This past weekend I had the opportunity to teach from Mark 4:35-41; Jesus calming a storm, and as I prepared for the message, I would try and think of storms I could use as illustrations to help people listening get a better understanding of what Jesus was capable of in their life. I tried not to name any specific storms which individuals may be currently going through themselves, so as not to have someone think I was speaking directly to them; to make the storms more generic.
However, God had other plans. Even though I wanted to focus more on "storms" in a general way, and not select a specific one to teach on, God introduced me to three storms people in the church were facing this weekend. These were specific storms shaking their lives; storms they did not see coming; storms which have gripped them in fear; storms they didn't feel they could handle on their own.
Knowing people are sitting in the seats, listening to what I am saying, and knowing they are actually in a storm at that very moment, played with my mind. Do I make a connection emotionally, joining with them in their storm, feeling the fear and the anxiety they're facing?....Or, do I place my trust and faith in Jesus; the calmer of the storm. I want them to know about the love Jesus has for them; how he gave His life for them because of that love; how He can calm them in the storm they are facing. Sometimes, it's not the storm "out there" that needs to be calmed, but the storm "inside" we need calmed. This is the type of storm most people face; the one no one else sees.
I choose to teach with the confidence I have in Jesus and in knowing how He has been with me through storms in my life. I share with them this confidence and faith I have in the One who has calmed my storms. I pray with them because I know God will respond to the cries of His children for help, and that He will comfort them and calm their storm.
I bring them into the boat I am in...the boat where Jesus showed me His peace in my storm.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
holding Daddy's guitar
I make it a habit to change guitar strings on a regular basis. It’s something my daddy taught me how to do when I was a teen. There is nothing like the sound of a guitar with a new set of strings. Chords sound better….strums are fuller….finger-picking is cleaner and brighter….songs are fresher. A new set of strings will even spark creative thinking and listening to the chords and possible songs begin to surface. In the last couple of years, daddy would ask me to change his guitar strings for him; or, I would just show up with a set of strings for his birthday and put some new strings on for him. Maybe it was just to see him smile when he strummed his guitar with new strings, but I enjoyed the chance to change the strings for him.
This evening I was changing the strings on my daddy’s guitar; a Gibson Dove. Yes, it sounded so much better….I knew that would happen. This time though, things were a little different. This time, there was no creative process leading me to new chord patterns and possible songs; this time, the strings brought back memories. I remembered the first time daddy showed me how to finger a chord and strum the strings to produce a sound. I remembered all the practicing, the sore fingers, and daddy asking me what I had been learning. I could remember learning songs all the way through, and daddy wanting me to play them for him.
Daddy gave me my first guitar….his Gibson J45. I was so overwhelmed when he did that, because it had been his first guitar. I cherished that guitar, because it was his. I bought a better case for it. I had a local luthier do repairs to it if I messed anything up on it. Even though he gave it to me, I still considered it his guitar.
Now I am holding his last Gibson in my arms. Yes, songs he played and songs I played come to mind, but I found myself not really thinking about the songs and the sound of the new strings. I realized I was holding his guitar…and I am no longer changing strings for him. There’s an emptiness and a sadness. This is daddy’s Dove I’m holding…
….and, in my heart….I am holding him.
This evening I was changing the strings on my daddy’s guitar; a Gibson Dove. Yes, it sounded so much better….I knew that would happen. This time though, things were a little different. This time, there was no creative process leading me to new chord patterns and possible songs; this time, the strings brought back memories. I remembered the first time daddy showed me how to finger a chord and strum the strings to produce a sound. I remembered all the practicing, the sore fingers, and daddy asking me what I had been learning. I could remember learning songs all the way through, and daddy wanting me to play them for him.
Daddy gave me my first guitar….his Gibson J45. I was so overwhelmed when he did that, because it had been his first guitar. I cherished that guitar, because it was his. I bought a better case for it. I had a local luthier do repairs to it if I messed anything up on it. Even though he gave it to me, I still considered it his guitar.
Now I am holding his last Gibson in my arms. Yes, songs he played and songs I played come to mind, but I found myself not really thinking about the songs and the sound of the new strings. I realized I was holding his guitar…and I am no longer changing strings for him. There’s an emptiness and a sadness. This is daddy’s Dove I’m holding…
….and, in my heart….I am holding him.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
"words of art"
I have had an interesting week in a new online class I am taking. I am learning Greek. It is fascinating to learn how the entire New Testament has been translated from the original Greek to what we read today. Of course, you just don't jump into reading Greek without knowing the alphabet. This is where the adventure begins; learning a new alphabet with letters and symbols which resemble a lot of our English alphabet. It was a little confusing at first, but I began to get the hang of how to make the correct strokes to write the letters.
In a conversation with another classmate about the alphabet, a comment was made about how beautiful the Greek words look when you are reading them and writing them. The term "words of art" surfaced. Even though some of the letters are tough to make look right, they still have a character all their own. I have begun to see these letters that I attempt to write, and the words I try to pronounce, as more than just letters and symbols. I now tend to look at them as art; art created by an artist who selected them to express what he was experiencing in his life. A life that had been changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ, His disciples, His followers, and other believers. Their words have inspired people for generations; changed lives; saved marriages; started churches; and, given us an example of the ultimate love God has for us all.
Through our words, our actions, our songs, and our life, people get the opportunity to see us as art, created by God, to be used to express His love for us......and others.
In a conversation with another classmate about the alphabet, a comment was made about how beautiful the Greek words look when you are reading them and writing them. The term "words of art" surfaced. Even though some of the letters are tough to make look right, they still have a character all their own. I have begun to see these letters that I attempt to write, and the words I try to pronounce, as more than just letters and symbols. I now tend to look at them as art; art created by an artist who selected them to express what he was experiencing in his life. A life that had been changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ, His disciples, His followers, and other believers. Their words have inspired people for generations; changed lives; saved marriages; started churches; and, given us an example of the ultimate love God has for us all.
Through our words, our actions, our songs, and our life, people get the opportunity to see us as art, created by God, to be used to express His love for us......and others.
Friday, August 20, 2010
second hand Jesus
I have been enjoying a little break this summer; a little break from school. I have been taking some seminary classes for over a year and accidentally was presented the possibility to take an 8-week break from school, and I took it. Besides the obvious perks of not being in class; time with family, rest, vacation, and some lazy nights lying on the couch....I got the chance to read some books for pleasure. Right now I am in the middle of a book written by a worship pastor from New Life Church in Colorado; Glenn Packiam. I met him a year ago at a worship conference and enjoyed listening to him talk about worship in everyday life.
His book is entitled, "Second hand Jesus". Yes....I thought it was a catchy title as well. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to know what it would be about. The whole idea of using the term "second hand" when referring to Jesus doesn't even sound right. We, as believers, are taught and encouraged to make Jesus first and foremost in our lives, and here is a book teasing us with a title which could cause people to think of Jesus as a "hand-me-down". Honestly, I was taken back when I read the basis for the book was simply that; people have based their whole understanding and knowledge of Jesus, who He is and what He has done for them, from "hand-me-down" information, or a second hand account.
I know we are challenged, as believers, to share what Jesus means to us and what He has done for us each day when we relate to people. This is not second hand. This is us sharing first hand the gospel of Jesus with our lives. The second hand Jesus is found in the lives of people who say they know "about" Jesus. They have heard about Him. They attend church because they feel like it is the right thing to do. They see Jesus as a type of good-luck charm to call on when things get a little difficult, or after they have exhausted all of their possible solutions. This second hand Jesus is who they go to, look for, and call on after everything else hasn't worked out for them.
I know......this sounds like a ridiculous question to ask, but I'm afraid it could be even harder for some people to answer. Is your relationship with Jesus a one-on-one, personal, first hand experience of His love and grace, or....is everything you think you know about Jesus based on second hand information? Here's a hint....if the only time you think about Jesus is when someone else speaks about Him....you have a second hand Jesus.
His book is entitled, "Second hand Jesus". Yes....I thought it was a catchy title as well. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to know what it would be about. The whole idea of using the term "second hand" when referring to Jesus doesn't even sound right. We, as believers, are taught and encouraged to make Jesus first and foremost in our lives, and here is a book teasing us with a title which could cause people to think of Jesus as a "hand-me-down". Honestly, I was taken back when I read the basis for the book was simply that; people have based their whole understanding and knowledge of Jesus, who He is and what He has done for them, from "hand-me-down" information, or a second hand account.
I know we are challenged, as believers, to share what Jesus means to us and what He has done for us each day when we relate to people. This is not second hand. This is us sharing first hand the gospel of Jesus with our lives. The second hand Jesus is found in the lives of people who say they know "about" Jesus. They have heard about Him. They attend church because they feel like it is the right thing to do. They see Jesus as a type of good-luck charm to call on when things get a little difficult, or after they have exhausted all of their possible solutions. This second hand Jesus is who they go to, look for, and call on after everything else hasn't worked out for them.
I know......this sounds like a ridiculous question to ask, but I'm afraid it could be even harder for some people to answer. Is your relationship with Jesus a one-on-one, personal, first hand experience of His love and grace, or....is everything you think you know about Jesus based on second hand information? Here's a hint....if the only time you think about Jesus is when someone else speaks about Him....you have a second hand Jesus.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wii Worship
Last night Karen, Joshua, and I went to my parent's house for a visit. You know... the visit to catch up on things that have been going on in each other's life; watch a little Jeopardy; a little Wheel of Fortune; some Braves baseball; and, of course, Wii. Yes, my parent's have a Wii system. It's a lot of fun and it can wear you out if you aren't careful.
I watched from the dining room table as Karen and Joshua played golf, and then they shot some 3-point basketball contest. They were having a good time. It's actually more fun to watch the participants than the TV screen. Anyway, it wasn't too long until I was playing golf and shooting hoops. The amazing thing about the Wii system is, you quickly get to the point where you feel as though you are totally in the game....playing; not just pressing buttons to produce a result, but moving physically to produce a result. You start to focus more on how you hold the controller so your swing doesn't hook, or slice when you hit the ball. You look at the layout of the fairway, the direction of the wind, the sand traps, and the angle of the break on the green as you putt. You forget you are standing in the middle of a living room.
The same goes for the 3-point shoot out in basketball. You sense yourself reaching for the ball in the rack, jumping to shoot, and concentrating on your follow through to make sure the ball swishes the net. The rest of the games are the same way. They make you forget where you are and move you to another place.... a place of just you and the game....everything else is placed aside for this time. At the end of the game though, you are back in reality with all it's distractions, pressures, and struggles....life....real life.
Is it posible for our worship to be like a Wii system? It can be if we only feel like we are worshipping when we are at church on the weekend. We turn our worship on the moment we arrive and the music starts and we begin singing; the moment we leave everything that has made our week a mess behind, and sing praises to our God and listen to His voice in the message speaking directly to us; the moment we feel as though it is just us and God with no distractions, pressures, or struggles....worship. Then, when we walk out the door, we hit the "Off" button and return to where we were before we arrived at church...distacted, pressured, and struggling.
No....worship is not a Wii system, because true worship has no "Off" button. Worship is a life-style; a result of our life in Christ....everlasting....never ending.
I watched from the dining room table as Karen and Joshua played golf, and then they shot some 3-point basketball contest. They were having a good time. It's actually more fun to watch the participants than the TV screen. Anyway, it wasn't too long until I was playing golf and shooting hoops. The amazing thing about the Wii system is, you quickly get to the point where you feel as though you are totally in the game....playing; not just pressing buttons to produce a result, but moving physically to produce a result. You start to focus more on how you hold the controller so your swing doesn't hook, or slice when you hit the ball. You look at the layout of the fairway, the direction of the wind, the sand traps, and the angle of the break on the green as you putt. You forget you are standing in the middle of a living room.
The same goes for the 3-point shoot out in basketball. You sense yourself reaching for the ball in the rack, jumping to shoot, and concentrating on your follow through to make sure the ball swishes the net. The rest of the games are the same way. They make you forget where you are and move you to another place.... a place of just you and the game....everything else is placed aside for this time. At the end of the game though, you are back in reality with all it's distractions, pressures, and struggles....life....real life.
Is it posible for our worship to be like a Wii system? It can be if we only feel like we are worshipping when we are at church on the weekend. We turn our worship on the moment we arrive and the music starts and we begin singing; the moment we leave everything that has made our week a mess behind, and sing praises to our God and listen to His voice in the message speaking directly to us; the moment we feel as though it is just us and God with no distractions, pressures, or struggles....worship. Then, when we walk out the door, we hit the "Off" button and return to where we were before we arrived at church...distacted, pressured, and struggling.
No....worship is not a Wii system, because true worship has no "Off" button. Worship is a life-style; a result of our life in Christ....everlasting....never ending.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
june 29th
"Man, you had to be there!" I have heard people say this when they are trying to describe an event they were a part of. It may have been a professional ball game, or a concert by their favorite artist, or an amazing vacation over-seas, or just something experienced by a group of friends. There seem to be a lack of words when it comes to our description of the event, and the best we can do is say, "Man, you had to be there!" Because, if you had been there, you would better understand the impact of the event.
Tuesday night, June 29th, was one of those events for me; one of those unplanned, unrehearsed, unprepared events...at least unplanned in my mind. It would be hard to say unrehearsed and unprepared. As a worshipper, we should always be rehearsed and prepared for times of worshipping God. Whenever we open His Word to read what He wants us to know, we are being prepared for His presence in our life. Whenever we think about how He is working in our life, how He is orchestrating everything according to His plan for us.....we are rehearsing for what He is about to do. So often, we don't plan for Him. Kind of like Tuesday night. Our plan, as part of an after-dinner time of fellowship together, was to play a few songs and have prayer. A very simple plan. Our plan was not His plan for us. We had placed our plan within a time frame, and were focused on our group; staff and spouses.
His plan was so much better. His plan eliminated our time frame for worship. Our plan was 25-30 minutes....He led us for over two hours in worship. Our plan included just us....He included those passing by the building; camp personnel, counselors, and volunteers. Our plan had an air-conditioned room....His plan opened the doors and windows for everyone to hear His worship. I believe what made this event so special was the realization that we no longer had control of our plan and we surrendered to God's plan for us.....to worship at the top of our lungs for however long He led us and to not restrict His plan in any way.
Yes, God's plan affected everyone in the house; all our guests, all the staff, and me. And yes, you had to be there for that event to understand what it was like. But, those events are in every moment of our life. Are you rehearsed and prepared? Whose plan are you using?
Tuesday night, June 29th, was one of those events for me; one of those unplanned, unrehearsed, unprepared events...at least unplanned in my mind. It would be hard to say unrehearsed and unprepared. As a worshipper, we should always be rehearsed and prepared for times of worshipping God. Whenever we open His Word to read what He wants us to know, we are being prepared for His presence in our life. Whenever we think about how He is working in our life, how He is orchestrating everything according to His plan for us.....we are rehearsing for what He is about to do. So often, we don't plan for Him. Kind of like Tuesday night. Our plan, as part of an after-dinner time of fellowship together, was to play a few songs and have prayer. A very simple plan. Our plan was not His plan for us. We had placed our plan within a time frame, and were focused on our group; staff and spouses.
His plan was so much better. His plan eliminated our time frame for worship. Our plan was 25-30 minutes....He led us for over two hours in worship. Our plan included just us....He included those passing by the building; camp personnel, counselors, and volunteers. Our plan had an air-conditioned room....His plan opened the doors and windows for everyone to hear His worship. I believe what made this event so special was the realization that we no longer had control of our plan and we surrendered to God's plan for us.....to worship at the top of our lungs for however long He led us and to not restrict His plan in any way.
Yes, God's plan affected everyone in the house; all our guests, all the staff, and me. And yes, you had to be there for that event to understand what it was like. But, those events are in every moment of our life. Are you rehearsed and prepared? Whose plan are you using?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
seventh step
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of opening one of our planning meetings with a small devotion, and I chose II Samuel 6:13. David, the King of Israel, was having the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem. (I won't go into all the history right now) This was the second attempt to return the Ark. Their first attempt ended in tragedy because their plans for moving the Ark, were simply that....."their" plans.
"When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf." What is so important about the six steps that they needed to be recorded in the scriptures?
In the first attempt, David may have wanted to receive the praise from the people for being the one who brought the Ark to Jerusalem.This time, the Ark is being moved in such a way as to honor and revere God. This time....God would be the focus of the praise. And, to make sure.....every six steps....a sacrifice was made to worship God and to praise Him. A reminder to us that God controls every step we take.
Six days of creation....six steps....six days in a week. Seventh day....God rested and focused on His creation. Seventh step...rest and focus on God...praise and worship.
How has your week gone? Have you taken the time to focus on God every six steps? Or, do you feel as though you just need to wait till that seventh day so you can worship God? If so, then those would be "your" plans, not God's. His plan is for us to know Him for who He is and what He has done for us. We should worship and praise Him for every breath He gives us; for every heart-beat; for every time we laugh and cry; for every struggle and every win. Every moment of every day, we should worship and praise God. Then......and only then will we be ready to worship on the seventh day.
What step did you just take?
"When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf." What is so important about the six steps that they needed to be recorded in the scriptures?
In the first attempt, David may have wanted to receive the praise from the people for being the one who brought the Ark to Jerusalem.This time, the Ark is being moved in such a way as to honor and revere God. This time....God would be the focus of the praise. And, to make sure.....every six steps....a sacrifice was made to worship God and to praise Him. A reminder to us that God controls every step we take.
Six days of creation....six steps....six days in a week. Seventh day....God rested and focused on His creation. Seventh step...rest and focus on God...praise and worship.
How has your week gone? Have you taken the time to focus on God every six steps? Or, do you feel as though you just need to wait till that seventh day so you can worship God? If so, then those would be "your" plans, not God's. His plan is for us to know Him for who He is and what He has done for us. We should worship and praise Him for every breath He gives us; for every heart-beat; for every time we laugh and cry; for every struggle and every win. Every moment of every day, we should worship and praise God. Then......and only then will we be ready to worship on the seventh day.
What step did you just take?
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