Free-Ranging-House-Chickens?

I was stirring around in the early morning and heard a commercial for a nationally franchised cleaning company. They made a light-hearted reference to “free-ranging-house-chickens” to illustrate their wide range of experience. I must admit, that would certainly indicate a pretty wide range of experience!

Does anyone think “chickens” are a good thing? Yes.

Does anyone think “free-ranging chickens” are a good thing? Yes.

Does anyone think individuals might benefit from raising their own chickens? Yes.

However, the concept of the “free-ranging-house-chicken” doesn’t make the cut does it? NO!

On a social networking site I read what looked like a rant (it may have been real or just humor). It was from a man that is from the same neighborhood as my youth. He said something like: “I’m tired of being told I’m going to hell because of the church I attend. If you really knew me, you would have so many more legitimate reasons to think that.”

I don’t know what prompted the post, nor do I intend to look into it. I was, however, immediately aware that we often reach conclusions based upon the weakest criterion.

Didn’t God determine Abraham’s “righteousness” based on something internal? Didn’t Jesus say something about men teaching their own traditions and therefor worshipping themselves instead of God? Scripture seems to indicate God looks a little deeper than the surface. Shouldn’t I?

Don’t misunderstand... we can’t make it up as we go as a God-servant. But it is terribly easy to reach conclusions by connecting dots that may not need to be connected, don’t you think?

Free-ranging-house-chickens? I’m just saying...

He is still on time

God's timing is not ours. Have you ever noticed? When Lazarus was sick his family sent for Jesus, but Lazarus died and even the death watch was over before Jesus arrived. When the sister ran to Jesus as he approached, all she could think to say was that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would still be alive!

Has there been a time or event in your life where you felt that if God had acted in time, things would have worked out "better"? C'mon now... we both know how we are. We confuse our own judgement and timing with "what-really-ought-to-happen" now don't we?

Here is the good news: Even when we think He is 4 days late, He is still on time! Lazarus lived again (no favor to Lazarus). God's purposes were accomplished. And He was neither angry nor rebuking toward those who loved and trusted Him, but were confused.

The combination of grace, love, long-suffering and power is glimpse-able, but not really comprehendible, at least, not for me. Isn't it great that He is in charge and what He asks from those who love Him is to 'trust" Him and "walk" when asked to?

Lord, Create in me the clean, pure heart of a child. Wondering, but not immobilized when it isn't my way.

Saucer-Sippin'

For some of us the imagery of old men drinking coffee from saucers is just a real as yesterday. For others who wonder why saucers and silly looking cups come with sets of dishes, the imagery is lost.

In days of drive thru Latte shops and internet cafes the whole business of drinking from saucers has no meanings. For those of you who want to know, coffee was made differently back then, it was boiled. It was hot. And if you had enough to go around, the cup was poured to overflowing with the overflow captured in the saucer where it cooled and was sipped. Al least that is the way it was done back home.

Last night I was reminded of the old Jimmy Dean song (yea, the sausage dude) based upon this imagery. I was reminded that I have been saucer-sippin’ for some time now. I thank God and all of the people He has sent into my life for that blessing.

Wayne

DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER aka MY CUP RUNNETH OVER; DRINK FROM THE SAUCER

Jimmy Dean

I never made a fortune and it's probably too late now

But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow

And as I go along life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sowed

I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

I ain't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the goings tough

but I've got kids who love me and that makes me rich enough

I just thank God for his blessings and the mercies he's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, and my faith got a little thin

but then all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeked through again

so Lord help me not to gripe about the tough rows I hoed

I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

And if God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough

I'll not ask for another blessing, I'm already blessed enough

And may I never be too busy to help another bear his load

I'll keep drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

Two interesting conversations

As I prepare for open-heart surgery in the morning, I'm having some firsts. My first shower where I was not to rinse the soap off was one of them. I'm sure that others await me, but I want to share a couple of conversations I've had today.

The surgeon came by and talked with us (Cindy was here too) about the surgery and recovery. As he was leaving I stopped him and asked if he was a believer. He did not deny it so I thanked him and told him that while I had confidence in him, if the surgery did not turn out the way he hoped it would, he shouldn't take it personally. I reminded him that God is even in charge in the operating room and however it turns out is OK. He seemed blindsided.

Later I asked my night nurse who helped me through the evening procedures if he ever got "freaked out" dealing with people who may well die in the next few hours. His answer declared his comfort with serving and leaving the outcomes to God.

I suspect the nurse has a personal relationship with God. I further suspect the surgeon's relationship with God might be more accurately described as "religious". I may be wrong on both counts, but that is not important. The important issue is whether people can tell from my ease, demeanor, and conversation that I have been with Jesus and not just been to church.