Saturday, April 30, 2011

Day 112 a note from God: Psalms 102-104


I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.
Psalm 104: 33-34

Ever have one of those days?

You know a day when you try to have a "quiet" time with God only to come away empty.

A Sunday of worship that seemingly leaves you empty.

A time of Bible study that seems a waste of time.

The Psalmist is here today to remind us in those moments - during those days ...

Wake Up! It isn't about you!

May my meditation be pleasing to God.


To God. Not You.

All that we do . . . worship . . . quiet time . . . study . . . etc

We do to please God.

God desires your attention - that is pleasing to Him.

In those moments when YOU aren't getting it - Pray that God is . . .

Friday, April 29, 2011

Day 111 a note from God: I Chronicles 7-10





In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was the official in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him.
I Chronicles 9:20




Our reading today continues with a list of genealogies and I laughed when I read the name Phineahas - In my house, I am the one that is always switching the channel to watch Phineas and and Ferb. I don't know exactly why? - I find it entertaining and good humor. So, if you stop by and ask, "Whatcha doooing?" I just might answer, "Watching Phineas and Ferb!"

Now back to my point. These lists of names represent generation after generation of Jewish lives. Just like the leaders of Judah and Israel recorded in 1 and 2 Kings, some individual people lived in obedience and love of the LORD, while others preferred the beliefs and cultures of their neighbors.

Just as being related to or descended from a faithful person didn't work to save Judah from punishment from the LORD, we cannot expect the same today.

Studies reveal that the Christian community is losing an entire generation. The "church" is trying to figure out how to respond and stop the trends. This in part is where I have a problem . . .

Research is currently placing the blame for the problem on the irrelevancy of the current church. The church is not responsive to young adults . . . The church is too judgemental for young adults . . . The church is too anachronistic for young adults . . . The music is not attracting young adults . . . The list goes on and on.

How about this one . . . being born to parents of faith will not automatically create a new generation of faithful followers.

We have long gotten this wrong and are now paying the price. It is not the sole responsibility of the church to teach the next generation faith.

Parents and church, wake up we are not born Christian.

We need to teach the next generation how to live a life a faith.

We need to teach the next generation what faith is.

We need to teach the next generation that faith matters.

With a generation lost and questioning, we need to stop pointing fingers and take responsibility.

Give and answer for your faith. Share your faith with someone else today.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Day 110 a note from God: Psalms 81,88,92,93


“But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:11-16

Most often words of lament include "if only" . . .

If only I would have . . . I could have . . . I would have . . .

You get the picture.

You have been there.

If only . . .

So here's the rub.

God says, "my people won't listen to Me."

So, God let us do our own thing.

Now we complain about how bad things are . . .

God laments . . . If Only . . .

Why not stop your own lament and start listening to God.

Just sayin . . .

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Day 109 a note from God: I Chronicles 6


These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there. They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.
I Chronicles 6:31-32 NIV

The sons of Levi had been chosen by God for spiritual service in the tabernacle.

This chapter points out the importance of worship. It also points out that worship was to be done according to God’s instruction.

I Chronicles 6:32 reminds us of the importance of song as a method of worshiping and praising God.

We seem to be lost today as to what it means to worship.

We spend out time debating what type of music? What language or liturgy we should use? Which version of the Bible to read from? What style of preaching? What format for worship?

The reality for me is that God instructed music to be a part of our worship. Interesting for me is that the only thing we have left of their worship is the words they used (ie: The Psalms). What we don't have is the music.

Could that mean that God is more concerned with the words we sing than He is the music that accompanies it?

We don't have an order of worship from the First Church of Corinth. Could that mean that our format and style of worship should reflect our culture and our language?

Let me finish my "rant" by adding this: Perhaps our problem with worship today is that we have made it all about our wants and our desires . . . when worship was never intended to be about us. Worship was a duty we were to perform according to God's instruction.

Perhaps our worship needs less us (you and me) and more HIM.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Day 108 a note from God: Psalms 73,77,78


I don't know about you, but there are times when I sit down to pay bills that I get frustrated - frustrated that there are people who live lives of indulgence, sin, and corruption and seemingly don't worry about how to pay the vet bill.

I confess there are times, I am frustrated by the lack of resources for my family. I wonder does it matter? Does God even care?

I confess that there are moments that I feel alone against the world.

And then (I love those and then moments) . . .

God speaks to me through an ancient voice - through a psalm of Asaph and I realize I am not alone in my thoughts. I realize I am not wrong - God is listening. God does care. In the end, when it really matters, God Wins!

Psalm 73

1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like — always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Day 107 a note from God: I Chronicles 3-5


The genealogies in 1 Chronicles served to remind the returned exiles of their connection to the past through a careful reporting of their ancestors. But their main purpose was to remind them of the continuing redemptive purposes of God.

The genealogies eventually bring the line of David into view ... and it was from this royal family that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, would come. Starting with Adam, the great family of our Lord begins to unfold: Adam, to Noah's sons (1:1-4), the Japhethites (1:5-7), the Hamites (1:8-16), the Semites (1:17-27).

The family of Abraham, the descendants of Hagar, Keturah, Sarah, Esau. The people of Seir in Edom, rulers of Edom (1:28-54). The sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (2:1) followed by Judah, Hezron, Caleb, Jerahmeel, Caleb (2:3-55).

Chapter 3 lists the sons of David and the royal line after the exile. Although the earthly kingdom of David was gone, the people are reminded that his descendants live on ... Christ is coming.

This is easy to see for those of us who read it in the rear view of history.

For those that read this and were still waiting for the Messiah it was a welcome reminder . . . We need reminders even today!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

One Solitary Life: Making a Difference


We have spent our entire journey leading up to this day.

I believe we each have a desire to find significance within our existence. Yet in order to find significance in our lives, we must find that elusive “something” that is missing. We must find that “thing” that will bring significance to our lives. For if we had already found “it,” there would be no need for us to still be looking for “it.”

I believe that is in part what draws each of us to the Easter Story - the search for meaning and significance.

Do you want to make a difference with your life? If the answer is yes, then how are you doing in your quest to find meaning in your life?

I propose to you that in order to find significance within your life, you will need to change your focus. You will need to move your focus from significance and success as measured by others to significance measured by God.

Do you still want to make a difference with your life? Then begin today to by changing your focus.

In 33 AD a man lived a very simple and solitary life. He chose not strive after fame, or fortune, or earthly success. There were many that would have gladly pushed him in that direction. Many that would have been happy to help him in that endeavor. He chose a different path, a path that many still choose to follow this day:

A path that leads to humility.

A path that leads to generosity.

A path that leads to love.

A path that willing makes you a servant of the King.

This man, this Jesus, this king, this conqueror of death, this risen savior, the Son of God is asking, “Do you want to find meaning in your life?” Then find it in Him.

Jesus says, “I know you are not perfect, that’s why I made the sacrifice.”

Jesus says, “I know you have made mistakes in the past, that’s why I paid your way.”

Jesus says, “I know you want to do better, that’s why I came back from the grave.”

Jesus says, “I know you want to make a difference with your life, that’s why I am here.”

Jesus says, “I know everything about you and I love you just the way you are.”

Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

We worry so much about what will happen with our lives.

Will we make a difference?

Will any of it matter?

Jesus made it clear – "Come Follow Me." God will take care of the rest.

God will bring significance and meaning to your life.

Let this Easter be the day you declare your intent to Follow Him.

Your intent to change your focus.

Your intent to acknowledge Christ as the Risen Son of God.

Your intent to declare that you are a believer and a follower of Christ.

The question is not “Will your life matter?”

The question is “How will you respond?”

Day 106 a note from GOd: Psalms 43-45,49,84-85,89


I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Psalm 89:1-8 NIV

God's plan is fulfilled.

The tomb is empty.

The price is paid.

Death is defeated.

God's faithful promise endures.

Sing forever of God's love.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Day 105 a note from God: I Chronicles 1-2


It's not Easter yet - It's still Saturday.

Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. I Chronicles 1:34 NIV

In the story of the passion week - Saturday is a day of waiting - A day of remembering - a day of mourning.

It seems fitting then that we read a list of descendants - a family history leading up to David.

As we read some of the names, stories come to mind.

As families gather to celebrate Easter, some people will not be present - stories will be told - they will be remembered.

Our past is important to us. Our past tells us where we came from and tells the story of who we are today.

The cool thing about our past with God . . . is that it doesn't matter.

So as we wait for Easter morning, allow me to invite you to remember . . .

Remember who you are, remember all that you have learned, remember you past mistakes.

And then . . . remember that you belong to God.

Remember that you have no past . . . just a glorious promised future.

And wait . . . for tomorrow is Easter.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Day 104 a note from God: Psalms 6,8-10,14,16,19,21




Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans?
Why are you concerned for us weaklings?"
Psalm 8:4 CEV





Today is Good Friday and we have a group of Psalms written by David to read.

David asks a great question of God in Psalm 8, "Why do you care about us humans?"

When you consider how fickle and prone to evil we are it is a wonder. I have to imagine that God sees all that we are capable of being and loves us in spite of how we are currently living.

Today, I am also struck by the words in the 6th Psalm:
If I die, I cannot praise you or even remember you.

That one line must summarize the feelings of the disciples. They still do not understand all that is happening.

They are still mourning the loss of their leader . . . If he dies, what will become of us?

Just wait. Today is Friday, but Easter morning is still to come!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Day 103 a note from God: 2 Samuel 2-4


Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
2 Samuel 1:1-12 NIV

The messenger probably knew that Saul had tried to kill David. So, he thought that David would be pleased that Saul was dead.

The young man may have even expected David to reward him. Instead, David punished him. (can't help but think this may have been the first person to say "Don't kill the messenger")

David did not like the way that Saul had behaved. But David knew that God had chosen Saul as king. So, David gave respect and honor to the king that the God had anointed.

In our lives, we may not always understand why God has done things. We may not always like what God is doing. For the matter, not everyone is going to like their pastor.

The question for each of us in that moment is: Will we honor God?

It is possible to agree to disagree and honor God.

May we each act as wisely as David.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Day 102 a note from God: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130


The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.

Psalms 121:5-6 NIV

Our lives were changed recently with the diagnosis that my wife has lupus. We are learning what it means to live with this disease.

We are learning that the sun (and other UV light) can be damaging. So we are replacing the UV light in the kitchen. My wife thought it ridiculous that she need to wear sunblock in order to cook! Through all of this we just learn and move on.

I have to admit, I have never actually questioned God in this. I haven't actually included God much in this . . . and then today . . . God intervenes and speak to me.

The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you

Hmmm . . . So God is telling me, even though I did not ask, that He is there protecting us - protecting my wife.

Even in those moments, when we hesitate to ask God . . . God is there in our thoughts . . . hearing the concerns of our heart . . . and then, if we will read his letter of love (the Bible) we can hear God speak to us.

Thanks for the note today God - I am humbled that you have heard my heart.

What concerns do you have today? Let God know . . . He is listening.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Day 101 a note from God: I Samuel 28-31 and Psalm 18


He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him
by dreams or Urim or prophets.


I Samuel 28:6 NIV

Why is God silent towards Saul?

Won’t God answer everyone who seeks Him?

Not always; apparently not when you are in a place of judgment as Saul is.

King Saul has rejected and is currently rejecting God’s previously revealed will.

Since Saul doesn’t care to obey God in what he already knows, God will not give him more to know.

Not that different from our own lives.

We want to know God's will for our lives, but often when it is revealed we respond with a "No thanks, try again!"

The saying goes, "Don't ask for an answer if your aren't willing to hear the response!"

And so we pray, "Our Father . . ."

Monday, April 18, 2011

Day 100 a note from God: Psalms 17,35,54,63


You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1 NIV

We often say things like "I am thirsty" or "I'm starving" but unless you have gone without food or water or witnessed those that have - my guess is that we really have no understanding of thirst or hunger.

This is a psalm of David when he was in the Desert of Judah. I suppose you gain an new understanding of thirst when you spend time in a desert.

David's new understanding of thirst and his desire for water helped him gain perspective on his desire to seek after God.

There is a part of us that longs (thirsts/hungers) to know God.

Have you sought after God? or are you still waiting for Him to come to you?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

One Solitary Life: A Choice to Make




Life is filled with choices:
paper or plastic, cable or satellite, dial up or high speed, regular or decaf, friend or foe, skim or whole, sugar or sweetener, regular or caffeine free, Pepsi or Coke, Wal-Mart or Target, drive thru or dine in, the choices are seemingly endless.




What if love was a choice? We tend to always think of love as an emotion beyond our control; therefore we fall in and out of love. But, what if we held the power to choose to love?

This week, like Jesus, we have a choice to make. Many years ago people began this week by joining in a parade with the crowd – swept up in emotion. A week of choices made by many begins with the choice by many to join the crowd.

Jesus spent most of His ministry in the area north of Jerusalem, but His fame reached Jerusalem. When He entered the city with His group of followers even more joined in the celebration. The crowds in the city were the largest of the year due to Passover. The people quickly learned that the famous one was here. The crowd was swept up in anticipation that Jesus could be the one to lead an uprising over the Romans. Jesus could be the one that would restore the kingdom.

The first choice made was a choice to follow the crowd. It is an easy choice to make and one that we often get caught up in. In this instance it seems a good choice to be in the crowd following Jesus, but by the end of the week this same crowd will choose to turn and run away from this same man – this Jesus.

During this week Jesus lives what He taught and that was not an easy choice. Jesus publicly declared which were the greatest commandments to be kept. He does so knowing that these are also the two that are broken by our choices every day.
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40 NIV (reference Deut 6:1-9)

In the garden this week, Jesus will pray that the horror and pain of the cross be removed from Him, but if it cannot be removed, Jesus chooses to love God with all that He has even to the cross.

Jesus makes the choice to love and honor God in all things (even the cross) and in so doing chooses to honor the second command by acting in love for others.

Despite the choices the crowd makes, Jesus still chooses to act in love towards those that oppose Him or flee from Him. In the end, Jesus chooses to humble Himself for us, Jesus chooses to become our servant, Jesus chooses to generously give His life for us, Jesus ultimately chooses to love us more than we love ourselves.

What an example! Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from this one solitary life is that love is a choice.

This one solitary life has taught us much on our journey: humility, generosity, service, and now love. They are all choices we must make in our lives.

We can choose to be humble,

we can choose to act generously,

we can choose to serve,

and we can choose to love.

Ultimately, we can choose to follow the crowd and all they promise or we can choose to follow the one that will lead us to the cross.

When it comes to the cross and the crowd, which will you choose?

Day 99 a note from God: I Samuel 25-27


But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives,” he said, “the LORD himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.
I Samuel 26:9-10 NIV

We often hear the phrase "taking justice into my own hands."

In this instance we see someone who has the opportunity, but passes instead leaving justice to God.

In our lives, we so want the wicked and the evil to be punished.

David teaches us today to let go of our need for justice.

David teaches us that God's justice will come - not always in our timing, but always in God's perfect timing.

Let go of your feelings of judgement today.

Turn them over to God and wait upon His justice.

You have more important things to with your life.

Besides, as ye' judge - so will ye' be judged.

May God's justice reign in your life and mine.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Day 98 a note from God: Psalms 56,120,140-142


When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalms 56:3-4 NIV

For me reading the Psalms of David within the context of the events of David's life brings them to reality.

David has every reason to feel fear. His life is threatened. People are pursuing him from every direction and yet . . .

David has a calm about him.

David says, "when I am afraid."

Trusting God will not eliminate fear from your life.

Trusting God will give you the courage to face your fears.

The existence of fear in your life is not the antithesis of faith.

The existence of fear in your life is the opportunity to let loose your faith.

So, what are you afraid of?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Day 97 a note from God: Psalms 7,27,31,34,52







Is anyone crying for help?
God is listening,
ready to rescue you.









David confidently writes these words based on his own expereince.

Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.

Every time. I like that promise for as often as I try to not get in trouble, I fail.

I trust in that promise that God will be there.

Find comfort in David's words this day from Psalms 34:

I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.

I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out.

God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.

Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.

When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.

God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.

Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.

Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship.

Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?

Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.

Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don't let it get away!

God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.

God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack.

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.

If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.

Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.

He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.

The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good.

God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Day 96 a note from God: I Samuel 21-24


So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
I Samuel 21: 13 NIV

Seems like a scene out of a B Movie. Trapped in a spot that is certain doom - just act insane and get away. Wasn't that the plot of a "Get Smart" episode? or was that Inspector Closeau?

David is confident in his mission from God that he willingly becomes the fool to get out of a jam. I have often thought of trying that, but never had the guts to pull it off.

Perhaps this was a test run for David. Remember this is the guy that danced like a fool for God.

David was described as a man after God's own heart and yet he is often found to be doing the most foolish of things.

When is the last time you did something foolish for God?

Perhaps we need to toss aside our inhibitions and willing become the fool for God? After all the things of God are most often deemed foolish by the world - maybe today is the day to become a fool for God - if even for a moment.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Day 95 a note from God: I Samuel 18-20; Psalm 11&59





Jonathan said to David,
“Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.”

I Samuel 20:4 NIV





Winne the Pooh and Piglet and seemingly inseperable. Batman abd Robin, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, Fred And Barney, Abbot and Costello, and Jonathan and David are like that. Friends thick and thin.

I have been blessed in my life with a few friends like that - always supportive, always cheering, always willing to do . . .

Friends like that are rare.

Give thanks to those friends you have today.

And if you are still looking for a friend like that . . . Might I introduce you to my friend - Jesus from Nazareth.

(A special thanks to Jeff and Kerry - You've always been there - thanks)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Day 94 a note from God: I Samuel 15-17


David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
I Samuel 17:26 NIV

It seems that the young are always the first to speak their minds. They aren't worried about how others will perceive them. They are more considered for principles and are willing to take a stand. They speak up and we, who are older and wiser, say, "Give it time, you will understand, you are too young to understand."

David was the only one who understood that it would not take an army or even a single foot soldier to defeat the enemy.

No, what was needed, they already had - The Living God!

We could use that reminder today.

We could use a little youthful bravato in our faith - If God be for us - who could be against us?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Day 93 a note from God: I Samuel 13-14


“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”
I Samuel 13:13-14 NIV

The end comes nearly as quickly as the beginning.

In I Samuel 10:8, Samuel told Saul to go to Gilgal and wait for him. Samuel said, ‘I will certainly come down to you there and give burnt sacrifices and friendship offerings. You must wait for 7 days. Then I will come and tell you what to do’.

Before a battle the priest would give sacrifices to God and pray. He would listen to God and tell the people what God said. God will would them how to fight and how to win the battle. The Israelites trusted God to help them.

Saul waited for 7 days, but Samuel did not arrive. Perhaps Samuel was testing Saul to see if Saul would trust God. Saul became frightened. So he went against Samuel’s instruction. Saul did what he thought was right, but not what was according to God's law. This is sin would be one of many that Saul would commit while he was king.

The old hymn says "Trust and obey for there's no other way." Saul should have known that - WE should know that.

How often we believe we know better - Oh, we trust God, but we just aren't very good at obeying God.

Perhaps we need a little more obedience in our life and a little less trust?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Day 92 a note from God: I Samuel 9-12


“But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you. If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God—good! But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.
I Samuel 12:12-15 NIV

The people wanted a king. God provides a king.

Samuel reminds the people that in having a king the rules have not changed - they are still to love and obey God.

So, in our story, we now have a king instead of judges (leaders) and the cycle of behavior goes unchanged.

That is so like us today!

We become unhappy with whatever is happening in our lives. We demand change. We make promises to change. We even make specific changes - we diet, we join a health club, we set a budget, we change our habits, we declare once again that Jesus is Lord of our life.

And then . . . life happens . . . and we return to our old ways.

The good news is that no matter how many times we fail in our promises to God, God is always right there to pick us up and give us another chance.

We want a new king! We declare Jesus is King of our lives. And then in time, we slip ourselves back onto the throne.

Whose on the throne of your life today?

One Solitary Life: Lesson in Service






"If everybody worked at a restaurant for a year, the world would be a happier place.”









I have found myself over the past few years counseling with people about job searches and dealing with unemployment. I often find myself recounting some of my own experiences with these people - myself having dealt with 3 major events of unemployment in my life.

During those times, I have been employed in what has been listed as the top 4 recommended jobs everyone should do at least once in their life – Customer Service, Manual Labor, Retail Clerk, and Server/Waiter.

I want to share some of what I learned from one of these experiences – in hopes that it can help us understand what it means to get the most out of this Solitary Life we have been given.

At the age of 29, I found myself unemployed and in need of an income. I needed a flexible schedule as I was exploring options and needed to have control of my schedule. I opted to attempt to become a server or a waiter.

I applied and was asked, “Why should I hire you? You have never done this.”

I argued that there was nothing I can’t do and that I was worth the risk.

I was hired and went through the training. I also learned the unique language of waiting tables:

Sides – extras on the plate and jobs done beyond just waiting on the table
side work – the work done by servers that isn’t about waiting on tables
skate – to leave without completing your side work
86 – out of or fired
on the fly – request to kitchen to make an order right – right now!
In the weeds - used to describe a server who is hopelessly behind

“You have two tables already, then someone seats you with a large party. The
first table wants mustard, more bread, a side of ranch, another drink, a
spill needs wiped up. The big party wants to place their drink orders. And
who's going to run those salads to that third table so that their entrees
don't come out five seconds after their salads?”

I like "in the weeds" as a metaphor. It carries with it an image of someone standing in weeds, some already tall, others getting taller by the minute while others are quickly sprouting up out of the ground.

It is always your turn to do something in the life of a server. It’s not an easy job being a server, but servers do it by choice, every day – balancing trays of burgers and drinks in one hand, keeping a dozen orders straight in the other, and maintaining a smile on their face until their shift ends. All the time delivering non-stop service never pausing because if you pause, you are in the weeds.

Servers are there to serve. Yet, waiting tables and being in the weeds seemingly go hand in hand, but how does one get out of the weeds?

You can tell everyone, or someone, that you are in the weeds, but that assumes that the person you ask to help isn’t already in the weeds themselves. In reality it takes a team working together to get you out of the weeds or keep you from getting there in the first place. But don’t make it any harder on them than it should be.

Here’s your guide to being a good customer:

- Use your manners
- Be sociable
- Take your time, not theirs
- Don’t expect special treatment.
- Get personal but not too personal
- Patience is a virtue
- Don’t blame your waiter
- Clean up after yourself
- Say thank you with a tip
- Make a habit of being a regular customer

One server put it this way, “Being a server definitely changed the way I see things from a customer’s standpoint,” she says. “I think everybody should have that experience. If everybody worked at a restaurant for a year, the world would be a happier place.”

So, what does this have to do with Lent, Jesus, One Solitary Life lived, making a difference, and you?

An online glossary of restaurant terms puts “being in the weeds” like this:
"A colloquial expression used when persons are near or beyond their capacity to handle a situation or cannot catch up, someone struggling, someone who is very busy."

- A person near or beyond their capacity to handle a situation or cannot catch up, Someone struggling, Someone who is very busy.

So, do you know anyone that fits that definition? Might even be YOU.

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12 NIV

The reminder that we are to be servants is one that Jesus repeated quite often. As we live this life, we are called to be become servants.

This is not a call to be a server (in order that we might gain some worldly prize and garner some great experience that will benefit us later) This is a mandate – one given with no restrictions or limitations of time, place, or situation that would allow us to exempt ourselves from this lesson. Service is not a singular act or something that is checked off a list so you are done with it. Service isn’t something we have done in the past, or can finish doing sometime in the future. Service is something that is on-going - never-ending.

Here’s the big discovery for this week:

As it comes to service, we are called to be in the weeds – not overwhelmed by what we are doing, but rather reaching out to those that are overwhelmed with an act of service. And when that act is complete – It’s your turn again!

There’s a lot of work to be done. There are a lot of people struggling and overwhelmed by the weeds in their lives. We are called to serve and not to be served – did I mention “It’s your turn again!”?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Day 91 a note from God: I Samuel 4-8


The man who brought the news replied, “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”

When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led Israel forty years.

His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains. As she was dying, the women attending her said, “Don’t despair; you have given birth to a son.” But she did not respond or pay any attention.

I Samuel 4:17-20 NIV

I'm not one that believes our happiness should be created at the expense of someone else. Another way of saying that is, "At least I am not that guy . . ."

Often we derive are sense of blessing or happiness in comparison to someone else. We are not thankful for our health until . . . "At least I don't have cancer like . . ."

I say all that in response to the story from today's reading because I could not help but think that was a bad day and by comparison it made my day seem great!

Consider the day Ichabod was born his father, grandfather, uncle, and mother either died or were killed. Now consider whatever you are going through this day.

Thinking of all that . . . remember this . . . even in the life of Ichabod, God was in control.

Take heart my friend, in the midst of the chaos and all the stuff of your life, God is in control. You need only trust Him to discover the purpose for life.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Day 90 a note from God: I Samuel 1-3






The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”


I Samuel 3:10 NIV






Samuel heard the Lord’s voice but he thought it was Eli. In these days, it was rare for the Lord to speak directly to people. We do not know whether Eli had ever heard the Lord’s voice, but he taught Samuel the proper way to reply to the Lord -“Speak, for your servant is listening.”

How often we long to hear from God. I wonder how many times we have missed God speaking to us because we did not know how to respond - “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

We fill our days with "noise" and while others speak we devise our responses.

We pray asking God to speak, but we rarely pause to allow God to speak.

May we learn from Samuel to respond - “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Day 89 a note from God: Ruth


One day Ruth, the Moabite foreigner, said to Naomi, "I'm going to work; I'm going out to glean among the sheaves, following after some harvester who will treat me kindly." Naomi said, "Go ahead, dear daughter." And so she set out. She went and started gleaning in a field, following in the wake of the harvesters. Eventually she ended up in the part of the field owned by Boaz
Ruth 2:2-3 The Message

Ruth offered to gather grain that the men had left. It was usual practice to allow widows and foreigners to do this (see Leviticus 19:9-10). This was called gleaning. God made this rule for His people. It was a way for them to share with poor people.

Ruth seems to have chosen Boaz’s field by chance.

However, God seems to find away for good things to happen to those people who trust Him.

"If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all" the saying goes, but this is certainly not the case for Ruth.

It is also not the case for us as followers of Christ.

God has a plan for you.

Sometimes we need the patience to discover the plan.

Sometimes we need to do a little "gleaning" to discover God's plan.



(picture from painting "The Gleaners" by Jean-Francois Millet 1857)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 88 a note from God: Judges 19-21





In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 21:25 NIV




After reading these chapters, it is hard to understand the brutality of the actions. But then, you get to the last line of the book of Judges and there it is . . . all the explanation anyone would need . . . everyone did as they saw fit.

And that is the point, with no one to rule over them, they all did as they wanted. Sad reality is that God was their ruler, but they refused to acknowledge that over and over again.

Must be a sense of deja vu for God with us today. Christ came that He might be our King, but instead we choose to have no king and live as we see fit. And then we dare to ask, "How could there be so much trouble and strife in the world?"

It is then we should read the last line of Judges again to find our answer - In those days they had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day 87 a note from God: Judges 16-18



In those days there was no king in Israel. But also in those days, the tribe of Dan was looking for a place to settle down. They hadn't yet occupied their plot among the tribes of Israel.
Judges 18:1 The Message


Though they had been apportioned land, they found their own land too hard to conquer. Therefore, they set out to find land they could occupy.

This is just the start of their problems as they will continue on a path that leads to many more sins.

Their story is not unlike our own. God provides, but we become discontent with the provision. We complain, we plot, we connive. We do anything in our own power to do what God would not.

What direction or provision has God provided in your life that you refuse to accept?

Learn from the Tribe of Dan and do not progress down the slippery path.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Day 86 a note from God: Judges 13-15



Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. Judges 13:1

Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Judges 15:20







Samson was more than the guy who fell in love with Delilah. Samson single handed took on the Philistines who had been brutally ruling over the Israelites for 40 years.

Samson was a one man wrecking crew. God used him in a mighty way to bring peace to the land.

After all, who would want to stand against him?

The cycle will continue as it always has.

The view that God was leading them through Samson will become the view that Samson is leading them and God is not needed.

How often we trade in our prayers of thanksgiving to God for celebrations of all that we have done and accomplished.

Careful in how you view your victories - sometimes it is easier to see God in our defeats.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

This is Twins Territory


How do you celebrate Opening Day?

Several years ago I was able to acquire this World's Largest Baseball Jersey from the Twins. Ever since then I take the opportunity to put it on display on special baseball days - like Opening Day.

This year being our first spring in Hagerstown, it seemed the perfect time to put the jersey up in front of the house.

Lots of fun watching all the traffic on Main Street (State Road 38) slow down to take in the sights.

This is Twins territory!

And yes to be fair to the people of Hagerstown, I root for the Reds as well.

Play Ball!

One Solitary Life: Time, Talent, and Treasure


As United Methodist Church members we pledge to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. We often drill this down to the common phrase "we give of our time, our talent, and our treasure." And why do we leave out prayer and witness? (I'll leave that for another day - but consider if we put more emphasis on those last two we might not be a denomination in decline.)

For now let's consider the giving of our time, talent, and treasure. What does that really mean?

When we give of our time are we to tithe? Is it possible to give 10 percent of our time? How would we measure that? Jesus taught that we should give everything, but how would we give all of our time? Does that mean we must all become missionaries or ministers? The Bible also teaches that we should give cheerfully, but what does that mean?

I believe the time we give should not be the time we have left over, but rather should be time that we sacrificially give. The time we give should be time that we have, but there is value in the time being given being a sacrifice. So in order to be generous, we must learn to give of our time, our days off, our vacation, our extra hour of sleep, our game time, our television time, our personal time.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 NIV

When we give of our talent are we to tithe? Is it possible to give 10 percent of a talent? How would we measure that? Jesus taught that we should give everything, but how would we give all of our talent to Him? Does that mean we use a talent only for God and not in any other manner? The Bible also teaches that we should give cheerfully, but what does that mean as we give of our talent?

I believe the talent we give may not be the talent we must often show. A banker’s talent in finance may not be the talent he/she gives to the church. That talent may be the ability to love and care for babies in the nursery. The school teacher’s best talent may not be teaching, but may be singing in the choir. In order to be generous, we must be willing to give of the talent that has gifted us with and give it cheerfully. Talent is devoid of age, gender, or race. Talent is not judged as good, bad, or best. Your talent may be: ushering, greeting, moving chairs, making coffee, cleaning up, teaching a class, or wahtever. And guess what when you give of your talent, you will find that must often you have also given of your time.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 NIV

When we give of our treasure are we to tithe? Is it possible to give 10 percent of our treasure? Is that enough? What percent is the right percent? How would we figure that? Jesus taught that we should give everything, but how would we give all of our treasure? Would that even be right or stewardly? The Bible also teaches that we should give cheerfully, but what does that mean? I believe what you give is between you and God. I believe it should be consistent. I believe your giving should grow. Giving is about acknowledging who owns what you have – whether it be your time, talent, or treasure. One more thought, Giving should not go un-noticed. But let me qualify that statement. It should not go un-noticed by you. If all you are giving is your left-over, then what is that gift? Your gift should be such that you notice the giving and in noticing your giving you are acknowledging the source to begin with. I will also assure you that your giving will not go un-noticed by our God.

As we spend time with this man they called Jesus, we will see his life of generousity lived among us. We will see that He truly gave everything that He had to give – even His life. One Solitary life spent giving everything you have away will not go un-noticed. Whatever you have to give God will take it.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 NIV

Day 85 a note from God: Judges 10-12


Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.
Judges 10:14-16 NIV


"I don't need any help"

"I can do it myself"

These famous words are often followed by these words, "Help! I'm stuck!"

It seems this is the same pattern the Israelites find themselves in. They are sure they can do better on their own. Then we they can't: they cry out to God for help.

I love God's response. It is a response every parent has used at one time another, You don't need my help. You can do it yourself."

What I love about God is He doesn't leave us in our state of misery.

When we acknowledge our errors, God is there to rescue us.

Need help? Try calling on Jesus.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Day 84 a note from God: Judges 8-9

But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.” And he said, “I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.” (It was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.)

Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Judges 8:23-24,27 NIV

Good intentions gone wrong.

Gideon leads as God directs. Gideon even resists temptation and refuses to become their ruler. He acknowledges that God and God alone should rule over the nation.

Great words, but then . . .

We are good at saying one thing and doing another - even when are intentions are good.

Gideon takes the plunder and erects a memorial of the victory. The memorial becomes a stumbling block as Gideon and the people quickly forget that it was God who led the victory.

It can be easy when the accolades come to lose sight of the humility of victory.

Be careful of the heroes we create. Be careful of the heroes we seek to become.

To God be the glory . . .

Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 83 a note from God: Judges 6-7


The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:11-12 NIV

In order to gain perspective on this passage, you need to know that Gideon was not a big guy. He was also not the guy you or I would choose to lead an army.

And that is the point!

God can use anybody to accomplish His works - even you or me!

The story of Gideon is one of God again proving the point that with God all things are possible. That which seems impossible in your power and wisdom is simple for God.

You may believe that God is the God who performs miracles in the Bible, but do you believe that same God can do a mighty work through you?