“Jesus must like this store,” Harvey said. Looking around he could see people enjoying their shopping experience. The printed material at the store said: “Our Mission Statement: To demonstrate the love of Jesus by providing free clothing, Bibles, books, toys, and small household items to people in need. To provide these in an uplifting, clean, Christian store-like setting.”
The place is called The Free Store. Harvey’s eyes-of-Jesus observation is almost definitely right.
Harvey just wandered in to shop one day; now today he’s helping by hanging up used clothes. The lady who runs the store asked him about his statement. “You help bums,” Harvey replied.
The Free Store lady quickly assured him, “I don’t call the people bums.” Yet, she had misunderstood Harvey’s point. He’s only ten years old: “I thought I was a bum.”
So how did Harvey come to the conclusion that he was a bum? He wasn’t born thinking he was a bum. Did you tell him?
With Harvey’s many quirks, its pretty ease to imagine him at least as a miniature bum. Almost what the Bible categorizes as lowly. Lowly: Humble, meek; of or related to a low social or economical rank. The Bible says: “Though the LORD God is high, yet He gives respect, regard and attention to the lowly.”
It is too easy for me to mentally rank people on the “lowly scale” when I see them. Have I every non-verbally conveyed to anyone, child or adult, the message that they are bums? Have you? When we do this, we are in danger of entering into another category—“the proud.”
The Bible verse above continues; “but the proud, God knows afar off.” God help me; I don’t want to be far from you. God, I want to be close to you—like Harvey.
5/20/06
5/13/06
WE KILL PEOPLE
“So what are you doing this morning?” I asked my twelve year old cousin Timmy while talking on the phone. “We’re playing video games.”
I asked him which game he was playing. Being out of the video game loop, I couldn’t connect when he told me its title. “So is that the one where you race cars?” Timmy replied, “No, we kill people.”
“We kill people”--his words seemed so casual to him. Yet I couldn’t help verbally reacting with disapproval. Now I don’t know exactly what Jesus would think of Timmy’s video game. Of course I’m thinking He would find it offensive. I couldn’t imagine Jesus playing it.
Here is one reference Jesus made about killing, "Do not fear those who kill the body.”
Does this make sense?
From a challenging-to-perceive perspective, we must realize that Jesus considers physical death more of a life transition rather than an end. He went on to say: “but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body . . .” And big picture wise, Jesus was talking specifically about a person giving up their actual life for the cause of the Christian faith, being a martyr.
Jesus, this is blunt.
Die for my faith? With no fear? O.K. give me a minute; let me put my going-to-church-smile on: “Yes, I can die for my faith in you Jesus.” I can give up my life.
Almost too easy to say. Here’s my life, but I know I’ve guarded my wallet valiantly. I don’t mind dieing; just don’t kill my personal time—I’ve got things to do. My life is Yours, as long as my public image stays intact.
“It’s pretend,” Timmy assured me when I questioned him about killing people.
God, please don’t let my relationship with Jesus be pretend.
I asked him which game he was playing. Being out of the video game loop, I couldn’t connect when he told me its title. “So is that the one where you race cars?” Timmy replied, “No, we kill people.”
“We kill people”--his words seemed so casual to him. Yet I couldn’t help verbally reacting with disapproval. Now I don’t know exactly what Jesus would think of Timmy’s video game. Of course I’m thinking He would find it offensive. I couldn’t imagine Jesus playing it.
Here is one reference Jesus made about killing, "Do not fear those who kill the body.”
Does this make sense?
From a challenging-to-perceive perspective, we must realize that Jesus considers physical death more of a life transition rather than an end. He went on to say: “but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body . . .” And big picture wise, Jesus was talking specifically about a person giving up their actual life for the cause of the Christian faith, being a martyr.
Jesus, this is blunt.
Die for my faith? With no fear? O.K. give me a minute; let me put my going-to-church-smile on: “Yes, I can die for my faith in you Jesus.” I can give up my life.
Almost too easy to say. Here’s my life, but I know I’ve guarded my wallet valiantly. I don’t mind dieing; just don’t kill my personal time—I’ve got things to do. My life is Yours, as long as my public image stays intact.
“It’s pretend,” Timmy assured me when I questioned him about killing people.
God, please don’t let my relationship with Jesus be pretend.
5/6/06
JUNK OR JEWEL?
There it was in the Autotrader. “1994 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon” with 66,061 miles and a price of $4400. Could this be the vehicle God was leading us to?
My wife Nancy and I made the 102 mile trek, praying once more for God’s guidance just before we pulled into the used car lot: “God, don’t let us do anything stupid.”
Before we even drove the Roadmaster my wife said with quiet disgust: “It has rust.” And I’m thinking, “This thing is cool.” I was envisioning this cavernous land cruiser hauling a bunch of kids. Sure it was beat up; but then they couldn’t hurt it. Plus the price, the low-mileage.
After a brief test ride it was time for the private husband-wife conference. Nancy noticed rust, sagging headliner, loose fog light, cracked windshield and what is that smell? I was listening as I thought: “God, this is the car, isn’t it?”
Nancy summed up her view: “This is the ugliest car I’ve ever seen.” And to me I saw its funky, functional character plus the engine ran strong. I loved the Roadmaster.
Decision time-- Roadmaster junk or jewel? We faced the same question the man who allowed Jesus to die on a cross asked: “What is truth?”
Jesus are You who You claim to be or are you a liar? Jesus can’t be both a criminal deserving death and the Savior of the world at the same time. Junk or jewel?
Truth seeking led us to thumbs down on the Roadmaster. Hey there’s always another used car. There’s only one Jesus. And He said, “I am the way . . .” He continues: “. . . the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.”
So is Jesus junk or jewel in your life?
My wife Nancy and I made the 102 mile trek, praying once more for God’s guidance just before we pulled into the used car lot: “God, don’t let us do anything stupid.”
Before we even drove the Roadmaster my wife said with quiet disgust: “It has rust.” And I’m thinking, “This thing is cool.” I was envisioning this cavernous land cruiser hauling a bunch of kids. Sure it was beat up; but then they couldn’t hurt it. Plus the price, the low-mileage.
After a brief test ride it was time for the private husband-wife conference. Nancy noticed rust, sagging headliner, loose fog light, cracked windshield and what is that smell? I was listening as I thought: “God, this is the car, isn’t it?”
Nancy summed up her view: “This is the ugliest car I’ve ever seen.” And to me I saw its funky, functional character plus the engine ran strong. I loved the Roadmaster.
Decision time-- Roadmaster junk or jewel? We faced the same question the man who allowed Jesus to die on a cross asked: “What is truth?”
Jesus are You who You claim to be or are you a liar? Jesus can’t be both a criminal deserving death and the Savior of the world at the same time. Junk or jewel?
Truth seeking led us to thumbs down on the Roadmaster. Hey there’s always another used car. There’s only one Jesus. And He said, “I am the way . . .” He continues: “. . . the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.”
So is Jesus junk or jewel in your life?
5/3/06
4/29/06
THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
A right turn and it’s two blocks to Lake Michigan. Three bicycle riders, looking Tour de France ready opt to go left. Cruising past a small enclave of shops beckoning tourists to stop and spend, they find their Sunday morning destination—breakfast at an outdoor cafe.
Within whiffing distance of the cyclist’s breakfast, other people arrive at their Sunday morning destination--a traditional white steepled church. Inside Pastor Paul Schneider leads the congregation in its first chorus. “In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus . . . You can have all this world, give me Jesus.”
Me? I was inside the church that morning. Yet, seeing the bicycle riders; I was reminded of my Sunday mornings nine years prior. Then, a long bike ride and breakfast with friends was what the day was all about.
Now, attending church and worshiping God seems normal while the other option is extremely abnormal.
Radical life change is sometimes referred to as a “Damascus road experience.” This references the Apostle Paul’s conversion from Christian persecutor to ardent follower of Jesus. Traveling down the Damascus road intent on imprisoning Christians, suddenly a great light struck him, knocking him to the ground.
Lying on the ground he asked the same question I once asked: “Who are you Lord?”
You can hop on your bike every Sunday morning, ride beautiful roads with good companions and eat lots of great waffles. Yet, it’s almost guaranteed, you’ll someday wonder: “Is this all there is to life?”
You may say that I’m wrong, claiming ultimate satisfaction in non-God pursuits. That’s unfortunate. You’re missing the ride of your life.
My suggestion.
Ride your Damascus road. And may God bless you with a time of lying on the ground asking: “Who are you Lord?”
Within whiffing distance of the cyclist’s breakfast, other people arrive at their Sunday morning destination--a traditional white steepled church. Inside Pastor Paul Schneider leads the congregation in its first chorus. “In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus . . . You can have all this world, give me Jesus.”
Me? I was inside the church that morning. Yet, seeing the bicycle riders; I was reminded of my Sunday mornings nine years prior. Then, a long bike ride and breakfast with friends was what the day was all about.
Now, attending church and worshiping God seems normal while the other option is extremely abnormal.
Radical life change is sometimes referred to as a “Damascus road experience.” This references the Apostle Paul’s conversion from Christian persecutor to ardent follower of Jesus. Traveling down the Damascus road intent on imprisoning Christians, suddenly a great light struck him, knocking him to the ground.
Lying on the ground he asked the same question I once asked: “Who are you Lord?”
You can hop on your bike every Sunday morning, ride beautiful roads with good companions and eat lots of great waffles. Yet, it’s almost guaranteed, you’ll someday wonder: “Is this all there is to life?”
You may say that I’m wrong, claiming ultimate satisfaction in non-God pursuits. That’s unfortunate. You’re missing the ride of your life.
My suggestion.
Ride your Damascus road. And may God bless you with a time of lying on the ground asking: “Who are you Lord?”
4/22/06
WE NEED TO GET THIS
“Look Nicky, we need to get this,” nine year-old Justin pleaded. “Put that back,” Nicky grumped. Justin glanced down at the magazine he held in his hand. With one last convincing attempt, he said: “It says: faith.”
I don’t know if Justin has been to church enough times to really understand faith. But he knew it meant new life—maybe a miracle.
The Bible tells of a crippled man who spent years at the doors of the church begging. Apostle Peter came by one day and injected faith into this man’s hopeless life. And in a split second his life changed. The Bible says, “Faith in Jesus' name put this man . . . on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.” From a cripple, to a man “jumping and praising God.”
Justin’s fingertips sensed the glossy magazine paper, as if he was holding faith in his hands. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.”
Nicky, his older sister by a dozens years, almost yelling: “No, put it back!”
No big deal. He’s only a kid. Right? But, can we look at the beyond-the-apparent of Justin’s life?
His dad will be incarcerated at least a half dozen more years. In a few weeks his big sister will be in jail--again. While his mom works full time; her drug problem, seemingly managed, can sometimes roar back.
All hope vanished from Justin’s face, he turned a hundred and eighty degrees, shuffled three paces and plopped the magazine on the shelf. He put faith on the shelf. No miracle. No jumping. No praising God.
Justin, you are so right: “We need to get this.” Is faith at your fingertips? Grab it! “Faith is the substance . . .”
I don’t know if Justin has been to church enough times to really understand faith. But he knew it meant new life—maybe a miracle.
The Bible tells of a crippled man who spent years at the doors of the church begging. Apostle Peter came by one day and injected faith into this man’s hopeless life. And in a split second his life changed. The Bible says, “Faith in Jesus' name put this man . . . on his feet--yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.” From a cripple, to a man “jumping and praising God.”
Justin’s fingertips sensed the glossy magazine paper, as if he was holding faith in his hands. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.”
Nicky, his older sister by a dozens years, almost yelling: “No, put it back!”
No big deal. He’s only a kid. Right? But, can we look at the beyond-the-apparent of Justin’s life?
His dad will be incarcerated at least a half dozen more years. In a few weeks his big sister will be in jail--again. While his mom works full time; her drug problem, seemingly managed, can sometimes roar back.
All hope vanished from Justin’s face, he turned a hundred and eighty degrees, shuffled three paces and plopped the magazine on the shelf. He put faith on the shelf. No miracle. No jumping. No praising God.
Justin, you are so right: “We need to get this.” Is faith at your fingertips? Grab it! “Faith is the substance . . .”
4/15/06
EARL AND ARNOLD
Wonder if you are an old friend? “Who is this e-mail from?” I thought.
“Rick, did you grow up in Centreville? Graduate 73? Know a big goof by the name of Earl?” I laughed. Thirty-three years had passed. Off went a quick response. “Here’s a hint—Arnold.”
Yes, he knew Arnold. That was my nickname in high school. I wasn’t too fond of it since it was the namesake of a cute pig on a popular television show of that era. Arnold-the-pig comparison aside, it was great wandering back to those old memories. I have many smile worthy ones with Earl.
Another e-mail to Earl: “So tell me about life. Where do you live? Wife? Kids? Job? What do you do for fun? Spiritual life? Etc?”
Pondering through a deep searching of my brain, I thought: “Spiritual life?” Earl and I had been best friends. We both attended churches every Sunday. We both thought of ourselves as Christians, yet it’s highly doubtful we ever had one significant spiritual conversation. Realistically, it’s doubtful we even had a frivolous, shallow one. More than likely—zero.
God says, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This is our central theme as Christians. And then it goes on to say, "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart . . . you shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
So God, if we love You we are supposed to talk about You and your commands? Even outside of church? Should we start with our good friends?
“Rick, did you grow up in Centreville? Graduate 73? Know a big goof by the name of Earl?” I laughed. Thirty-three years had passed. Off went a quick response. “Here’s a hint—Arnold.”
Yes, he knew Arnold. That was my nickname in high school. I wasn’t too fond of it since it was the namesake of a cute pig on a popular television show of that era. Arnold-the-pig comparison aside, it was great wandering back to those old memories. I have many smile worthy ones with Earl.
Another e-mail to Earl: “So tell me about life. Where do you live? Wife? Kids? Job? What do you do for fun? Spiritual life? Etc?”
Pondering through a deep searching of my brain, I thought: “Spiritual life?” Earl and I had been best friends. We both attended churches every Sunday. We both thought of ourselves as Christians, yet it’s highly doubtful we ever had one significant spiritual conversation. Realistically, it’s doubtful we even had a frivolous, shallow one. More than likely—zero.
God says, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This is our central theme as Christians. And then it goes on to say, "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart . . . you shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
So God, if we love You we are supposed to talk about You and your commands? Even outside of church? Should we start with our good friends?
4/9/06
FOOLISHNESS OR POWER?
“Should I ask?” I thought.
Rob was at the house measuring for carpeting. I immediately noticed he was wearing a cross. The question-- does that cross signify that you’re a follower of Jesus?
So many people wear crosses, even though they’re not on the Jesus team. Strange-- it’s exceedingly more challenging initiating a spiritual conversation compared to conversing about a sports team identified on a person’s t-shirt.
I didn’t want to offend Rob. Well, confessionally, I didn’t want to look foolish either. Yet I know the Bible says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Foolishness or power? We usually won’t find out without asking. Internally: “Go for it; honor God,” tussled with, “You’ll seem like a weirdo.”
Why are so many Christians too chicken to squawk about their faith?
Rob got ready to leave. Ineloquently, I jumped in, “I noticed you’re wearing a cross; what does it mean to you?”
He smiled, “Everything.” “You’re a follower of Jesus?” “Big time.”
Wow, Rob’s on the same team. Our conversation instantly elevated. And before he departed, he gave me a shoulder hug: “Stay on God’s path . . . that’s where our true home is.”
So is the cross you’re wearing foolishness or power? Foolishness-- Isn’t it time you switched teams? Isn’t it time you received God’s promised saving power of the cross?
And you power crossers, have you asked anyone lately about the cross they’re wearing?
Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me . . . (Jesus) will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
So repeat. “So what does that cross mean to you?” Again.
Rob was at the house measuring for carpeting. I immediately noticed he was wearing a cross. The question-- does that cross signify that you’re a follower of Jesus?
So many people wear crosses, even though they’re not on the Jesus team. Strange-- it’s exceedingly more challenging initiating a spiritual conversation compared to conversing about a sports team identified on a person’s t-shirt.
I didn’t want to offend Rob. Well, confessionally, I didn’t want to look foolish either. Yet I know the Bible says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Foolishness or power? We usually won’t find out without asking. Internally: “Go for it; honor God,” tussled with, “You’ll seem like a weirdo.”
Why are so many Christians too chicken to squawk about their faith?
Rob got ready to leave. Ineloquently, I jumped in, “I noticed you’re wearing a cross; what does it mean to you?”
He smiled, “Everything.” “You’re a follower of Jesus?” “Big time.”
Wow, Rob’s on the same team. Our conversation instantly elevated. And before he departed, he gave me a shoulder hug: “Stay on God’s path . . . that’s where our true home is.”
So is the cross you’re wearing foolishness or power? Foolishness-- Isn’t it time you switched teams? Isn’t it time you received God’s promised saving power of the cross?
And you power crossers, have you asked anyone lately about the cross they’re wearing?
Jesus said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me . . . (Jesus) will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
So repeat. “So what does that cross mean to you?” Again.
4/1/06
SUNDAYS ARE AWESOME
Donna was excited: “Sundays are awesome.”
I remember some awesome Sundays in Donna and her family’s life. I remember when Donna, her husband, Joe and children finally came to church after several invitations. It was obvious God touched their lives that day.
Then a few Sundays later they both made a twenty step journey to the front of the church. Bowing their heads, they repented of their sins and made commitments to become followers of Jesus Christ.
Yes! Sundays are awesome.
An experience like that causes this Bible verse to come flowing out: “O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.”
Also the Sunday of their baptism is still etched in my mind. How could a person not have tears of joy? After church, a group gathered to celebrate the marvelous things God was doing in Donna and Joe’s lives.
Now, seven years later Donna is reveling in a day in which God said: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.”
And the ancient Hebrew root word for Sabbath commands, “Rest, cease from exertion, celebrate.”
Donna continued her praise for her Sundays, “It starts in the morning and goes all day.” Unfortunately, she wasn’t referring to a God focused experience. She was all excited about the generous tips she was receiving working as a waitress. Going to church is the only ceasing Donna has done in the last few years. She no longer sets aside a day for the LORD.
We have a difficult decision challenging us. How to make Sundays awesome? Countless activities loom. Leisure and financial pursuits entice. Yet, our spirit is longing to honor God’s command.
Think. Can a day actually be awesome if it dishonors God?
I remember some awesome Sundays in Donna and her family’s life. I remember when Donna, her husband, Joe and children finally came to church after several invitations. It was obvious God touched their lives that day.
Then a few Sundays later they both made a twenty step journey to the front of the church. Bowing their heads, they repented of their sins and made commitments to become followers of Jesus Christ.
Yes! Sundays are awesome.
An experience like that causes this Bible verse to come flowing out: “O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.”
Also the Sunday of their baptism is still etched in my mind. How could a person not have tears of joy? After church, a group gathered to celebrate the marvelous things God was doing in Donna and Joe’s lives.
Now, seven years later Donna is reveling in a day in which God said: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.”
And the ancient Hebrew root word for Sabbath commands, “Rest, cease from exertion, celebrate.”
Donna continued her praise for her Sundays, “It starts in the morning and goes all day.” Unfortunately, she wasn’t referring to a God focused experience. She was all excited about the generous tips she was receiving working as a waitress. Going to church is the only ceasing Donna has done in the last few years. She no longer sets aside a day for the LORD.
We have a difficult decision challenging us. How to make Sundays awesome? Countless activities loom. Leisure and financial pursuits entice. Yet, our spirit is longing to honor God’s command.
Think. Can a day actually be awesome if it dishonors God?
3/25/06
AGAIN
Richie mumbled it, barely audible. I knew what he was saying because I had heard it before. “I keep messing up because of the way my mom raised me.” At nineteen, he’s convinced that his life-gone-wrong is his mom’s fault.
His last six years have been a tumultuous journey of peaks and valleys. There have been jubilant “Yes!” moments as he edged toward his potential for success. Now again, it is as if some bungee cord of fate has stretched to its success limit for Richie. And almost unexplainably he is whipped back into a life of failure.
I couldn’t deny that his parenting was far from perfect. Who could argue that his environment didn’t effect his decisions? Still Richie needed to be asked: “Did your mom make you steal the gun?” In the same vein, my probing continued. For each question he conceded: “No, my mom didn’t . . .”
With personal responsibility established, I wasn’t going to drop him off in the it’s-your-fault pile. We needed to land someplace else.
“Richie, I feel terrible about the way you were raised . . . wouldn’t it be great if you could just start over again-- from the beginning,” I said. He was silent. “Richie, what you need is to be born again.”
Jesus said: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying: you must be born again.”
Richie, in your first birth you were born into a troubled environment. Mixed with your own decisions, a troubled life was birthed. Jesus is offering you the opportunity to miraculously be born again. This birth is God’s Holy Spirit birth. This birth produces Spirit life, God life inside you. This birth will change who you are.
Again-- you have a decision.
His last six years have been a tumultuous journey of peaks and valleys. There have been jubilant “Yes!” moments as he edged toward his potential for success. Now again, it is as if some bungee cord of fate has stretched to its success limit for Richie. And almost unexplainably he is whipped back into a life of failure.
I couldn’t deny that his parenting was far from perfect. Who could argue that his environment didn’t effect his decisions? Still Richie needed to be asked: “Did your mom make you steal the gun?” In the same vein, my probing continued. For each question he conceded: “No, my mom didn’t . . .”
With personal responsibility established, I wasn’t going to drop him off in the it’s-your-fault pile. We needed to land someplace else.
“Richie, I feel terrible about the way you were raised . . . wouldn’t it be great if you could just start over again-- from the beginning,” I said. He was silent. “Richie, what you need is to be born again.”
Jesus said: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying: you must be born again.”
Richie, in your first birth you were born into a troubled environment. Mixed with your own decisions, a troubled life was birthed. Jesus is offering you the opportunity to miraculously be born again. This birth is God’s Holy Spirit birth. This birth produces Spirit life, God life inside you. This birth will change who you are.
Again-- you have a decision.
3/18/06
VEGAS ISN'T WORKING OUT
“Rick, I just wanted to let you know how I’m doing,” Thomas’ letter said. “Vegas isn’t working out.”
I told Thomas when he moved to Las Vegas, it would be a gamble.
Like many people, Thomas was certain; the answer to a life changing upswing was location, location, location. In the past couple of months he had been in Michigan, Arizona, and now Las Vegas. And even now he claimed again, where he lived was the problem.
He keeps thinking, “If I move to the right place, life will be good.” Maybe blessed.
God says, “You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country . . . you will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” God says, “Blessed, blessed, wherever you live.” Thomas’ letter ranted, “Unblessed, unblessed.”
There is an obvious distance separating God’s promise of blessing and Thomas’s proximity to the blessed location. So should he move again?
Maybe he can be your neighbor. Would that work?
Here’s something about God that you always need to remember. He won’t tell you about a blessing without telling you how to get to it. Here is God’s direction to the aforementioned blessings: “All these blessings will come upon you if you obey the LORD your God.”
Thomas confessed, “I’m struggling pretty bad spiritually.” His letter was a storybook of disobedience to God. And God has something to say about that also. “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God . . . you will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country.”
Yes, God is showing us it is location, location. . . Your Vegas isn’t working out? Then move. How? Simple. Obey God.
Then you’ll be in the best neighborhood—close to God.
I told Thomas when he moved to Las Vegas, it would be a gamble.
Like many people, Thomas was certain; the answer to a life changing upswing was location, location, location. In the past couple of months he had been in Michigan, Arizona, and now Las Vegas. And even now he claimed again, where he lived was the problem.
He keeps thinking, “If I move to the right place, life will be good.” Maybe blessed.
God says, “You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country . . . you will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” God says, “Blessed, blessed, wherever you live.” Thomas’ letter ranted, “Unblessed, unblessed.”
There is an obvious distance separating God’s promise of blessing and Thomas’s proximity to the blessed location. So should he move again?
Maybe he can be your neighbor. Would that work?
Here’s something about God that you always need to remember. He won’t tell you about a blessing without telling you how to get to it. Here is God’s direction to the aforementioned blessings: “All these blessings will come upon you if you obey the LORD your God.”
Thomas confessed, “I’m struggling pretty bad spiritually.” His letter was a storybook of disobedience to God. And God has something to say about that also. “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God . . . you will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country.”
Yes, God is showing us it is location, location. . . Your Vegas isn’t working out? Then move. How? Simple. Obey God.
Then you’ll be in the best neighborhood—close to God.
3/11/06
THE DREAD
There it was. The dreaded message on the computer screen: “You have just destroyed this computer; prepare to spend $1000 for a new computer.”
Well not exactly.
But you know how the something-dreaded-happened part of our brain can work. A little problem can twinge anxiety as the situation mind-wise explodes into a catastrophe.
Ann was working on a friend’s laptop computer; actually trying to help out with software installation. The process was near completion. All that was left to do was to turn off the computer and then restart it.
Then the dreaded happened. The message came on the screen: “Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and press key when ready.” Ann pressed key after key. “Error!” She tried some more of her computer tricks. “Error!”
“I was really, really worried,” Ann said. “I actually prayed.”
The Bible says, “But do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”
Now, Ann knows how to pray. Yet even for her, like most of us, when “the dreaded” hits; our brain can read: “error.” Instead of prayer we think of how we can solve the problem.
Ann said, “I knew God knew how to fix the computer.”
With hands touching the edges of the laptop computer, Ann bowed her head. “Oh God, please let this work.” Unfamiliar with her friend’s laptop computer, her left hand hit a rectangle button on the side of the computer as she prayed. This caused a floppy disk to immediately eject from the computer.
Instantly the problem was solved.
Need some dreaded problems ejected from your life?
Pray. “God in heaven, you’ve asked us to pray about everything. God I desperately need Your help . . . Oh God please let this work.”
Well not exactly.
But you know how the something-dreaded-happened part of our brain can work. A little problem can twinge anxiety as the situation mind-wise explodes into a catastrophe.
Ann was working on a friend’s laptop computer; actually trying to help out with software installation. The process was near completion. All that was left to do was to turn off the computer and then restart it.
Then the dreaded happened. The message came on the screen: “Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and press key when ready.” Ann pressed key after key. “Error!” She tried some more of her computer tricks. “Error!”
“I was really, really worried,” Ann said. “I actually prayed.”
The Bible says, “But do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”
Now, Ann knows how to pray. Yet even for her, like most of us, when “the dreaded” hits; our brain can read: “error.” Instead of prayer we think of how we can solve the problem.
Ann said, “I knew God knew how to fix the computer.”
With hands touching the edges of the laptop computer, Ann bowed her head. “Oh God, please let this work.” Unfamiliar with her friend’s laptop computer, her left hand hit a rectangle button on the side of the computer as she prayed. This caused a floppy disk to immediately eject from the computer.
Instantly the problem was solved.
Need some dreaded problems ejected from your life?
Pray. “God in heaven, you’ve asked us to pray about everything. God I desperately need Your help . . . Oh God please let this work.”
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