“He went back to teaching by the sea… He taught by using stories, many stories. “
We all have a story. What’s yours?
Monthly Archives: September 2008
Amazing Statement by Press
TORONTO (LifeSiteNews) – U.S. vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s loving and highly-publicized acceptance of her Down’s syndrome child Trig has some Canadian doctors worried that her example may lead to mothers shunning abortion after diagnosis of Down’s syndrome…
Dr. Andre Lalonde, executive vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), told the Globe and Mail yesterday,
“The worry is that this will have an implication for abortion issues in Canada,” he said. Under the facade of “freedom to choose”, Lalonde said that “popular messages” about women like Palin, who choose not to kill their unborn children, “could have detrimental effects on women and their families.”
What price will you pay for freedom?
What price will you pay for freedom? As Jesus hung on the cross dieing for your sins and mine, He asked God if there was any other way. If not, He was willing to pay for your freedom with His life.
It is easy for you and I to lose our freedom. We may have one too many credit cards. We may have a house or car we can’t afford. We may drink too much. We may watch sports too much. We may eat too much. We may be watching video that is not healthy. We may be spending too much time on the Internet. The excesses we become enslaved to are easy to list, because they are real struggles we have to deal with every day!
The question is, “What price will you pay for freedom?” Christ desires that you live an abundant life. A life that is the perfection of His will and purpose. What are you willing to pay for an abundant life?
Are you willing to give up your job, if that is the only way? Are you willing to get cancer, if that is the only way? Are you willing to experience a business collapse, if that is the only way? Are you willing to stand alone and be ridiculed at work, if that is the only way? Are you willing to be poor, if that is the only way?
I believe God will give you every opportunity to experience the abundant life He has planned for you. The question is, “What price will you pay for freedom?”
What does God owe you?
“As they left Bethany the next day, he was hungry. Off in the distance he saw a fig tree in full leaf. He came up to it expecting to find something for breakfast, but found nothing but fig leaves. (It wasn’t yet the season for figs.) He addressed the tree: “No one is going to eat fruit from you again—ever!” Jesus
I had a friend one time that said, “I have been poor and I have been rich. I much prefer rich.” I wonder what the fig tree was thinking when it was rich with beautiful abundant leaves but bankrupt of fruit.
Then Peter said, “In the morning, walking along the road, they saw the fig tree, shriveled to a dry stick. Peter, remembering what had happened the previous day, said to him, “Rabbi, look—the fig tree you cursed is shriveled up!”
The wisest man that ever lived points out there is a time and season for everything. Being rich and enjoying artificial abundance without fruit desired by Christ is offensive to the one that provides life.
“Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
So it seems, growing strong without bearing fruit describes the life of a dung beatle. It works hard providing for its own needs, but bears no fruit fit for Christ’s appetite. Jesus promises so much more. The power is in prayer. The fruit produced is worthy of His consumption.
Blessing of the Bikes
I met a motorcycle rider yesterday that felt like he had his life threatened by what he supposed was a careless automobile driver. I really don’t know. I was not there when the incident happened. I just experienced the emotions by both drivers afterward.
Motorcycle riders have had a very strong impact on the body of Grace Point. Remembering Bubba and the sermon he preached is a benchmark in my life and I am sure many others, both of our faith and on the outskirts of faith. But, yesterdays events made me think about the concept of ”motorcycle blessings”.
I think all would agree motorcycle riding can be a dangerous thing to do. The more you ride, the more likely you will have an accident. It’s kinda like the doc that says, statistically 1 out of 600 of these procedures go bad. I’ve done 2000 procedures and never botched one. I am way past due.
So if you are going to wreck, why not go ahead and get a “motorcycle blessing” in preparation for the unlikely event? This got me thinking about all the ways I can get hurt. I think I’ll make a list and get the list blessed. I’ll be sure and include things like: falling off a roof, stepping off a curb, poking a stick in my eye, getting stuck in a dumpster, cutting myself on falling glass, eating poison mushrooms and the list goes on.
If I can just get everything on the list and then get it blessed by someone who does that sort of thing, I will know my salvation is secure. I don’t want just anyone to bless the list. I want someone who has a track record. I’ll probably want a saint to do it. I’ll start interviewing as soon as I get my comprehensive list compiled.
This makes me wonder… When I go before God and He asks me why I should be allowed in heaven, will “the list” be my ticket to eternal life? If so, I better start writing. If not, I better watch for falling glass and look for another way. “I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father, but by me.” Jesus
After thought: My “off center” humor seems to have created a bit of confusion. In defense, the thought I hoped to communicate is the need for Christ in ones life through a relationship with Him for salvation, not a blessing from others (no matter how qualified and well intended).
The Sparrow Sows
…which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke
Pastuh, we don’t really have much in the way of support. See, my wife and I met at a Christian college some 24 years ago. She was the daughter of a nice, religious family. When her family found out she was dating a black fella, they threatened her. She loved me so much she risked everything else and married me…
Day 1 – Port Aransas Vacation
Friendships Valued – I think one of God’s biggest blessings on his creation of mankind is friendship. I wish I had the appreciation and value of friendship earlier in my life. Society trains us to appreciate all the tangible things such as houses, car and credit cards. The true lasting “things of value” such as friendship are not naturally appreciated.
Friendship is one of those intangibles that becomes more and more valuable over time. Houses come and go. Cars wear out and the body slows down, but the beauty of friendship only deepens.
It makes me think of all the different ways you can answer the question, “A true friend is someone who _____________”.
Day 2 – The Beach Scene
I grew up going to Port Aransas during all seasons. This is one scene you will never see during the summer when school is out. Notice there are no people. Just you and the surf and a few stragglers pass by.
I don’t know exactly how the constant sound of the surf and no distractions work their refreshing on the body, soul and spirit, but sitting on the beach doing absolutely nothing for hours is incredibly rejuvenating.
The slow down and opportunity for refreshment comes slowly. It is a process that can’t be rushed. I think it has to do with letting the worries and hassles of life lessen in volume and eventually be drowned out with the increased volume of the surf’s white noise. On the beach, there are no threats. There is nothing pulling and tugging. Just the sound of surf and a quiet reawakening of self.
The point where I begin to set myself aside and begin to experience God is my favorite spot in the vacation. Have you ever noticed, it is difficult to easily “turn on” the presence of God. I know it is easy to switch Him off, but the turning on is a process that takes time.
John H. and I have been reading the old testament. I found my way through a number of books while on the beach. In Habakuk, God speaks of His love for us while destroying the evil we worship.
The last chapter beautifully expresses His love and willingness to help us start over. Isn’t that what life is all about. Starting over. Constantly dieing to selfish ambitions and allowing God to come alongside. Being drawn to him, enjoying His presense and chasing after the adventure of life.
Day 3 – They Say a Hurricane is Coming
Take a look at this beach picture. Is there anything about this scene that is threatening. It is quiet, peaceful and waves just lazily rolling up the shoreline. There is nothing that warns of an imminent danger approaching. Yet, possible death awaits.
The weather channel says Hurricane Ike is approaching the Corpus Christie area, which includes Port Aransas. The Hurricane is being billed as the mother of all hurricanes. Yet if anything, it is even more calm on the beach than usual. I’m imagining what it must have been like for the Haitians as Ike plowed across their island with no weather channel to warn them of imminent danger.
I am intrigued with the contrast between experiencing peace in the moment and hearing of impending sure danger off the coast. I shot a picture of this sunflower on a beach dune. Is there any expectation of a storm approaching?
No, just God’s beauty. I think that is the way life is suppose to be. We are to enjoy life in the moment with God’s presence felt and yet be aware of storms constantly brewing off the coast. We don’t know where the storm will hit. We just know it will.
Maybe it will hit me. Maybe it will it you. But one thing we know for sure, it will hit. There is every reason, to want to draw close to safety in God’s presence.
Everyone is boarding up and preparing for the storm. We know the storms of life are brewing. Will we be prepared when the ”mother of all storms” hit? Will we be faithful to the God who desires us to enjoy an abundant, fruitful life?
Note Archism: Abundance is God’s perfection of His will and purpose in ones life.
Day 4 – Retreat to Round Rock
So we packed everything up from the beach and said, “Good bye” to an awesome vacation house provided by friends from Round Rock. As I write this, Cora comments that the house had 5 bathrooms. Some things are worth taking note. Especially, if you are the one cleaning.
Thank you friends for the opportunity to get away and enjoy experiences we could never afford.
Not willing to give up on vacation, we headed to Round Rock with expectations of weathering out the storm in safety. Cora and Pam head for the pool. Mark and I head for the camera store to check out latest gadgets.
You just have to love a public pool in your subdivision with no one in it. The clouds are a friendly reminder of the hurricane brewing off the coast, but the weather is awesome and perfect for a day at the pool.
Everyone’s talk in Austin is, “do you think we will get rain out of the hurricane?” It has really been dry. The vacation move to Round Rock turns into a very relaxing time and the peace away from the storm takes hold.
Thank you, Jesus.
