Filed under: Luke 9 | Tags: Arkansas, awareness, Fish Tale, fly fishing, God, Holy Spirit, Little Red River, Searcy
Like I said yesterday, there have been a few moments in my life when I became deeply aware of God. I have posted previously about our need to slow down sometimes in order to hear God or experience the Holy Spirit, but sometimes even in the middle of our hectic busy lives the Holy Spirit will reach out to grab our attention. I am not posting an additional scripture today. I have read and reread Luke 9:28-36 multiple times, and I feel that their is alot to gain from that scripture because of what transpired. So, after reading this tale go back and read that passage.
I drove up to Searcy, Arkansas in the middle of the night to go fly fishing on the Little Red River at first light. Heading to the place where I learned to fly fish, I was very excited about the trip. I hadn’t been there in nearly 13 years and was desperately in need of some fishing therapy. Once I arrived, I had a great day fishing and was thoroughly exhausted from work the day before, the drive and an active day of fishing. That night, my head hit the pillow in the Heritage Inn on the Harding University campus with my only thought being that of another great day of fishing ahead.
Next morning, I awoke at no particular time ready to catch fish. I wasn’t in a hurry. A long day lied ahead, and I wanted to take it easy. What happened next was the beginning of an extraordinary day, though it didn’t dawn on me till later. As I checked out and grabbed my continental breakfast, I noticed a gentleman who looked very familiar. I struck up a conversation with him while he read the sports page. He was there visiting his daughter and helping her move into an new place. While we visited about why each of us was there, we discovered that we both lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. So I told him that I knew him from somewhere, and we finally figured out that he had spoken at my Church a few times. We ended up visiting for about an hour about all kinds of things, and I began to feel that there was something special about this day. As we shook hands and parted, he said it was drizzling outside and he hoped it didn’t ruin my day of fishing. My response was, “nothin’ can ruin my fishing.”
The river was eerie that day. It was drizzly and dreary and there was the slightest of breezes that slowly pushed a dense unending fog down the river. While I love fishing on bright sunny days, there’s something equally satisfying about fishing in slightly inclement weather. Maybe it’s the struggle between man and nature or maybe I’m just not smart enough to stay inside when it’s cold and gloomy.
After catching 7 or 8 fish, it slowed down drastically. Through the day, I would catch one about every 20 minutes or so. Around 2:30 pm, I reluctantly began to contemplate packing up and making the 6 hour drive home. The normal responsibilities of life crept into my mind and I started thinking of my wife and kids and how much I missed them, how much I was thankful they let me get away. I was torn. I wan’t to catch more fish, but I was longing for home too. Knowing the end was near, I began to pray for a big fish. If I could just catch one really good fish, I would pack it up and go home. As I prayed, I caught a fish, but it wasn’t that big. I continued my conversation with God and caught another fish and then another, but neither was what I called large. Home was calling me, but that lunker that I was hoping to catch still had not materialized. Then I began to ask specifically, boldly for exactly what I was looking for. I asked God to show me his power in this. I felt I was treading on thin ice, challenging God.
As soon as I had the thought “show me your power”, my line became a little tighter. I set the hook, and I knew my prayer had been answered. I would be going home soon. But that’s not exactly what God had in mind. He was challenging me back even as I still continued my conversation with Him, and I became deeply aware of God. I proceeded to fight the monsterous fish for the next 45 minutes. We went up the river. We went down the river. All the while, I was talking to God. My surroundings seemed crisper even in the fog. Clarity entered my brain and ruled my thoughts. Everything seemed to slow down and there were moments when my hair stood on end. I was overwhelmed with the prescence of God. It was me, God and a fish.
I fought and fought, but the fish never tired. I barely got a glimpse of the huge hog, and I never even came close to landing it. I guess I wasn’t supposed to. After 45 minutes of wrestling a fish, talking to and praising God, the fish took a turn and swam with the intention to break my line. So it did.
I packed up and began my drive home still tingling from the experience. I sat silently in the car as I drove. No music, no talk radio. I Reflected on my day. My chance meeting with Jay. Our discussions. The weather. The fishing. The praying. It was all part of a bigger plan to get my attention, to make me deeply aware of God. It was awesome! I loved every minute of it and can’t wait for the next time! I wonder if that’s what Peter, James and John felt like.
Filed under: Luke 9 | Tags: awakening, awareness, Holy Spirit, Luke 9, transfiguration
Luke 9 : 28-36
Just caught this phrase today and it made me think. I hope it makes you think too.
We find the apostles witnessing the transfiguration in this section of scripture. Imagine that! Two dead dudes and Jesus shining brightly. Peter began running his mouth as usual, saying what he thinks without thinking (a disease I suffer from). Then they are wrapped in a light radiant cloud when it happend. They became deeply aware of God.
What was it? What does that mean? Was it a feeling, an emotion, a presence that was unexplainable or a combination of all these things? I imagine it was the Holy Spirit, but what do I know. I know that I have felt it a few times and it was awesome. Read what happened to Peter, John and James.
28 About eight days after saying this, he climbed the mountain to pray, taking Peter, John, and James along. 29 While he was in prayer, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became blinding white. 30 At once two men were there talking with him. They turned out to be Moses and Elijah— 31 and what a glorious appearance they made! They talked over his exodus, the one Jesus was about to complete in Jerusalem. 32 Meanwhile, Peter and those with him were slumped over in sleep. When they came to, rubbing their eyes, they saw Jesus in his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 When Moses and Elijah had left, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking. 34 While he was babbling on like this, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them. As they found themselves buried in the cloud, they became deeply aware of God. 35 Then there was a voice out of the cloud: “This is my Son, the Chosen! Listen to him.” 36When the sound of the voice died away, they saw Jesus there alone. They were speechless. And they continued speechless, said not one thing to anyone during those days of what they had seen.
One thing can be said for certain about becoming deeply aware of God. When it happens, you know it. Their is no doubt, no questioning. Simply basking in the moment. Filled with emotion and amazement. Things seem clearer, slower like an out-of-body experience. I once became deeply aware of God during an extremely difficult time in my life that I’m not comfortable sharing. However, let me share another experience…..but you’ll have to wait till tomorrow.
Until then, think about those moments when you, like the apostles, became deeply aware of God. If you’re brave enough, share that experience and what it meant to you by clicking the comment link.
Filed under: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 | Tags: 2012, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, End of the World, Time
Warning!
This is more of a commentary than scriptural thought, however, there will be scripture and thought.
I just saw the movie 2012. Good movie but with some language —mostly English. Ha, you know what I mean. Anyways, I like end of the world movies. They make me think. What would I do in that situation? Would I lay down or would I fight? Would I lead or would I follow? What is important when it comes to the end? What would I cling to? Who or what would surround me? If I knew the world could possibly end, how would I spend my last weeks, days, hours, minutes or seconds?
After the movie, a few scriptures came to mind. The first one was Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work?10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him.15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
What time is it right now?
For me, it is time to stand up for my family, for my beliefs, for my God. It is time to cast off doubt, fear and things of this world. It is time to set goals for myself, my family and my Church. It is time to let go and move on from the past. It is time to be thankful and appreciate everything because it is from God. It is time to pray for wisdom, for my country, for my president. It is time to love others as myself. It is time to enjoy and live life to the fullest because soon my time may be up!
So, what time is it for you?
Filed under: Uncategorized
Sorry everyone for the absence in postings. I hope everyone has been doing well. I went on vacation at the end of September and got out of sync with the blog. It takes a good bit of time to keep up a daily blog of any quality. I think I’ll try a few different things to keep the daily dose current and effective without extended amounts of time between posts.
Filed under: Luke 9 | Tags: Confession, Faith, Luke 9, Spiritual Foundation, Truth
luke 9
Now more than ever, we need to be boldly making the same proclamation that Peter makes here.
18 One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, “What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?”19 They said, “John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back.”
20 He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”
Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”21 Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.22 He went on, “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive.”23 Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.24 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.25 What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?26 If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by.
27 Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.”
It seems like more and more our country is drifting away from the foundations it was built upon. The current politico-social climate is tightening a noose of intolerance around the beliefs of Christianity while becoming more tolerant to everything else. As Christians we have lost freedoms that we once enjoyed. Will we ever get them back? The foundations that existed in the beginning of this country are essential to the preservation of the success of the United States of America. Similarly, we as Christians, need to recognize and hold firm to our spiritual foundations, like Peter, in his proclamation of the truth which is this. Jesus is the Son of God. This confession of faith should rule our lives, guiding our conscience and our actions. Peter was bold in his proclamation and we should be the same. Anything less, any doubt, any hesitation, any embarrassment and Christ will be far more embarrassed with us (verse 26).
Filed under: Luke 8 | Tags: Faith, life's struggles, Luke 8, storm calmed
luke 8
Often in life, inclement weather blows in. Sometimes we stand just at the edge of the storm. A little wind, a few clouds, maybe even a some raindrops. It’s a little uncomfortable, but nothing we can’t handle. At other times, we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of what feels like a huricane. Tumultuous wind, dark billowing clouds and rain driven sideways. These are down right unbearable. Therefore we take cover. We seek shelter indoors. So it is when the struggles of life come our way. In the following verses, we find the apostles in the midst of a storm.
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.
23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
When the struggles of life come our way, we have two options. Either handle it ourselves or take shelter in our God. We often try to handle things on our own. We forget that God is there for us all the time and in so many ways. He is present in light rainshowers as well as Texas sized thunderstorms.
So, as you sit in the middle of a big storm. Back against that wall, knees pulled to chest, arms cluching your knees, head bowed, sobbing never ending tears, stomach in knots, wondering how you got in this situation, and what in the world you’re going to do. God is there. He is anxiously waiting, and I’m sure sometimes he wonders the same thing Christ does in verse 25. “Where is you faith?”
Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, wondering what we are going to do instead of what God’s going to do? Sometimes the storm strikes so hard and fast that we momentarily loose our senses, and basic survival is all we can think about. No matter the situation, God is waiting for us to recall our faith and acknowledge him so that he can continue to demonstrate to our open eyes the depth of his love, mercy, wisdom and power.
What storm are you in the middle of?
How has God handled your storms in the past?
psalm 119
Yesterday while eating breakfast, It dawned on me. We feed our bodies daily (or in my case several times a day) so that we are not hungry and are able to live. What do we do to feed our soul and quench the hunger of our spirit? Following is one verse that provides an answer, but I don’t think it’s the only answer.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
David gives an answer to our question above in several different ways. But the bottom line is that one way David fed his soul was to study the words of God. Just as David did, we need to spend time not just reading God’s word but meditating on it. The more we read, the more we know about our Creator. The more we know about God, the more we learn about the plans he has for our lives and what he expects us to accomplish. Learning and striving for God’s will nourishes our soul much like food nourishes our bodies.
Besides spending time in The Word, what our things do we do that feed our soul?
Filed under: Luke 8
luke 8
Today, I made a connection that I hadn’t made before. Many of you probably have. I’m just a slow learner. Prior to the following scripture, is the parable of the sower and the seeds. I never saw the direct correlation. I simply read them at face value and took them as totally separate and unrelated. Not so said my brain this morning. In the parable of the sower, we find that when seed falls on good soil, it grows and flourishes. Likewise, when God’s word falls on ears that are ready to hear, it takes hold and grows. I thought that was it. Turn’s out it’s not.
16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way.17 We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.18 So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
So what’s the reason this is seemingly added on the end of the parable? What it says to me is this. God’s word is intended to affect my life. It’s supposed to change me from within, but also is to be shown to others. We’re not supposed to keep the glory of God to ourselves. Instead, we are to let it shine to all. We’re not to be ashamed. Instead we are to be empowered and share the good news.
How does that translate to daily life? If you are given the opportunity to verbally share the story of Christ, do it. However, we can communicate the gospel without saying a word. We can show kindness and patience to that waitress who isn’t quite getting everything just right. We can cut the yard for our neighbor who’s husband just passed (one I personally failed on). We can let that the person at the grocery store go infront of us because they only have a few items. We can treat those at work with respect. We can adopt a strong work ethic that our employer will appreciate and notice. We can limit ourselves to only positive comments about others instead of gossip. We could simply smile and say hi to people with whom we come in contact. In essence, let’s try to brighten someone’s day.
Psalm 145
At work, blinds open, still dark, heavy dew on the grass, coolness in the air, steam rising from the warm cup of coffee in my hand. It’s going to be a great day! Praise the Lord!
1 I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity.
2 I’ll bless you every day,
and keep it up from now to eternity.
3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough.
There are no boundaries to his greatness.
4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;
each one tells stories of your mighty acts.
5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;
I compose songs on your wonders.
6 Your marvelous doings are headline news;
I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.
7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;
your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.
8 God is all mercy and grace—
not quick to anger, is rich in love.
9 God is good to one and all;
everything he does is suffused with grace.10 Creation and creatures applaud you, God;
11 your holy people bless you.
They talk about the glories of your rule,
they exclaim over your splendor,
12 Letting the world know of your power for good,
the lavish splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal;
you never get voted out of office.
God always does what he says,
and is gracious in everything he does.
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.
15 All eyes are on you, expectant;
you give them their meals on time.
16 Generous to a fault,
you lavish your favor on all creatures.
17 Everything God does is right—
the trademark on all his works is love.
18 God’s there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it.
19 He does what’s best for those who fear him—
hears them call out, and saves them.
20 God sticks by all who love him,
but it’s all over for those who don’t.
21 My mouth is filled with God’s praise.
Let everything living bless him,
bless his holy name from now to eternity!
So many reasons to be thankful. So many reasons to rejoice. So many reasons to tell others why.
Have a great Friday!
luke 7
Following is a story of Christ actively working in someone’s life. Is God working in our lives? How?
11 Not long after that, Jesus went to the village Nain. His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd.12 As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman’s only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow.13 When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, “Don’t cry.”14 Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, “Young man, I tell you: Get up.”15 The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.16 They all realized they were in a place of holy mystery, that God was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful—and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, “God is back, looking to the needs of his people!”
Touching, emotion filled, inspiring, hopeful and energetic. What a great story in so many ways! In the New Testament, the power of God was at work through his Son in a very physical fashion. Tables overturned, feeding of thousands, laying on of hands, miracles spoken, sermons preached, parables told and lives touched with a gentle hand. Today, while it may seem that God is not as active in our lives, He is! He is not a distant God, he is working in our lives at this very moment. The Holy Spirit is not just an idea or thought or a smokey apparition. The Holy Spirit is alive within us and working for us daily. Here is an example. Remember the day you read that scripture that you had read twenty times before. You were raised hearing that story. You participated in a Bible study which highlighted it before. But that day, sitting in the coffee shop, kids dropped off at school, warm cup in your hand, rested from an evening sleep, dull noises in the background, you read that verse and something was revealed to you. Maybe it was a small but important detail or maybe it was more meaningful. But for the first time, you were reading and understanding it with a clarity not experienced before. I love it when that happens. It gives me chill bumps. That is the Holy Spirit! It’s there, living within us. And if we’ll be still and listen more, more will be revealed to us. Praise God that He is active in our lives and that we’ve been blessed with The Spirit!
How is God working in your life?
