On the way to the office this morning, I was reflecting on life and the thought occurred to me that the past is exactly that...the past. What I've accomplished and experienced has had an incredible effect on my life today but I cannot live off the fumes of those things. Today is today and if continue to live in the past, I miss out on what God is doing today.
I have spent the past two years adjusting from full-time local church ministry. It has been a very difficult process for me. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that there have been some dark days. I have gone on a roller coaster ride with my emotions which served to expose some false ideas about life and identity.
So, today I am seeking to live in the moment; not live in the past and all it's stuff and embrace what God is giving me to do today. I do not want to miss what the Lord is doing around me because I'm not "where" I think I should be.
There may still be some days that I will struggle with issues or feelings but for today, I am finding contentment in the day to day life of being a follower of Jesus.
"It's not where you've been that matters as much as where you now; embrace the moment"
MEM
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Father's Love
I had the opportunity this past Sunday to preach. The text for the message was Luke 15 where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Scribes for their grumbling that Jesus was not only receiving sinners and tax collectors but he was also eating with them.
Jesus confronts them with three parables about something lost, the ensuing search, finding the lost item and the great rejoicing that takes place. The first story is about a lost sheep, the second is about a lost coin and the last one, the one that was specifically aimed at the religious, self-righteous hypocrites was about a lost son.
This last story is not only about the prodigal (sinners and tax collectors) or his older brother (Pharisees and Scribes) but more importantly it is about the father and his love for both the sinner and religious. Both of these sons did not love the father. The prodigal wished him dead and the other brother was in bondage to rules and self-serving obedience. Neither were healthy relationships and yet the father is loving, patient, kind and forgiving towards both.
There have been times when I have been the prodigal; not wanting to be controlled or be under the authority of my heavenly Father. There have been times when I played the legalistic religious person and obeyed out of duty or to gain some selfish end or only those who met my standard were "approved". Both extremes are lifeless, sad, lonely, and disobedient ways of living. What is best is to realize how much we are loved by God and live in His presence, eating His bread, being protected by His power and enjoying His great love for us.
No matter if you are the prodigal or the legalist, God loves you both; you just can't stay there. Repent and turn to God and you will find Him right there; full of compassion, forgiveness and restoration.
Jesus confronts them with three parables about something lost, the ensuing search, finding the lost item and the great rejoicing that takes place. The first story is about a lost sheep, the second is about a lost coin and the last one, the one that was specifically aimed at the religious, self-righteous hypocrites was about a lost son.
This last story is not only about the prodigal (sinners and tax collectors) or his older brother (Pharisees and Scribes) but more importantly it is about the father and his love for both the sinner and religious. Both of these sons did not love the father. The prodigal wished him dead and the other brother was in bondage to rules and self-serving obedience. Neither were healthy relationships and yet the father is loving, patient, kind and forgiving towards both.
There have been times when I have been the prodigal; not wanting to be controlled or be under the authority of my heavenly Father. There have been times when I played the legalistic religious person and obeyed out of duty or to gain some selfish end or only those who met my standard were "approved". Both extremes are lifeless, sad, lonely, and disobedient ways of living. What is best is to realize how much we are loved by God and live in His presence, eating His bread, being protected by His power and enjoying His great love for us.
No matter if you are the prodigal or the legalist, God loves you both; you just can't stay there. Repent and turn to God and you will find Him right there; full of compassion, forgiveness and restoration.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
When "Life" Hands You Lemons..."
Most of us have heard the saying "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade". We understand, in part, that whatever comes our way, that we are to make the best of the situation.
I suppose this is true. We often cannot control the external forces that are at work around us. We cannot control the repressive boss or the annoying co-worker nor can we make people around us do the "right" thing. Of course the "right" thing is the way I do it or say it. So how do we best deal with the "lemons" in our life or avoid them all together?
First of all, I believe we have to be humble. It is easier said than done but necessary none the least. It is in humility that we are able to deal with whatever comes our way. In humility, we are not focused on us or our rights or our comforts. Humility is empty of self.
Secondly, we must control what it is that we can control. The two things I can control is my reaction and attitude. I believe this comes from humility and it is it's outward manifestation. How I react emotionally and verbally to any situation is important to me and those around me. So, whatever the situation, let humility be evident in our actions and words.
Lastly, it is imperative that we exercise wisdom on the front end. Our wisdom will be evident in our discernment of opportunities that are presented to us. Whether it is a new job, relationship or some other life decision, we need to be wise as we move forward. If there are warning signs or red flags, pay attention and don't proceed blindly or with rose colored glasses.
We will not be able to control every situation. We are where we are and God can use us in any situation regardless of it's condition. If we can learn early on how to handle difficult situations the better we will be prepared when they come.
I have to confess that there have been situations in my life that I handled poorly. I cannot go back and undo anything but I can learn,grow and move on from these experiences and benefit from them now and in the future.
I suppose this is true. We often cannot control the external forces that are at work around us. We cannot control the repressive boss or the annoying co-worker nor can we make people around us do the "right" thing. Of course the "right" thing is the way I do it or say it. So how do we best deal with the "lemons" in our life or avoid them all together?
First of all, I believe we have to be humble. It is easier said than done but necessary none the least. It is in humility that we are able to deal with whatever comes our way. In humility, we are not focused on us or our rights or our comforts. Humility is empty of self.
Secondly, we must control what it is that we can control. The two things I can control is my reaction and attitude. I believe this comes from humility and it is it's outward manifestation. How I react emotionally and verbally to any situation is important to me and those around me. So, whatever the situation, let humility be evident in our actions and words.
Lastly, it is imperative that we exercise wisdom on the front end. Our wisdom will be evident in our discernment of opportunities that are presented to us. Whether it is a new job, relationship or some other life decision, we need to be wise as we move forward. If there are warning signs or red flags, pay attention and don't proceed blindly or with rose colored glasses.
We will not be able to control every situation. We are where we are and God can use us in any situation regardless of it's condition. If we can learn early on how to handle difficult situations the better we will be prepared when they come.
I have to confess that there have been situations in my life that I handled poorly. I cannot go back and undo anything but I can learn,grow and move on from these experiences and benefit from them now and in the future.
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