How Disappointing

I learned to day that one of the people I have recently met and spent time with may be involved in some felony-type serious trouble... even dangerous-to-other-people type trouble. This is not the first one, and will not be the last. It is still disappointing.

As I sort through my emotions and frustration, I am reminded that God continued to reach for me even "while we were yet sinners" by sending his son to die for me/us. "But I'm not like these other people" I protest to myself.

My intellect kicks in for his side of the debate and I am again reminded that "yes" I am just like these other people. The difference is that I'm thinking of "them" harming other people's physical existence. My impact was that Jesus had to leave heaven and come "down here" to die. I don't feel better. I don't feel superior. I don't want to think about it, but I can't stop here.

Jesus continued to "reach" out to me. I guess I should do no less...

John and Brenda like WalMart and Jesus

I noticed a couple of days ago that two of my "friends" on FaceBook "liked" a couple of the same pages. What got my attention was the way it appeared on my "News" page. It said: John and Brenda like WalMart and Jesus.

I understand that FaceBook uses a template and just plugs names into it. I'm not confused about FaceBook or the way they communicate. It did remind me that sometimes you and I can send the same kind of message about our loyalties. Not a message that is just a computer template that can appear disjointed, but a real-life message of loyalty that just doesn't match.

The "co-ordinating conjunction" (and) is supposed to join "equals" in the sentence. Is WalMart really an equal to Jesus in John's and Brenda's life? I know John and Brenda and can attest with all confidence that they are NOT even close to being equals in the life of John or Brenda.

I'm not concerned about them. What bothers me is that sometimes "things" like WalMart may be equals to Jesus in my life. That would be a problem!

Can We Make It Up As We Go?

I took a picture of my styrofoam coffee cup I used at the Holiday Inn Express a few days ago. Nothing against HI Express or their "Smart Roast" coffee. I thought the stay and the coffee were both good.

What caught my eye was the advertising tactic; rather well done I might add. As you can see, it assumes the person having the remarkable sense to both stay at HI Express and drink their coffee is a "dangerously" intelligent person.

Without going into any comparisons of coffees or motel/hotels, I am confident that any standard intelligence tests would never consider either.

While this may be OK (and even funny) in advertising, it is deadly in other areas. I'm thinking specifically about measuring my relationship with God using this kind of reasoning. I need to stay away from feeling secure based upon things I can measure.

After all, God's ways are higher than mine. Even David figured out that God wasn't focusing on burnt offerings and sacrifices. It was the "broken and contrite heart" and the "Abraham believed God" stuff that God measures.

We can't make up our own lists. Some people already tried it and it doesn't work. Paul mentioned that. Check our Romans 10:1-4.

Why do we whine and complain?

Recently I've been "eaves-dropping" on random conversations in restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops and church gatherings. It seems that they often revolve around complaining about people, decisions, life, etc. I even recently over-heard strong complaints by a person who agreed with a decision when it was discussed in a group!

Why are we like this? I'm sure that I do it too (I hope not often). When I hear waitresses do it, I don't want to go back to that restaurant. When I hear employees do it, I don't want to go back to that store.

When someone hears it at "church" I suspect they may not want to return to that church. They may not want to go to any church if they aren't already seriously anchored in the concept of fellowship.

It seems to me that whining and complaining may be fueled by an absence of trust in God. It certainly is fueled by thinking of "myself" as the "important" one. If you hear me whining about life, please point it out.

What would I do?

This morning, or perhaps it was yesterday morning, the news reported that a local man, while beating a dog was challenged by a woman from a nearby business. He then (according to the woman) pulled a pistol and fired into the air, escaping.

I begin by stating clearly that I support gun ownership. That said, I suspect that the man mentioned in the story probably doesn't have a Tennessee Carry Permit. Now... on to the real issue.

Would I respond to assist another being badly and inhumanly treated (even an animal) if I suspected I might also be placed in danger? I like to think I would, but until that moment came...

I'm not certain about the answer in the case of an animal, but it seems that Jesus made it pretty clear that we are to respond to the needs of others even if we are also placed in jeopardy. That answer is the easy one.

The tough one is: Would I do it? I guess that is where others would see if my trust in God was a "saving faith" or if it is just something I talk about.

Has it been that long?

Judy mentioned Sunday that she missed my blogs. I had not realized how long it had been. I think my last entry was over a month ago.

My health and energy have improved at such a rate that I begin my days around 5-5:30 AM and begin to run down and sit down around 6 PM. I have begun to get back into a routine similar to the one I had before surgery, with a few changes.

The striking thing about Judy's comment is that I really had no idea it had been that long! In all of my excitement and busy-ness I had become AWOL in service. I wonder what else has just slipped my mind?

Has anything "slipped" yours?

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.

Be brave, Tell others what's going on.

Tomorrow I get to have a heart procedure. I'm not anxious about it; I do think it is an inconvenience, but a good inconvenience. I mean, really... it would be much more inconvenient to have a heart attack. I do seem to be more aware of any little "almost" pain or discomfort in my chest. I guess I am a little more sensitive than usual.

Back to the point... I posted this information on a social networking site and had an overflowing of well wishes and prayer offerings. At some point it became emotionally moving and touching. We cheat ourselves when we keep things to ourselves. It is true that we take risks by sharing, but we receive so much from those who care.

I expected reactions from family and friends where I live, but I have received responses from people I knew in high school (a long time ago). In our society "transparency" is often seen as a weakness. The reality is that it is a strength that allows so much more strength to flow into us.

Be brave. Tell others what's going on with you.

What a privilege

There is an old church song that includes: "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

A friend emailed yesterday asking that I take a specific time each day to pray for her daughter. The details of the daughter are important, but not to this thought. Asking for prayer, and actually "doing" it are what's important.

Perhaps prayer is too often thought about and talked about instead of done. It is a privilege. It is an honor. It is a necessity for believers.

Don't Let your "good" be spoken of as "evil"

This morning we had a food distribution for anyone showing up to claim it. Volunteers came from churches, civic organizations, and even from the jail. Volunteers came from our county and from neighboring counties. They all came to help unload, set up, sort, and prepare boxes of food to give to those coming to receive it.

In the hustle and bustle of volunteers, some who had never done this before and others who "know the drill", we had the occasional conflict of people trying to occupy the same location at the same time.

In the midst of the melee Satan took advantage of the frustration of good people and feelings were hurt. The one who said "you are in the way," and the one who was told and responded by leaving in a "snit" both lent themselves to Satan's bidding.

I suspect that neither intended to do anything other than serve, but both went away remembering the sadness of conflict instead of the joy of service.

It is so easy to become distracted , isn't it?

Once Again

I've taken time away from daily (or almost daily) postings. I'm even using this website instead of the one I had used earlier for devotional thoughts.

If you would like to join me again (or for the first time) welcome.