First, I understand life is not a game and this is over simplification but the images have stuck with me for a number of days now so I thought I would share.
Have you ever been lost trying to learn a new game or have someone explain the rules but later found they left out important information? A couple of weeks ago, my daughter had friends over to spend the night. After they ate and settled in for the evening, they wanted to do something new. So out of the game closet came an old board game I have loved for years – Scotland Yard. I will not bore you with all the specifics of the game but to put it simply it is a little complex and requires a lengthy set of rules. There is no way to look at the pieces and the game board and understand how it all works together.
It was interesting to watch the girls work through the progression of learning to play. First they got the board and pieces out and started to sort items and put things on the board but were completely lost in just a few seconds. Next they found the rules but reading the rules was complicated and would take too long, so they ask me how to play. After explaining the basic rules as best I could, they headed off to try again. Within a couple of turns they started to argue about what they thought they were suppose to be doing. So I finally sat down and played a couple of games with them. Taking time to show them what options there were with each move. Suddenly it all began to make sense and they began to enjoy the game. Soon everyone was laughing and having a great time as they tried to out smart each other and as they moved their piece around places in London. At one point they were laughing so hard that orange drink even found its way out of a nose. Finally they were experiencing what the game inventor had envisioned in the beginning – enjoyment of the interaction of the players.
The girls really gave me a view of how I feel like we (me specifically) approach life at times. First, jump in and get as many of the games pieces as possible. Spend money and time on things that were not really important to success of life because the definition of success is not understood or easily apparent. Then plod along, moving things around from here to there but nothing really seems to make sense.
Finally one day, we start to think more about are we doing it the right way. We consider the Inventor and the rules he wrote for us in the Bible. It seems complicated and too long to read. Do we really want to spend all the time it takes to understand the rules or wouldn’t it be easier to find others who have played before? They can tell what they understand and that should speed up the process. Soon armed with someone else’s knowledge choices are made that line up with the way the rules were explained but success doesn’t come as planned. We begin to argue with each other about what the instructions really mean. “No, I think you have to move this before you can do that.” “No, this other rule says you have to do that before you move this.” We get all caught up in the rules and forget the game. Frustration breaks out and many want to quit or go off and play the game with only the people who see the rules the same way.
However, we miss our biggest chance to be successful. In this game, we have a direct connection to the Creator. The one who designed the true success and significance that are found in our game. The one who actually came and played it perfectly for us so we would learn from His example. He alone has laid out the proper strategy. He calls us to slow down, quit worrying about our position on the board and just enjoy the game with Him. He shows us how to complete each move as it was designed. Explains the good and bad options before us. We have a choice, play how he suggests or go off on our own.
There really is no reason for failure. What we perceive as winning or loosing is not really the goal of this game. It is our relationship with Him and our relationship with others. The true reason for the game is how we spend the time with each other around the board not what happens in the game itself.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Forgiven
Have heard these words quoted, ‘Christians aren’t perfect – just forgiven’. Dallas Willard points out that Christians often do not see the need to follow or be like Jesus. All that is needed is to believe the proper view of Jesus – the correct doctrine - and nothing else is required. No effort – No action.
“Do you have a ticket for heaven? Sit over there, try not to get dirty and some one will be by later to take you in.” Is that how we see the Christian life? If we focus strictly on our salvation – does that view become selfish? “If I don’t mess up, I get a reward.” Salvation and eternal life come because of who God is not who I am. I can rest and rejoice in that but also need to go on. If salvation were the only goal for us, would it not be like parents wanting kids with no desire to raise them?
God’s desire for me is a personal and active relationship. Without it, what purpose is my life? Take me straight to heaven if there is no reason to be here. The reason is to grow and mature in Him. Jesus came to set the example and it was not one of simply waiting for the cross. His life was active – daily spending time with the Father then going to where the people were and ministering to their needs.
Are we perfect? No, but so much more than just forgiven.
“Do you have a ticket for heaven? Sit over there, try not to get dirty and some one will be by later to take you in.” Is that how we see the Christian life? If we focus strictly on our salvation – does that view become selfish? “If I don’t mess up, I get a reward.” Salvation and eternal life come because of who God is not who I am. I can rest and rejoice in that but also need to go on. If salvation were the only goal for us, would it not be like parents wanting kids with no desire to raise them?
God’s desire for me is a personal and active relationship. Without it, what purpose is my life? Take me straight to heaven if there is no reason to be here. The reason is to grow and mature in Him. Jesus came to set the example and it was not one of simply waiting for the cross. His life was active – daily spending time with the Father then going to where the people were and ministering to their needs.
Are we perfect? No, but so much more than just forgiven.
Monday, February 20, 2006
God in a Fast Food World
A couple of weeks ago in my accountability group, we discussed becoming what we take in. A friend offered the example of fast food and how this will change our physical make up over time. Will not such an approach to our spiritual diet jeopardize our godly well being too?
How many times do I ask God to fit into my schedule instead of offering Him all my time first? Is it really a choice between rushing to some other commitment or lingering a few more moments in His presence? Does this world want an easy to use - microwave version of God? Three minutes on high then ready for the rest of the day?
As we have watched the Winter Olympics, we see well-trained athletes performing to their physical best. These athletes spend well over 95% of their athletic time in training for the few slices of time they are in the actual competitive moment. On the other hand, I may be training 5% of my time and then wonder why the actual moments I am tested become so difficult.
God wants to spend all of our time with us. Yes we need to find that time alone in His word or prayer but also those moments that normally do not fit our vision of relationship building with Him. Driving to work, watching a ballgame or at dinner with a group of friends, just slow down and take that moment to seek Him, wherever we are. Let him transform us in all things.
How many times do I ask God to fit into my schedule instead of offering Him all my time first? Is it really a choice between rushing to some other commitment or lingering a few more moments in His presence? Does this world want an easy to use - microwave version of God? Three minutes on high then ready for the rest of the day?
As we have watched the Winter Olympics, we see well-trained athletes performing to their physical best. These athletes spend well over 95% of their athletic time in training for the few slices of time they are in the actual competitive moment. On the other hand, I may be training 5% of my time and then wonder why the actual moments I am tested become so difficult.
God wants to spend all of our time with us. Yes we need to find that time alone in His word or prayer but also those moments that normally do not fit our vision of relationship building with Him. Driving to work, watching a ballgame or at dinner with a group of friends, just slow down and take that moment to seek Him, wherever we are. Let him transform us in all things.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Can't keep quiet about being quiet
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:27-28
This is other side of Silence that I blogged on a couple of days ago. These are my convicting scriptures. How I fight this battle within me between the desire to keep my mouth shut and the overwhelming urge to speak at home, at work and at church. Seldom does the mouth shut side of the battle see victory. Delay of defeat at times but conquest is around the corner when the words and thoughts boil inside me until they spill over.
I do not understand this compulsion to bring my thoughts into the public view. Maybe that is why I started this blog. Provides an avenue to speak without forcing anyone to listen. At times it is arguing with my wife, correcting my daughter, adjusting a view at work or spouting some story in small groups, I get wrapped up in speaking my mind. What causes these words to spew out of my mouth? Is it pride? Way way to often! Is it insecurity? Sure - a lot of adjusting others views of me instead of the point I am trying to make?
How these words over at Coffee Swirls , convicted me earlier this week. How I found Doug’s account inspirational. There always seems to be a Jim or two in each church. They are always there with their gracious demeanor, a warm hand, a willing attitude but few words. When he speaks his words are genuine and they are right on target with the person he is speaking with. How too I need to think of Jim as a model.
Try to let the ‘quiet side’ win a few battles now and then. Realize I can let the world move on without my input. Like Jim, learn to rest in the knowledge that God has it under his control.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Master Sculptor
Read this earlier today.
What an image of how the Holy Spirit works in me. He is the Sculptor that sees the end product in the slab of rock that is my life. His challenge is to remove all of the excess. It is a slow process. Requires more then one strike of the hammer. Repeatedly he points his chisel to the portions of me that no longer belong and slowly chips away at the difference between my old and new self. Smoothing out the jagged edges. Looking for the core of what was intended.
He removes a bit in one place then moves onto another area that catches the master’s eye as displeasing. He is amazing artist. Never quite finished with his work. Time is not His concern. He knows the rock is flawed but he works around these weak areas as only His touch can. Finding ways to strengthen them.
Let me become the final vision of His work.
What an image of how the Holy Spirit works in me. He is the Sculptor that sees the end product in the slab of rock that is my life. His challenge is to remove all of the excess. It is a slow process. Requires more then one strike of the hammer. Repeatedly he points his chisel to the portions of me that no longer belong and slowly chips away at the difference between my old and new self. Smoothing out the jagged edges. Looking for the core of what was intended.
He removes a bit in one place then moves onto another area that catches the master’s eye as displeasing. He is amazing artist. Never quite finished with his work. Time is not His concern. He knows the rock is flawed but he works around these weak areas as only His touch can. Finding ways to strengthen them.
Let me become the final vision of His work.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Silence
Traveled out of town Sunday night and returned home last night. A little more then 3 hours of driving each way. A lot of the time spent in silence. No radio, no music, no sports – not even a podcast of a favorite sermon. Just the consistent sound of the car moving along and God working in my mind and heart. How I have come to relish the sounds of silence and the chance to stop and still myself.
It shocked me the first time reading the word Silence in a list of disciplines. How could being quiet be a discipline? However, I learned a lot as my shaking hand first reached for the remote control and switched off the TV well before my nightly appointment ended and I sit in silence. Not reading, not busy doing things around the house but just sitting in quietness. Quickly found out I was addicted to sound. Realized something had to be on around me all of the time. I feared the quiet. Our house was always full of noise. TV or music was always playing somewhere even if it was not being watched.
Over the past few years, I have learned that being still is God’s plan. Allowing Him to work in my thoughts. Convicting me of a rebellious attitude, inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone, showing me how a scripture written 2,000 years ago was relevant to that issue I wrestled with this afternoon. God never intended for his children to be so full of noise. Is this why the shepherds were the first to hear of his son’s birth? Were they the only ones quiet enough to hear that night?
Look up the word obey. The Latin root of the word comes from the word meaning “to listen to”. Obedience comes from listening. I have to hear the command before I can obey the command. It is very difficult to be obedient in a noisy world. Stop and listen right now. Are there sounds that you did not hear before? Maybe it is the ticking of a clock, the running of the heater or the sound of your own breathing? Sounds are always around us, yet we have learned to block them out. Filter them through something that judges between what we listen to and what we just hear. What if we filter out that still small voice of God? What if God speaks once then goes on to find an ear waiting to listen?
It shocked me the first time reading the word Silence in a list of disciplines. How could being quiet be a discipline? However, I learned a lot as my shaking hand first reached for the remote control and switched off the TV well before my nightly appointment ended and I sit in silence. Not reading, not busy doing things around the house but just sitting in quietness. Quickly found out I was addicted to sound. Realized something had to be on around me all of the time. I feared the quiet. Our house was always full of noise. TV or music was always playing somewhere even if it was not being watched.
Over the past few years, I have learned that being still is God’s plan. Allowing Him to work in my thoughts. Convicting me of a rebellious attitude, inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone, showing me how a scripture written 2,000 years ago was relevant to that issue I wrestled with this afternoon. God never intended for his children to be so full of noise. Is this why the shepherds were the first to hear of his son’s birth? Were they the only ones quiet enough to hear that night?
Look up the word obey. The Latin root of the word comes from the word meaning “to listen to”. Obedience comes from listening. I have to hear the command before I can obey the command. It is very difficult to be obedient in a noisy world. Stop and listen right now. Are there sounds that you did not hear before? Maybe it is the ticking of a clock, the running of the heater or the sound of your own breathing? Sounds are always around us, yet we have learned to block them out. Filter them through something that judges between what we listen to and what we just hear. What if we filter out that still small voice of God? What if God speaks once then goes on to find an ear waiting to listen?
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Dancing with Daddy
Tonight is “Dancing with Daddy”. A charitable event which raises money for a wonderful adoption foundation. However, on a very selfish note, tonight is my annual dress-up date with my daughter. At twelve, the time is running out to spend those daddy/daughter moments. We regularly go to the movies but those trips now normally include one or more of her friends. While we still spend time together going here and there; there is something about those special one of kind nights that I look back on with so much awe. I am so glad God blessed us with this child.
She is growing each time I look at her. Maturing from child to lady. Some days she is both 6 and 26. She still loves being a kid but has a solid way of seeing the world, which gives me great comfort.
I struggle as she faces her challenges these days. Is it still daddy’s job to swoop in for the rescue or is it that time to step back and let her make those decisions? So hard to let go and watch her fall sometimes. If success is getting up one more time then you fall down, then I have to let go – just a little. I have to accept the good and bad choices and teach her how to think on her own not just what would dad and mom do. Pray that she seeks God as her moral compass not relying on the world to guide her.
O Lord, how I desperately need your wisdom as a parent. Help me be your child, making the best decisions as you are teaching me.
She is growing each time I look at her. Maturing from child to lady. Some days she is both 6 and 26. She still loves being a kid but has a solid way of seeing the world, which gives me great comfort.
I struggle as she faces her challenges these days. Is it still daddy’s job to swoop in for the rescue or is it that time to step back and let her make those decisions? So hard to let go and watch her fall sometimes. If success is getting up one more time then you fall down, then I have to let go – just a little. I have to accept the good and bad choices and teach her how to think on her own not just what would dad and mom do. Pray that she seeks God as her moral compass not relying on the world to guide her.
O Lord, how I desperately need your wisdom as a parent. Help me be your child, making the best decisions as you are teaching me.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Fear of the Lord
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Do I really understand ‘fear of the Lord’? This was the jest of the question that came up in a Bible study class earlier this week. Have we so often been taught God’s abounding love, that when the Bible tells us to fear God we are confused?
Read somewhere that God is dangerous. The image used was that of electricity. When electricity is approached with respect and caution then we are able to plug into it and enjoy wonderful resources in this life. However, if the laws of electricity are not understood and breached then it becomes very dangerous.
I know we define the word fear as awe and trembling but is it not true heart felt teror also? He loves us but also is the one that will stand in judgment. Our heart sifted and our true motivations, yearnings, goals and purpose will be made known. How often has my lack of true accepting this role caused me to move God’s commands back and place myself first?
Living in a US democracy, do we know what the Bible writers were relating to when they feared a King? Would true respect of a ruler or judge deciding my future, not cause me to submit to their decision without negotiating loopholes? Would a King put up with lack of attention from his subject? Does a sovereign ruler wait for those he rules to be comfortable or find time to submit at their convenience? Does a kingdom move forward without the fear and respect of its ruler?
Treason has its penalty for not fearing the King.
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Do I really understand ‘fear of the Lord’? This was the jest of the question that came up in a Bible study class earlier this week. Have we so often been taught God’s abounding love, that when the Bible tells us to fear God we are confused?
Read somewhere that God is dangerous. The image used was that of electricity. When electricity is approached with respect and caution then we are able to plug into it and enjoy wonderful resources in this life. However, if the laws of electricity are not understood and breached then it becomes very dangerous.
I know we define the word fear as awe and trembling but is it not true heart felt teror also? He loves us but also is the one that will stand in judgment. Our heart sifted and our true motivations, yearnings, goals and purpose will be made known. How often has my lack of true accepting this role caused me to move God’s commands back and place myself first?
Living in a US democracy, do we know what the Bible writers were relating to when they feared a King? Would true respect of a ruler or judge deciding my future, not cause me to submit to their decision without negotiating loopholes? Would a King put up with lack of attention from his subject? Does a sovereign ruler wait for those he rules to be comfortable or find time to submit at their convenience? Does a kingdom move forward without the fear and respect of its ruler?
Treason has its penalty for not fearing the King.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Ancient Paths
This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Which way to go? Follow the ancient paths. No need for the super highway. God’s people have traveled these ways for many years. Narrow trails that are well worn & built up by godly men and women. Passageways that may be slow to follow but speed is not always in God’s plan as much as mine. These may not be the most direct routes but they pass some amazing views of Gods work along the way. There are no signs that mark its entrance because I am told to ask the way. He wants to walk along with me. Show the way I was intended to follow.
God does not call me to blaze new trails as often as I want to think.
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Which way to go? Follow the ancient paths. No need for the super highway. God’s people have traveled these ways for many years. Narrow trails that are well worn & built up by godly men and women. Passageways that may be slow to follow but speed is not always in God’s plan as much as mine. These may not be the most direct routes but they pass some amazing views of Gods work along the way. There are no signs that mark its entrance because I am told to ask the way. He wants to walk along with me. Show the way I was intended to follow.
God does not call me to blaze new trails as often as I want to think.
Lord, show me the ancient and good paths you have laid out. Then remind me when I stray from them.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
More Valuable Less Visable
Been wrestling with these words since late last year. More Valuable - Less Visible. I have always struggled with what motivates me to service within the church. I love filling different areas of need and have grown in those responsibilities over the past few years. I realize it was service in the parking lot that first developed my habit of attending church each week. I knew I had a responsibility (a specific spot to cover) that would cause others to scramble if I was not in my place. God used this four years ago to drag me out of bed every Sunday because I needed to grow. Yet there was always that nagging feeling that I enjoyed the recognition of standing in front of the church and the kind comments and waves as people arrived or left each service.
Later I felt called to other tasks around the church. My schedule begins to fill up with very worthwhile endeavors, each growing me in my relationship with God. Leading small discipleship groups required a number of hours of preparation where God taught me many things as I drew closer to Him. Teaching kid's Sunday School required my trust in God to reach out and touch lives in ways I never thought possible. Prayer team required me to really understand what prayer is and learn to communicate and share in the needs of others.
Yet each of these and my other duties around the church are each visible. It grinds at me of what is my motivation. I do these as an act of obedience to what I perceive to be God's direction for me but I find such joy in these rolls that I cannot feel I am giving but receiving.
Then these words started in me last year. Where do I look to be more valuable and less visible? God has already provided a couple of new rolls that are behind the scenes and my commitment is to learn the discipline of silence from these rolls. I pray that God teaches me to seek and accept those tasks that are hidden from view of others.
Later I felt called to other tasks around the church. My schedule begins to fill up with very worthwhile endeavors, each growing me in my relationship with God. Leading small discipleship groups required a number of hours of preparation where God taught me many things as I drew closer to Him. Teaching kid's Sunday School required my trust in God to reach out and touch lives in ways I never thought possible. Prayer team required me to really understand what prayer is and learn to communicate and share in the needs of others.
Yet each of these and my other duties around the church are each visible. It grinds at me of what is my motivation. I do these as an act of obedience to what I perceive to be God's direction for me but I find such joy in these rolls that I cannot feel I am giving but receiving.
Then these words started in me last year. Where do I look to be more valuable and less visible? God has already provided a couple of new rolls that are behind the scenes and my commitment is to learn the discipline of silence from these rolls. I pray that God teaches me to seek and accept those tasks that are hidden from view of others.
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