"You and I, each and every one of us without exception, can be defined as an aching need for the infinite. Some people realize this; some do not. But even the latter illustrate this inner ache when, not having God deeply, they incessantly spill themselves out into excitements and experiences, licit or illicit. They are trying to fill their inner emptiness, but they never succeed, which is why the search is incessant...If these people allow themselves a moment of reflective silence (which they seldom do), they notice a small voice whispering, Is this all there is? They begin to sense a thirst to love with abandon, without limit, without end, without lingering aftertastes of bitterness. In other words, their inner spirit is clamoring, even if confusedly, for unending beauty. How they and we respond to this inner outreach rooted in our deep spiritual soul is the most basic set of decisions we can make; they have eternal consequences."
author - Thomas Dubay
God created all of us with a desire to know Him, a desire that can be filled no other way than to know him. Romans 1 talks about the fact that since the day we were born we have been able to see his hand in nature and all that he has created. So, there is no one with an excuse not to see God. Romans 1:20 (NLT), "From the time the earth was created. people have seen the earth and sky and all that God has made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God."
It is so obvious that there is a need created in each of us to seek Him, to seek our purpose - which only comes in Him. The celebrities obviously and foolishly seek this, and they sadly do not realize only He can fill that horribly empty space. But not so obvious are the regular people all around us that feel worthless, that go to jobs they hate, that fight with family or walk away from family...They too are searching, it's just a more private search. Perhaps a more acceptable search. It is in the everyday that we must show them God, they must see our love for Him in our eyes and the words that we say, and the way we treat each day as a gift - even the days that hurt us.
As I consider the significance of this passage directly on my life, I realize that at 51 I wrestle with the exact questions my 19 and 21 year olds are struggling with. "What do you want me to do, how do you want to use me Lord"...My kids feel pressure to figure this out soon, I assure them (and discourage them by saying), At 51 I still ask Him daily, 'Is this what you want from my life, what can I possibly teach those over whom I am charged today...both family and ministry? What are you calling me to do Lord? Am I obedient in your call on my life? Till the day we die we are responsible to follow Him, and in this act He will reveal the details of our lives.
So today let His nature reveal the Creator as Roman 1 talks about, and live as if we truly believe we are without excuse. And to believe Him is to follow Him in everything.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
my day off
Two Mondays ago, I was eating Oatmeal with strawberries and orange on Laguna Beach, today I'm eating Oatmeal with almonds on my deck. Both are equally gorgeous to me...what a beautiful God created day today in Mansfield!
I am reading "Secrets of the Silence" at the same time a friend of mine is. We are exploring Silence before God as a discipline and as a different aspect to prayer. It is already amazing!
Isn't it such a contradiction to our thinking, that in silence we learn more sometimes than with speaking?
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, God is not difficult, we just make Him that way by trying to force things to happen. By giving Him ourselves, then taking us back.
This day off began perfectly, sitting outside reading, meditating and listening...May nothing ruin it, may I not ruin it!
I am reading "Secrets of the Silence" at the same time a friend of mine is. We are exploring Silence before God as a discipline and as a different aspect to prayer. It is already amazing!
Isn't it such a contradiction to our thinking, that in silence we learn more sometimes than with speaking?
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, God is not difficult, we just make Him that way by trying to force things to happen. By giving Him ourselves, then taking us back.
This day off began perfectly, sitting outside reading, meditating and listening...May nothing ruin it, may I not ruin it!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
weekend report
To see the creative elements other churches across America used in their services this weekend, you can go to The Worship Community where worship leaders share their weekend experience.This weekend made me thankful for a staff with multiple talents, we are small but my fellow staff members are VERY talented and willing to serve! This weekend Milo, one of our worship leaders needed to play drums (he's usually on lead guitar), and play them he did, quite well actually! Along with that change, Wendell Anderson, our Stewardship Pastor took care of the teaching so Pastor Tim could enjoy a well deserved vacation! Great weekend!
Our Set List:
Following our service countdown - we began with a Video titled: Our Nation's Inspiration - From from the Steelehouse Media Group, purchased from Worshiphouse Media.
We transitioned right into Announcements beginning with an invitation to stop by our Go Mission Kiosk and write a note to one of our servicemen and women. We are sending care packages and notes of encouragement...really flowed well one from another. Following announcements we went into a great time of worship!!
Glorious - Passion version
All Creatures of Our God and King - Michael Neal
The Rock - Crowder version
I Will Boast - Garrett arrangement
Special Music: Ten Simple Rules which supported the teaching beautifully
Message: Rebuilding Sacred Walls that Protect (great message on the Sabbath)
We repeated the Special Music as people exited, great weekend!
You can watch us on the web on Tuesday at Crossroadswired.com.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
a great loss
Our ministry suffered a great loss this week, his name was Skip.
This man Skip, was not someone I was close to, but I always admired him from afar. Anyone who chooses the Hospital Visitation team to serve on is special. And he was.
At his funeral yesterday, one of the speakers talked about being with Skip a couple of days before he went to be with the Lord. He spoke about Skip's eyes lighting up with the anticipation of seeing Christ. He knew with certainty he was only a day or so away from meeting Him and it's all he could talk about. He longed to be with Him!
The thing that concerned him terribly were the people in his life that he knew still didn't know the Lord personally. He asked his wife to call each one of them so he could speak to them with great concern and urgency. And for those he couldn't speak to one last time, he prayed for in his hospital bed.
While Skip was hospitalized fighting great pain he shared his faith, he lead several people to the Lord right in the hospital room. Amazing!
This is something I cannot get off my mind, if I knew for sure that I only had a day or two to live, would I be overcome with the joy of passing to be present with the Lord? Would I?
I cannot say with certainty.
This makes me sad and has brought great conviction to my soul. I long to be Eternity focused instead of settling for this. In my final days I wonder if I would busy myself trying to make provisions for family, organize as much as I could and fuss about earthly details instead of resting against Christ counting the moments until I saw Him. Life is very, very, very short - eternity forever -
So even in his passing Skip challenges me with a life that always looked ahead and always lived to take many with him, and so he did...awesome!
This man Skip, was not someone I was close to, but I always admired him from afar. Anyone who chooses the Hospital Visitation team to serve on is special. And he was.
At his funeral yesterday, one of the speakers talked about being with Skip a couple of days before he went to be with the Lord. He spoke about Skip's eyes lighting up with the anticipation of seeing Christ. He knew with certainty he was only a day or so away from meeting Him and it's all he could talk about. He longed to be with Him!
The thing that concerned him terribly were the people in his life that he knew still didn't know the Lord personally. He asked his wife to call each one of them so he could speak to them with great concern and urgency. And for those he couldn't speak to one last time, he prayed for in his hospital bed.
While Skip was hospitalized fighting great pain he shared his faith, he lead several people to the Lord right in the hospital room. Amazing!
This is something I cannot get off my mind, if I knew for sure that I only had a day or two to live, would I be overcome with the joy of passing to be present with the Lord? Would I?
I cannot say with certainty.
This makes me sad and has brought great conviction to my soul. I long to be Eternity focused instead of settling for this. In my final days I wonder if I would busy myself trying to make provisions for family, organize as much as I could and fuss about earthly details instead of resting against Christ counting the moments until I saw Him. Life is very, very, very short - eternity forever -
So even in his passing Skip challenges me with a life that always looked ahead and always lived to take many with him, and so he did...awesome!
Friday, July 3, 2009
the 4th of July-ish
We celebrated the 4th early by continuing our 15 year old tradition of going to my ho
me town for the Balloon Glow! Great fun!Our evening began by stopping by Southview GBC, my home church. They have hosted a whifle ball contest for 10 consecutive years - hosting 98 teams this year!
We watched our nephew Ethan pitch his team to a 12-4 victory! We then enjoyed the delicious brats cooked
by none other than my dad!We then made our way to the LynWay our favorite 'down home' restaurant to eat more and build up strength for the long walk to the field of balloons.
The balloons lived up to their reputation
lighting up to the glee and cheers of the HUGE cro
wd.It was a great night and it was our early celebration since we work tomorrow night at Crossroads!
celebrity
Have you ever noticed how sad celebrities are overall? In human moments we may wish to have what they have, wealth, popularity - but the deep sadness in their eyes...
As I watch the Micheal Jackson pictures and videos - he seems so empty - honestly, I feel deeply sad about his passing.
A few days ago before his death, I was wondering if it is ever possible to speak to or find direct emails to any of the big Hollywood stars? I wonder if we gained access to them, if we could make them understand how much God cares about them. I wonder if we could convince them that we have what they are searching for? It seems when they have reached the pinnacle of stardom they soon discover there is nothing left, nothing higher to pursue. So just as they achieve the highest possible accomplishment, the thing they have given up everything for, they realize it can never satisfy them. How horrible that must be - to chase an empty dream!
I wonder if our paths crossed if they could see in our eyes that we are different and desire to know what it is within us that satisfies us, completes us and makes life worth living? My heart breaks for them. They truly seem unreachable.
As I watch the Micheal Jackson pictures and videos - he seems so empty - honestly, I feel deeply sad about his passing.
A few days ago before his death, I was wondering if it is ever possible to speak to or find direct emails to any of the big Hollywood stars? I wonder if we gained access to them, if we could make them understand how much God cares about them. I wonder if we could convince them that we have what they are searching for? It seems when they have reached the pinnacle of stardom they soon discover there is nothing left, nothing higher to pursue. So just as they achieve the highest possible accomplishment, the thing they have given up everything for, they realize it can never satisfy them. How horrible that must be - to chase an empty dream!
I wonder if our paths crossed if they could see in our eyes that we are different and desire to know what it is within us that satisfies us, completes us and makes life worth living? My heart breaks for them. They truly seem unreachable.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
quote
This is a quote from the conference I just attended:
SUCCESS: having the people that know you the best - love you the most
Is that even possible? I want this to be true of those around me! To be loved even more by those closest to me than those who only see me when I'm 'out in public' so to speak, when I'm on, when I'm dressed up. I pray it is true, and I'll do whatever I can to make it so!
So how about you? Do you think those closest love you most? I'd love to hear from you!
SUCCESS: having the people that know you the best - love you the most
Is that even possible? I want this to be true of those around me! To be loved even more by those closest to me than those who only see me when I'm 'out in public' so to speak, when I'm on, when I'm dressed up. I pray it is true, and I'll do whatever I can to make it so!
So how about you? Do you think those closest love you most? I'd love to hear from you!
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