"He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart..." C.S. Lewis

While I applaud the God-given desire to engage our culture, how much better it would be if we were first transformed. Then we could demonstrate to the world true, God-breathed creativity instead of cleverness, and familiarity with the Trinity instead of an obsession with proving how well we can read the latest cultural trend. We cannot compensate for being strangers to God by becoming friends with the culture. Gary Thomas

Do You Wanna Dance?

God is love. The music of God is love – and the music of God creates a dance within the Trinity that was going on well before creation and is the music of creation now and will establish endless perfect motion in eternity. God’s dance of love is the only dance there is. Anyone who loves God and loves others is dancing, whether he or she knows it or not, to the divine dance. To love is to walk onto the divine dance floor. Scot McKnight

"I just went home and asked Him into my heart. I didn't hear a voice, like: 'Brian, I am God and, uh, I'm talking to you now.' When you are in His presence, you just know. I don't know what it was, if it was the Holy Spirit pouring love into my heart, but it was undeniable. It was awesome." Brian 'Head' Welch formerly of Korn

“The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender.” William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army

"The difference between a smart man and a wise man is that a smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows whether or not to say it." Frank M. Garafola

Let Your God Love You

Be silent
Be still
Alone
Empty
Before your God

Say nothing
Ask nothing
Be silent
Be still

Let your God
Look upon you
That is all

God knows
God understands
God loves you
With an enormous love

And only wants
To look upon you
with that love

Quiet
Still
Be

Let your God-
Love you. Edwina Gately

A little love...

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still pals even after they know each other so well. Tommy, age 6

When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love. Rebecca, age 8

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth. Billy, age 4

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening >presents and listen. Bobby, age 7

If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate. Nikka, age 6

During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at>all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the >only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore. Cindy, age 8

A 4 year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked him what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

Learn Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

For all of us with young daughters...

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

There is a difference between love and ego. It's so easy for our egos to be wrapped up in our children. Sometimes we express our ego by what we give our child, how we want them to behave, the kind of grades we want them to get, etc...rather than really loving them. I believe children know when they are merely expressions of our ego and when they are true objects of our love. We have to give difficult children extra love. Mary Alice Smith

1 John 4:17-18
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

All I need...

Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Genesis 33:11
"God has been gracious to me and I have all I need."

Whatever you are facing, remember,

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Albert Einstein kept portraits of two scientists on his wall: Newton and Maxwell. Toward the end of his life he replaced those pictures with Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer. Said Einstein, "It is time to replace the image of success with the image of service."

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Albert Schweitzer

Seek first the kingdom...

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'" I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say, "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible. But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches. So I call upon His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good grace, somehow. Maya Angelou

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.

What fuels you up?

Life in the kingdom always points to peace.

1 Peter 3:8-16

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I think this is a beautiful picture. My hunting friends don't like it because there is no gun in sight. Is it sunrise or sunset?

What are you planning for Christmas?

YouTube link

Resistance to the kingdom...

"You can't be connected with God until you're at peace with who you are. If you're still upset that God gave you this body or this life or this family or these circumstances, you will never be able to connect with God in a healthy, thriving, sustainable sort of way. You'll be at odds with your maker. And if you can't come to terms with who you are and the life you've been given, you'll never be able to accept others and how they were made and the lives they've been given. and until you're at peace with God and those around you, you'll continue to struggle with your role on the planet, your part to play in the ongoing creation of the universe. You will continue to struggle and resist and fail to connect." Rob Bell

Matthew 5:3-9
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

Romans 12:14-19
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

I need instant gratification...

Galatians 5:19-23
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Choices

During his last lecture Randy Pausch asked, "Are you going to be a Tigger or an Eeyore?"

What do YOU say?

Mark 10:14-16
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Coming this Christmas...

Advent Conspiracy

Luke 12:25
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

I have spent most of my life worrying about things that never happened. Mark Twain

Malachi 4:1-3
"Count on it: The day is coming, raging like a forest fire. All the arrogant people who do evil things will be burned up like stove wood, burned to a crisp, nothing left but scorched earth and ash— a black day. But for you, sunrise! The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking. And you'll tromp on the wicked. They'll be nothing but ashes under your feet on that Day." God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so."

A Prayer For The Family...

Our Father, who sets the solitary in families: we commend to your continual care the homes in which we, your people, dwell. Protect us, we ask you, from every root of bitterness, the desire for selfish gain, and the pride of life.

Fill our homes with faith, integrity, knowledge, self-discipline, patience, and godliness. Knit together in constant affection we who, through the covenant of marriage, have been made one flesh.

Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents, and so fan into flame a fervent charity among us all, that we may consistently demonstrate love to one another. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

What is tempting you today?

Temptations are as thick as the leaves of the forest, and no one can be out of the reach of temptation unless he is dead. The great thing is to make people intelligent enough and strong enough, not to keep away from temptation, but to resist it. Robert Ingersoll

James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

"This life is therefore, not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being, but becoming, not rest, but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified." Martin Luther, 1521

If we want to hear God we have to listen, and yet the one deficiency epidemic among adults is listening. We don’t listen. We won’t listen. We are willing to do almost anything to keep ourselves from listening. Mike Yaconelli

Proverbs 2:1-5
Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That's right—if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

Ask yourself if your schedule, your time, and your life look like that of a person who wants to hear God's voice?

2 Corinthians 3:17-18
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

The best part of a long journey is coming home.

Home is that special place of fresh starts, clean slates and a past forgiven.

One can travel the world in search of that which is most needed and returns home to find it.

John 14:23
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

Luke 6:27-36
"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind."

A leader is one “with the courage to define self, who is as invested in the welfare of the family (or organization) as in self, who is neither angry nor dogmatic, whose energy goes to changing self rather than telling others what they should do, who can know and respect the multiple opinions of others, who can modify self in response to the strengths of the group and who is not influenced by the irresponsible opinions of others.” MURRAY BOWEN

Teach others...

This morning I had occasion to thank an old friend who mentored me in the way of Jesus and who is now serving God in China. Tears came to my eyes as I recalled learning many things with him, including working alongside of him in Nigeria back in the summer of 1990.

Who has been influential in teaching you the ways of Jesus? Have you let them know the impact it's had on you?

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.” Henry Brooks Adams

Prayer for the day...

Dear God, give me the guidance to know when to hold on & when to let go...& the grace to make the right decision with dignity. Amen

The prayers that mean the most to God are the ones we offer when we are feeling dry. C. S. Lewis

My feelings are important for many things. They are essential and valuable. They keep me aware of much that is true and real. But they tell me next to nothing about God or my relation to God. My security comes from who God is, not from how I feel. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about him or myself or my neighbours. “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people.” Eugene Peterson

"Do I have the courage to let go of…”

...the inconsistency between your inner and outer life?

...hurts from the past?

If you are aching for things like that to happen- it is God longing to work in your heart. He is giving the courage- take hold of it and move where He leads. Stop pounding on closed doors and seek the one He's opening.

When we have sold our identity to the judges of this world, we are bound to become restless, because of a growing need for affirmation and praise. Indeed, we are tempted to become low-hearted because of a constant self-rejection… And so, when our actions have become more an expression of fear than of inner freedom, we easily become the prisoners of our self-created illusions. Henri Nouwen

How are you doing with the surprises that have come your way recently?

Romans 5:2b-5
We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

A redeemed life...

Prince... of the Mafia

1 Peter 3:8-12
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here's what you do:

Say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

Do you find it difficult or easy to embrace the beauty and significance of your life?
How have the disappointments and difficulties of your life influenced your ability to trust in the goodness of God?

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say?

And why are you waiting?

Do not assume that he who seeks to comfort you now, lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life may also have much sadness and difficulty that remains far beyond yours. Were it otherwise, he would never have been able to find these words. Rainer Maria Rilke

The life he has planned for Christians is a Christian life, much like the life he lived. He was not poor that we might be rich. He was not mocked that we might be honored. He was not laughed at so that we could be lauded. On the contrary, he was revealing the Christian picture of man, one that was meant to include you and me.

In choosing to be born in utter obscurity, the king of the universe ignored conventional expectations. He celebrated in his own birthday the freedom to be unorthodox. In failing to live up to people's presuppositions, Jesus became a stumbling block to many of his contemporaries. The houseborken Jewish imagination cringed at the crib, shuttered at the ersatz salvation of a humble, unpredictable God. A king in rags was an insult to the finely honed intellect of the Pharisee and the rational mind of the scribe. There is a fascinating principle at work here in very religious people: 'Messiah, you get our allegiance only when you fulfill our expectations.' Brennan Manning

Who has God placed in your neighborhood, workplace or city that He is asking you to begin to cultivate a new friendship with?

"Love is a better master than duty." Albert Einstein