Turn on the Light!

One of wife’s biggest complaints is – “it’s too dark in here, I can’t stand it!” If I had a dime for everytime she’s said that I could retire early. Many times I’ve witnessed her enter a room, jerking open curtains and switching on lights.

This caused a little discussion between us in the beginning. Because I came from the school of, “why do you have all these lights on… looks like Christmas!” So my thought was to turn lights off if you didn’t need them.

But as time went on I started to like the light. With the light you can see your surroundings better. It also illuminates the mess. We noticed that recently when we bought some of those LED bulbs. Man, they are bright. The light is even stronger.

Our relationship with Jesus is the same. Before meeting Him we spend a lot of time in the darkness of sin. But after we meet Him and are introduced to the Light, we start to like it. We even get to the point we can’t be without it. We constantly want to be in the presence of Light. And it even helps us clean up our mess. Because we can see it better now.

After becoming Chrstians we are told to share our light with the world.

Today, if you are a Chrstian, I encourage you to share your Light with someone. Let them see and experience Jesus’ love through you. The world can really use it now.

If not, I encourage you to find that Light today. I promise you’ll love it.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NKJV

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 NKJV

Turn on the light!

What do You See?

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
I John 4:20 NKJV

What do you see?

A guy walks in the store where you are shopping. He looks a little rough. He’s unfamiliar, so you keep your distance. At the same time, you keep your eye on him.

His hair is unkept and a little greasy. And not on purpose. You can tell he hasn’t shaved in a couple of days. His coat is tattered and worn. His shirt is wrinkled and has stains. His shoes have holes in them. And he isn’t wearing socks. There is a strong oder that fills the room simply because of his presence in the room. It’s easy to look the other way.

Here’s the thing. Our SIN is the SAME way to God. Our lives are greasy and unkept; tattered, wrinkled, worn, and full of holes. The oder of our sin fills the room and is repulsive.

However, God loves us SO much He sent his only Son to become man to rescue us. That’s love y’all.

What do you see?

When it is Convenient

Hurricane Michael paid our area a visit. You know how company comes and you scramble when they knock on the door or you see them pull in the driveway? That was our city. The result of his visit was a LOT of flooding. That combined with heavy winds caused a lot of downed trees and power lines. This was Thursday afternoon (10/10). Today (10/15) some are just now having their power restored. Needless to say, this was an inconvenience to many. A lot of us loss groceries. Showering was a challenge. And social media has been flooded, no pun intended, with complaints. None directed at the storm. Mostly directed at the repair personal. Because they weren’t working fast enough for them. However, once the power was restored they were the same ones praising God and thanking the linemen. The whoke time though, they were working behind the scenes or in areas where we couldn’t see them.

Often we tend to be the same way with God. When times get tough or we don’t get what we want when we want it we complain and fuss at God. Meanwhile, He’s working behind the scenes and we may not even see Him. Which is probably best. Because more than likely, we’d mess it up. He has a plan. He knows the best way to go about the plan too.

Rather than complain until our “power” is restored maybe we should have faith and be grateful that one day it will be. Because He promises to meet all our needs.

And just think of how much happier you’ll be thinking about what is to come rather than complaining it hasn’t happened… yet.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV.

Find refuge in the Word.

Just Give It Away

“16.) By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17.) But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”
I John 3:16‭-‬17 NKJV

    How many times have we seen someone standing on the corner at the grocery or convenience store?  Maybe their clothes were torn or dirty.  And it seemed like they hadn’t bathed in a couple of days.

    Initially, we think, “I should give him some money”.  Then, almost immediately, we follow that thought with, “but they’ll probably spend it on booze or drugs”.

    When Jesus gave us the gift of life through His death, He never said, “but they’ll probably spend it on something they shouldn’t”.  He simply gave it.  

I John 3:16.) By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

    No strings attached.  We know what we should do with the gift of life because it is explained in the Word.

    I have had the similar thought, “(the stranger) will probably spend it on booze or drugs”.  Recently, I’ve had a change of heart.  I guess I should say, God changed my heart.  That isn’t our concern.

    I John 3:17.) But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

    If we feel moved to give, congratulations, you’re hearing that “still, small, voice,” the Bible talks about.  Now… simply give.  Let God handle the rest.  

    I mean, He’s the one that put it in our hearts to give in the first place.  Shouldn’t we believe He will use for His glory?

    Let’s SHOW our brothers (and sisters) refuge THROUGH the Word.

Why Can’t We Be Like Animals?

I had a few errands to run yestersay.  One of them didn’t take as long as I had budgeted time for, so I made myself take time for a long, relaxing, lunch.  Most days, it’s a pack of cheese crackers at my desk.

So I stopped at nearby fast food restaurant (hey, I said it was long, not healthy) and headed to the park next door that overlooks the river that runs the middle of the city.  It was about 70° so I put the windows down to take in the sounds and smells of the spring like February day.  

Immediately I noticed the park was full of Canadian geese.  Tons of them!  Then I saw some smaller white birds that were foraging for food.  Flying around amongst the geese neither really bothering the other.  They were all just doing their own thing.  

And I thought why can “we” be more like that?

None of the birds were fighting.  Even though they were different.  None of the birds were protesting because the other was there.  To them, it appeared, the other birds were just – other birds.  

Humanity is so divided today because of color.  Just like the birds were all BIRDS… we’re all PEOPLE. 

Maybe, just maybe, we could learn a lesson from these birds.

 

Is God Listening

     When I started this years ago, my goal was to help others find hope.  A hope that can only be found in a relationship with God, our creator.  As I read over my previous posts I try to find the promise.  In my heart, I know it is there.  God never fails.  He is always there.  Unfortunately, at this hour in my journey, I don’t know where.

     Now, I need the encouragement I wanted to help others find.  For years I have lived with a chronic condition.  My Pentecostal friends tell me, “have faith and you will be healed”.  My Baptist friends say, “God doesn’t do that anymore”.  Why?  My Bible tells me “God is the same today, yesterday, and forever”.  I always picture the disciples meeting the lame man at the pool.  He had been waiting there a while to get into the pool to relieve his healing.  But because he was lame, he couldn’t get there in time.  When asking the disciples for money he received something greater – healing.  He was able to walk again.  

     I have been to the alter for prayer.  I’ve even had other prayer warriors pray for me privately.  Still, no results.  Is God listening?  Each morning I move to the side of the bed and stand, fully expecting strength in my legs to be fully restored.  Then I grab for my crutches and head for the shower.  

     I don’t want to climb mountains or run a marathon.  I just to walk without assistance like I did 5 years ago.  I want to play with my children.  I want to walk the dog.  I want to be independent and take the burden of helping me off my family.  But for some unknown reason, God has said, “no”.

     I see people in their 80’s walking with no problem and I’m envious.  Drug dealers get around fine – yet I have to fight to get down the five steps in front of my house.  At my age, that shouldn’t be the case.  

     Yes, I am having a pity party.  No, I don’t think I’m better than the drug dealers.  Our righteousness is as filthy rags.  I know that.  But I still have to wonder, shouldn’t my intentions and goals earn me a little credit?  I just don’t understand.

     I see God working all around me.  I know He is around.  And I’m grateful for everything I have.  When I say that, I mean my family, my job, my friends.  I am very blessed.  At the same time, I am very disappointed.  Is that selfish?  Probably.

     I have to wonder though.  Is God listening… to me?

     I pray God blesses you abundantly.  Thank you for reading.      

Look for the Helpers

When coming out work, a co-worker and I noticed just how dark it was out the front door of our office building.  Wed just had some heavy rain, so this was no surprise.  His comment was, “man, it looks like the apocalypse”.  Well, I wouldn’t go that far.  

So since we work there, we park in the back.  We chat while going down the hallway and part ways once out the door.  When I went just few feet away to where my car was parked, I notice this tiny rainbow peeking through the clouds.  A light in the darkness.

A small glimmer of hope.

While watching the horror on the news this morning, my wife reminded me of his Mr. Rogers said his mother would always assure him.  When he was a child and saw something bad happening on tv, so she wouldn’t burden him with the negativity, she would tell him to “look for the helpers”.

Now, I’m not saying to disregard the negativity.  The hate, anguish, and misunderstanding cannot be erased.  There is no way to get around the emotions in this situation.  But you can focus on the good.  Look for the helpers.  Those that will give of themselves for the betterment of others.  Those that will give you hope in humanity.  Without prejudice.  Without concern for race or uniform.

Also know, and this is the hardest part, it is all part of a master plan.  Look at the Biblical story of Joseph.  Joseph was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  In the end, he was second in command and used to save thousands.

The plan wasn’t clear but in the darkness he was a glimmer of light.

He was a “helper”.

How Strong Are Your Roots?

“Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away“.
Matthew 13:5‭-‬6 NKJV

Jesus was in a boat speaking to a group of people.  To fulfill prophecy, He spoke in story form rather than facts.  Later, He would explain the story.

“But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles“.
Matthew 13:20‭-‬21 NKJV

Anyone who gardens knows that without a strong root system, the plants will not grow.  Same thing with our children.  We need to root them in the Word when they are young.  So it is a part of their being.  As a father of three, this is as much a “message” for me. 

After a hard week at work; waking up early, getting the kids to the sitter, or making sure they have what they need for the day.  The last thing you feel like doing is getting every one ready on Sunday, putting on a smile, and heading to worship.

But it is there, while they are children, that the roots start to grow.  Just like planting a seed in the right season.  If you try to plant spring and summer fruits and vegetables in fall, you will not get the desired result.

Plus, it is good for Christians to be with like minded individuals.  People who share our beliefs and desires.  But that’s another article.

Nurture your garden.  Get the desired fruit.  How strong are your roots?

Find refuge, in the Word.

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What do people see?

The other day my daughters and I were walking through the mall.  Not looking for anything specific, just spending some time doing something they enjoy.  One daughter wanted to look at the basketballs so we headed to the sports store.  Obviously no argument here.
While walking we ran into an associate of mine.  We exchanged greetings for a brief second and went our separate way.
My oldest asked who that was.  I told her and she said, “yeah, I picked up that vibe from him”.
See, it was a Pastor friend of mine.  But in that brief moment, she could sense the light shinning in the darkness.  Not that he was anything special but the One in him.
What do people see with you?  With me, I hope they see Jesus.