blessed with the laying of hands.
You see all of these children have experienced John 10:10a
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; "
My prayer and hope is that this week they will experience John 10:10b
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
C.S. Lewis wrote, "He who has God and everything else,
has no more than he who has God only."
May all of us experience the fullness of life that only Jesus can give.
Joe
These two verses teach us how to be rich and fully alive.
Colossians 2:2
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Ephesians 2:4
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Worthy.
The Fourth of July is always a great day to reflect upon the freedom we have in our country and the incredible cost it has required and continues to require to maintain it. All the normal things I get to do every day by virtue of my free will are truly wonderful privileges. The freedom I have to drive where I want, visit where I want, worship where I want, do what I want, and share what I want is a priceless thing.
In a sense we are all like Private James Ryan from the movie 'Saving Private Ryan.' As you probably know, the movie is about a World War II Captain, Captain Miller, and his men who are trying to locate and bring home a young private who is the last surviving son of his mother's. The story follows these men through the bloody invasion of Normandy, through battle after battle and hardship after hardship. They eventually get Private Ryan home but Captian Miller loses his own life in the process. In his dying words, Captain Miller looks up at Ryan and challenges him with the words, 'earn this.' That scene challenges me to not waste this life of freedom that has been purchased by courageous men and women. I should not treat my life as cheap because it is not.
Steve mentioned the following Scripture verse a couple of weeks ago from Philippians that says, 'Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.' - Philippians 1:27 This verse relates to Captain Miller's challenge to Private Ryan. Private Ryan was rescued and saved as a free gift. He didn't have to prove his worthiness in order to be rescued. Captain Miller was calling him to live a life worthy of his rescue. In the same way, we are to live lives worthy of our rescue. Jesus came for you and me. He fought his way through criticism, loneliness, sleepless nights, persecution, name-calling, mockery, torture, unimaginable physical pain, and humiliation to come and rescue us.
Through the giving of His own life He purchased for us 100% full forgiveness of our sins. All of our sins, past, present and future are totally forgiven. Wow that's incredible. He also completed our adoption and says to us 'welcome, child of God' to your new family. He has prepared a place for us to be with Him forever. He gives us joy (the same joy He had), peace (not like the world gives), love, purpose and abundant (overflowing) life. This is what King Jesus Christ has purchased for us. Does my life reflect this reality? Does my worship indicate that I get this? I have been given such an amazing gift! How can I hold it in? I must tell the world about my Savior and what He has done for me! It's just too amazing and too incredible. Let's live worthy lives of the gospel today!
in Christ,
Brian
In a sense we are all like Private James Ryan from the movie 'Saving Private Ryan.' As you probably know, the movie is about a World War II Captain, Captain Miller, and his men who are trying to locate and bring home a young private who is the last surviving son of his mother's. The story follows these men through the bloody invasion of Normandy, through battle after battle and hardship after hardship. They eventually get Private Ryan home but Captian Miller loses his own life in the process. In his dying words, Captain Miller looks up at Ryan and challenges him with the words, 'earn this.' That scene challenges me to not waste this life of freedom that has been purchased by courageous men and women. I should not treat my life as cheap because it is not.
Steve mentioned the following Scripture verse a couple of weeks ago from Philippians that says, 'Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.' - Philippians 1:27 This verse relates to Captain Miller's challenge to Private Ryan. Private Ryan was rescued and saved as a free gift. He didn't have to prove his worthiness in order to be rescued. Captain Miller was calling him to live a life worthy of his rescue. In the same way, we are to live lives worthy of our rescue. Jesus came for you and me. He fought his way through criticism, loneliness, sleepless nights, persecution, name-calling, mockery, torture, unimaginable physical pain, and humiliation to come and rescue us.
Through the giving of His own life He purchased for us 100% full forgiveness of our sins. All of our sins, past, present and future are totally forgiven. Wow that's incredible. He also completed our adoption and says to us 'welcome, child of God' to your new family. He has prepared a place for us to be with Him forever. He gives us joy (the same joy He had), peace (not like the world gives), love, purpose and abundant (overflowing) life. This is what King Jesus Christ has purchased for us. Does my life reflect this reality? Does my worship indicate that I get this? I have been given such an amazing gift! How can I hold it in? I must tell the world about my Savior and what He has done for me! It's just too amazing and too incredible. Let's live worthy lives of the gospel today!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Oceans.
We are introducing a new song this Sunday inspired by the event described in the Bible of Jesus walking on water. As He approached His disciples' boat, they cried out in fear thinking that it was a ghost that approached them. Jesus assured them that it was in fact Him, and to take courage.
Matt. 14:28-29
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
The song starts out saying:
"You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail.
And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep my faith will stand."
But Peter took his eyes off Christ and began to sink. When he began to pay more attention to the world around him, the wind and the waves, his faith was shaken. And so the song continues:
"So I will call upon Your name and keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace…
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders,
Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior."
When we let our focus switch from Christ to the world around us, we become overwhelmed by the turmoil we see and we start to sink. That’s why we have to keep our focus on Him to remain steady and constant because He is steady and constant.
Here’s a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw
Where feet may fail,
Hailey
Matt. 14:28-29
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
The song starts out saying:
"You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail.
And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep my faith will stand."
But Peter took his eyes off Christ and began to sink. When he began to pay more attention to the world around him, the wind and the waves, his faith was shaken. And so the song continues:
"So I will call upon Your name and keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace…
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders,
Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior."
When we let our focus switch from Christ to the world around us, we become overwhelmed by the turmoil we see and we start to sink. That’s why we have to keep our focus on Him to remain steady and constant because He is steady and constant.
Here’s a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw
Where feet may fail,
Hailey
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Heading to Africa.
So Thursday night I begin my sojourn back to Lusaka, Zambia in South Africa. It's been almost a year to the day that I joined a hundred volunteers at Camp Life, as we shared the gospel with 1000 orphans. My ten boys were from Chainda, a poverty stricken community in Lusaka. Each of the boys shared their dreams, hopes, fears and challenges with me. Each of them prayed to receive Christ. I came back with ten boys in my heart. I came back to StoneBridge with a great responsibility. These orphan boys needed someone to sponsor them, StoneBridge families stepped up without hesitation and committed to support these 10 boys. Love grew and lives were changed. Ten families sponsored these boys and they were orphans no longer. They now had food, clothing, christian education and access to medical care. They were no longer an outcast or a burden to their extended family. Now, they were the blessing. Now "they" were chosen.
And now I get to go back and see them. I can't describe how I feel. Because I am not returning to Africa with just my love for these ten boys. I return to Africa with all the love of the ten families that paid the price to change their lives. My heart swells with the love of the body of Christ.
Love grew, exponentially and lives were changed. And my life, like the ten boys, will never be the same.
Joe
Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 3:17-19
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
And now I get to go back and see them. I can't describe how I feel. Because I am not returning to Africa with just my love for these ten boys. I return to Africa with all the love of the ten families that paid the price to change their lives. My heart swells with the love of the body of Christ.
Love grew, exponentially and lives were changed. And my life, like the ten boys, will never be the same.
Joe
Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 3:17-19
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Tending.
I always thought that when you start something new, you should progressively get better and better at it. Well, unfortunately that has not quite been the case so far with my gardening hobby. I am in my third year now and I must admit that I had my best results my first year. Not only was I a rookie but that was also the same year we had a really bad drought all summer.
So, what was the difference? As I reflected on it, I realized the difference was that I tended the garden with daily diligence that first year. Every morning I was out there watering each and every plant, pruning, cutting off dead branches, fighting off pests, picking fruit and pulling weeds. This summer I decided to set up an automatic soaker hose system and I've pretty much left it alone. After being gone for about a 10 day trip I came back and found the garden quite the disaster.
There were weeds, vines and briars that had mingled with the plants. There were places where the soaker hose wasn't watering very well. There were all kinds of bugs just feasting on my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. There were squash plants that had been choked out because other plants had not been properly pruned. It was a mess.
You know our relationships are like that garden as well. If we don't daily tend our relationships, they end up in big messes. The first step is to allow God to tend to our hearts. The Bible says in John 15 that God is the gardener, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We need to daily allow ourselves to be washed, pruned, and shaped by God's Spirit working with God's Word in our lives.
As a husband, my next relationship to tend is my marriage. Husband comes from the word, husbandman or farmer. I must daily tend to my wife's heart and connect with her world and care for her and nurture her. Next I must tend to my children, like plants, and help shape them, protect them, train them, and guide them. The daily attention dedicated to tending these relationships helps protect against pests, maintains good health, and will result in a spiritual harvest.
in Christ,
Brian
So, what was the difference? As I reflected on it, I realized the difference was that I tended the garden with daily diligence that first year. Every morning I was out there watering each and every plant, pruning, cutting off dead branches, fighting off pests, picking fruit and pulling weeds. This summer I decided to set up an automatic soaker hose system and I've pretty much left it alone. After being gone for about a 10 day trip I came back and found the garden quite the disaster.
There were weeds, vines and briars that had mingled with the plants. There were places where the soaker hose wasn't watering very well. There were all kinds of bugs just feasting on my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. There were squash plants that had been choked out because other plants had not been properly pruned. It was a mess.
You know our relationships are like that garden as well. If we don't daily tend our relationships, they end up in big messes. The first step is to allow God to tend to our hearts. The Bible says in John 15 that God is the gardener, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We need to daily allow ourselves to be washed, pruned, and shaped by God's Spirit working with God's Word in our lives.
As a husband, my next relationship to tend is my marriage. Husband comes from the word, husbandman or farmer. I must daily tend to my wife's heart and connect with her world and care for her and nurture her. Next I must tend to my children, like plants, and help shape them, protect them, train them, and guide them. The daily attention dedicated to tending these relationships helps protect against pests, maintains good health, and will result in a spiritual harvest.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, July 1, 2013
That "Love" Thing.
I know this couple. The husband can be quite...."difficult." Approximately one year ago, his wife determined that whenever he was in one of his difficult moods, she would make a concerted effort to say "I love you" and to treat him with tenderness. Those of us who know this couple have seen a tremendous difference in the attitude of this husband since that time. He seems much more content, there is a gentleness that wasn't there in years past, they act like newlyweds, hold hands, and he opens doors for her, etc... It challenges those of us who know this couple in our own marriage relationships today.
I was sharing this story with the creative arts team one saturday not too long ago. The next day one of the team members" came to me and said, "Hey, I tried that "I love you approach" with my spouse. Three times during the day we had these encounters. By the early evening my spouse's attitude had dramatically changed and suggested that we go out "on a date." That love thing really works!"
Love is a verb.
Learning to love.
Joe
1 Corinthians 13:4a, 7
Love is patient, love is kind
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
I was sharing this story with the creative arts team one saturday not too long ago. The next day one of the team members" came to me and said, "Hey, I tried that "I love you approach" with my spouse. Three times during the day we had these encounters. By the early evening my spouse's attitude had dramatically changed and suggested that we go out "on a date." That love thing really works!"
Love is a verb.
Learning to love.
Joe
1 Corinthians 13:4a, 7
Love is patient, love is kind
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
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