"My soul waits for the Lord more than watchman wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:6
On ancient city walls, watchmen stood guard through out the night. While others slept, they kept watch. Their shift did not end until dawn broke through the night. No matter how long and how dark the night was, they knew morning would come.
Using that imagery, the Psalmist says in the same way that the watchman knows morning is coming, so I am waiting on God to break trough the darkness of life. It is a courageous confidence not in the circumstances of life but in the character of God. God will come through. As certain as we are that night will pass and morning will come, so are we that the darkness life can bring will give way to God's light. God's light will overcome our present darkness.
It is such a simple cliche, and yet, it is so very true..."this too shall pass." When you are on guard during a night time experience of life, it is easy to think, "This is never going to end...this pain, this struggle, this problem...is never going to pass." But our hope is not in the circumstances, it is God alone. And in him, we have the same certainty that the watchman had in the middle of the night..."It may be dark now...the night may be long, but if I keep my eyes open, I will see the sun rise."
I don't know who this is for today...but whoever you are, I urge you...hang on...don't give up heart...the Morning is coming!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"New Name"
Yesterday I was sitting in court. I was there as a witness for an adoption. When Levi was 7 months old he was brought to the home of foster parents Mark and Sue Atherton, who are a part of our church family (you know, Mark from preaching while I was on sabbatical). Levi was considered a "special needs" case because of his birth-home environment. But, to Mark and Sue, he has always just been special. Levi is now four years old and the only Mom and Dad he has ever known is Mark and Sue. As far as he was concerned, Christopher, has always been his big brother. Step by step, this family followed God's lead to love and yesterday the court put on paper what had already happened in their hearts...Levi became their legally adopted son.
When the judge announced, "Your name is now Levi Ewing Atherton, " Levi lit up. I wish you could have seen his reaction! It was so cool! His hands shot up in the air in excitement and he looked straight at Sue. She nodded her head as if to reassure him that it was true. He now had a new name. He has the Atherton name and that means he is in their permanent care and responsibility. What is theirs is his.
Through adoption, Levi became the fully legal son of the only Mom and Dad he has ever known. Afterwards, Levi, with eyes wide open and a big smile on his face said to everyone, "I've got a surprise for you...we have cake and ice cream back at my house!" "My house"...that's right Levi...you now don't just have a place to stay, you have a home. Thank you Mark and Sue for giving me a picture of what Being the church looks like. It is one of those moments I will put down as one of my top ten best days of being a pastor.
As I was driving back to Living Hope, I prayed, "Father, thank you!" You see, as Levi was adopted, I couldn't help but remember what Jesus did for me when I was seven years old. I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life. That day I was given a new name. I was no longer just Chad Arlen Current. I was Chad Arlen Current, son of THE KING of kings. He put me in his family and has taken on permanent care and responsibility for me. What is his, is mine! And some day, when this life ends, he will take me by the hand and say, "Earth was a only place for you to stay for while, but now you have a home."
Have you been adopted by the Heavenly Father, yet? Have you made a decision to not just know Jesus but to walk in daily relationship with him? Do you want to know more about what being adopted by him means? I am always available to talk about that.
The Bible says in Romans 8:15-17, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, "Abba, Daddy." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
When the judge announced, "Your name is now Levi Ewing Atherton, " Levi lit up. I wish you could have seen his reaction! It was so cool! His hands shot up in the air in excitement and he looked straight at Sue. She nodded her head as if to reassure him that it was true. He now had a new name. He has the Atherton name and that means he is in their permanent care and responsibility. What is theirs is his.
Through adoption, Levi became the fully legal son of the only Mom and Dad he has ever known. Afterwards, Levi, with eyes wide open and a big smile on his face said to everyone, "I've got a surprise for you...we have cake and ice cream back at my house!" "My house"...that's right Levi...you now don't just have a place to stay, you have a home. Thank you Mark and Sue for giving me a picture of what Being the church looks like. It is one of those moments I will put down as one of my top ten best days of being a pastor.
As I was driving back to Living Hope, I prayed, "Father, thank you!" You see, as Levi was adopted, I couldn't help but remember what Jesus did for me when I was seven years old. I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life. That day I was given a new name. I was no longer just Chad Arlen Current. I was Chad Arlen Current, son of THE KING of kings. He put me in his family and has taken on permanent care and responsibility for me. What is his, is mine! And some day, when this life ends, he will take me by the hand and say, "Earth was a only place for you to stay for while, but now you have a home."
Have you been adopted by the Heavenly Father, yet? Have you made a decision to not just know Jesus but to walk in daily relationship with him? Do you want to know more about what being adopted by him means? I am always available to talk about that.
The Bible says in Romans 8:15-17, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, "Abba, Daddy." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
"There He is Again"
At 2:27 AM, Seth woke up screaming. Earlier the day before, we discovered he had a double ear infection. The little guy was in pain. Kimberly checked on him the first time and I did as any Dad who has half a brain learns to do...act like you are still asleep so mom can get him...hey...don't judge me! :-) Anyway, it did not work. Kimberly came back in our room and said "He's calling for you" (touche`, Kimberly, touche`...:-)
So, I drug myself out of bed and went to his room. It quickly became obvious that his discomfort made him want my presence. First I tried holding him and then putting him back in bed, but that just upset him all the more. Then I tried him in our bed, but he was too curious in this new setting to sleep. Finally, I took him downstairs to our recliner...the kind that is big enough for even a guy my size to sleep in. We laid back and, it was like, when Seth realized that I was in it for the long haul and that where he slept I would sleep, he allowed himself to relax and drift back to sleep...and as he slept so did I.
Your Father in heaven is in it for the long haul. He is not rocking you just so he can leave you and get back to his own bed. I may do that, but he is not like we earthly Father's. No, he says "I will never leave you or abandon you." Let that truth sink in...let that truth become a part of you. When that truth moves from factual knowledge to experiential reality, then you too will be able to allow yourself to lay back, relax and fall asleep in the arms of the One who keeps the whole world spinning so you can rest.
Thanks, Seth, for waking Daddy up the other night. I needed to see God in that way.
How about you? Where have you seen God this week? Send me an email and let me know.
So, I drug myself out of bed and went to his room. It quickly became obvious that his discomfort made him want my presence. First I tried holding him and then putting him back in bed, but that just upset him all the more. Then I tried him in our bed, but he was too curious in this new setting to sleep. Finally, I took him downstairs to our recliner...the kind that is big enough for even a guy my size to sleep in. We laid back and, it was like, when Seth realized that I was in it for the long haul and that where he slept I would sleep, he allowed himself to relax and drift back to sleep...and as he slept so did I.
Your Father in heaven is in it for the long haul. He is not rocking you just so he can leave you and get back to his own bed. I may do that, but he is not like we earthly Father's. No, he says "I will never leave you or abandon you." Let that truth sink in...let that truth become a part of you. When that truth moves from factual knowledge to experiential reality, then you too will be able to allow yourself to lay back, relax and fall asleep in the arms of the One who keeps the whole world spinning so you can rest.
Thanks, Seth, for waking Daddy up the other night. I needed to see God in that way.
How about you? Where have you seen God this week? Send me an email and let me know.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
"God Seen at Lemonade Stand"
The next time you happen by a child's lemonade stand be sure to slow down and take a good look...you may just see God!
On Sunday, after the worship service a Mother walked up to me. Her two daughters Caitlyn and Yelsa (I believe they are around 5 and 6 years old) were hanging on to her legs. It was obvious the girls wanted to be a silent part of the conversation that was about to take place between their mother and me. Their Mother put a small jar in my hands. Then she explained: "We had a garage sale this week. My girls insisted on having a lemonade stand. They said they wanted to get money for the orphans in Ukraine. So, here is what they raised, $34.58."
$34.58 does not sound like too much to us, but to a five and six year old that's enough to buy a brand new toy or a several trips to Dairy Queen. But these little girls, not prompted by any adult, but certainly prompted by Jesus, found a way to do something for orphans. I shared with the girls that it takes $10 a day to feed the orphans in Ukraine. That means their money will feed an orphan for almost three and half days. They did not just find a way to help...they made a way...and then when the money came they resisted any temptation to keep any for themselves. They gave it all away!
As I praised God for speaking to children and being a part of a church family where children are prompted (and parents allow their children) to BE the church and love the likes of orphans not just with words but actions, I also found myself saying, "God forgive me." If a 5 and 6 year old can find a way to help the helpless what excuse do I have...what excuse do you have? The fact is, we are without excuse.
To love God is to love others...This is true religion, James, the half brother of Jesus said, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 2:27). In another place James says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17). It does not say he who has a means or she who feels comfortable...or they who have no problems of their own...rather it says "Anyone"...I think that includes us all..."who knows"...that means not one's present life-season, situation, skill set or financial standing, but merely one's knowledge of a need is what qualifies us for and requires us to do good.
I don't know about you, but I just saw God at a lemonade stand...its funny...I never thought of God showing up in the appearance of two blond haired little girls, but I guess God is willing to show up whenever and however we will let him. Thank you Caitlyn and Yelsa for letting me see God through you!
Do you have a God-sighting story this week? Please send it my way!
On Sunday, after the worship service a Mother walked up to me. Her two daughters Caitlyn and Yelsa (I believe they are around 5 and 6 years old) were hanging on to her legs. It was obvious the girls wanted to be a silent part of the conversation that was about to take place between their mother and me. Their Mother put a small jar in my hands. Then she explained: "We had a garage sale this week. My girls insisted on having a lemonade stand. They said they wanted to get money for the orphans in Ukraine. So, here is what they raised, $34.58."
$34.58 does not sound like too much to us, but to a five and six year old that's enough to buy a brand new toy or a several trips to Dairy Queen. But these little girls, not prompted by any adult, but certainly prompted by Jesus, found a way to do something for orphans. I shared with the girls that it takes $10 a day to feed the orphans in Ukraine. That means their money will feed an orphan for almost three and half days. They did not just find a way to help...they made a way...and then when the money came they resisted any temptation to keep any for themselves. They gave it all away!
As I praised God for speaking to children and being a part of a church family where children are prompted (and parents allow their children) to BE the church and love the likes of orphans not just with words but actions, I also found myself saying, "God forgive me." If a 5 and 6 year old can find a way to help the helpless what excuse do I have...what excuse do you have? The fact is, we are without excuse.
To love God is to love others...This is true religion, James, the half brother of Jesus said, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 2:27). In another place James says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17). It does not say he who has a means or she who feels comfortable...or they who have no problems of their own...rather it says "Anyone"...I think that includes us all..."who knows"...that means not one's present life-season, situation, skill set or financial standing, but merely one's knowledge of a need is what qualifies us for and requires us to do good.
I don't know about you, but I just saw God at a lemonade stand...its funny...I never thought of God showing up in the appearance of two blond haired little girls, but I guess God is willing to show up whenever and however we will let him. Thank you Caitlyn and Yelsa for letting me see God through you!
Do you have a God-sighting story this week? Please send it my way!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"We Interupt Your Regular Scheduled Program..."
You're watching your favorite television show. Its getting to what should be the best part of the show. You are on the edge of your seat. "This is going to be good", you think to yourself. Then, suddenly, the show shuts off and you hear these words, "We interrupt your regular scheduled program for this special announcement." Chances are the special announcement is more important than the ending of your show, but you don't care. You want to see what happened while your still in the moment, but the interruption has a different message for you to hear.
If it were only TV shows that got interrupted in life that would be good, but its not. Best laid plans get interrupted...schedules get interrupted...dreams get interrupted...relationships get interrupted...interruptions are a part of life. And quite frankly, they are not a part of life I appreciate.
Just today, I had everything planned out. I would get to the office and I would get through my to-do-list and then...wam, bam...interruption...not of people but of circumstances and before I know it half the day is gone and not even half of my to-do-list is done.
And about that time Jon Gibson chimes in and says something completely ridiculous like, "Maybe God had other plans for your day." "You know what Jon, you can just keep your little spiritual opinions to yourself...I just want to me mad at having life interrupt me"...that's what I wanted to say...but God would not let me because I knew Jon was right. Why did this interruption bother me so much? Do I get so caught up in what I need to do that I miss what God wants to do? If it is true for TV then I am sure it is all the more true for God...if the special announcement that interrupts the TV show is more important than the ending of the show then isn't that all the more reason to watch for God in the interruptions of life?
So, today, I heeded the word of Pastor Jon. I looked around and guess what...He was right. God did have other plans. The plans I had fell through but his plans for me to build relationship with two folks in the midst of those failed plans were more important.
It made me think of Hebrews 13: 2, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels with out knowing it."
What if what I see as an interruption, God sees as just the angel I needed most. May God help me and you not to miss seeing him even in the interruptions.
Got any God-sighting stories? Have you seen God in the midst of an interruption? Send them my way...I'd love to hear from you!
If it were only TV shows that got interrupted in life that would be good, but its not. Best laid plans get interrupted...schedules get interrupted...dreams get interrupted...relationships get interrupted...interruptions are a part of life. And quite frankly, they are not a part of life I appreciate.
Just today, I had everything planned out. I would get to the office and I would get through my to-do-list and then...wam, bam...interruption...not of people but of circumstances and before I know it half the day is gone and not even half of my to-do-list is done.
And about that time Jon Gibson chimes in and says something completely ridiculous like, "Maybe God had other plans for your day." "You know what Jon, you can just keep your little spiritual opinions to yourself...I just want to me mad at having life interrupt me"...that's what I wanted to say...but God would not let me because I knew Jon was right. Why did this interruption bother me so much? Do I get so caught up in what I need to do that I miss what God wants to do? If it is true for TV then I am sure it is all the more true for God...if the special announcement that interrupts the TV show is more important than the ending of the show then isn't that all the more reason to watch for God in the interruptions of life?
So, today, I heeded the word of Pastor Jon. I looked around and guess what...He was right. God did have other plans. The plans I had fell through but his plans for me to build relationship with two folks in the midst of those failed plans were more important.
It made me think of Hebrews 13: 2, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels with out knowing it."
What if what I see as an interruption, God sees as just the angel I needed most. May God help me and you not to miss seeing him even in the interruptions.
Got any God-sighting stories? Have you seen God in the midst of an interruption? Send them my way...I'd love to hear from you!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"Look Forward"
This evening Anna, my three year old, was riding her "big girl" bike. With helmet on and her blond curls blowing in the wind, she was having so much fun. She would speed ahead of me and laugh at the thought that I could not keep up. She could not resist the temptation to look back to see how far she had out paced me. She'd look back, see how far ahead she was and grin from ear to ear.
The only problem was that every time she looked back she almost wrecked. In fact, at one point I thought for sure she was going to wipe out..."Whoa" she exclaimed as she struggled to regain control. I found myself blurting out these words of advice, "Anna, you can't look back. You have to keep looking forward all the time. If you look back your going to fall."
No sooner had those words left my mouth than something inside of me said, "That's good advice for you to remember too, Chad." And, right there on the sidewalk, walking behind my baby girl as she rode her bike, I had a God sighting. "If you look back, you're going to fall" was the message God was giving me loud and clear as I remembered the words from the Bible in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, don't look back or you'll fall! We have to keep looking forward.
Look back at what could have, would have, should have and you'll fall flat on your face and miss what is.
Look back at your mistakes, poor choices, sins and regrets and you'll get tripped up in guilt and shame that Jesus' death broke and the freedom your confession made yours.
Look back at your old life before Christ and self-indulgence and self-centeredness will show you its appeal with out reminding you of its lies and down you'll go.
Look back and second guess the commitments you know God has called you to make and ever so gradually you will find yourself falling away from what matters most.
No, don't look back! Keep your eyes looking forward! Not only will it keep you from falling, but it will let you see God going before you at every turn.
Got any God-sighting stories of your own? I would love to hear them!
The only problem was that every time she looked back she almost wrecked. In fact, at one point I thought for sure she was going to wipe out..."Whoa" she exclaimed as she struggled to regain control. I found myself blurting out these words of advice, "Anna, you can't look back. You have to keep looking forward all the time. If you look back your going to fall."
No sooner had those words left my mouth than something inside of me said, "That's good advice for you to remember too, Chad." And, right there on the sidewalk, walking behind my baby girl as she rode her bike, I had a God sighting. "If you look back, you're going to fall" was the message God was giving me loud and clear as I remembered the words from the Bible in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, don't look back or you'll fall! We have to keep looking forward.
Look back at what could have, would have, should have and you'll fall flat on your face and miss what is.
Look back at your mistakes, poor choices, sins and regrets and you'll get tripped up in guilt and shame that Jesus' death broke and the freedom your confession made yours.
Look back at your old life before Christ and self-indulgence and self-centeredness will show you its appeal with out reminding you of its lies and down you'll go.
Look back and second guess the commitments you know God has called you to make and ever so gradually you will find yourself falling away from what matters most.
No, don't look back! Keep your eyes looking forward! Not only will it keep you from falling, but it will let you see God going before you at every turn.
Got any God-sighting stories of your own? I would love to hear them!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
"God Sighting"
I thought I’d share my Random Thoughts early this week.
This past Sunday the book of Ruth challenged us to watch for God. So, today, with my wrist band as a reminder, I kept my eyes open. Guess what?! I saw God.
My God sighting occurred around 6:30 PM tonight. A week ago our prayer chain started praying for 200 kids at VBS. This was a big request considering last year the most we had by the third night was 156 kids. Guess how many kids we had last night…this year’s first night? We had 198 kids! I not only saw God in that number, but in the eyes, smiles, dancing, running of the children. I saw him through the loving action of those in our church family who served.
I specifically saw God working in a little boy in the Bible story time. He, in complete sincerity said, “I heard God is dead.” I looked him in the eye, smiled and said, “He was, but he came back to life. He is alive right now.” He said, “But I can’t see him. Where is he?” I said, “God is like the wind. You can’t see him, but you can see what he moves…what he affects.” His eyes brightened up. He smiled…it was if he was relieved…”Oh” He said. He got it…he received it…God is alive and God is with him. It was as though for the first time, this boy who someone invited learned that God really was alive, well, and with him.
That is why we do this every year…that is why we go all out…because a child is worth it. It would be worth it for one and it is worth it for 198. Kids don’t have to grow up not knowing and living in God’s love, hope and peace. God is giving us a great opportunity and responsibility this week.
However, 198 on the first night means we will have more the next night and that means in order to be effective we need one more adult or teen helper in every class. You do not have to teach or come up with any thing. All you would have to do is be there and help the class teacher and other helpers get the class to each of their activities...and…most important…smile, get to know the child’s name and show them by your presence that there is another adult who says they are worth their time…to be honest some of the kids need that like you would not believe…just being there has the potential of being life-changing to some of the boys and girls God has sent us.
On my way home, I prayed, “God, how can we handle this many kids. “ He said, “That’s what you prayed for.” I said, “I know but now what?” Then I was reminded of Bible example after example where the point comes through loud and clear that God has already given us everything we need. God would not have sent us 198 kids if he did not want us to share the love of Jesus with them. And he would not have sent them if he did not know we could effectively do that.
So, what do you say? We need at least 10 people for the next 4 nights. Just 10 people out of our 450 person church. Will you help? If so, please do not email me. Email Robin directly. Thank you so much for those who will. Thank you so much for those who can’t but will pray hard for this week’s VBS. You are an amazing church! Robin’s email is: rwientge@cinci.rr.com
So, that is my God sighting story for day one of our journey. I would love to hear your stories these next 5 weeks. Feel free to email me with any small or big God sighting!
This past Sunday the book of Ruth challenged us to watch for God. So, today, with my wrist band as a reminder, I kept my eyes open. Guess what?! I saw God.
My God sighting occurred around 6:30 PM tonight. A week ago our prayer chain started praying for 200 kids at VBS. This was a big request considering last year the most we had by the third night was 156 kids. Guess how many kids we had last night…this year’s first night? We had 198 kids! I not only saw God in that number, but in the eyes, smiles, dancing, running of the children. I saw him through the loving action of those in our church family who served.
I specifically saw God working in a little boy in the Bible story time. He, in complete sincerity said, “I heard God is dead.” I looked him in the eye, smiled and said, “He was, but he came back to life. He is alive right now.” He said, “But I can’t see him. Where is he?” I said, “God is like the wind. You can’t see him, but you can see what he moves…what he affects.” His eyes brightened up. He smiled…it was if he was relieved…”Oh” He said. He got it…he received it…God is alive and God is with him. It was as though for the first time, this boy who someone invited learned that God really was alive, well, and with him.
That is why we do this every year…that is why we go all out…because a child is worth it. It would be worth it for one and it is worth it for 198. Kids don’t have to grow up not knowing and living in God’s love, hope and peace. God is giving us a great opportunity and responsibility this week.
However, 198 on the first night means we will have more the next night and that means in order to be effective we need one more adult or teen helper in every class. You do not have to teach or come up with any thing. All you would have to do is be there and help the class teacher and other helpers get the class to each of their activities...and…most important…smile, get to know the child’s name and show them by your presence that there is another adult who says they are worth their time…to be honest some of the kids need that like you would not believe…just being there has the potential of being life-changing to some of the boys and girls God has sent us.
On my way home, I prayed, “God, how can we handle this many kids. “ He said, “That’s what you prayed for.” I said, “I know but now what?” Then I was reminded of Bible example after example where the point comes through loud and clear that God has already given us everything we need. God would not have sent us 198 kids if he did not want us to share the love of Jesus with them. And he would not have sent them if he did not know we could effectively do that.
So, what do you say? We need at least 10 people for the next 4 nights. Just 10 people out of our 450 person church. Will you help? If so, please do not email me. Email Robin directly. Thank you so much for those who will. Thank you so much for those who can’t but will pray hard for this week’s VBS. You are an amazing church! Robin’s email is: rwientge@cinci.rr.com
So, that is my God sighting story for day one of our journey. I would love to hear your stories these next 5 weeks. Feel free to email me with any small or big God sighting!
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