This morning I awoke to noise. Lots of it. Not in the natural, but in a dream. I was in a cafeteria or conference room. Everyone seemed to know everyone but the volume of the conversations was maddening. A pregnant woman was standing next to me and people began to make fun of her. Another man I knew soon came under fire. I watched as the room began to fall under the noise and the anger. Continue reading The Missing Sacrifice
Yesterday I spent a lot of time with my family. I had my 3 of my grandchildren over as well as my daughter. A lot was going on. The funeral for a friend was one. Making sure I gave the children the time they needed and wanted. Getting ready for a turkey dinner was on the agenda and at one point I took them to look at the house my son and his wife are purchasing here in Keene. (And that lead to going around a looking at other homes for sale.) Finally we got home for dinner and a movie. Continue reading God Focused – Family Centered
In my dream a client of mine called me every day for a new part. Earlier in the year he had made the purchase of a computer. Each day he would call and tell me what he needed to make it better. Make it run faster. Early on I had “found” this “part number” that allowed him to completely overhaul his computer. One time. Once and for all. Never to have to work on it again. His answer was “no”, that he would keep on doing it his way. Continue reading Overhauled Once And For All
Too often in life we are faced with a challenge or even a dilemma where change is an option. (Sometimes there are not options and I get that.) The mind begins to construct scenarios and build option lists, etc..
One of the things I grow concerned with is the idea that “sacrifice” or the giving up of something to get something is shelved. I understand that much of the world indicates an easier, softer, self centered way. But for those who walk under the headship of the Lord Jesus, sacrifice or using our faith to change something ought to be the norm and not the occasional, “well, okay. I will do it.” Continue reading Sacrificing For The Next Step
Yesterday while walking I was meditating about the Lord and the fact that He loves me. I have so many friends that struggle with that. They cannot conceive that the maker of the universe would love them.
Last night I was trying to help a young mom work through some of the more difficult times that she had gone through. She suffered through shame and guilt as the result of these times. I was going back and forth with her over the idea that God REALLY loves her. A well-meaning friend had convinced her she deserved all the bad things and that as long as everyone else would be okay she would walk through it. Continue reading God Loves You A Lot!
Too many seem to focus on what will be, where they will go and what they will do.
There is a reason this is is relevant. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It speaks of being the change where you are.
I have watched too many make “sacrifices” in the name of Jesus, that have cost them financial freedom, families and peace. Peace is our referee, when He is coupled with wisdom.
If you can’ t take care of dishes in the sink, what makes you think you can do it out there.
I have watched way too many “sacrifice” for selfishness and self serving measures only to bankrupt themselves, lose families and destroy credibility with friends.
On the other hand I am not saying make your “home” so comfortable you never leave it or ever see the value in carrying the gospel to other lands.
Too many friends have gone into debt over the sake of the ministry believing that was God, to the place if He called them for a cup of coffee they would need to borrow it. Too many have walked away from the calls on their lives in disappointment because of the money, the prestige and the “glory.”
I would like to suggest that we can “do this thing” with integrity, long lasting fruit and enjoyment.
It begins with you, then family and friends, communities, regions and then to all the world.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
