It seems that the only thing really growing in my yard these days are weeds. Up until the past month I was especially proud of how green and weed-free my front yard had remained. Those days are gone!
On Monday, I bent over a pulled a weed..then I pulled another...then another...before long I had pulled every weed in the main part of my front yard. Last night I started pulling weeds on the side of my house. I pulled one weed, then another, then another...Next thing I knew, Anna was pulling weeds, then Kimberly and then Seth started taking piles of weeds to a pile in the back yard.
As I was pulling weeds, I noticed something. As long as I focused on one weed at a time, I made progress. The moment I stood back and saw all the weeds in the yard, I wanted to give up. I think the same applies to the weeds in our lives. I wonder how often we defeat what God could do in us because we see how far we have to go, become overwhelmed and give up before he can start. What if all God is looking for is someone to let him pull one weed at a time? What if instead of looking at loosing 70 pounds, we just looked at loosing one pound? What if instead of trying to work on ten things wrong in our marriage, we sat down and began to look at just one? What if instead of trying to read the entire Bible, we determined to read just one chapter or even one verse a day? What if instead of wrestling with all our hurts, we started bringing just one to the Father? Then, as we watch God pull that one weed, we would be ready, open and energized to let him take us to the next. I really think Satan helps us see everything that is wrong, so that we cannot focus on the next one thing God wants to make right.
Over and over again that is how Jesus said the Kingdom of God works in our world. "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough" Matthew 13:33. The weeds of our lives and of this world can be eliminated...hunger can be stamped out, human trafficking can be brought to an end, every orphan can be cared for, poverty can be broken one weed at a time. And if every church would pull just one weed, just think of how beautiful the landscape of this world could become!
Let's go pull a weed!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
"100 MPH"
Do you ever feel like you are going 100 MPH? For those families whose children started back to school today, you may even feel like you have whiplash. It is go here...run there...back to the house...grab a bite to eat and don't let the door hit you as you leave...zoooom...daaaash...(hey, give me a break...it is hard to make fast car noises in type)...100 MPH! If you ever feel like that, then know that you are not alone. I feel like I have been going 100 MPH today.
Let's face it...we live in a culture that values speed. Our culture gives us the message every day that the prize goes to the one who can cram the most in and get the most done in the fastest time. Of course, no one knows what the prize is... Unless, you count heartburn, headaches, short-tempers, negative attitudes and insomnia as prizes. I don't count them as prizes, but I can count on them to be my norm when I expect of my self, my life and my family to keep going 100 MPH, 7 days a week.
However, can I let you in on a little secret our culture does not want you to know? I am looking over my shoulder as I type, hoping that the cultural KGB will not bust down my door for what I am about to share. Are you ready? This could change everything for you and me...here it is:
Just because our culture tells us everyone has to go 100 MPH every day, does not mean we have to live that way.
I know...its completely counter cultural, but is true! I can pull off the highway. It OK to take a side road where the speed limit is only 25 MPH. Heck...you can even pull off at a rest area for a while. I know..this is hard for most of us...we feel like we need to be going all the time. We feel like rest is a waste. We feel guilty if we are not being productive every second. We think it is normal to be busy from dawn to dusk. Friends, its not normal...its INSANE!
I am drawn back to the Scripture we looked at on Sunday in Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." The truth is pulling off the highway and being intentional about rest, recreation and reflection is not counter-productive it helps you to be more productive because it renews your strength.
We all complain about our busyness. Why not quit complaining and do something about it?! There is no better time than the first day of school to be intentional about being counter cultural in this way. Here are some ideas:
* Establish a "Nothing" night one night a week. Whether this is the same night every night or determined at the on-set of each new week. You and your family will come to look forward to this night in which nothing is planned...nothing has to be done at home or any where else...it will become an evening of refuge that you will anticipate together.
* Establish a daily time of quiet for just you and your Father in heaven. I use a time of journaling and Scripture reading to help me find my Center for the day. An evening walk is also a great time of re-focusing on God for me. It is amazing how this renews my strength. God is near. The question is where are we?
* Block out sabbath time. What do you do before and after worship? Don't just count the hour here on Sunday as worship. Give yourself an hour before worship to begin changing channels. Keep the TV off and find ways to turn your heart and mind on to the things of God. Do this as a family. Then after worship use the ride home to talk about not just what was said, but what it was speaking to you personally. Let the conversation go as long or as short as needed. Then pray silently or out loud together that what God said on Sunday stays with you and is played out all week.
* Budget for a vacation. We have made a decision we will do without many other things during the year (Cable TV, texting, eating out, etc.) so we can save enough money each year to get away. Whether you can get away for a day, a weekend or a week, getting away does the heart good. It is like an annual sabbatical.
The list of ideas could go on and on, but ideas mean nothing unless they are put into action. I challenge us, church, to be boldly counter cultural in this way. If others want to go 100 MPH, 7 days a week, they can do so. I will pray for them as they crash and burn. But as for me and my house, we be intentional about pulling off the highway so we can enjoy the scenic route occasionally and the rest stops regularly.
Let's face it...we live in a culture that values speed. Our culture gives us the message every day that the prize goes to the one who can cram the most in and get the most done in the fastest time. Of course, no one knows what the prize is... Unless, you count heartburn, headaches, short-tempers, negative attitudes and insomnia as prizes. I don't count them as prizes, but I can count on them to be my norm when I expect of my self, my life and my family to keep going 100 MPH, 7 days a week.
However, can I let you in on a little secret our culture does not want you to know? I am looking over my shoulder as I type, hoping that the cultural KGB will not bust down my door for what I am about to share. Are you ready? This could change everything for you and me...here it is:
Just because our culture tells us everyone has to go 100 MPH every day, does not mean we have to live that way.
I know...its completely counter cultural, but is true! I can pull off the highway. It OK to take a side road where the speed limit is only 25 MPH. Heck...you can even pull off at a rest area for a while. I know..this is hard for most of us...we feel like we need to be going all the time. We feel like rest is a waste. We feel guilty if we are not being productive every second. We think it is normal to be busy from dawn to dusk. Friends, its not normal...its INSANE!
I am drawn back to the Scripture we looked at on Sunday in Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." The truth is pulling off the highway and being intentional about rest, recreation and reflection is not counter-productive it helps you to be more productive because it renews your strength.
We all complain about our busyness. Why not quit complaining and do something about it?! There is no better time than the first day of school to be intentional about being counter cultural in this way. Here are some ideas:
* Establish a "Nothing" night one night a week. Whether this is the same night every night or determined at the on-set of each new week. You and your family will come to look forward to this night in which nothing is planned...nothing has to be done at home or any where else...it will become an evening of refuge that you will anticipate together.
* Establish a daily time of quiet for just you and your Father in heaven. I use a time of journaling and Scripture reading to help me find my Center for the day. An evening walk is also a great time of re-focusing on God for me. It is amazing how this renews my strength. God is near. The question is where are we?
* Block out sabbath time. What do you do before and after worship? Don't just count the hour here on Sunday as worship. Give yourself an hour before worship to begin changing channels. Keep the TV off and find ways to turn your heart and mind on to the things of God. Do this as a family. Then after worship use the ride home to talk about not just what was said, but what it was speaking to you personally. Let the conversation go as long or as short as needed. Then pray silently or out loud together that what God said on Sunday stays with you and is played out all week.
* Budget for a vacation. We have made a decision we will do without many other things during the year (Cable TV, texting, eating out, etc.) so we can save enough money each year to get away. Whether you can get away for a day, a weekend or a week, getting away does the heart good. It is like an annual sabbatical.
The list of ideas could go on and on, but ideas mean nothing unless they are put into action. I challenge us, church, to be boldly counter cultural in this way. If others want to go 100 MPH, 7 days a week, they can do so. I will pray for them as they crash and burn. But as for me and my house, we be intentional about pulling off the highway so we can enjoy the scenic route occasionally and the rest stops regularly.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"The Well"
When the well is dry, you can either die of thirst or dig deeper.
Jesus had something to say about that in John 7:37 & 38.
Jesus had something to say about that in John 7:37 & 38.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"Daddy, when is Friday?"
Yesterday evening our family was taking a walk together after dinner. Anna and I began talking about Living Hope's Father/Child camp out.
She asked, "Is it time for the camp out today?"
"No," I said, "that is not till Friday."
"Friday?" She said, "When is Friday?"
Friday will not get here soon enough for her. She can't wait! She is in full anticipation of this special time. She has been asking about it since last year and talking about it regularly since I told her I signed us up a few weeks ago. Anticipation comes easily for children. Wonder, awe, hopes, dreams and even wishes come naturally to their wide-eyed perspective on the world.
Of course, we have all lived past the day of such child like luxury. We've taken a a few courses at the school of hard knocks. We long since learned that stars are just stars and nothing to wish upon. We've quit wasting money on wishing fountains. "It is what it is," we moan as we march in the ruts of life.
But, if we'll let him, Jesus has come to get in our face and challenge our lack of anticipation.
Jesus came teaching a gospel of anticipation. (By the way, just in case any one wonders, the word "gospel" means good news). He came teaching us to anticipate what is and what is to come in the Kingdom of God. Take some time to read through the parables of Jesus on the Kingdom of God. He preached anticipation into existence. He also prayed it into existence.
The Lord's Prayer is a powerful example, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, they kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil."
The first word prompts anticipation. Jesus tells us to approach God as "Father." Actually, even our translation of Father is too formal. The word Jesus uses is "Abba" which is better translated, "Daddy." That is a word of anticipation. Even human daddy's, at least the ones who have earned the right to be called daddy, don't withhold their love from their children. How much more so is it with your Daddy in heaven? The first words of this prayer evoke the image of a young child running shouting, "Daddy, Daddy" as his Father enters the house after a long day of work.
"Hallowed be your name" is a prayer of anticipation. It is asking God to make himself known in our lives and in our world. It is taking a realistic look at what our world puts in the spot light and saying, "Daddy, put the spot light on you."
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That is a request of bold anticipation. Jesus challenges us to not just go through the motions, but to actually, pray, act, live, expect God's Kingdom of heaven to break in on earth. What in the world are we the church doing shaking our heads at the evil and suffering of this world? our job is not to shake our heads and let the world go to hell. Our job is to redeem the world in which we live from the grips of hell's suffering and evil. 30,000 children may die daily from starvation and 200 children may be going hungry on the weekends in our community and the only option Jesus gives his Church is to do something in the name of Christ about it! Thank you for being a church that understands that this line of the Lord's prayer can only be prayed with your hands and feet moved to action as the hands of feet of Jesus' love.
"Give us this day our daily bread" is also a supplication of anticipation. Few of us know what it is like to go to bed not knowing how our basic needs will be met in the morning (However, let us not close our eyes to the millions around the world for whom this is true). But Jesus says that as his Follower we can lay our head down at night not knowing from where what we need will come, but fully anticipating that it will come. He will meet our needs.
"Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil" are also prayers of anticipation. Why do we assume defeat before the battle begins? How many of us have resigned ourselves to the fact of continual, habitual failure to sin? How many of us tell others, "That's just how I am? Its how my family as always been. Its how I will always be"? How many of us look at the mountains of evil in this life and say you can't overcome that? Jesus does not let us get away with such small thinking. He challenges us to anticipate what his death and resurrection has already guaranteed...VICTORY!
"Daddy, when is Friday?" was my daughter's question of anticipation. Jesus invites us to live in anticipation through Him..."when" is coming and he wants to make "when" now and one day "when" will be way beyond now. Will you be a Follower of Christ who prays and lives out this anticipation? Will church who anticipates God's Kingdom breaking in? Will we be a church whose love in action allows others to anticipate God among us?
She asked, "Is it time for the camp out today?"
"No," I said, "that is not till Friday."
"Friday?" She said, "When is Friday?"
Friday will not get here soon enough for her. She can't wait! She is in full anticipation of this special time. She has been asking about it since last year and talking about it regularly since I told her I signed us up a few weeks ago. Anticipation comes easily for children. Wonder, awe, hopes, dreams and even wishes come naturally to their wide-eyed perspective on the world.
Of course, we have all lived past the day of such child like luxury. We've taken a a few courses at the school of hard knocks. We long since learned that stars are just stars and nothing to wish upon. We've quit wasting money on wishing fountains. "It is what it is," we moan as we march in the ruts of life.
But, if we'll let him, Jesus has come to get in our face and challenge our lack of anticipation.
Jesus came teaching a gospel of anticipation. (By the way, just in case any one wonders, the word "gospel" means good news). He came teaching us to anticipate what is and what is to come in the Kingdom of God. Take some time to read through the parables of Jesus on the Kingdom of God. He preached anticipation into existence. He also prayed it into existence.
The Lord's Prayer is a powerful example, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, they kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil."
The first word prompts anticipation. Jesus tells us to approach God as "Father." Actually, even our translation of Father is too formal. The word Jesus uses is "Abba" which is better translated, "Daddy." That is a word of anticipation. Even human daddy's, at least the ones who have earned the right to be called daddy, don't withhold their love from their children. How much more so is it with your Daddy in heaven? The first words of this prayer evoke the image of a young child running shouting, "Daddy, Daddy" as his Father enters the house after a long day of work.
"Hallowed be your name" is a prayer of anticipation. It is asking God to make himself known in our lives and in our world. It is taking a realistic look at what our world puts in the spot light and saying, "Daddy, put the spot light on you."
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That is a request of bold anticipation. Jesus challenges us to not just go through the motions, but to actually, pray, act, live, expect God's Kingdom of heaven to break in on earth. What in the world are we the church doing shaking our heads at the evil and suffering of this world? our job is not to shake our heads and let the world go to hell. Our job is to redeem the world in which we live from the grips of hell's suffering and evil. 30,000 children may die daily from starvation and 200 children may be going hungry on the weekends in our community and the only option Jesus gives his Church is to do something in the name of Christ about it! Thank you for being a church that understands that this line of the Lord's prayer can only be prayed with your hands and feet moved to action as the hands of feet of Jesus' love.
"Give us this day our daily bread" is also a supplication of anticipation. Few of us know what it is like to go to bed not knowing how our basic needs will be met in the morning (However, let us not close our eyes to the millions around the world for whom this is true). But Jesus says that as his Follower we can lay our head down at night not knowing from where what we need will come, but fully anticipating that it will come. He will meet our needs.
"Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil" are also prayers of anticipation. Why do we assume defeat before the battle begins? How many of us have resigned ourselves to the fact of continual, habitual failure to sin? How many of us tell others, "That's just how I am? Its how my family as always been. Its how I will always be"? How many of us look at the mountains of evil in this life and say you can't overcome that? Jesus does not let us get away with such small thinking. He challenges us to anticipate what his death and resurrection has already guaranteed...VICTORY!
"Daddy, when is Friday?" was my daughter's question of anticipation. Jesus invites us to live in anticipation through Him..."when" is coming and he wants to make "when" now and one day "when" will be way beyond now. Will you be a Follower of Christ who prays and lives out this anticipation? Will church who anticipates God's Kingdom breaking in? Will we be a church whose love in action allows others to anticipate God among us?
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