The Nature of Sin

There has been this thought in my mind for as long as I can remember that Sin- at it's essence- is selfishness- self gratification- even self preservation. That is - preservation not just of the physical self, but the ego as well. I am beginning to wonder and maybe even change my view. Many a man has come to Christ out of a sense of self preservation. When I think of my own committment to Christ- at the heart of it was a longing for a better life- for Self to be in a better position or condition. Oh it had nothing to do with a fear of hell for me- in many ways I felt like I was living in hell already and was looking for a way out. So then- I can see how concern for self ( selfishness in a sense) can certainly lead a man to Christ. Committment to Christ at it's essence is a committment to self preservation and happiness. So then what is all this business in Matthew 16 about denying self and taking up my cross to follow Jesus? And a little farther on Jesus tells me the man who seeks to save his life will lose it, but the man who loses his life for My sake will find Life? I still believe self is at the heart of sin, but maybe not self preservation. Maybe sin at it's essence is more about self reliance and a lack of trust in God's Character. What I mean to say is, maybe a pursuit of happiness for self's sake is not a bad thing- but the problem comes when I begin to believe or act as if I believe I know better than God how to have the Joy I long for and He promises- or I begin to doubt His Love for me- or that He has my best interest in His Heart. Like those in the Garden- I listen to His great enemy and I choose to go my own way in the pursuit of happiness. I separate myself from God- I separate myself from my only source of Real Life and Joy thinking I know a better way- wanting to establish my own sovereignty over my life. In the end maybe sin is mostly about a lack of trust in God's Love for me and His Sovereignty- Some how thinking I can do better by following my own way. Holiness on the other hand is about truly trusting God as I make my way through this world and in this world. Jesus seems to be constantly challenging us to go against our common sense or at least what makes sense in this world and trust Him for our lives- our happiness- all our fulfillment. Go sell all you have, give to the poor and follow Me. If a man wants your coat- give him your shirt as well. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies. Tough words in this world. Words that demand me to take a stand one way or the other- Am I with Him or will I go my own way? He will not settle for a little religion. Lord Jesus, Almighty God, Holy Sprit- Three in One, Pour Your great Heart into my weak heart today and everyday for the courage toTrust You with my Life. Help me to have the courage to take hold of the Life that is Real Life when everything around me screams noooooo! Make me Pure in Heart Wholly devoted to You. Help me to see Your Faithfulness- Give me eyes to see Your goodness and Love for me. Give me ears to hear Your call to me and a Heart to obey. Amen

Listening

My wife gave me a hard poke in the leg and a glare that said it all. "You have gone over the edge again Charles- in your passion to make your point- you have been hard and condemning". Mind you now, this was in Sunday School - and I later told her I thought I had been reserved as I had really only said about a third of what was on my mind. Thank you Lord for small mercies like hard pokes in the leg!

James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Sometimes I do a good job listening- hearing what others have to say. Sometimes I genuinely want to understand someone else's thoughts and feelings- but I have a long way to go with this.

Proverbs 18:2 "A fool (me) does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions"

One of Jesus most common sayings after offering up difficult teaching was, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".

Lord God, give me ears to hear and a heart intent on listening.

As a teacher I make my living with words- I can be pretty good at helping others understand difficult concepts by guiding them with my words. There is a great sense of satisfaction when someone gets something I have been trying to get across. Words are a way of life for me. Add to that- that there are certain things I am passionate about or I have pondered over and reached a conclusion about and watch out- I can easily become overbearing and hard with my words, scarcely listening at all. Now I realize there are times when strong words need to be delivered with Passion, but like so many things in Christian life there are few hard fast rules- except maybe becoming aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and listening for His lead in it all. Maybe that is what listening to others will teach me in my day by day face to face interactions- the habit of quieting down and intentionally listening for God's lead- To become that way in my prayers. Father forgive me. Move in me to become a good listener. Move in me to serve others- to become truly empathetic by listening- and really hearing their hearts. Help me to know when my words are more about defending my position than really offering help in Love. Amen

God Teaches in the Strangest Ways

As we pulled into the gas station to ask directions, my wife Julie noticed a guy pumping gas and prompted me- "Ask him- he looks like he might know his way around." About the same time I noticed another fellow half shuffling-half limping across the parking lot- an average looking guy in somewhat tattered clothes and physically struggling as he made his way.

I will call him lesser man.

As I turned my attention to the guy pumping gas I began to take notice that he was well dressed and obviously affluent- based on the shiny new black BMW he was filling with gas. Beyond the appearance of wealth, this guy was also above average height and quite fit- I would guess a former athlete based on his build. Then there was his hair- it was...... well in a word........ perfect- Styled and profiled like he was maybe about to meet a lady friend. It was all topped off with the dark tan of someone who most likely was able to spend a fair amount of time on the golf course.

This was a guy who at least looked like he had it all together.

I will call him perfect man.

Honestly, I am not really sure where it came from, but immediately something rose up in me to say- "You can't ask perfect man- go ask the guy you saw stumbling across the parking lot". It was almost like a sense of fear....... or intimidation........or something ........ I am not sure what- but it grabbed my attention. I could not believe I was having such a goofy reaction to the prospect of asking some guy for directions. Now mind you- all this happened in a matter of seconds, but I have pondered it now for a couple of days- asking God to show me what it was all about.

Could it have been about Pride?

Pride is a strange sort of thing- especially when attacked by our enemy- the Evil One. It is as if he knows- that somewhere deep inside me there is this sense of inadequacy- maybe insecurity- that says- Charles, you don't measure up- you don't have what it takes- you're not a real man- not like that guy- not like perfect man.

You know you better hide it too.

Don't let anybody know you really don't have it all together-

Especially not perfect man-

Asking him for anything will expose you for the weakling you really are.

Oh I don't mind going to lesser man-

He is more like me- and deep inside me something says-

You know you have it more together than lesser man-

You don't need his approval- he is no threat-

In fact it will make him feel better that he can help someone of my stature.

Lies, Lies, Lies- Get away from me with your Lies!

Truth- I don't have it all together- but neither does perfect man.

But that is okay- It is okay-No- It is better than okay-

It is a good thing to let go of my pride- the facade of my own perfection.

Truth- There is no real lesser man than me- I am clearly a man in deep need-

In deep need of my Saviour

Truth- There is one Perfect Man- and He takes me right where I am. He offers me Life and Freedom from my own pride that would isolate and destroy me.

Jesus, my lord Jesus, Please continually come to life in me. Speak words of Truth to me. Moment by moment help me to see my own worth and value in You. Help me to see all men from the standpoint of their worth and adequacy in You. Help me to live out of my adequacy in You. Free me from the lies that would steal the life You have won for me. All Praise be to You Lord Jesus for what You are doing in me- for Your life and Love and Power in me. Amen

Some Thoughts on Holiness

Holiness.........Set Apart for God- for His Purposes. Holiness is not so much about do this and don't do that as it is about the reality that I am not made for this world. I am a stranger here- this is not my home. The more I look to this world for my happiness the more frustrated I am destined to become. God's call to me for Holiness is out of His Love for me. God's call to Holiness is a call to Wholeness- To Life in Him Jesus said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches- remain in Me- Apart from Me you can do nothing. Remain in Me and you will bear much fruit" Holiness is abiding in Christ. It is not following a set of rules. Following rules can not bring life. Jesus offers Life- Full, Whole, Complete Life. 1 Peter 1:13-19 Excerpts Prepare your minds for action.... Set your Hope fully on the Grace given as Jesus is revealed...... As He who called you is Holy, be Holy in all you do......... Be Holy because I am Holy....... Live your Lives as strangers here in reverent fear....... For you know your redemption did not come from the things this world considers precious, but from the Precious Blood of Christ...... A Lamb without blemish or defect (Set apart fully for God's Purpose of Love and Redemption) Living in this world-I need to be reminded of what is real. Holiness is a call to that- what is real- to what is true. Holiness is about a focus on what has substance. Holiness is not achieved by following a set of rules. Holiness is seen in a Life consumed with Christ. Holiness is not as much about separation from as separation to. Set your Hope fully on Grace in Christ. I think this might be the key to personal Holiness- That is- setting aside all my efforts to separate from the the World and begin to focus on separating myself unto God- Fixing my eyes on the Holy One- Jesus Himself. Don't you just love Jesus- The way He Lived- His Compassion- His Strength- His Courage- His Goodness. Perfect Holiness- Perfect Love. In the end- Holiness means being like Jesus. Father God, move in me today to be Holy- to be like Jesus more and more- to do the things He did- To live out His Life in my world. Make me Holy. Amen

Satisfaction

What Satisfies You? Really........... Deeply............ From the top of your head to the tips of your toes? Is there anything that fills you to the point of Wholeness? What about a good meal ? A cool drink on a hot day? Going downhill on a bicycle really fast? Holding the one you love close? The sense of a job well done? The smiles of your children on Christmas morning? Making the game winning shot? An aced test? The richness of your favorite music as you lie on a sandy beach? John 4:13-14 Jesus answered,"Everyone who drinks this world's water- even it's best water- will thirst again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again. Indeed the water I give you will become a Spring of Water- Welling up to Eternal Life." Outrageous- can it really be true? Can this Jesus really surpass even the finest moments in this life? Can He bring me a sense of wholeness that never ends. Will He give me the good thing that can never be too much of a good thing? Oh, yes- I believe He can and He will and He does........ If I will just entrust my life to Him. Lose myself in Him. Delight in Him. Dissappear into His life- His Purposes- His Ways. John 14:6 Jesus said, "Iam the way, the Truth and the Life." Jesus- my Lord Jesus, my Friend Jesus- Rise up in me- Consume me- Be my one great worthy magnificent obsession- Fill me with Yourself- Your Character- Your Heart of Love for the Father- Your Heart of Love for people. Today and everyday. Amen

Indecision and God's Leading

Just now- Today- and over these last few days I am at a point of indecision. I have done everything I know to do to resolve the situation- to help me make a good, sound, smart decision and yet things are no clearer. There is angst. There is a sense of unsettledness about my spirit. Should I do this or that- and if I do this will I miss on the possibility of that. I would love to have a burning bush to command me. I would love to hear the voice of God clearly say, "Charles you should........" but it has not come and the angst continues. If only I could know how this or that would turn out- If only I had more information. Phillipians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God and the Peace of God which transcends understanding will gaurd your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I can not look for the Peace in the granting of the request- but from Trusting in the Goodness and Love and Power of the Grantor.

This morning God has led me to the answer to end my angst. Prayer Oswald Chambers- May 26- "Pray without Ceasing." God always answers prayer. But I have prayed and yet still there is no clear- "Do this Charles"- answer. Ah, but there has been something. Something I can only describe as the rumbling of the Holy Spirit through my mind and heart - A sensation like hearing or feeling a hard wind blow. One of my favorite verses comes to mind-a message from God Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. The rumblings of the Holy Spirit tell me God is with me. Phillipians 4:5 "The Lord is near" I hear Him say, " Seek Me Charles and stop worrying about how this or that will turn out. Trust Me Charles- Delight in Me Charles and see where I lead you. Be thankful in all things- Even in where you are right now- it is no mistake. Let go of your regrets over past decisions. Desire Me above all the rest and be Thankful - Rejoice in all things- Knowing- really knowing- I am with you and am working all this for your heart to become even more united to My Own Heart. Father in Heaven, I will trust You- I will seek You as my great desire- above all the other things that want a hold on me- Lead me in Your way for me- show me what You want me to do and show me in such a clear way that I can not even begin to deceive myself - nor can the enemy deceive me- to go any other way. Bring on me the Peace that transcends understanding- Grow me in my trusting You. All praise be to You my Lord Jesus, my Heavenly Father, Spirit of the Living God for how all of this will turn out. Thy Kingdom come- Thy Will be done. Amen

The Beauty of Heaven

Three Funerals in 7 days A middle ageish white lady who loved life, Jesus and people- mature and strong in her faith. An African- American older lady who was no nonsense in dealing with people and fought powerfully as a church mother to hold an enemy at bay who wanted to steal the life of her church. A crusty old sailor who served his country, loved his family and came to Jesus late in his life.

Three people who may have never crossed paths and certainly did not run in the same circles- yet are all enjoying the presence of God this very moment- TOGETHER!

It is an amazing and beautiful thing to me that this can be so. Oh, I knew it to be so in an abstract sort of way before.........but this week- the great blessing for me of this week is to see it in such a real and personal way. Galatians 3:26-28 "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were Baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, Slave nor Free, Male nor Female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus". We spend so much time in this world running around trying to find people like us- people we can be comfortable with- I put up so many walls that keep others out of my life.............

And yet in Heaven- this place I so look forward to- I will know and be known intimately by those I now call strangers.

It will be such beautiful thing to get to that place where truly only one thing matters- our Love for Christ that makes all the walls fall and the lesser things fade into nothingness. So Lynn, Faye and Bill enjoy each other now- say hello to my Daddy- to my Mamma- give them a hug for me- tell them I Love 'em- I have not forgotten them and I will see you all "in a little while". Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit- Welcome these who have come on to be with You. Hold them, heal them, wipe away their tears and bring them into Yourself and one another in such a way that Your Glory is put forth for all Creation to see. Amen

Got any Bites?

I can not tell you how badly I wanted to go fishing......... but, alas no- my older brother would have none of it- no matter how much I pleaded. You see I was 5 years old and he was 14. I would hear from him and others all the time about how much fun it was to "hang the big one" - To fight him in until you had your prize- a fat slick cat fish or a monster carp that could get as big as.......well really big. The saddest part of it all was the fishing hole was so close- we lived about 100 yards or so from the Augusta Canal in my "growing up" years- a virtual mecca of fish, muskrats, crawdads and moccasins- but it was off limits to me. Mama always said a little boy could get hurt up there. I know my teenaged brothers were always secretly ecstatic when they could escape a little 5 year old snot nosed pest and get about the adventure of the great outdoors. Ahhhh, but my brother William- Simply leaving me home wasn't enough for him- No he had his own special ways of tormenting a little brother who took away his prized " baby of the family" status. You see William was a trickster, and I was on the wrong end of one of his all- time best. This particular beautiful Summer day he had cooked up a "mess of dough balls" the night before and talked incessantly about the Ji- Mongous Carp he was going to catch with his special recipe. Oh, but he felt sorry for me- you know that I had to stay home because Mama thought it was so dangerous- but he could fix all that- He had a plan- I was going to get to fish today!

Yessssss!!!!

Imagine my surprise when William unveiled his plan by taking me to the back of our little 4 room house to the bath room. Rod and reel in hand and a small bag of dough balls- he proceeded to bait up the hook and drop it right down into the toilet bowl- He then let out a section of line and you guessed it - Flushed the toilet. Well......... yes the bait and line dissappeared..... and yes as he explained- we were really only a short ways from the canal........ and of course our toilet flushes always emptied directly into the canal anyway - so what was the difference. According to William all I had to do was be patient and soon enough his wonderful dough ball would work it's magic. Who knows what I might be able to catch- just be patient he reminded me as he skipped out the front door on his way to his own fishing trip! I Corinthians 15:14 and 19 If Christ has not been raised our preaching is useless and so is your faith.......... If only for this life we have faith in Christ we are to be pitied more than all men. (or a little boy who thinks he will catch a fish from the toilet) Oh the wonder of it all- Christ has indeed been raised- the tomb is empty and I have His life in me. It is a life that unites me to my Father- My Creator- and brings me deep into the life I long for.

He was no trickster- He is a Truth Teller

Just ask Stephen as he is being stoned- Just ask Paul as he is being beaten and in chains under Roman Gaurd- Just ask John as he rots away on the Isle of Patmos- Just ask Mary as she comes to an empty tomb- Just ask Thomas as he feels the wounds- Just ask Peter as he hanged upside- down not counting himself worthy to share the fate of his Master

Just ask me- a little boy who never caught a fish that day, but who has felt the Love of a Saviour- Oh the sweet Love of Jesus poured into my broken heart. Life has never been the same.

Father in Heaven, Friend Jesus, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit- Three in One- Holy Triune God- Do not let me be jaded by the tricksters of this world. Please continue to show Yourself Faithful and True to all of us who place our Faith in You for the life we long for. Amen

What was He Thinking?

I think it was 1980- I know it was a blistering hot summer day and my good friend Jim (names have been changed to protect the guilty) was serving for match point. On the court next to us were 2 gorgeous young ladies all decked out in their tight little tennis outfits- not that I really noticed being a married man and all. My friend "Jim" was a picture of concentration as he made the perfect toss of the flourescent yellow tennis ball into a pristine blue sky background and came with such force against the ball on his serve that all I could see was a yellow- green blur as it landed perfectly in the service court and sailed past me-

ACE! Game- Set- Match!

My friend- fist pumping high in the air- overcome with exuberance and feeling the fullness of himself shot toward the net like a lightning bolt. As he approached the net-ready to leap over in an impressive display of machismo for all to see (Especially the 2 little cuties on the next court) some how he misjudged it's height or maybe his own fatigue or both.......... Well you get the picture- the thrill of victory can turn into the agony of defeat so quickly.

What in the world was he thinking?

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore into all the nations, making disciples, baptizing and teaching........... I have wondered from time to time what God might have been thinking as He gave us an assignment of such monumental importance- I mean it's life and death right- why leave it to people as messed up as I am- a certain disaster in the making. Over the years I have come to believe 2 things that have helped me. First there is the truth that I can not save anyone-it is not about my performance or skill or goodness in delivering the gospel. The Holy Spirit will do the persuading if there is any to be done-My success is measured not by results, but by faithfulness. Beyond that- I believe the great commision is more for me and my own Christian growth in Love and Grace than it than it is about me "getting somebody saved". Think of it from the stand point of the Great Command- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul- Love your neighbor as yourself- Maybe the best way to grow in these 2 Love relationships is to share the gospel. Sharing the gospel is risky business- it calls us out of ourselves to risk rejection- to move in the motivation of God's Love for another and practice our love for another all at once. Think of it from the standpoint of faith in action- Sharing the gospel is a sign that we believe what we say we believe enough to go public with it. Christianity is a personal relationship with God, but clearly it is not to be a private relationship. God knew exactly what he was doing- He has not misjudged the height of the net. The end result of our faith is to unite our hearts to God's own Great Heart- To bring us to a point of being drawn up in Him and live out who He is in all we do- The Glory of God is on display as Christ is revealed in a man. What is more important to the heart of God than bringing about His Love for people in His Own People? How is His Love displayed in any more full way? When am I more united to God's Heart than when I am willing to come out of myself- to die to self- for the Love of God? Father, be in me today and every day to constantly be sharing the Gospel- Your Love- to everyone I come in contact with. Amen

Mixed Emotions

My son Matthew climbed the sheer rock wall ahead of me to the 20 or so foot cliff overlooking a pool of swirling deep black water. It was a beautiful sunny day in the North Carolina mountains and by the time I reached the top Matthew was ready to jump. As I looked down into the blackness and saw the dozens of people spread out on the nearby rocks cheering, "Go for it- You can do it!" I was wondering to myself ,"What the hell am I doing up here?" In the mean time, although I could tell he was a little hesitant, Matthew did it- He jumped! I was proud beyond comprehension- overjoyed even- at my son's courage- but at the same time ashamed of my own cowardice- I froze- I could not do it- I was terrified- so I took the climb of shame right back down the rope along the rock wall the way I had come. Matthew's strength expressed and my weakness exposed all in a matter of moments. There was celebration and shame all at once. I am 50 years old and in all my life I have been to less than 10 funerals- 3 of them will be this week. I suspect there will be more to come. Of course I know people have been dying all along, but right now- at this point in time- Death seems more real to me. It's like God is reminding me of what is really at stake in all this and calling me to take an even stronger grip on the Life He offers. Hebrews 2:14-15 Since we are flesh and blood, Jesus shared in our humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." 1Corinthians 15:54-57 "Death has beeen swallowed up in victory. Where o' death is your victory? Where o' death is your sting?....... Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Set free from slavery to the fear of death. Jesus, my Jesus, has conquered death. He has put asunder the plans of my enemy- the Evil One- the one who would see me suffer out of his hatred for the God who created even him. Love- the Love of God has come through- He is risen- the grave could not hold the King- He is risen and has infused His Life- the very Life of God into my lifeless heart. It is such a message of Hope- a message to live for. As Peter declared, "You alone O' Lord have the words of Eternal Life". These things are the reality and yet still there is such deep sadness over our lost loved ones. There is mourning and celebration all at once. I suppose that is the way life is- bitter-sweet. I mourn so for me- for the family and friends of the ones left behind- It is a deep and real mourning for self- for separation from the ones I love. I think I might do better to focus on the one who has gone on to be with the Lord- the one who has been ushered into the very presence of God and is experiencing what I can only get a glimpse of here on this earth. It's alot like that day on a high cliff in the North Carolina Mountains- I will remember my son- his courage- his joy- his beaming face as he looked at me from the swirling black water below- I will remember Matthew and do my best to forget me- that is where my own joy will come. Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Holy Spirit- Move in me today and in all those who have seen their loved ones go from this life on to be with You- move in us all to remember- to revel in the knowlege that these we have lost for a time are with You now- Living the life we all long for so deeply in our own hearts. Amen

Love

I remember having a conversation with one of my children-I really don't remember if it was Rebecca or Matthew (I think Matthew) when he was about6 or 7 years old. It was a very wrong conversation- a conversation if I could take back now I would. I really don't know what I was thinking in the midst of this conversation with a 6 year old, but as I think back now- I must have wanted to teach him something about Love. At any rate somewhere in the midst of our talking he looked at me and declared his love for me. Here is where it went bad. I looked at him and proceeded to tell him, "Matthew, you don't really love me or your mommy- you are really just confusing Love with need. You need us and we meet your needs- so you think you love us. One day you won't need us any more- At that point we will find out if you Love us. "He looked up at me with tears welling up in his eyes and cried out, " I do love mommy- I do love you- Don't say I don't" He then proceeded to run to his mommy in the next room crying out, "I do love you mommy- I do- Tell Daddy- Tell him I do". Oh my stupidity- my thoughtlessness for the feelings of a little boy even in the midst of deep thoughts about the nature of Love. It is ironic in a way that in my misguided effort to teach him something about Love I was so unloving.

Well he has since recovered as best I can tell from the wound I delivered that day. In my own effort to recover I did tell him that I really did believe he loved us the best he knew how. The reassurance helped a bit and kept some hold on my original thoughts about Love.

While I regret the conversation because it was with a child who was no where near ready to hear such things- I do not back up one inch from the belief behind the statement- "When you don't need us anymore, when we ultimately become a burden, then you will discover your love for us"

I believe that is the essence of real Love- Agape Love.

It is in the truth that God has no need for us-

We are powerless to do anything for Him-

In fact we turned on Him and yet out of His Nature- His Character- His True Self-

He loves us to the point of suffering and dying so that we might have life-

the life we were made for.

He could have given up on us-

He could have turned on us-

He could have destroyed us all and simply started over, but instead-

In the Life, Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus He demonstrated Love.

I do believe our needs are a blessing. My needs lead me into the beginnings of Love.

When I first met my bride to be she filled up many of my needs. I really thought I loved her- and as best I could at that point I did love her, but now, over 30 years later it is different. Infatuation with her has come and gone a thousand times, but Love has grown.

I came to Christ out of need and He has infused capacity for Real Love into my stone cold heart. I do Love You Jesus- You know I do. I hear Him say in reply,

"You Love Me Charles? Live it out- Feed My sheep- Take care of my Lambs- then My Love is made complete in you."

Lord Jesus- You know all things- You Know I need You- You know I love You as best I can here and now- Grow my Love- strengthen it in all I walk through today and evermore. Amen

Worry and Control

I have been known to live by a to-do list. Some people would say I am over the top with my to-do list. For instance, there have been times I have done something not on my to-do list- then written it on my to-do list- just so I could check it off. Ahhh checking things off....... finishing....... tying up all the loose ends........... finding that final sense of closure.........

It is such a sweet feeling- to know something is settled.

No more need to worry over it.

Unfortunately, most of life is not this way- and therein lies the source of so much of my angst. It seems I always have multiple projects in progress- or I am in the turmoil of a job search - or I have some issue that is unsettled with someone I care about. It's all so stressful- worrisome- even Godless. Why do I have such a hard time taking hold of God's promises? Seek first the Kingdom of God and all the rest will be taken care of. All things work together for good to them that Love God. He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. In all ways acknowlege Him and He will make your paths straight. Pray and the Peace of God will gaurd your heart. I want what I want- and I want it now- done- settled- in a neat little package with a ribbon on top- And I will resort to whatever means are necessary that do not offend my conscience too much or get me in trouble to have what I want. I will plan- I will use my cleverness- I will use my influence- I will use my authority- I will............ It is such a Godless, arrogant, stressful, miserable way to live. It is like saying to God- Thy will be done (as long as your will aligns with Mine). It is a way of living fueled by lies........ Fueled by an enemy who is the father of lies- whose native tongue is a language of lies...........Fueled by corrupted desires............Fueled by a world gone mad...........Fueled by a mistrust of God- just like in the Garden where the serpent began it all with his great lie- God is holding out on you- Eat from this tree then you can be like Him. Away with the lies- Hold fast to Truth God is Good- God Loves me! He has Life for me beyond what I can even imagine. No eye has seen, No ear has heard and No mind has imagined what God has in store for those who Love Him. Hold fast to the Truth right in the middle of the turmoil. Seek Him-Delight in Him. Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Holy Spirit, move in me powerfully today to always remember what is true- to cling to what is true. Come against the enemy of my heart with Love and Truth. Forgive me where I waver- where I worry- where I doubt You. Send me people spur me on to Love and Truth. Amen

What moves me?

Why do I do what I do? What is it my thoughts, words and deeds flow out of? What is the central thing that moves me in this life? Is it all just random? Is there some force deep in my heart that compels my life? I do not believe it is simple, but I do think it can be boiled down to some primary motivators- Fear, Anger, Self Gratification, Pride/Control and Love. I am sure there are more- but my point here is not to list them all- but more to ask myself the question- What Moves Me? What is the dominating force in this life I live? The Gospel- Jesus came to make bad people good Jesus came to give me a better religion Jesus came to clarify my systematic theology Jesus came to help me do my duty Jesus came to show me a new way to live Jesus came because God had to punish someone and on and on it goes.......... The things we believe-The things we are taught by word or example- Get a little religion- Get a little knowlege- be a better person- do your duty- meet the standard- work harder- try harder- Are these the things that will bring us the life we long for? Can these things change what moves me in my core? Can I conjure up the abundant life Jesus promised through any of this? I don't think so-they are not enough. The Gospel-Jesus said, "I have come to set captives free, to heal the broken hearted, to bring the dead to Life- Full, Overflowing, Abundant Life- I am preparing a place for you- I will come again and receive you to myself- I will leave the 99 to rescue you- I will give you your own new name- an identity that is completely secure in Me- I will graft you into Myself and your heart of stone will become a Heart of Flesh united to My own Heart- My Father's Love will be made complete in you- I am redeeming all things-I am making a new Heaven and A new Earth and the dwelling of God will be with men and all things will be made right." Love can be what moves me only when I take hold of the Gospel- the promise of God for Life. Duty and theology are fine things, but they are not enough. They can not change me at my core- They can not move me out of fear and anger and pride- Only coming to the One who loved me so much that He gave His Life for me and went on to conquer death on my behalf- Only joining myself to Him can change me at my core. Thank You Jesus for the Gospel- My only Hope for Wholeness, Freedom and the Life I long for. Lord Jesus, be in me powerfully today- be what so dominates me at my core- deep within my heart- that all those around me experience Your Love through me and get even a glimpse of the way to Freedom and Wholeness and Life= a glimpse of the Gospel. Amen

Trusting God in a Hard World

I was brought up to believe that if you did the right thing- at least tried to do the right thing- you would be rewarded. Work hard, be honest, eat your peas and carrots and everything will turn out okay- that is - here is the formula for success- be a good person and be rewarded with the good life- You know- a nice house and car, good health, kids who turn out just like you want, fun vacations, comfort, plenty of money, a nice retirement- the American Dream. Isn't this what a good God would do for a good person? By doing my part, can't I trust (obligate) God to give me all the things that would make me happy? I have missed much of the truth in my blindness. I can not trust God to give me what I think will make me happy. I can not trust God to give me a life of comfort. I can not trust God to keep me from suffering. I can not trust God to keep death from me or those I love. I can not trust God to exact my vengeance. The truth is He has His own ends in mind. Ends that are far beyond me and my comfort here in this world. God has in mind to restore us (me) to Himself- to Unite my hard, cold, dead heart of stone to His own Great Heart and so to bring me a dead man to Life. He is not beyond taking the suffering this broken world inflicts and though He had no part in it's inception- using that suffering as a means to draw me to Himself For Restoration- For Healing - For Wholeness. The truth is without this suffering I am not sure I would ever seek Him out for life-Real Life.I revel in my own self-sufficiency without the gift of recognized need. I have seen it over and over again- men and women only willing to go into their own brokenness and woundedness for healing and freedom after they (I) realize the need for a Saviour. It is why we were barred from the Tree of Life in the Garden- lest we should take of it, eat and live forever in this state of walking death- seperation from God. I was ripped asunder to lose my own mother to death. I am greived today for the loss of a good friend- a woman cut down in her prime by a horrible and cruel disease that stole her from a husband who loves her and a son whose children she will never hold. I am angered to see another friend whose life is slowly slipping away, even as he remains faithful to the One who could do miraculous healing of his body, but has not intervened........... and on it goes- this pain- this suffering. I can not trust this God I have given my life to spare me any of this, but......... These Truths I know and cling to with all my heart- He Loves me, He is Good and He will use all these things- yes even these terrible things that cause such pain to bring me back to the Life that is Real Life. The Glory of God is a man fully alive. His Glory will be brought to fruition His Glory can not and will not be denied. He has Risen- beauty from ashes. A dry dead seed to the ground that springs forth with Life. He has risen from the Grave. He has conquered even the last enemy- Death itself He has risen in me for the Life I long for. Lord Jesus, Thank You for redeeming even these things in Your marvelous Love- Thank You that you work all things together for good. Thank You that You are Trustworthy and True. Have mercy Lord Jesus- Have Mercy on us all. Amen

Is that ....Could it be?

Awkward moments- Don't you love 'em? You know those times you are not quite sure what is the right course of action. Moments where I walk that line between a possible great pay-off

and

Some level of embarassment I am not quite sure I want to risk. Take for example when you see someone you think you recognize- It happened to me just yesterday as I was tooling along on my bicycle on that beautiful stretch of trail that runs between the river and the canal known as the Tow Path. You guessed it- yes as I was riding, I saw a guy in the distance who looked very much like a friend I have not seen in quite a while. It hits me-This moment of ambiguity, indecisiveness- even awkwardness. What should I do? Do I change course and ride over to see if it is him? Do I call out his name in the distance? Do I simply dismiss it? Oh it couldn't be him. You may think me strange, but many times I find the Christian life very similar to that situation- you know-Torn between doing something I am not quite sure about or simply going on about my business. What do I do?

Do I step out in faith- Take the risk?

or

Simply dismiss an impression from God out of fear or laziness?

I often convince myself- or the enemy convinces me- That's not really God - You will look like such an idiot if you ............ 2Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of Power, of Love and of Self Discipline. I suppose in the end faith requires energy and courage to act- Energy to come out of my laziness- my comfortableness. Courage to come out of my fear of looking foolish. Maybe even a dose of humility so that I stop even worrying at all about looking foolish. Father God, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Holy Spirit- give me real spiritual perception of Your impressions on me today. Help me to recognize Your voice- Your leadings to me today and everyday. Make me sensitive to Your leadings and rise up in me to come out of my laziness and fear to act in obedience to Your call.

Things are not as they appear

I remember it like it was yesterday (in truth it was over 20 years ago). I was calling roll as the 6th grade class sat on a set of old wooden bleachers in the gym at Norris Middle School where I was teaching at the time. It was a Monday morning and I had gotten a haircut over the weekend- a very short haircut in fact. Much to the displeasure of my wife Julie- I like short hair cuts. Julie's greatest objection to my short haircuts stems from the fact that I have this mole-

A Rather Large Mole

-sitting there for all the world to see on the left side of my head toward the rear. My mole does show a little (a lot) when I get one of my short haircuts. As I was going down through the list of names, I noticed out of the corner of my eye this one little girl sitting to my left about 3 rows up- I noticed her because as the other kids were sitting sort of blank faced or whispering to one another as they normally would during roll call- this one little girl was staring intently at me. As I looked up to make eye contact with this child her right arm slowly began to rise as she pointed her index finger directly at me. With an expression somewhere between terror and amazement and screamed out, " Ooooh, Ooooh, Coach Welch, you got a tick in yo head!" Poor child- What she thought she saw- in fact what looked so real to her and sent her into a "tizzy" at that moment was not at all what it appeared to be. Poor me- What I think is true-in fact what seems so real to me in this world is often upside down and backwards from reality-Eternal Reality. 2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 1 Corinthians 1:27 - 28 " But God chose what appeared to the world as foolish to shame the wise. He chose what appeared to be weak to this world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things, the despised- the things that appear to be nothing to shame the things this wold views as important." Matthew 20:26 Jesus said, " Whoever wants to be great among you must become your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." I spend so much time and energy in the "tizzy" of trying to be wise and first and important in this world's eyes. Father forgive me for so much wasted effort. Help me today and every day to see what is real- what is true- to fix my eyes on what matters for eternity even when I look foolish in this world. Give me courage to overcome my great fear of appearing foolish. Work in me for humility to overcome my need to appear strong and in control and independent. Continually work out the Heart of Jesus in me for Loving and Serving those you bring my way. Amen

What has hold of me?

I have heard a story- I don't know if it's true or not- about a group of South American Natives who consider a certain species of monkey a delicacy. If the the story is to believed, the way these folks catch their quarry quite telling. It seems the natives trap the monkeys by setting out a hard clear plastic container tied to a tree with a piece of appetizing fruit inside. Upon finding the fruit the hapless monkey reachs into the container through a small opening and takes hold of it's prize. Ah, well theres the "catch"- You see, the opening the monkey reached through is only large enough to put an open extended hand through- A fist closed around it's prize can not be extracted. What the poor creature thinks it has hold of actually has hold of him- Self destruction is his end. Freedom only comes from letting go. So, here is the question- What has hold of me? What is it that I so want that it consumes my life-That I am not willing to let go of even with grave danger bearing down. Is it my desire for things? Is it my job? Is it some hobby? Is it my need for validation? Is it in thinking I would really be happy if I had "that guy's" life? Is it having my way? Is it momentary pleasure- Food, Pornography, Alcohol, Infatuations or Addictions? Each of us has something that seems good- that seems harmless- that we believe (whether we will admit to it or not) if we could just have this- our life would be good. Each of us has something we are reaching for or have hold of that actually has hold of us. John Eldredge calls these things "less wild lovers"- They are things that draw us away from the True Lover of our Souls- Jesus- the one who has won our freedom- who has come that we might have Life and have it at it's best. For many of us freedom comes not in escaping from some captivity, but in letting go of lesser things so that we can take hold of the life that is Real Life. Phillipians 3:12-14 But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me.....,forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead I press on to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, be powerful in me today to have eyes to see what lesser things have hold of me and courage to let those things go. Make my heart's desire be so consumed with You Lord Jesus that lesser things become as nothing compared to Life in You. Amen

It's Okay Mommy

I just read a great post from a family member on facebook- to protect the innocent I won't name names, but suffice it to say this wonderful young mother of two has her hands full. As she was giving her 2 young children a bath recently the older of the 2 (a 3 year old) fills a mega cup full of bath water and is about to take a good long drink. Well this mommy will have none of it and warns the child, "Honey don't do that- Your brother (13 months) may have peeed in the tub." The 4 year old simply looks at her mother, smiles and says, "It's okay Mommy, I already Peeed in the tub." Kids- what are you gonna do, but love'em? I wonder how many times my Heavenly Father has looked down and warned me, "Charles, don't do it." only to have me look back up and say,"It's okay -I got this- I can handle it." even though I have no clue what kind of trouble I am about to get myself into. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowlege Him and He will make your paths straight. 'nuff said - Blessings to all

There Always Seems to be Something

What do I love more than Jesus? my car? my home? my job? my children? my wife? a relationship? my way of life? my standing at church and in the community? my ministry? approval and acclaim in this world? my own personal view of God? my independence? my theology? my causes? my view of how the world should work- fairness? my own vision for my future? There always seems to be something that rivals my love for Jesus. The rich young man had his wealth- the Pharisees had their religion and position-one man had to say good bye to his family-another man had to go and bury his father first- Even Peter had his own vision of how life would play out for him with Jesus- before the crucifixion. All of us have some things- good things- that we look to find our happiness in- that we look for Life in. Things that we will truly place our faith in- give our hearts and souls to- because we believe those things will bring us the life we long for. Like Sirens of old calling to us- like a serpent in a garden long ago. Jesus will have none it! He will always call us higher. Oswald Chambers talks about Jesus' undeviating question- Do you Love Me? Do you Love Me? Do you Love Me more than these? It is the question I must answer every second of every day. "What about you?" Jesus asks as the Sirens call- "Will you leave Me too?" I hope to answer with Peter,"Lord, you know I love You- to whom shall I go- You alone have the words of Eternal Life." Holy Spirit, bring me deeper into Love with Jesus today, So that all the rest simply fades away. Help me to feel my Saviour's Love for me- To live in that Love- And so to love all of those other things- those good things- Not for the life they promise, But for the gifts they are from You. I pray that all these things bring me to a deeper Love for You. Amen

Instruments of Grace

God's Grace His kindness toward me Even though I have done nothing to deserve it Even though I can do nothing for Him in return Even though I have risen up against Him. God's Grace "But God demonstrates His Love for us in this- even while we were opposing Him (sinners) Christ died for us" When I give my life to Christ He comes into me-He comes to life in me so that the life I live is no longer my own- I am His- for Him to live through to all those He brings my way. I am drawn up into Him-my heart united to His Great Heart and brought to life- His Resurrection Life to be lived through me. I have heard it said that the Glory of God is a man fully alive. God's Glory is His Love and Character being fully demonstrated in our lives. I am to be an instrument of His Grace - To become the hands and feet of Jesus. He has shown you O' man what is good and what does the Lord require of you? Do Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with your God. Lord be in me today to be an instrument of Your Grace- to be Loving, Joyful. pursuing Peace, Patient, Kind, Good, Faithful, Self Controlled, Courageous, Humble and full of Hope. Jesus, Holy Spirit, saturate my heart- join to it in such a way that Iam energized for all these things in You today. Amen

Some Thoughts on Forgiveness

Forgiveness means just getting over it. Forgiveness means I just act like it didn't matter. Forgiveness means forgetting. Forgiveness is an event- Done once and for all. Forgiveness means I have to like you. Forgiveness is the same as Reconciliation. Forgiveness means an offender gets off with no consequence. No, No, No, No!!!!!!!!!!!! At least I don't think any of those are true. What passes for forgiveness these days many times is nothing more than declaring a cease fire while I rearm with anger and bitterness that lead me to more destruction. In the end, I really believe Forgiveness calls me beyond tolerance- To the point that I wish the best for my offender- in fact that I Love my offender- that I wish he would change- that he would repent......... and going a step farther- from Love- that I do whatever is in my power to to help him move toward repentance and wholeness. It does not mean I am soft on him or even need to like him. In fact many times I think it can mean Courageous, Loving, uncomfortable Confrontation. I think of God's forgiveness. I have wronged Him- I have betrayed Him- I have left Him so many times to go my own way. I have rebelled against Him and He has every right to vengeance- to let me suffer the consequence of my betrayal- to sit back and watch while I flounder in my own willfulness and pride all the way to my death. Ah, but that is not His nature- God is Loving- God is compassionate- God is Just and God is Forgiving. My heavenly Father has loved me so much- My friend Jesus has Loved me so much- that He has ransomed me from my captivity to sin and emptiness and hopelessness and death. I got myself into this mess, but He has by His own sacrifice offered me a way out. You might disagree with my theology here, but I believe with all my heart that the sacrifice of Christ made possible God's forgiveness to every human who has ever walked the face of this earth. That being said, forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. Not every man accepts God's forgiveness. Not every man is reconciled to God. Many can not bring themselves to admit they have any need of forgiveness and so reconcilation is never achieved. Many- of their own volition- continue on their prideful way, evermore separated from the Father. Death has it's icy grip on their hard cold hearts and God's compassionate, loving heart breaks for them. Ezekiel 18:31-32 Rid yourselves of all offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O House of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and Live! And so it is with God's call for me to forgive. The offense did matter. The hurt was real. I am within my rights to look for justice....... but if God can forgive my offense- my betrayal- What right do I really have to hold on to my desire to get even? I can only forgive to the extent that I realize how much I have been forgiven and truly grasp what God did to satisfy justice and offer His forgiveness. My ability to forgive does not depend on the offender's sorrow. God does not forgive me because of my sorrow- He forgives because of His Love. I also am called to forgive not out of my offender's sorrow but out of God's Love in me. Sometimes wrongs end in reconciliation....... and it is a beautiful thing........... but forgiveness without reconcilation is beautiful as well. With or without reconciliation forgiveness is a key to my healing - to my wholeness- to my ability to take hold of the Life I long for- even here on this earth. My ability to forgive- to at least wish that my offender would be healed and made right- is one of the truest signs of God's Love and Life in me. It is what He has done for me. Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus said," But if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins". Father, because of Your Love in me- because of Jesus in me- I will be forgiving. Amen

What do you Delight in?

I delight in the sound of childrens laughter I delight in going down hill fast on a bicycle I delight in the smile of a friend I delight in seeing a blackfaced fox squirrel on a cold December morning I delight in deep blue skies with cotton ball clouds I delight in seeing my students finally "get it" I delight in reunions with friends I have not seen in a long while I delight in the first drop on a mega roller coaster I delight in seeing a great team at it's best I delight in seeing great acts of courage I delight in the love of my wife I delight in seeing my children happy I delight in music of all kinds I delight in a good cup of coffee "Delight yourself in the Lord" I have been wondering what that means- what it looks like- How to do it. I am not quite sure if the verse is a command- something I am to intentionally do- Today I will set out to delight in the Lord or Is it more that today I will acknowlege God- Abide in Christ-in every thing I think, say, or do and out of that will flow those feelings of delight like the ones I listed above. There is a bit of a mystery to it all for me- but that's okay- maybe even good. I'm sure if I could come up with a formula for how to delight in the Lord I would probably lose some of the wonder of it all. I think I need to be happy with simply trying to love God and Love people moment by moment and see where that takes me. Psalm 100: Shout for Joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship Him with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God- it is He who made us and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. The Lord is good and His Love endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, move in me today to trust You, to abide in You- to remember Your great Love for me- to remember Your goodness. Move in Me Lord Jesus to delight in You- to find my joy in You. Holy Spirit, be so powerful in me that the Love of Jesus is always what guides my thoughts, words and deeds. Amen

The Life to Come

I Love Weddings!

This morning I took off on yet another adventure on my bicycle-
This time I stuck to the pavement however-
At least for a while-
I navigated my way from my home some 10 miles to a path that runs along side the Savannah River-
The Canal Tow Path.
At the point where the Tow Path begins there is a Community Center that sits high up on the bank of the river. This center has come to be known as Savannah Rapids Pavillion. The Pavillion is positioned in an exquisite spot that looks down over the river for an incredible view of a spillway with a waterfall that tumbles into gentle rapids. As I picture it in my mind, I realize how inadequate my writing skills are to describe such beauty.

Over the years,

the Pavillion has become a favorite spot for many a young couple to launch out into their own great adventure of a lifetime together.

Well this morning-
if only for a fleeting moment-
I was privileged to witness one such beginning.
Ah, the excitement of the wedding party as they made their way toward what I pray would be a wonderful celebration of Love for a lifetime. The Groom and groomsmen were pictures of strength as they walked confidently toward the life-changing moment. As the Bride came into view, in all her splendor, I was drawn back in time 30 years to the moment I first glimpsed my Julie on our wedding day.

She was Beautiful-

Radiant-

Incredible beyond words!

I thank God for the memory of her smile as she approached our moment-
The moment of pledging our hearts to one another-
I don't think I will ever forget that smile.

 I Love Weddings!

Revelation 19:7 and on- Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory for the Wedding of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready. Fine linen bright and clean was given her to wear. The angel said, "Blessed are those invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb".

Thank You Father in Heaven for the Wedding to come-

for the celebration to come-

for the life to come.

Thank you for my marriage here and now to such a wonderful, beautiful, woman.

Thank You that our Love has brought forth life-

for our children.

Thank You for how weddings remind me of the life to come with You-

my Eternal Bridegroom.

Amen

It is written,

" Behold now the dwelling of God is with men

and He will live with them- they will be His".

He Who is seated on the Throne has said,

"Behold, I make all things new".

All praise be to You my Lord Jesus for the Life You have won for us.

Amen

PLAY TOGETHER!

I have been blessed to coach some very talented athletes- Guys who could do things on the court that simply blow me away. Athleticism through the roof- skills honed and refined by hours of sweat and pain on courts of hardwood or playgrounds of asphalt. As strong as any particular player might be, I have never seen any one guy who could play the game alone. Think about the NBA Slam Dunk Contest- the displays of individual Athleticism and Creativity can be incredible, but how much of that can you watch before losing interest? On the other hand there is nothing quite like watching a group of talented guys (or girls) come together in such a way that all are giving themselves to the larger purpose- Sacrificing themselves..........yet finding themselves all at once...

It is a beautiful thing.

Just like athleticism and skills only have real meaning in the context of a team- the Christian Life can only find it's fulfillment in the context of Community. Christianity is a Team Sport. Take a look at the scriptures- God starts out by saying it is not good for man to be alone Ecclesiastes tells us two are better than one-a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken Jesus had His twelve and an even closer group of three. God Himself exists in Community- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Church is a body of believers. Think about it- 1st John tells us God is Love- If that is so then Love by it's nature must exist in the context of relationship- Intimate, honest, authentic relationship. Being made in the image of God means we are made to Play Together. I do not believe we have much hope of really knowing God- Of truly uniting to His Heart- on our own. I am reminded of Jesus great prayer for us in John 17-My prayer is...that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You- may they also be in us. Father God, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Holy Spirit- Triune God- Three in One, move in me today and ever more to search out, take hold of and cling to Your body- the Church. Bring me into meaningful, intimate and deep relationships that reveal Your Heart and Your ways to me. Move me through those relationships to Love You with a more real and deeper Love- Teach me how to Love through those people you bring into my life. In the precious name of my Saviour, Amen.

Play Smart

I coached a young man at one point in my career that no one could ever possibly criticize for not playing hard. When this kid hit the floor, he was a whirling dervish- arms flailing wildly in every direction- a blur of motion and energy who was totally committed to every play as if it might be his last time ever touching a basketball................ and if it were............ He was determined to go out in a blaze of glory. Unbridled Passion can be a dangerous thing. When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the message, "The Kingdom of Heaven is near" His warning to them was, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, therefore be shrewd as snakes, but as innocent as doves" Shrewdness harnesses and directs passion. There is direction behind the energy. Play Hard- Yes!!!!!!!! But Play Smart as well. So what does it mean to live the Christian life shrewdly........... to Play Smart? Jesus told a parable in which He commended another man for the shrewd use of his master's wealth to win friends for himself- Jesus goes on to tell us that we should use worldly wealth in such a way that when it is gone we will be welcomed by many friends into eternal dwellings. Did you get that- The shrewd use of energy, resources, cleverness, power and position in this world is connected to having many friends in Heaven. The Christian Life is meant to be lived with Passion- Shrewd Passion, that makes every move based on an eternal perspective. This will not be the last time I touch the ball. I do not need to go out in a blaze of glory. This life is about much more than this life. Father God be in me to live for You with passion and conviction- always with an eye toward the reality of eternity. Give me wisdom- even shrewdness- as I manage all that You have given me in this world so that there are many friends to welcome me into Your Eternal Dwellings.

PLAY HARD!

The locker room was always a little hyped before a game. It was a time when senses were keen- everyone was a little on edge- We knew we were about to enter conflict- about to be challenged and tested. I so admire athletes- their willingness to risk- to put themselves on the line everytime they step on to the court- their success or failure right there for the world to see. It is such an act of courage to say- this is who I am- this is my best- I hope it will be enough, but even if it is not, I will compete. I wrote it on the board in big letters before every game. PLAY HARD! It is that sense that as a competitor I am completely immersed in playing the game. Every second I am on the court my focus and concentration is on playing the game. It is the state of being totally in the moment and task at hand. In a sense it is a time athletes are more alive- more engaged with life than any other. If you just wanted to watch the game you could come sit by me on the bench. PLAY HARD! It was one of our three keys to vistory- no matter what the final score. A question- What does it mean then to PLAY HARD in this thing called the Christian Life? Is it about following the rules? Is it living up to expectations? Is it accomplished in doing good? No I don't think these are the things Jesus is calling us to. These are all good things, but I don't see myself finding life in these things in the same way the athlete finds so much of his satisfaction in the exultation of competition. No, when I think of PLAY HARD, actually, Jesus' words in John 15 come to mind. "Abide in Me" I love that word," abide"- I get a sense from it of finding myself always in Jesus- of having all my life, thoughts, decisions, actions, desires, plans, hopes, dreams.......... you name it- flowing out of vital relationship with Him. That- I think- is what it means to PLAY HARD in the Christian Life. Father, today move in me to bring my relationship with Jesus to bear on every thought, feeling, word and action that comes out of me. I pray that every relationship I have be grounded in You. Because You are in me Jesus, today I will do my best to be Loving, Encouraging, Hopeful, Faithful and Courageous. Amen.

Finding Life in the strangest ways

Everyone comes to life with hopes and dreams- a burning desire for happiness- for prosperity - maybe even acclaim- the desire to be respected, admired, and remembered. The desire to be taken seriously- to establish myself- to make a name for myself- to feel validated. I have heard that self preservation is the most powerful human instinct. I wonder if this goes beyond physical self preservation and extends to ego preservation and name preservation for eternity? I have felt it so often myself. It has motivated so many of my own efforts- this desire to make my mark- to be well thought of and yes remembered. Matthew 16:24-25 If anyone would come after Me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me; for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. It's all so backwards- so foreign to my instincts. I think I know how to arrange my own happiness- I think I know how to achieve weght and respect in this world. Pursue the things I want- comfort, pleasure, respect- in fact I will demand my due respect- you can't treat me that way- don't you know who I am? Make plans- use my cleverness or position or raw power to get what I want........... It is a Godless way to live- some have called it practical agnosticism. Then along comes Jesus, talking about losing my life for Him. Trust me Charles- You trust Me for your hope of eternal life- why won't you trust Me for your life in this world- why won't you immerse yourself- lose yourself in Me? I have come to bring you Life. I have come to give you a new name-why won't you give up trying to save the old one? It is so strange- this way of Jesus. To find MY life I must give up looking for it. I must surrender my name-my identity. Strange or not, it is His call and He is worthy. Father God, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Precious Holy Spirit- Make Your way clear for me today- Move in me for the courage and Love to lose myself in You- I will do my best minute by minute to be lost in You- to live out of Your presence in me. Amen.

why do i have to be right?

What is it about me that not only has to be right- but goes a step beyond - to the place that you must agree with me? Why do I hold to my position so fervently? Is it because I really want you to get the truth- my truth- or......... Am I afraid I might be somehow diminished or less in control if I don't have it all figured out? Is it because of my own insecurity that I feel threatened by your questions? Sometimes-Yes many times, but............... There is Truth. There are things worth dying for. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord. He was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead and buried. He descended into hell, on the third day He rose from the grave- He ascended into Heaven, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting- Amen Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.......... Love your neighbor as yourself. God is Good. Christ died for me. God's Word is true. God is able. God Loves me. These are bedrocks- Much of the rest is open for debate. It's funny- even (especially) that last statement can lead us into contention. Father, help me in truth and humility, out of Love, to hold to what You want me to hold to and let go of my NEED to be right. Amen

Disruptions and Disturbances

Copperhead! My friend Jim was riding about 10 yards ahead of me on the single track mountain bike trail when I noticed him swerve just a bit to the side to avoid the brilliantly colored coils right in the middle of the trail. I too was able to avoid the snake- passing by quickly to it's right...... but if you know me...... you know I can never resist an opportunity to get a better look at a snake. I grew up close to the river and as a teen would spend countless hours tromping in the woods, fishing and you guessed it....... catching snakes. Anyway, back to story- I immediately pulled my bike over and rushed back to get a better look. What I saw next was nothing short of amazing- What we thought was a snake turned out to actually be 2 snakes in the middle of .....well.....making baby snakes! In fact these 2 were actually quite intent on making baby snakes- so much so that when we scooped one up on the end of a branch to toss it off the trail- the other was so joined to it- that even with one snake's entire body weight dangling, they did not seperate. These snakes refused to be disrupted or disturbed! So here's the question- What is God doing to disrupt or disturb me these days? Is there anyhing I am so connected to- so intent on- that even though it's for my own good- God's disruptions are ignored? (It is not good- for snakes or riders- that snakes would be copulating on well used bike paths) Am I taking heed of His disruptions and disturbances? His disruptions can come in seemingly small ways. One of my students comes by when I am in the middle of lunch. I read something like Matthew 5:44 where Jesus tells me to Love my enemies. Or there may be larger disruptions God allows. Sickness, Job Loss or Problems with my kids. I tell you- I am often so intent on my own way that God must really disturb me - do or allow a drastic disruption- to get my attention- to get me to do the work that leads to wholeness and healing and finding the life He has for me. Many times- no truthfully most times- I would really rather be left alone- even if the next thing that comes down the path might run me over. Father in Heaven- Lord Jesus- Do what You will to disrupt me- move me- into a more committed recovery from my addiction to sin and self and pride. Thank You for disturbances and disruptions. Move in me for the courage to examine, surrender and repent. Amen