Step Up!

Last evening, I had a great discussion with some friends from Cornerstone. Part of the conversation was about taking responsibility for our own actions. After I got home, and since Carla was working, I took Shadrach for a walk. We were walking down the little paved trail, that our ridiculously expense Homeowner's Association fees pay for, in the dark. The branches were hanging down from the nearby trees and several of them were whapping me in the face. I said aloud, as I've said before, "when is somebody gonna trim these trees?!"

And then it hit me, what about me? Why don't I trim the trees? Why do I assume someone else should? Why is it always somebody else's fault or responsibility? When will I step up, and not just to the little things of trimming tree branches, but to the big things of living like Jesus in this world instead of wondering when everyone else will...

NEVER eat your vegetables! A Blague Warning!

So the other night, Carla's working 3-11 and I was fending for myself for supper. In the fridge were some leftovers...mixed veggies and a barbecued rib from a few days ago so I decided to eat that. Well as I'm eating my veggies, I feel something weird with my teeth. You know what it was? I chipped one of my front teeth! Now it was a very small chip, and I went to the dentist today and they fixed it with a grinder and some white shoe polish or something in like 17 minutes, but it is a principle issue. I always knew veggies were dangerous, harmful, wolves in green clothing, but now I know!

Wow...This is Good Stuff!

Check this out: Philippians 3:10-16 (in the Message). What a neat and new way of reading an old and favorite passage of mine. I shared this Scripture with our Leadership Team last night as we gathered in my home. We had a very interesting conversation about how people who are not Christians have as a primary goal to not suffer. However, God seems to be saying that as a Christian, that is no longer our goal. In fact, we ought to be desiring to partner with Jesus in His suffering and be willing to do that to the point of death!!! Wow...that is powerful stuff.

It leads me to the question...am I willing to suffer in order to serve Him? Am I willing to give up everything...even life itself? And won't I know Him better if I do become willing? How 'bout you...

Ch ch ch ch changes!

So I'm preaching today on change. How do you like change? Some people seem to thrive on change, and I think I may be one of them. I love to move the furniture around in my office or in the living room or in the guitar room. I love to do new things and go new places. I like variety and stuff. Some people do not. I wonder why...

The big question is where is God in the midst of change. Sometimes we control change and we must seek His face in that. (James 1:5 and James 4:13-15). Sometimes change just happens and we must search for the Lord in it all. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9)

As a Christian, however, mostly we ought to be waiting and responding to God's call to change. And when He calls, we must be obedient. (2 Corinthians 5:17 and Joshua 1:1-9)

Now if you're reading this Sunday morning before church, you can skip it...that's my message today!

Rebel and React!

So I haven't blogged in a while...sorry. With facebook, myspace, twitter, our church website...I can't seem to keep up with it all!!!!!! Anywho, a couple of words I have written on a piece of paper on my desk:

React. Webster says "to change in response to a stimulus" or "to act in opposition to a force or influence."

Rebel. Webster says "to oppose or disobey one in authority or control."

Now those two words have been used to describe me! Can you imagine?!?! ME?! Rebel? React? NEVER!

Well, if you know me, you know that in some ways those words probably do apply to me. What I'm wondering is where and when it is healthy and where and when it is not! Lord, help me to never rebel against you and help me to know how to react to your love and grace!