What is your Story?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
How should Iron Sharpen Iron> How should a man sharpen the countenance of his friend?
Jonathan saw something in David that caused him to Love him as he loved himself. Making a covenant with David. Striking a mutual loyalty between the two. Jonathan initiated the covenant. Making David his equal when he gave David his robe. Jonathan saw something in David that David didn’t see. He saw leadership. He saw love, strength. He saw God’s likeness in a man who would lead Israel to greatness.
Jonathan gave David his sword; his bow and his belt. Jonathan was drawing out David’s potential. That God had already put into David. Jonathan was being used to developing what David would become. He believed in David, he hoped for David. The greatness was designed by God, but God used “one closer than a brother to develop the leadership traits in David. As iron sharpens iron we should sharpen those God has put into our lives. It is never to destroy. It is to hone. To make each other the best in each other. To help each other develop the God given gifts we all have but may not recognize. The edge is already existing the sharpening is not negative. It is the harder steel that will sharpen the weaker or undeveloped. We are all one body but many members. If one is weak or under developed than we are all weak and under developed.
Proverbs 27:17 Creed
• I believe it is a worthy task to love my brothers as I love myself.
• To consider him as more important to me than I am.
• I believe that it is my responsibility to help my brother when he falls.
• To restore him in love to his greatest potential in his living relationship with Jesus Christ.
• It is my responsibility to build him up.
• I am to encourage him.
• I am to pray for him.
• I am to hold him accountable and be held accountable by him.
• It is my responsibility to sing his praises.
• I am to believe in him.
• I am to draw out the gifts God has place in him.
• I am to help him develop into the full potential that God sees in him.
Jonathan gave David his sword; his bow and his belt. Jonathan was drawing out David’s potential. That God had already put into David. Jonathan was being used to developing what David would become. He believed in David, he hoped for David. The greatness was designed by God, but God used “one closer than a brother to develop the leadership traits in David. As iron sharpens iron we should sharpen those God has put into our lives. It is never to destroy. It is to hone. To make each other the best in each other. To help each other develop the God given gifts we all have but may not recognize. The edge is already existing the sharpening is not negative. It is the harder steel that will sharpen the weaker or undeveloped. We are all one body but many members. If one is weak or under developed than we are all weak and under developed.
Proverbs 27:17 Creed
• I believe it is a worthy task to love my brothers as I love myself.
• To consider him as more important to me than I am.
• I believe that it is my responsibility to help my brother when he falls.
• To restore him in love to his greatest potential in his living relationship with Jesus Christ.
• It is my responsibility to build him up.
• I am to encourage him.
• I am to pray for him.
• I am to hold him accountable and be held accountable by him.
• It is my responsibility to sing his praises.
• I am to believe in him.
• I am to draw out the gifts God has place in him.
• I am to help him develop into the full potential that God sees in him.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Go
November 7, 2009 –
rc2dayand2morrow
Mark 16:15Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.We live in a world where there is pain; suffering and sickness all around us. There is pain in the hearts of many around us every day. The sinful environment and life style of the human race has caused normal life to be self seeking and avoidance to hear and accept the only true healing touch for our ongoing repetition of the same type of actions that our parents taught us and we are teaching our children. Pain from thinking testing out relationships before getting married should be normal. The affair is ok if no one discovers what is going on (after all what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right?) Adultery not only those affected directly by the feelings of betrayal to each other but when their children are involved, the effects can be many and are life lasting effects. Pain and suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism reach deep into many lives, not only for those who are using but also for those who live with and know them. The effects of child abuse are an ongoing cycle that destroys countless lives with terrible suffering and addictive and abusive lifestyles that continue for generations. The list goes on and we all are at least familiar with them if not connected to them. These problems and many more are around us and touch our lives daily. The commission of love sent from God through his son has never changed. He wants us to take the hope of the good news that changed our lives and hand it out as freely as we received it. The same good news that changed and freed us. The good news that is freeing us daily needs to be handed out at every opportunity. We have a great gift handed to us. Not because we earned it nor deserved it. But because God loves us, where we were. Where we are, in the middle of our hurting lives, in the middle of our destroyed and for many of us our helpless lives. He gave us hope. He gave us love and acceptance and offered us a better way to live. So in the middle of a State and Federal government that continue to appear to be more and more anti-Christ, in schools that preaching what they think is protection from fanaticism, not the true freedoms offered by a relationship with Christ. This same good news is the love and freedom he painfully wants us to know and hand out to all. Let’s freely give away what we have been freely. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are his workmanship. The New Testament Greek word “poema.” God’s poem or his art work, precious to his heart. Made with his own hands, with his own imagination. The verse goes on to tell us that we have been created for good works before the creation of the world in him. The works are ready and waiting for us to go and do.Ask him to lead you.When we are doing what we are designed to do it is like fitting a round peg into a round hole… it is a perfect fit.Ask and you will find, seek and it will be given, knock and it will be opened to you.We will find everything we need at the feet of our savior, in the quiet place of our prayer closet. Visit daily, visit often.If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we will fellowship with one another.
rc2dayand2morrow
Mark 16:15Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.We live in a world where there is pain; suffering and sickness all around us. There is pain in the hearts of many around us every day. The sinful environment and life style of the human race has caused normal life to be self seeking and avoidance to hear and accept the only true healing touch for our ongoing repetition of the same type of actions that our parents taught us and we are teaching our children. Pain from thinking testing out relationships before getting married should be normal. The affair is ok if no one discovers what is going on (after all what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right?) Adultery not only those affected directly by the feelings of betrayal to each other but when their children are involved, the effects can be many and are life lasting effects. Pain and suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism reach deep into many lives, not only for those who are using but also for those who live with and know them. The effects of child abuse are an ongoing cycle that destroys countless lives with terrible suffering and addictive and abusive lifestyles that continue for generations. The list goes on and we all are at least familiar with them if not connected to them. These problems and many more are around us and touch our lives daily. The commission of love sent from God through his son has never changed. He wants us to take the hope of the good news that changed our lives and hand it out as freely as we received it. The same good news that changed and freed us. The good news that is freeing us daily needs to be handed out at every opportunity. We have a great gift handed to us. Not because we earned it nor deserved it. But because God loves us, where we were. Where we are, in the middle of our hurting lives, in the middle of our destroyed and for many of us our helpless lives. He gave us hope. He gave us love and acceptance and offered us a better way to live. So in the middle of a State and Federal government that continue to appear to be more and more anti-Christ, in schools that preaching what they think is protection from fanaticism, not the true freedoms offered by a relationship with Christ. This same good news is the love and freedom he painfully wants us to know and hand out to all. Let’s freely give away what we have been freely. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are his workmanship. The New Testament Greek word “poema.” God’s poem or his art work, precious to his heart. Made with his own hands, with his own imagination. The verse goes on to tell us that we have been created for good works before the creation of the world in him. The works are ready and waiting for us to go and do.Ask him to lead you.When we are doing what we are designed to do it is like fitting a round peg into a round hole… it is a perfect fit.Ask and you will find, seek and it will be given, knock and it will be opened to you.We will find everything we need at the feet of our savior, in the quiet place of our prayer closet. Visit daily, visit often.If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we will fellowship with one another.
Making the most of every Opportunity
October 17, 2009 –
A homeless man I know died last week. Willy was one of the men who accepted Christ as his savior at a Bible study named “The Fringe”. This study was directed by God in at a Starbucks in an area where gang members walk by, homeless walk by and people from all walks of life have stopped, asked questions; listened; asked for prayer and have had their lives changed by the Spirit of God. Willy was one of those people God sent by to spend time with us. I didn’t know much about Willy. He would show up one week and then not for a while. Willy always felt and made himself welcome. He would sit and talk about his experience with church as a boy. He liked to talk about fishing on the Sacramento River. Willy is my brother in Christ and now is at home with Dad. I am thankful Willy was in my life, even for a short time. Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 the days are short let’s be ready in season and out of season.Now you are in your Fathers mansion Willy. I can’t wait to see you there my friend.
A homeless man I know died last week. Willy was one of the men who accepted Christ as his savior at a Bible study named “The Fringe”. This study was directed by God in at a Starbucks in an area where gang members walk by, homeless walk by and people from all walks of life have stopped, asked questions; listened; asked for prayer and have had their lives changed by the Spirit of God. Willy was one of those people God sent by to spend time with us. I didn’t know much about Willy. He would show up one week and then not for a while. Willy always felt and made himself welcome. He would sit and talk about his experience with church as a boy. He liked to talk about fishing on the Sacramento River. Willy is my brother in Christ and now is at home with Dad. I am thankful Willy was in my life, even for a short time. Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 the days are short let’s be ready in season and out of season.Now you are in your Fathers mansion Willy. I can’t wait to see you there my friend.
My Hope is sure
October 9, 2009 –
Like the sun that shines through a hole in the storm covered sky, or the breaking of dawn after the long night that held fear or uncertainty. Our anchor our hope is not in anything this world offers. Where moths destroy and the thief steals away what is precious. Our hope is steadfast. Held for us securely behind the veil waiting for us. Our very treasure is Jesus, our hope and our glory. We are honored to have been drawn by his Holy Spirit, convicted of sin and by the bloodshed for us, honored to be given the right to be called the children of God. Our hope is our anchor that keeps us from being destroyed even by the hart ships in this lifetime. The uncertainty of what is offered by this world we live in. Our hope is held in him, behind the veil, in Heaven. The hope of our destination pulls us through trials and tribulations of the daily life we live as strangers in a strange land. Because he is unchanging, our hope increases the more intimately we connect with him. I am unspeakably grateful for a hope that is larger than I am, building a faith that honors him and touches his heart. I had nothing to do with gaining this faith or hope. I am overwhelmed by this gift given to me.Thank You Father. Hebrews 6:19
Like the sun that shines through a hole in the storm covered sky, or the breaking of dawn after the long night that held fear or uncertainty. Our anchor our hope is not in anything this world offers. Where moths destroy and the thief steals away what is precious. Our hope is steadfast. Held for us securely behind the veil waiting for us. Our very treasure is Jesus, our hope and our glory. We are honored to have been drawn by his Holy Spirit, convicted of sin and by the bloodshed for us, honored to be given the right to be called the children of God. Our hope is our anchor that keeps us from being destroyed even by the hart ships in this lifetime. The uncertainty of what is offered by this world we live in. Our hope is held in him, behind the veil, in Heaven. The hope of our destination pulls us through trials and tribulations of the daily life we live as strangers in a strange land. Because he is unchanging, our hope increases the more intimately we connect with him. I am unspeakably grateful for a hope that is larger than I am, building a faith that honors him and touches his heart. I had nothing to do with gaining this faith or hope. I am overwhelmed by this gift given to me.Thank You Father. Hebrews 6:19
A Hope that never fails
October 6, 2009 –
Today a couple of things happened that were two of those moments took place that were HMMM moments. I work for the state of California. Good bad or indifferent. The organization l work for has need of several people like myself to perform a service. The problem is that now there isn’t enough money for all of us to continue. So layoffs have taken place. One of the men I work with has been laid off. My friend has become my new brother in Christ. Heavy in heart since the news of his layoff. Prayer has been a daily routine on behalf of my new brother for a new job. I believing that my Father hears prayers and will always carry out his purposes. He will use adverse situations to carry out those purposes in our lives. My brother has been standing in his newly found faith for God’s provision, he is just getting to know his how to get involved with his new relationship with His Heavenly Father. Two ideas have come across his way. Things never thought of by him or anyone else. The first: a contractor that works in our area has told him if he can he will put him to work, and he has been talking to all of his friends asking for help putting my brother to work. The second: someone in the office area where we work, gave him an opportunity via a friend she has for an apartment complex maintenance position. Both are now considering my brother for employment. My brother and friend has a new hope and stronger belief that anything is possible with his God. Neither of these positions has been solidified but my friend has seen how his new family has come together to pray for him and offer ideas and help where possible. The best thing is that everyone who has offered prayer and ideas for him, do not attend church together. But share the same relationship with Jesus. One of these in the same Christ Family, gave an astounding reference, is a new Christian himself. God is on the throne and is always at work in every situation of life on our behalf to carry out his purposes. Call to him in everything, realize he is a creative God and can bring things to pass from things never expected or seen before. Look for him; and expect great things from him. Give your hearts to him. He wants a close tender relationship with us. Romans 8:32 tells us “if he gave up his son will he not along with him give us all things?” The next thing of the day is this: I have a friend who has some physical challenges. He has more than one disability he is dealing with, more than one issue; he is dealing with the struggle of losing of a portion of his fixed income as well. He has a lot things staked against him. A couple of other brothers and sisters in Christ have been working on a solution for him over the past few days. When I got home from work I made a few calls regarding his current status. This is when I found out he left his apartment before eviction took place. So now he is homeless, to add to his strenuous way of life. I am in the process of learning how my friend can get help with his many issues he deals with daily. Heavy in heart, I called another friend who has been struggling with a different set of issues, who is being pressed due to choices he is making. A Christian man, but never the less full of struggles. I asked him about organizations that would be likely to help out some one in the situation my first friend is facing. He began to sound off different organizations that have been willing to help out some of his friends as well as himself in times past. All of the sudden new hope was stirred up in me. New energy ignited about my homeless friend’s situation with new possibilities. New life had spawned because The Father of lights peered down into life and touched hearts and grace hope to a hopeless feeling situation. The thought came to me in mid conversation – hey I have found someone who knows how to deal with my homeless friend’s situation and has a passion for doing so. I asked this friend if he would be willing to help out. Full of excitement, a resounding yes came through the receiver of the phone! I think we are on our way to help out this homeless brother and friend and only the lord knows who else. Now that is what I am talking about! A creative God doing creative things to touch earth with his heart. On behalf of those who call on his name when in great distress. He hears us call to him. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Stay tuned for updates.The family of God working together solutions to difficult situations.
Today a couple of things happened that were two of those moments took place that were HMMM moments. I work for the state of California. Good bad or indifferent. The organization l work for has need of several people like myself to perform a service. The problem is that now there isn’t enough money for all of us to continue. So layoffs have taken place. One of the men I work with has been laid off. My friend has become my new brother in Christ. Heavy in heart since the news of his layoff. Prayer has been a daily routine on behalf of my new brother for a new job. I believing that my Father hears prayers and will always carry out his purposes. He will use adverse situations to carry out those purposes in our lives. My brother has been standing in his newly found faith for God’s provision, he is just getting to know his how to get involved with his new relationship with His Heavenly Father. Two ideas have come across his way. Things never thought of by him or anyone else. The first: a contractor that works in our area has told him if he can he will put him to work, and he has been talking to all of his friends asking for help putting my brother to work. The second: someone in the office area where we work, gave him an opportunity via a friend she has for an apartment complex maintenance position. Both are now considering my brother for employment. My brother and friend has a new hope and stronger belief that anything is possible with his God. Neither of these positions has been solidified but my friend has seen how his new family has come together to pray for him and offer ideas and help where possible. The best thing is that everyone who has offered prayer and ideas for him, do not attend church together. But share the same relationship with Jesus. One of these in the same Christ Family, gave an astounding reference, is a new Christian himself. God is on the throne and is always at work in every situation of life on our behalf to carry out his purposes. Call to him in everything, realize he is a creative God and can bring things to pass from things never expected or seen before. Look for him; and expect great things from him. Give your hearts to him. He wants a close tender relationship with us. Romans 8:32 tells us “if he gave up his son will he not along with him give us all things?” The next thing of the day is this: I have a friend who has some physical challenges. He has more than one disability he is dealing with, more than one issue; he is dealing with the struggle of losing of a portion of his fixed income as well. He has a lot things staked against him. A couple of other brothers and sisters in Christ have been working on a solution for him over the past few days. When I got home from work I made a few calls regarding his current status. This is when I found out he left his apartment before eviction took place. So now he is homeless, to add to his strenuous way of life. I am in the process of learning how my friend can get help with his many issues he deals with daily. Heavy in heart, I called another friend who has been struggling with a different set of issues, who is being pressed due to choices he is making. A Christian man, but never the less full of struggles. I asked him about organizations that would be likely to help out some one in the situation my first friend is facing. He began to sound off different organizations that have been willing to help out some of his friends as well as himself in times past. All of the sudden new hope was stirred up in me. New energy ignited about my homeless friend’s situation with new possibilities. New life had spawned because The Father of lights peered down into life and touched hearts and grace hope to a hopeless feeling situation. The thought came to me in mid conversation – hey I have found someone who knows how to deal with my homeless friend’s situation and has a passion for doing so. I asked this friend if he would be willing to help out. Full of excitement, a resounding yes came through the receiver of the phone! I think we are on our way to help out this homeless brother and friend and only the lord knows who else. Now that is what I am talking about! A creative God doing creative things to touch earth with his heart. On behalf of those who call on his name when in great distress. He hears us call to him. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Stay tuned for updates.The family of God working together solutions to difficult situations.
Answers to a changing world.
October 3, 2009 -
The world we are living in is changing around us at a rapid pace. Our economy is as unstable as it has been in since the 30’s. Our new President and congress are constantly striving for answers to ever changing circumstances. They continue to come up short. People are losing confidence of what was secure for so long and now are beginning to panic. We are seeing crime; physical abuses; the hearts of people becoming cold and uncaring. Suicides increase before us daily and people losing view of any hope. At any given time anyone of us are on the brink of crashing and burning with the loss of jobs, homes; and families. We are seeing drug and alcohol abuse soaring among the gen-xers; gen-y’s; and baby boomers alike. Divorce and abortion has become the pandemic of an unsatisfied and unrestrained lifestyle all around us in today’s world. Life in general is becoming unstable and chaotic with no foreseeable relief. This is not in some far off 3rd world country, this is worldwide and right here in our own back yard. We are in need of answers. We are in need of real solutions to real problems that are crushing us daily. President Obama doesn’t have the answer; President Bush didn’t have the answer. It is time to stop finger pointing and look hard and fast to the real reason we are where we are. If we look at ourselves and realize we have all become part of the problem; and find the solution personally, then we may find a change and solution for our communities, our state, our country; and our world. What are we lacking? If we see the unrest on our own hearts and realize that the answer we need is larger than we are. Then we will realize that we have an unquenchable thirst that won’t be satisfied by more money, more house, a better or newer car, more toys, another spouse a better job, drugs, or alcohol. Things, stuff, feeding our unquenchable apatite will only take us down the same road we are on now. Jesus said I am the bread of life, he who comes to me will not go hungry, and he who believes in me will not be thirsty, but as I have told you, you have seen me and still do not believe. All the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. The reality is what we have been doing hasn’t worked up to this point. Sure it has all been good for awhile, even a life time, but look at where we are now. It sure seems to have been temporary. Let’s look into something, or someone, that is lasting. Obviously money, fame; and what we always thought would be secure and long lasting; good for a life time would continue. But we are now seeing the effects of living for number one. He who dies with the most toys still dies. The invitation is being held out. It has always been held out. Today is the day to accept the hand that is being offered to pull us out of our mess our hopeless situation. It is as simple as a truthful prayer from the heart. Asking for forgiveness and accepting what was provided through Jesus Christ.You can pray like this:Jesus I am wrong, I have lived my life without regard for you or your ways. Forgive me. I believe you died for my sinful ways. Your death was for me. To make a way for me to have a life with you for eternity in Heaven. I know I need to be saved from separation from you. Come into my life and help me to change the way I have been living to the way you planned for me to live. Form a new heart in me. I now believe by your death on a cross for me, the fact that you raised from the dead to give me life and the need for me to surrender all I am to you, gives me new life. I choose your sacrifice of your shed blood. I am now saved. In Jesus name, Amen.Now start going to a Bible teaching church. Start praying to him and reading a Bible every day. Welcome to the Family of God! You are now a Child of God.
The world we are living in is changing around us at a rapid pace. Our economy is as unstable as it has been in since the 30’s. Our new President and congress are constantly striving for answers to ever changing circumstances. They continue to come up short. People are losing confidence of what was secure for so long and now are beginning to panic. We are seeing crime; physical abuses; the hearts of people becoming cold and uncaring. Suicides increase before us daily and people losing view of any hope. At any given time anyone of us are on the brink of crashing and burning with the loss of jobs, homes; and families. We are seeing drug and alcohol abuse soaring among the gen-xers; gen-y’s; and baby boomers alike. Divorce and abortion has become the pandemic of an unsatisfied and unrestrained lifestyle all around us in today’s world. Life in general is becoming unstable and chaotic with no foreseeable relief. This is not in some far off 3rd world country, this is worldwide and right here in our own back yard. We are in need of answers. We are in need of real solutions to real problems that are crushing us daily. President Obama doesn’t have the answer; President Bush didn’t have the answer. It is time to stop finger pointing and look hard and fast to the real reason we are where we are. If we look at ourselves and realize we have all become part of the problem; and find the solution personally, then we may find a change and solution for our communities, our state, our country; and our world. What are we lacking? If we see the unrest on our own hearts and realize that the answer we need is larger than we are. Then we will realize that we have an unquenchable thirst that won’t be satisfied by more money, more house, a better or newer car, more toys, another spouse a better job, drugs, or alcohol. Things, stuff, feeding our unquenchable apatite will only take us down the same road we are on now. Jesus said I am the bread of life, he who comes to me will not go hungry, and he who believes in me will not be thirsty, but as I have told you, you have seen me and still do not believe. All the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. The reality is what we have been doing hasn’t worked up to this point. Sure it has all been good for awhile, even a life time, but look at where we are now. It sure seems to have been temporary. Let’s look into something, or someone, that is lasting. Obviously money, fame; and what we always thought would be secure and long lasting; good for a life time would continue. But we are now seeing the effects of living for number one. He who dies with the most toys still dies. The invitation is being held out. It has always been held out. Today is the day to accept the hand that is being offered to pull us out of our mess our hopeless situation. It is as simple as a truthful prayer from the heart. Asking for forgiveness and accepting what was provided through Jesus Christ.You can pray like this:Jesus I am wrong, I have lived my life without regard for you or your ways. Forgive me. I believe you died for my sinful ways. Your death was for me. To make a way for me to have a life with you for eternity in Heaven. I know I need to be saved from separation from you. Come into my life and help me to change the way I have been living to the way you planned for me to live. Form a new heart in me. I now believe by your death on a cross for me, the fact that you raised from the dead to give me life and the need for me to surrender all I am to you, gives me new life. I choose your sacrifice of your shed blood. I am now saved. In Jesus name, Amen.Now start going to a Bible teaching church. Start praying to him and reading a Bible every day. Welcome to the Family of God! You are now a Child of God.
Change happens at the speed of life
September 29, 2009 –
About two weeks ago I had the opportunity to go camping with good Christian friend and brother of mine. A last hurrah to end the summer for the year. His youngest son was turning 16 and as he family tradition goes each of his children has the opportunity to invite several friends on a boat camping trip. I was invited to keep Dad Company among five 16 year old boys. We had a great time. I laughed at the conversation of young men at 16, the teasing and ongoing contests. The bonding among young friends. There was lots of water skiing and wake boarding that took place. One night after a great dinner, the boys were trading horse stories around the camp fire. The two old guys under the large mosquito ten, used for our chow hall, talking. Up came a visitor from the camp next to us about 200 yards away. Out of the pitch dark walks up a guy that seemed come from nowhere. He had been talking to the boys for some time. He then walked up into the tent where my friend and I were in an intense conversation taking us by surprise. The neighbor was as drunk as a skunk. Incoherent and falling over everything and himself. He finally made it to a sitting position on the bench next to my friend. The next few minutes of conversation were interesting at best. Talking to him about the lake (he was a local), about a fire that was in the area the year before. We talked about what he was drinking and what were not drinking. Our conversation died off almost as soon as it started. Then just as he mysteriously as he appeared in our camp he was on his feet and walking off into the dark night where he came from. What happened next was sobering (no pun intended). We heard in the black darkness of the night a boat engine start up. No lights to accompany the noise of the motor. Then the engine, full throttle, then a flash of the side of a boat shot past us on the lake. The motor throttled down at what was about the distance of the first bend in the lake. After a second or two the engine, never completely shut down, raced to full throttle again. Then in the still black darkness, a flash came by us again in the opposite direction and …CRASH!!!! A boat hit the shore line directly across from us! The boat now motionless and virticle.The boat motor at an idle. Looking at each other in shock, we readied ourselves to run for the lake in need of a possible rescue. Then the boat slid down from the bank of the lake shore. Now horizontal, the engine engages again into gear and the boat idles back to the camp just 200 yards from us where it started from. Hearing yelling and conversation we knew no lives were lost tonight. Now you have to figure we have several 16 year old boys in camp with us. The whooping and hollering started as fast as the boat raced in front of us. Knowing everything was ok. The dramatic show over. The jokes and laughing start. The new stories begin. Practice of how things would be acted out in school on Monday morning. This opened up an opportunity to talk to these young Christian men about why too much drinking can lead to circumstances out or your control. Then the realization his us all when one of the boys says “Wow we could have been the last ones to talk to that guy before he died.”It hit me like a baseball bat! Life is like a minute that is here and gone the next. The words Carpe diem immediately rushed into my thoughts. Then “Be ready in season and out of season” The gospel was not shared with our guest that night, we thought he was so drunk that there would be no effect. The thought of his death was a reality check. We can’t hold the work of the Holy Spirit to our limited thoughts. He is able and willing to reach even through the effects of alcohol or drugs at any level. Just like he can through anger, bitterness and any other abuse or damaged life. He is God. Mark 4:26-29 tells of the Parable of the Growing Seed.“This is what the Kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day weather he sleeps or gets up; the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk, then the head and then the kernel in the head. Then the grain is ripe. He puts the sickle to it, the harvest is ready.”The word of God is self sufficient. When planted, God is the one who nourishes it. He waters it. His words are life. Our Job is to plant. Not to determine when the soil is right or the conditions are right. When the opportunity is at hand, that is when the seed needs to be scattered. What we feel or think is irreverent and needs to be put in check according to God’s words. He said go and make disciples, not according to conditions or weather report. Just the instructions to GO and DO. The young boater was up very early and on his way to the boat ramp, and I’m sure home, the next morning. I am very thankful that the young boater didn’t have to go before God and answer for himself that night. I am thankful for God’s patience and longsuffering. My prayer is that the gospel will be on the lips of the next Harvest Worker that young boater comes across soon. That I will see him casting his crown at the feet of his Savior in praise before his throne.
About two weeks ago I had the opportunity to go camping with good Christian friend and brother of mine. A last hurrah to end the summer for the year. His youngest son was turning 16 and as he family tradition goes each of his children has the opportunity to invite several friends on a boat camping trip. I was invited to keep Dad Company among five 16 year old boys. We had a great time. I laughed at the conversation of young men at 16, the teasing and ongoing contests. The bonding among young friends. There was lots of water skiing and wake boarding that took place. One night after a great dinner, the boys were trading horse stories around the camp fire. The two old guys under the large mosquito ten, used for our chow hall, talking. Up came a visitor from the camp next to us about 200 yards away. Out of the pitch dark walks up a guy that seemed come from nowhere. He had been talking to the boys for some time. He then walked up into the tent where my friend and I were in an intense conversation taking us by surprise. The neighbor was as drunk as a skunk. Incoherent and falling over everything and himself. He finally made it to a sitting position on the bench next to my friend. The next few minutes of conversation were interesting at best. Talking to him about the lake (he was a local), about a fire that was in the area the year before. We talked about what he was drinking and what were not drinking. Our conversation died off almost as soon as it started. Then just as he mysteriously as he appeared in our camp he was on his feet and walking off into the dark night where he came from. What happened next was sobering (no pun intended). We heard in the black darkness of the night a boat engine start up. No lights to accompany the noise of the motor. Then the engine, full throttle, then a flash of the side of a boat shot past us on the lake. The motor throttled down at what was about the distance of the first bend in the lake. After a second or two the engine, never completely shut down, raced to full throttle again. Then in the still black darkness, a flash came by us again in the opposite direction and …CRASH!!!! A boat hit the shore line directly across from us! The boat now motionless and virticle.The boat motor at an idle. Looking at each other in shock, we readied ourselves to run for the lake in need of a possible rescue. Then the boat slid down from the bank of the lake shore. Now horizontal, the engine engages again into gear and the boat idles back to the camp just 200 yards from us where it started from. Hearing yelling and conversation we knew no lives were lost tonight. Now you have to figure we have several 16 year old boys in camp with us. The whooping and hollering started as fast as the boat raced in front of us. Knowing everything was ok. The dramatic show over. The jokes and laughing start. The new stories begin. Practice of how things would be acted out in school on Monday morning. This opened up an opportunity to talk to these young Christian men about why too much drinking can lead to circumstances out or your control. Then the realization his us all when one of the boys says “Wow we could have been the last ones to talk to that guy before he died.”It hit me like a baseball bat! Life is like a minute that is here and gone the next. The words Carpe diem immediately rushed into my thoughts. Then “Be ready in season and out of season” The gospel was not shared with our guest that night, we thought he was so drunk that there would be no effect. The thought of his death was a reality check. We can’t hold the work of the Holy Spirit to our limited thoughts. He is able and willing to reach even through the effects of alcohol or drugs at any level. Just like he can through anger, bitterness and any other abuse or damaged life. He is God. Mark 4:26-29 tells of the Parable of the Growing Seed.“This is what the Kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day weather he sleeps or gets up; the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk, then the head and then the kernel in the head. Then the grain is ripe. He puts the sickle to it, the harvest is ready.”The word of God is self sufficient. When planted, God is the one who nourishes it. He waters it. His words are life. Our Job is to plant. Not to determine when the soil is right or the conditions are right. When the opportunity is at hand, that is when the seed needs to be scattered. What we feel or think is irreverent and needs to be put in check according to God’s words. He said go and make disciples, not according to conditions or weather report. Just the instructions to GO and DO. The young boater was up very early and on his way to the boat ramp, and I’m sure home, the next morning. I am very thankful that the young boater didn’t have to go before God and answer for himself that night. I am thankful for God’s patience and longsuffering. My prayer is that the gospel will be on the lips of the next Harvest Worker that young boater comes across soon. That I will see him casting his crown at the feet of his Savior in praise before his throne.
Insights from the weekend
September 28, 2009
Saturday was a great day!Spent the day with my favorite person. Janice. The day started out at the Sacramento Dream Center. Helping out an organization with feeding and clothing those less fortunate than we are. The blessing of helping, spending time and talking with folks that need friends and a leg up. Daryl and his son Jay were two of the new friends I met. Daryl is a guy that loves God and has been unplugged because of unfortunate circumstances. He and his son on their way to Reno NV. from Kentucky found themselves in Sacramento about three weeks ago. Daryl or “D” as he invited me to call him, is a remarkable artist. He loves to create his art out of dryer lint… yes lint. We talked for a while and got to know each other. Laughing and praying. Learning about what we would like to see happen with tomorrow. “D” told me he was thankful for today, for his son being with him. “D,” thankful for a place to sleep and a meal. ”D” told me tomorrow would have all he needed, provided by his Heavenly Father. “D” was optimistic about his tomorrow and his hope was not dashed on the rocks by his current circumstances.D taught me that God is in control even if it looks or feels like he is not. He also showed me that “The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Because a man speaks out of the fullness of what is in his heart. D could have been angry about his life situation. He told me he had lost his home. He is separated from his oldest son, who he misses terribly, going to college in Kentucky. He is living with his ex-wife. ”D” had some of his art work taken; he has no place to work or create. The reality as I see it, “D” has his eyes set on the things hoped for and the is secure in the things not yet seen.I hope I don’t see D when I go back to help my friends at the Dream Center. I hope his prayers are answered and he is well on his way to becoming a great artist. I hope I soon find myself in an art museum and see the amazing historical art characters fashioned creatively from dryer lint. Or find myself reading about the newest craze of dryer lint art created by the artist only known as “D”D and his son Jay are in my daily prayers and I now have a new sense of what it means to walk by faith not by sight.Thank you D you’re a man o Faith and an inspiration.
Saturday was a great day!Spent the day with my favorite person. Janice. The day started out at the Sacramento Dream Center. Helping out an organization with feeding and clothing those less fortunate than we are. The blessing of helping, spending time and talking with folks that need friends and a leg up. Daryl and his son Jay were two of the new friends I met. Daryl is a guy that loves God and has been unplugged because of unfortunate circumstances. He and his son on their way to Reno NV. from Kentucky found themselves in Sacramento about three weeks ago. Daryl or “D” as he invited me to call him, is a remarkable artist. He loves to create his art out of dryer lint… yes lint. We talked for a while and got to know each other. Laughing and praying. Learning about what we would like to see happen with tomorrow. “D” told me he was thankful for today, for his son being with him. “D,” thankful for a place to sleep and a meal. ”D” told me tomorrow would have all he needed, provided by his Heavenly Father. “D” was optimistic about his tomorrow and his hope was not dashed on the rocks by his current circumstances.D taught me that God is in control even if it looks or feels like he is not. He also showed me that “The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Because a man speaks out of the fullness of what is in his heart. D could have been angry about his life situation. He told me he had lost his home. He is separated from his oldest son, who he misses terribly, going to college in Kentucky. He is living with his ex-wife. ”D” had some of his art work taken; he has no place to work or create. The reality as I see it, “D” has his eyes set on the things hoped for and the is secure in the things not yet seen.I hope I don’t see D when I go back to help my friends at the Dream Center. I hope his prayers are answered and he is well on his way to becoming a great artist. I hope I soon find myself in an art museum and see the amazing historical art characters fashioned creatively from dryer lint. Or find myself reading about the newest craze of dryer lint art created by the artist only known as “D”D and his son Jay are in my daily prayers and I now have a new sense of what it means to walk by faith not by sight.Thank you D you’re a man o Faith and an inspiration.
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