That old saying is easier to say and think than it is to live. We come up with excuses, 'I'm not judging, I'm a fruit inspector'. Or question, ‘how can I help my fellow travelers if I don't spot where they are missing the mark and get them back on track’.
Recently I heard the story of someone who has not worked except fill-in jobs since I have known him which is a couple of years. I thought he was just one of those guys who has decided that the opportunity to have a good time, smoke a little weed, drink a little and just make enough to get by. I have seen a lot of this attitude and our economic conditions only adds to the excuses. I like this guy because he is in the life of a good friend but I understand her frustration at his lack of drive to achieve and to be working toward a future.
The story I heard was how he was a businessman with teams of employees and projects from LA to San Diego. He was a careful planner, followed weather conditions because they affected his business. In a short span of time despite his careful attention, some bizarre weather conditions affected this whole area. He was roofing 3 different shopping malls and because of the damages even though he had insurance he lost everything. His wife was unfaithful and he lost his family and soon he was left living with friends and working when it came up.
I was appalled at myself for writing a scenario about his life that had nothing to do with reality. A person who needs encouragement, understanding and my prayers received none of that from me.
I don't see this man often but now he is a part of my prayer time. Perhaps someday I can relate to him in a deeper way but until then he has my respect and my sympathy, not my disdain.
Something we need to all remember-everyone has a story. Not knowing the story can cause us to be judgmental and put a distance between us that is not honoring to God. Jesus took the time to talk with a woman He should not have by the standards of the culture and He changed her life and the rest of the town. He touched the unclean, called life to the dead and not to be a rebel but to honor His Father and the ultimate purpose He came for-restoration and healing.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Intentional
Intentional: done purposely. Intention: determination to do a specified thing or act in a specified manner, anything intended or planned.
As a writer I like words and that means sometimes a word catches my imagination and I not only look up the meaning and different uses but I work on that word in my mind, a meditation if you will. A few years ago when my worries were less looming and I did this on a regular basis the last word I had begun working on was Intentional. I even made a bracelet at that time which had a lot of my favorite words and this was the last one.
My thinking at that time, and has proved out by the last few years, is if you are not living an intentional life, you are probably living a passive, doing what is next on the list life. It can become a pattern to live re-actively. To keep moving based on what is happening around you from the good events to the handling of a crisis. This leaves me feeling not only out of control but a life that is subject to events and eventually I think a sense of martyrdom or a victim profile slowly became my mindset.
Being intentional in lifestyle does not mean you won’t have situations that were unplanned for or that take you in directions you had no desire to go. There are many other people who influence and affect our days. The weather, economic conditions, fires, earthquakes many things are out of our control but our outlook will make all the difference in whether we shine or sink.
I think what I am looking for in ‘intentional’ being a life word is a sense of purpose that may change ‘shades’ but will dig deeper for the important things in life not be put aside.
Such as my relationship with God, He isn’t in my life to follow my dreams and wishes.
He actually has a plan and it is the BIG picture, how I finish my race not the going to LA should I take the 10 or the 60. Don’t misunderstand me I am not saying God doesn’t care about the details, He loves the conversation to make that choice but it isn’t the point of my life.
So what is the point. My daily walk of course, my focus on the things which are important to Him and demonstrated by Jesus while He was here on earth. Taking people where they were and giving them hope and meeting the needs which would hopefully encourage them to seek the light that reveals the truth and the way to Father.
As a writer I like words and that means sometimes a word catches my imagination and I not only look up the meaning and different uses but I work on that word in my mind, a meditation if you will. A few years ago when my worries were less looming and I did this on a regular basis the last word I had begun working on was Intentional. I even made a bracelet at that time which had a lot of my favorite words and this was the last one.
My thinking at that time, and has proved out by the last few years, is if you are not living an intentional life, you are probably living a passive, doing what is next on the list life. It can become a pattern to live re-actively. To keep moving based on what is happening around you from the good events to the handling of a crisis. This leaves me feeling not only out of control but a life that is subject to events and eventually I think a sense of martyrdom or a victim profile slowly became my mindset.
Being intentional in lifestyle does not mean you won’t have situations that were unplanned for or that take you in directions you had no desire to go. There are many other people who influence and affect our days. The weather, economic conditions, fires, earthquakes many things are out of our control but our outlook will make all the difference in whether we shine or sink.
I think what I am looking for in ‘intentional’ being a life word is a sense of purpose that may change ‘shades’ but will dig deeper for the important things in life not be put aside.
Such as my relationship with God, He isn’t in my life to follow my dreams and wishes.
He actually has a plan and it is the BIG picture, how I finish my race not the going to LA should I take the 10 or the 60. Don’t misunderstand me I am not saying God doesn’t care about the details, He loves the conversation to make that choice but it isn’t the point of my life.
So what is the point. My daily walk of course, my focus on the things which are important to Him and demonstrated by Jesus while He was here on earth. Taking people where they were and giving them hope and meeting the needs which would hopefully encourage them to seek the light that reveals the truth and the way to Father.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Missional Challenge Luke Chapter 3
I have spent a couple of days chewing on this chapter. The only mention of Jesus is His baptism, the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and His Father’s acknowledgment. What I spent time on was why Jesus was baptized. John was teaching repentance and forgiveness of sins and this was not the issue with Jesus.
So then I wondered if it was merely the example He needed to set. ‘Do this because this is the model I have set for you.’ I do this as well; make decisions at times based on leading by example. This is real obvious when it applies to the parent-child relationship. Sometimes I listen to parents discuss their decisions and they decide not to drink so my kids won’t drink. The question is does that mean you would drink if you weren’t being an example. Then you have the pain of watching a child drink anyway because they aren’t you. They decided to make their own choice for their own life. We also need to make our decisions based on following the Lord not trying to manipulate someone’s behavior. We are supposed to be living this life not acting as we think a ‘Christian’ should be behaving.
Jesus was identifying with the redemptive work He came to earth to fulfill. We need cleansing and to have a ‘marker’ of turning from our old life to a new life. He really understood what this action meant. He did it because it was right and pleasing thing to do before His Father.
So then I wondered if it was merely the example He needed to set. ‘Do this because this is the model I have set for you.’ I do this as well; make decisions at times based on leading by example. This is real obvious when it applies to the parent-child relationship. Sometimes I listen to parents discuss their decisions and they decide not to drink so my kids won’t drink. The question is does that mean you would drink if you weren’t being an example. Then you have the pain of watching a child drink anyway because they aren’t you. They decided to make their own choice for their own life. We also need to make our decisions based on following the Lord not trying to manipulate someone’s behavior. We are supposed to be living this life not acting as we think a ‘Christian’ should be behaving.
Jesus was identifying with the redemptive work He came to earth to fulfill. We need cleansing and to have a ‘marker’ of turning from our old life to a new life. He really understood what this action meant. He did it because it was right and pleasing thing to do before His Father.
Missional Challenge Luke Chapter 2
According to this chapter Jesus is now twelve years old and His family is going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. This was a big celebration and a strong family time. I might guess by now Mary and Joseph have begun having their children and they would be busy on this journey and Jesus was probably afforded the privilege of spending time with other family members and friends.
When they could not find Him with their caravan they worked their way back and they found Him in the Temple Courts with the teachers three days later. I am sure the first part of the conversation was a parent’s normal response to the tension they have been through. “What were you thinking? Do you know how worried we have been”, they might have said. Then I picture Jesus standing before them, quietly allowing them to vent their frustration, fear, anxiety and anger, and he asks them, “Why did you search for me in all these other places? Wouldn’t you realize I would be in my Father’s house?”, all without a roll of the eyes or a duh.
So what does this teach me about the Mission of Christ and how does it apply to me. I don’t believe Jesus felt He needed to ‘live’ in His Father’s house, but He desired to be where the focus and conversation was centered on God and how we relate to Him. I have a sense that Jesus did not sit with these learned men and say ‘thus says the Lord....’ but He probably asked questions which would provoke thought and take His Father out of the small manageable box we try to keep Him in. New ideas which would create a fresh sense of wonder and awe if fear of being different did not squash the moment.
This is why church, fellowship or small groups are important. Church can be too organized, a time of observing, then you go home –leaves me flat. I want to question and be questioned. It keeps me engaged in the present, where I live.
When they could not find Him with their caravan they worked their way back and they found Him in the Temple Courts with the teachers three days later. I am sure the first part of the conversation was a parent’s normal response to the tension they have been through. “What were you thinking? Do you know how worried we have been”, they might have said. Then I picture Jesus standing before them, quietly allowing them to vent their frustration, fear, anxiety and anger, and he asks them, “Why did you search for me in all these other places? Wouldn’t you realize I would be in my Father’s house?”, all without a roll of the eyes or a duh.
So what does this teach me about the Mission of Christ and how does it apply to me. I don’t believe Jesus felt He needed to ‘live’ in His Father’s house, but He desired to be where the focus and conversation was centered on God and how we relate to Him. I have a sense that Jesus did not sit with these learned men and say ‘thus says the Lord....’ but He probably asked questions which would provoke thought and take His Father out of the small manageable box we try to keep Him in. New ideas which would create a fresh sense of wonder and awe if fear of being different did not squash the moment.
This is why church, fellowship or small groups are important. Church can be too organized, a time of observing, then you go home –leaves me flat. I want to question and be questioned. It keeps me engaged in the present, where I live.
Missional Challenge Luke Chapter 1
The goal of reading each day is to learn more about the ‘mission’ Jesus came to fulfill while on earth –in the flesh. This first chapter was really about other major people in Jesus’ life. The few things the angel spoke to Mary about: was His name was to be Jesus, He would be great and called the son of the Most High, He would be given the throne of David and reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will never end. I cannot imagine how Mary must have felt at this time. I think mind boggling numbness because the picture of this person is unlike anyone ever before.
Some teach that the reason the people who lived in this time missed who Jesus was was because He came so humbly and they were looking for a majestic warrior –who would clean house and over throw Rome’s rule.
It is amazing how one so mighty, one who created all we see and know, can at the same time be a humble man who cares about the woman at the well when no one else does. He sent his disciples on an errand in order to speak with her alone about her life and to spare her from being judged and shunned by those who did not understand his ‘mission’ to her and this village.
As far as over throwing Rome –He knew time would deal with Rome and there will always be another tyrant in our world. He came to show us we could be free inside, no matter who seems to be in control of the outside.
Some teach that the reason the people who lived in this time missed who Jesus was was because He came so humbly and they were looking for a majestic warrior –who would clean house and over throw Rome’s rule.
It is amazing how one so mighty, one who created all we see and know, can at the same time be a humble man who cares about the woman at the well when no one else does. He sent his disciples on an errand in order to speak with her alone about her life and to spare her from being judged and shunned by those who did not understand his ‘mission’ to her and this village.
As far as over throwing Rome –He knew time would deal with Rome and there will always be another tyrant in our world. He came to show us we could be free inside, no matter who seems to be in control of the outside.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Psalms 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your Law. (NIV)
The words ‘law’ or ‘commandment’ generally bring to mind the lists of rights and wrongs we carry around in our head. The old way to say it was, “I don’t smoke or chew or run with girls that do’. Actually our lists are a lot longer than this old phrase.
The challenge that arises is because we look at the law as taking away our rights and holding us back, if you will. “I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it.” It is totally about our wants and self-gratification. The 'wonderful' that we miss many times is God’s point of view and His purposes in our lives.
As a parent we tell our children not to play in the street or not to touch a hot stove. Our goal is not to keep them in the yard or keep them from the food we are cooking but to protect them from danger they don’t yet understand. The law was given to define God’s boundaries that protect us from broken hearts and broken spirits. The other function is to show us we need a Savior. On Sunday morning we can listen and agree with the Minister but on Friday night our present desires far outweigh the sense of duty to obey. It is not just strong will power; it is laying down our agenda and submitting our will to a loving, Holy Father.
We certainly feel great frustration when our children look at us and ‘touch the hot
stove’ anyway. How much more is our Father grieved by our defiance--no matter how well we can rationalize our behavior.
The words ‘law’ or ‘commandment’ generally bring to mind the lists of rights and wrongs we carry around in our head. The old way to say it was, “I don’t smoke or chew or run with girls that do’. Actually our lists are a lot longer than this old phrase.
The challenge that arises is because we look at the law as taking away our rights and holding us back, if you will. “I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it.” It is totally about our wants and self-gratification. The 'wonderful' that we miss many times is God’s point of view and His purposes in our lives.
As a parent we tell our children not to play in the street or not to touch a hot stove. Our goal is not to keep them in the yard or keep them from the food we are cooking but to protect them from danger they don’t yet understand. The law was given to define God’s boundaries that protect us from broken hearts and broken spirits. The other function is to show us we need a Savior. On Sunday morning we can listen and agree with the Minister but on Friday night our present desires far outweigh the sense of duty to obey. It is not just strong will power; it is laying down our agenda and submitting our will to a loving, Holy Father.
We certainly feel great frustration when our children look at us and ‘touch the hot
stove’ anyway. How much more is our Father grieved by our defiance--no matter how well we can rationalize our behavior.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pansies the Gift of Joy
I have always loved to garden, but I guess like cooking we tend to stay with the familiar and not try new things. One fall several years ago my youngest son had a field trip and not wanting to ride in the bus, imagine that, I drove myself. It was quite a ways from home and in a rural area. On the way I noticed a cute little nursery beside the road, it was colorful and looked friendly, you know what I mean, so on the way home I stopped for a visit. This was a small independent nursery run by a woman who loved gardening and shared her plants and ideas to make a living.
It was fall and the time I usually think of mums and bulbs, but here were all these cute pansies calling out to me. I don’t know why but I had never had pansies in my yard. My first thought was, ‘they are too delicate’ and though our winters are mild-it is still too cold for many things. I read the tag and was surprised to see they are a fall, winter plant so I decided to give them a try. I loved those precious pansies. Even when it was cold enough to shrivel me up-they just sat in my flower bed blooming and in my mind they were as happy as could be.
It is sad to think my first impression could have kept me from the joy they brought to me. I stepped out my door, and there they were blooming and being beautiful. So while I was thanking the Lord for this treasure it occurred to me, there is a lesson here for me. God’s lessons are usually about people so that is where I let my mind wander.
I think there are people who on first glance seem ‘too fragile’ or ‘too high-maintenance’, whatever that means in your book. I think I may have missed out on some beautiful blooms in my life because I was too quick to judge that ‘they’ would not fit in ‘my’ flower garden.
There is a familiar slogan we often hear, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to us it means be prepared, don’t run an errand and hope you don’t see anyone you know. We don’t want them to think this is ‘me’-- this is me working in the garden. So let’s put the glove on the other hand. I am thinking that we need to remember that our first impression of someone else could be the one bad day, hour or moment of their whole week. If we decide based on a thin slice of evidence what someone else is ‘like’ and let that frame them-we have both lost out.
Oops!! Do I think I can’t have a bad day and appear too fragile or need too much attention? Forgive me Lord and help me to see the treasures all around me that You see. Add some spice and variation to my garden, new smells and surprises that You have prepared for me.
It was fall and the time I usually think of mums and bulbs, but here were all these cute pansies calling out to me. I don’t know why but I had never had pansies in my yard. My first thought was, ‘they are too delicate’ and though our winters are mild-it is still too cold for many things. I read the tag and was surprised to see they are a fall, winter plant so I decided to give them a try. I loved those precious pansies. Even when it was cold enough to shrivel me up-they just sat in my flower bed blooming and in my mind they were as happy as could be.
It is sad to think my first impression could have kept me from the joy they brought to me. I stepped out my door, and there they were blooming and being beautiful. So while I was thanking the Lord for this treasure it occurred to me, there is a lesson here for me. God’s lessons are usually about people so that is where I let my mind wander.
I think there are people who on first glance seem ‘too fragile’ or ‘too high-maintenance’, whatever that means in your book. I think I may have missed out on some beautiful blooms in my life because I was too quick to judge that ‘they’ would not fit in ‘my’ flower garden.
There is a familiar slogan we often hear, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to us it means be prepared, don’t run an errand and hope you don’t see anyone you know. We don’t want them to think this is ‘me’-- this is me working in the garden. So let’s put the glove on the other hand. I am thinking that we need to remember that our first impression of someone else could be the one bad day, hour or moment of their whole week. If we decide based on a thin slice of evidence what someone else is ‘like’ and let that frame them-we have both lost out.
Oops!! Do I think I can’t have a bad day and appear too fragile or need too much attention? Forgive me Lord and help me to see the treasures all around me that You see. Add some spice and variation to my garden, new smells and surprises that You have prepared for me.
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