After hearing a sermon or Bible study lesson I am often left with one major take away. The sermon can be filled to the brim with noteworthy life application, but I am usually struck between the eyes by one thing in particular. I believe that is God using the pastor or teacher's words to convict and change a behavior or flaw in me that is not honoring to him. This morning was no exception.
As the pastor spoke my mind kept wandering. My mind wasn't landing on any one thing in particular but it was having trouble focusing in during the first few minutes of the sermon. I kept calling my mind back, reminding myself to stay engaged in the moment and to stop scurrying down every little rabbit hole. No sooner had I silently spoken those words to myself did I hear words from the pulpit that God desperately wanted me to hear.
The sermon series we are studying is on the book of Esther, a book I admittedly haven't spent much time reading and even less time learning from. So, this study is very new to me. The plot, names of characters and story line are like reading a new book that just hit the shelves. The only difference is this book isn't at all new and has been on my shelf my entire life. I am convicted of my lack of Bible knowledge when I open to its pages because I am reminded that I am terribly ignorant on so much of the Bible and yet have it so easily accessible. But this wasn't even the main point that God wanted me to see today, that is more of an "added bonus"... added to the list of areas where I need to be more obedient and grow as a child of God.
But back to this morning... The message was clear, short and concise - at least the message God was waving in front of my face: "input influences output."
As is often the case, this has been a principle that has been weighing on my mind. It seems that God often preps me for hearing from him by stirring my heart on a particular matter before having the sit down talk with me. This morning was my sit down talk.
I am guilty of rationalizing what input I allow to penetrate into my every day routine. It is so easy to say, "Going there won't influence me" or "watching that isn't a big deal" or "listening to that music has no impact on me!" Lets face it, it's easier to underestimate the impact of negative influences then to be an outspoken opponent of the world's practices. The world sees nothing wrong with these influences and doesn't appreciate hearing otherwise.
As Christians, we shouldn't take the easy way out. We shouldn't rationalize negative, or even "neutral" influences because they are the way of the world. We shouldn't make excuses as to why we can be in the presence of sin or wrong headed thinking and not have it negatively influence on our own thinking, and ultimately our behavior.
The things that we fill ourselves with have a direct correlation to the things that flow out of us. If we want to become more Godly, more Christ-like, then we must abandon the ways of this world and fill ourselves with things of God. It may seem "extreme" and "radical" to abandon the things of this world but radical obedience is what God demands. In Luke 18:22, Jesus tells one particular follower to take drastic measures to follow him. He told him to "sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Wow! Can you imagine Jesus looking you straight in the eye and telling you that this is what you must do to truly, sincerely be a sold out follower of his? And here we are, as Christians in the 21st century America, holding tight to our music and mindless TV. This man in the New Testament wasn't asking to be able to listen to read the latest book to hit the shelves that used corse language or watch the Long Island Medium. He was already what you and I might call a "good Christian." But that wasn't enough. God demanded more.
It is the same with you and I today. From the perspective of the world we may be "good." We may obey the law, volunteer at a soup kitchen, give generously when the offering plate is passed our way and treat our neighbors with respect. But if we are still allowing worldly influences into our day to day living then we are tainting our ultimate output.
We must throw off the things of this world. We can only fill ourselves with so many influences. Which influences will you choose? Will you choose the things of this world, tuning the dial to secular music and TV, choosing trashy books or pure "fluff", wander at the mall instead of attending a Bible study? Or will you trade in the practices and habits that are hallmarks of this world so you can fill yourself with hallmarks of God's eternal kingdom? The world might look at you funny or might call you a loon, but God will be smiling in Heaven. He wants you to get to know him with a deeper intimacy so that, out of you, can flow more of his character. This can only happen when you fill yourself with what he is offering.
And trust me, he isn't the one offering you 50 Shades of Grey.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Who hasn't been comforted by this simple scripture? It is a favorite among most everyone, those who are suffering and those who are in a season of calm. This scripture puts the believers mind at ease, reminding them that their God knows their heart and will satisfy its longings in his time... IF we delight in him.
The delighting in the Lord part of this scripture is the tough part. Receiving the blessing in the second part is easy. Who wouldn't like to be given what they desire? But the scripture clearly qualifies this outpouring of blessing by first telling us that we must delight in the Lord before we ever see the desires fulfilled.
This is the true test of faith. Will we find joy and peace in God, taking pleasure in his presence, when we aren't receiving a "benefit" from doing so? When we are suffering, in pain or enduring loss will we still be able to boldly proclaim that our help comes from the Lord and we are delighting in his holiness?
When we quote this scripture we often rush to the second half of the sentence, finding comfort in the promises to come but we are missing the true greatness of this scripture: delight is found in the Lord. Delight isn't found in blessings or circumstances or answered prayer, even though all of those things can be cause for celebration. Our true joy and our true contentment comes from delighting in the Lord, no matter what we may be enduring, be it difficulty or abundant blessing.
If we are waiting to receive the blessing so that we can then delight in the Lord we will spend the rest of our days in a constant state of expectation. But what do we have to wait for? The true blessing has already been bestowed on us with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we come to the realization that we have nothing to wait for, nothing more that we must be expecting to reach a state of fulfillment, God can fill us with the desires of his heart. The desires that he places in us will not be fleeting or temporary. They will not be dependent on our circumstances or what the world deems as desirable. They will be for the furthering of his kingdom and the magnificent plan he has for you and I to be a part of spreading that message.
First, we must set our heart on the ultimate blessing and sacrificial lamb. We must find true delight in the Lord. Without this critical act of obedience we miss out on receiving God's desires in our hearts. Ultimately, we'll miss out on the extraordinary plan God has in store.
Don't make the mistake of focusing on what your heart desires. Focus on your heart's delight - our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ - and he will take care of the desires of your heart.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Who hasn't been comforted by this simple scripture? It is a favorite among most everyone, those who are suffering and those who are in a season of calm. This scripture puts the believers mind at ease, reminding them that their God knows their heart and will satisfy its longings in his time... IF we delight in him.
The delighting in the Lord part of this scripture is the tough part. Receiving the blessing in the second part is easy. Who wouldn't like to be given what they desire? But the scripture clearly qualifies this outpouring of blessing by first telling us that we must delight in the Lord before we ever see the desires fulfilled.
This is the true test of faith. Will we find joy and peace in God, taking pleasure in his presence, when we aren't receiving a "benefit" from doing so? When we are suffering, in pain or enduring loss will we still be able to boldly proclaim that our help comes from the Lord and we are delighting in his holiness?
When we quote this scripture we often rush to the second half of the sentence, finding comfort in the promises to come but we are missing the true greatness of this scripture: delight is found in the Lord. Delight isn't found in blessings or circumstances or answered prayer, even though all of those things can be cause for celebration. Our true joy and our true contentment comes from delighting in the Lord, no matter what we may be enduring, be it difficulty or abundant blessing.
If we are waiting to receive the blessing so that we can then delight in the Lord we will spend the rest of our days in a constant state of expectation. But what do we have to wait for? The true blessing has already been bestowed on us with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we come to the realization that we have nothing to wait for, nothing more that we must be expecting to reach a state of fulfillment, God can fill us with the desires of his heart. The desires that he places in us will not be fleeting or temporary. They will not be dependent on our circumstances or what the world deems as desirable. They will be for the furthering of his kingdom and the magnificent plan he has for you and I to be a part of spreading that message.
First, we must set our heart on the ultimate blessing and sacrificial lamb. We must find true delight in the Lord. Without this critical act of obedience we miss out on receiving God's desires in our hearts. Ultimately, we'll miss out on the extraordinary plan God has in store.
Don't make the mistake of focusing on what your heart desires. Focus on your heart's delight - our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ - and he will take care of the desires of your heart.
Show the plan
I have recently embarked on a business venture as a consultant for Ambit Energy. I was quick to become part of this company and saw the possibilities for success immediately. To me, the whole concept is a no brainer: switch your supply side of energy in a deregulated state, save money. Hmm... seems pretty straight forward. It is like that commercial with Jimmy Fallon for Capital One, who wouldn't like to save more money?
Well, apparently a lot of people. Getting people to sign up as a customer has been like getting a 3 year old to sit still in a dentist chair. If you have had kids, or were ever a kid yourself (everyone raise their hand), you know this is never a fun task. When I was a kid they had to break out the self-restraining jacket to keep me secured. I wanted to run out of the office as fast as my little legs would carry me. But who could blame me? The tools on the dentist's little cart always screamed "pain". Some were pointy, others were scratchy and not one of them resembled an ice cream cone so, seriously, why would I want it in my mouth?
I didn't think every money earning (and enjoying), home owner who ever paid a bill would have the same response to saving money on one of their most basic utilities: energy. I figured if I could help them save money on a service they are already paying for and are going to continue to pay for so the answer would be simple, they wouldn't have to think twice. Why not? Switch to Ambit, right?
I was terribly mistaken. People hate change. They hate being "sold" on something, even though they are already being sold on the exact same product for more money.
I've researched and googled, how do I make this work? How do I show people that this isn't a scheme or a scam, it is a valid opportunity to save money. How do I get people to listen long enough to hear the positives? How do I stop people from pre-judging based on their knowledge of Amway and other MLM businesses? I'm not trying to sell supplements or magazine subscriptions, I'm offering a way to pay less for gas and electric! But yet, I am looked at like an annoyance.
What is the answer to this dilemma? How do I get people to pause and take a look? Ambit leaders and successes just keep saying: show the plan. If someone slams a door in your face, turn to the next door and show it again. Another slammed door? Move on; show it again. Don't give up. Don't get discouraged. Just because one person blows you off doesn't mean everyone will. So, just keep showing it!
I get this principle and am determined to put it into practice. I'll keep talking about Ambit, telling people about the savings and attempting to get new customers and consultants. Nothing worth doing is going to be easy, so why should I expect overnight success? This is an uphill climb, but it could be worth it if I stick with it.
This has sparked in me a thought that I have been foolish to ignore: show the plan. But what plan am I focused on showing? Sure, Ambit could be a great financial option for me if I can make it work and it could save other people money in the process: a win-win. But there is a bigger plan out there that I should be showing far more often and with much greater passion then I will ever show with Ambit: God's plan for salvation through his son Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we often shy away from using the name of Jesus Christ. We hold our beliefs close to our chest. Yes, we believe we are sinners and yes, we believe Jesus was sent to die for our sins but we don't feel the urgency to tell everyone. With Ambit, the leaders tell new consultants to talk up their business, share it with the people in their lives and the people they meet. As tough as it is to talk about Ambit, it seems to be even tougher to talk about Christ. But it shouldn't be! As Christ followers, saved by grace, living in sold out obedience to the word of God, we should be bursting at the seams to tell people about the amazing gift that God has given each and every one of us. The name of Jesus should be on our lips at work, in a coffee shop, at the grocery store, at the gym.... anywhere we frequent we should be vessels for Christ, spreading his message.
If I want to make Ambit a success I will have to follow the formula: show the plan. If I want to see other souls saved by Jesus Christ I will need to show the plan. God will do the work in their heart but I must present the opportunity, the gift, the plan that could save them something so much greater then dollars and cents: their soul for eternity.
Here is the plan: http://viewthestory.com/1475
And here is another plan...not as important but it could save you some money:
www.littleismuchenergy.joinambit.com
Well, apparently a lot of people. Getting people to sign up as a customer has been like getting a 3 year old to sit still in a dentist chair. If you have had kids, or were ever a kid yourself (everyone raise their hand), you know this is never a fun task. When I was a kid they had to break out the self-restraining jacket to keep me secured. I wanted to run out of the office as fast as my little legs would carry me. But who could blame me? The tools on the dentist's little cart always screamed "pain". Some were pointy, others were scratchy and not one of them resembled an ice cream cone so, seriously, why would I want it in my mouth?
I didn't think every money earning (and enjoying), home owner who ever paid a bill would have the same response to saving money on one of their most basic utilities: energy. I figured if I could help them save money on a service they are already paying for and are going to continue to pay for so the answer would be simple, they wouldn't have to think twice. Why not? Switch to Ambit, right?
I was terribly mistaken. People hate change. They hate being "sold" on something, even though they are already being sold on the exact same product for more money.
I've researched and googled, how do I make this work? How do I show people that this isn't a scheme or a scam, it is a valid opportunity to save money. How do I get people to listen long enough to hear the positives? How do I stop people from pre-judging based on their knowledge of Amway and other MLM businesses? I'm not trying to sell supplements or magazine subscriptions, I'm offering a way to pay less for gas and electric! But yet, I am looked at like an annoyance.
What is the answer to this dilemma? How do I get people to pause and take a look? Ambit leaders and successes just keep saying: show the plan. If someone slams a door in your face, turn to the next door and show it again. Another slammed door? Move on; show it again. Don't give up. Don't get discouraged. Just because one person blows you off doesn't mean everyone will. So, just keep showing it!
I get this principle and am determined to put it into practice. I'll keep talking about Ambit, telling people about the savings and attempting to get new customers and consultants. Nothing worth doing is going to be easy, so why should I expect overnight success? This is an uphill climb, but it could be worth it if I stick with it.
This has sparked in me a thought that I have been foolish to ignore: show the plan. But what plan am I focused on showing? Sure, Ambit could be a great financial option for me if I can make it work and it could save other people money in the process: a win-win. But there is a bigger plan out there that I should be showing far more often and with much greater passion then I will ever show with Ambit: God's plan for salvation through his son Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we often shy away from using the name of Jesus Christ. We hold our beliefs close to our chest. Yes, we believe we are sinners and yes, we believe Jesus was sent to die for our sins but we don't feel the urgency to tell everyone. With Ambit, the leaders tell new consultants to talk up their business, share it with the people in their lives and the people they meet. As tough as it is to talk about Ambit, it seems to be even tougher to talk about Christ. But it shouldn't be! As Christ followers, saved by grace, living in sold out obedience to the word of God, we should be bursting at the seams to tell people about the amazing gift that God has given each and every one of us. The name of Jesus should be on our lips at work, in a coffee shop, at the grocery store, at the gym.... anywhere we frequent we should be vessels for Christ, spreading his message.
If I want to make Ambit a success I will have to follow the formula: show the plan. If I want to see other souls saved by Jesus Christ I will need to show the plan. God will do the work in their heart but I must present the opportunity, the gift, the plan that could save them something so much greater then dollars and cents: their soul for eternity.
Here is the plan: http://viewthestory.com/1475
And here is another plan...not as important but it could save you some money:
www.littleismuchenergy.joinambit.com
Friday, June 7, 2013
Curb appeal
I have a home fetish - especially a Chagrin Falls home fetish. Each is so unique. My attention is grabbed by the special touches that set one apart from another. This is the town of wonderful homes. There is one house in particular that I have loved from the moment I saw it. I called it my "dream listing" before I ever walked inside. The outside sold me - hook, line and sinker. The home sits up a small hill and is set behind large pine trees. Around ever side of the house is a porch with rocking chairs and even an outdoor kitchen with a restaurant style pizza oven. Although the home was built in the late 1800's it was completely remodeled in 2005. The pizza oven was part of the addition, as I'm sure you could have guessed.
I have admired this home every time I've walked by. I always slow down my pace and take in the view from the street. The outside is a feast for the eyes. It has everything I love in a home. Beige siding with big white trim, stone patios and lush green landscaping. My dream exterior.
As you can imagine, I was pretty excited when I saw that this house was coming on the market. Yes, it has been MY dream listing but I am a little ways away from getting the 1.3 million dollar listings in Chagrin Falls. For now I'm just excited to be able to tour the homes on broker's opens. So, this Tuesday I had the opportunity to finally see the inside of this home that I have drooled over from afar.
And guess what.... I don't like it. The inside was a massive let down. Instead of feeling homey and welcoming, the entrance is cold and much too grand for my taste. The bedrooms were small but the master bedroom's closet was the size of my living room and kitchen combined. The great room was massive but instead of it being open to the kitchen it was open to a wine bar. There was no family room, just a room with a billiard table. The dining room was cramped and awkwardly placed. The garage on the other hand was enormous with a vaulted ceiling that was more of a work of art then a covering for a car.
But the biggest disappointment was the kitchen. You would think, when looking at the outside, that the owner would have designed a luxurious, grand kitchen with ample counter space and an open concept - isn't that what every buyer and owner longs for in a kitchen? Well, apparently that was not the wishes of the 2005 remodeler. The kitchen was tiny (relative to the grand scale of the rest of the home). Counter space in the kitchen was at a minimum and cabinet space wasn't much better. The disappointing kitchen was just the cherry on top of a disappointing house.
Isn't this just a perfect metaphor for so many situations in life? Aren't we easily deceived by the outward appearance, only to be let down by what is truly behind the front door?
...A great pair of jeans on a mannequin are really stiff, scratchy and uncomfortable when you put them on.
...The stylish and new restaurant downtown ends up serving an overcooked chicken breast that is short of flavor and big on price.
...That new car you have been eyeing up is your dream car until you actually drive it and find out that it has sluggish acceleration and squeaky windshield wipers.
...That guy you see in the coffee shop - the one with a great smile and breathtaking eyes - ends up being impatient and rude when he opens his mouth to order his drink...
Lots of things look great from the outside and aren't so great underneath.
But one thing only gets better when further understood, explored and investigated: a relationship with Jesus Christ. The more you get to know Christ the better he gets. A closer relationship with God only reveals more of his goodness and love. Actually you can't truly know, or even imagine, how good God truly is until you actually do get to know him. Sure, he looks good from the outside, but that is nothing compared to how good he is once you get to truly know him.
If you are looking to find something amazing in the things of this world you will often be disappointed. The exterior will look great. Curb appeal will deceive you and draw you in. But far too often you will be left desiring more. But seek out God, his son and Holy Spirit and your greatest expectations for what you will find won't even begin to describe the wonderful interior you will experience.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Fit for his service
Fitness has become an economic windfall and a booming industry. It has been infiltrated by women in skimpy outfits and men with muscles bulging from beneath tight shirts. The whole focus of this industry is on the outward appearance. It has become about how "sexy" or "ripped" a person can become. Fitness has become the means in which one becomes attractive to the opposite sex. In our twisted society, being fit is too often about being good looking and not spiritually, emotionally and physically healthy.
This is just another way in which the world has taken something good and turned it into a field day for satan's work. Gyms are a place where men and women can hook up, lust over one another's bodies and built their own egos in the process. Fitness and muscle magazines show men and women wearing barely enough clothing to cover up their most private of body parts and sell sex more then workouts and protein shakes. The sexual aspect of the body has become glorified and embraced. Get in shape and flaunt your body. That is the message being sent in every grocery store check out, online body building site and gym locker room.
God's intent for our health and fitness has nothing to do with being sexy, ripped or attractive. He didn't give us muscles so we could show them off on stages in bikinis. He gave us functioning, strong bodies for the purpose of fulfilling his will and working to further his kingdom. A strong body is much more able to be a worker in his field. When we are weak we become dependent on other people, but a strong physical body is able to do the Lord's work and assist others who are physically limited or disabled.
Just think about how having a strong body can aid in your service to the Lord. If you were weak would you be more limited in how much you could serve and what kind of service you could perform? What can you not do in service to the Lord right now because your physical body's limitations are making it impossible?
God doesn't want us to be healthy so we can be better looking. He wants us to be healthy so we can be useful vessels for fulfilling his purposes on this earth. We can go to the gym, run on the treadmill, lift heavy weights and do it all for the glory of God. But that means we can't be doing it for the glory of our own bodies. We must be doing it with the intent of service to the Lord's work. How do we make sure we are keeping our intentions and motives pure? There is no sure fire way to eliminate the temptation to put our focus on physical appearance, but there are principles that we can put in practice to guard against this temptation.
Here are a few ideas and suggestions:
1. Watch what you wear. Keep your apparel modest and God honoring. Ask yourself this: if Jesus came walking into the gym right now, would I be embarrassed for him to see me?
2. Fill your mind with the right noise. Most people go to the gym with ipod in hand and headphones stuck in their ears. If this is a strategy that helps you push harder and focus then make sure the music you are choosing is of the right content. Music that spews sexual references and swearing is insidious. You cannot fill your mind with those thoughts and not see the results of it in your own life. Keep the message of your music pure. Choose songs with lyrics that set your eyes on Jesus and the truth of scripture.
3. Make workout time prayer time. While lifting, running or stretching take the time to talk to God. Thank him for your physical body and the amazing blessing it is to have muscles that can lift and move with such ease; marvel at God's creation.
4. Don't compare. This is a tough one, but it is worth the struggle. It is a trap of satan to compare your body to others around you or on the cover of magazines. Not only does this move your focus from God centered service to the physical body, it also creates lust and jealousy in the heart. Set goals dependent on your own personal abilities and body. Don't judge yourself based on what someone else can do or what they look like. Set your goals based on the body God gave YOU.
5. Stay in the scriptures. There are so many scriptures that are great motivators for getting physically healthy. Focus on these, memorize them and repeat them throughout your workout and your whole day.
6. Set time aside for rest. Don't go so gun-ho that you forget the importance of rest. If you are strength training 7 days a week you need to take a step back. Even God rested on the Sabbath. Keep Sunday a day of rest, fill it with church service(s) and fellowship. Working out and physical fitness is important but should always take a back seat to the commandments of God.
This is just another way in which the world has taken something good and turned it into a field day for satan's work. Gyms are a place where men and women can hook up, lust over one another's bodies and built their own egos in the process. Fitness and muscle magazines show men and women wearing barely enough clothing to cover up their most private of body parts and sell sex more then workouts and protein shakes. The sexual aspect of the body has become glorified and embraced. Get in shape and flaunt your body. That is the message being sent in every grocery store check out, online body building site and gym locker room.
God's intent for our health and fitness has nothing to do with being sexy, ripped or attractive. He didn't give us muscles so we could show them off on stages in bikinis. He gave us functioning, strong bodies for the purpose of fulfilling his will and working to further his kingdom. A strong body is much more able to be a worker in his field. When we are weak we become dependent on other people, but a strong physical body is able to do the Lord's work and assist others who are physically limited or disabled.
Just think about how having a strong body can aid in your service to the Lord. If you were weak would you be more limited in how much you could serve and what kind of service you could perform? What can you not do in service to the Lord right now because your physical body's limitations are making it impossible?
God doesn't want us to be healthy so we can be better looking. He wants us to be healthy so we can be useful vessels for fulfilling his purposes on this earth. We can go to the gym, run on the treadmill, lift heavy weights and do it all for the glory of God. But that means we can't be doing it for the glory of our own bodies. We must be doing it with the intent of service to the Lord's work. How do we make sure we are keeping our intentions and motives pure? There is no sure fire way to eliminate the temptation to put our focus on physical appearance, but there are principles that we can put in practice to guard against this temptation.
Here are a few ideas and suggestions:
1. Watch what you wear. Keep your apparel modest and God honoring. Ask yourself this: if Jesus came walking into the gym right now, would I be embarrassed for him to see me?
2. Fill your mind with the right noise. Most people go to the gym with ipod in hand and headphones stuck in their ears. If this is a strategy that helps you push harder and focus then make sure the music you are choosing is of the right content. Music that spews sexual references and swearing is insidious. You cannot fill your mind with those thoughts and not see the results of it in your own life. Keep the message of your music pure. Choose songs with lyrics that set your eyes on Jesus and the truth of scripture.
3. Make workout time prayer time. While lifting, running or stretching take the time to talk to God. Thank him for your physical body and the amazing blessing it is to have muscles that can lift and move with such ease; marvel at God's creation.
4. Don't compare. This is a tough one, but it is worth the struggle. It is a trap of satan to compare your body to others around you or on the cover of magazines. Not only does this move your focus from God centered service to the physical body, it also creates lust and jealousy in the heart. Set goals dependent on your own personal abilities and body. Don't judge yourself based on what someone else can do or what they look like. Set your goals based on the body God gave YOU.
5. Stay in the scriptures. There are so many scriptures that are great motivators for getting physically healthy. Focus on these, memorize them and repeat them throughout your workout and your whole day.
6. Set time aside for rest. Don't go so gun-ho that you forget the importance of rest. If you are strength training 7 days a week you need to take a step back. Even God rested on the Sabbath. Keep Sunday a day of rest, fill it with church service(s) and fellowship. Working out and physical fitness is important but should always take a back seat to the commandments of God.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Pippy is prone to wander, and so am I.
I have taken to opening my front door on my porch and letting Pippy out into the yard to do what she does best: sniff, explore, wander. She is a pro at sniffing out invisible wonders found in particular patches of grass. To me, all the grass looks the same but for some unknown reason, some grass catches Pippy's nose like you wouldn't believe. I can never tell when all of a sudden a blade of grass will catch her attention. When it does she stops dead in her tracks and sinks her heals down, nose to the ground, just begging me not to keep moving. She then indulges in the thrill of a good sniff.
This used to make our walks annoying at times. I'd be walking, my mind not thinking about what might lie in the next patch of grass and then, all of a sudden, my whole body would be abruptly yanked to the right as Pippy caught wind of something I couldn't detect. I would have no warning and my shoulder would pay the price. Now, with the addition of free sniff time in the yard, this isn't as much of an issue. Pippy gets her chance to smell at her leisure and my shoulder isn't at risk of dislocation. It is a win-win.
The only loss in this scenario is the occasional missing dog - not that she has gone missing for long, but there have been 5 or 10 minute periods where Pippy has gone MIA. She follows the sniff right out of the yard, into a neighbors back yard and clear into paths leading down the street. She wanders a bit far. This doesn't cause me to panic. I trust her nose enough to get her back home. So far, with the addition of a little calling out her name, Pippy has always returned. I still wish she wouldn't wander to begin with. I wish she would just keep the sniffing to the general area, where I can easily spot her. She is very obedient about coming back and usually doesn't take more then a minute to return after being called. By why not just stick around in the first place?
Then, it hit me. Pippy is me. I am Pippy. We are both so prone to wander, and even though we come back when prompted, we still stray off the path when no one is looking. For me, I don't wander to sniff, I wander in thought. I start filling my mind with negativity or with meaningless dribble that doesn't build me spiritually. I fall into the mind numbing place of stupid TV and dumb magazine articles on how to organize a bedroom closet for maximum efficiency. Not that organization isn't a good thing, but unless you are shopping for a California Closet system or in the middle of a spring cleaning event, chances are the article is simply a time filler and not so much a life changer. Plus, who truly needs to be told how to organize their closet? Isn't it pretty self explanatory. We all know deep down that to have an organized closet (or an organized life for that matter) we must purge the unnecessary. We all know it but try putting that one into practice! I have kept adorable printed flats for years just in case I ever find the perfect shirt to match so I can wear them to an event I have yet to know exists, must less been invited to. But gotta keep those shoes, just in case!
These are the useless matters that threaten to overtake day to day thinking. Spiritual growth takes a back seat. Focusing on learning more about God becomes a small part of a 15 minute morning devotional. The rest of the day becomes filled with the meaningless, the mundane and the fleeting.
Today, when I stood out on the porch calling Pippy's name I started to get frustrated. Where had she gone this time? I called and then paused. No Pippy. So I called her name again. Off in the distance I heard the distinct sound of the metal on her collar dinging against the clasp. I stayed silent, wondering if my ears were tricking me. Then a brush in the bushes behind my neighbor's garage. I paused another second and looked to the left of my house just in time to see Pippy bound from the gap in the neighbor's fence. She ran to the stairs and gave me her classic look: "You called?" Yes, now get in here!
I opened the door and called her name again. That silly dog went through her crazy routine to get up the stairs, just like she always does. She crouches down, sways back and forth (gaining momentum I suppose?) and then bonded up the 3 steps onto the porch.
She didn't wander to try to scare me or defy my authority. She just wanted to sniff. When I called, she was quick to head my command and come back home. I wish I could teach her to never wander in the first place. It is all well and good to have a dog that comes when you call, but what if her wandering got her in some trouble that she didn't intend to find? What if her wandering took her to a busy street and she ran in front of a car? She might get hurt, or worse, and not be able to physically make it back to the house when I would call for her. She might have never intended to wander that far or not come back when called, but circumstances would make it impossible for her to obey.
When I watched Pippy run onto the porch today it hit me that the same principle applies to me, too. I don't mean to abandon God when my mind wanders. When I worry or have negative thoughts I'm not intentionally trying to defy God or hurt him. Yet, that is exactly what I am doing. Even though I am well intentioned, I must stay focused as well. I can't wait till he calls me back every time. Yes, I listen when he calls. But why did I wander in the first place? Don't I know well enough by now that he wants me to be focused on him without him having to remind me? Just like a parent who constantly has to remind their child to make their bed, God doesn't want to have to remind me of the most basic aspects of our relationship: I am to be fixed on him.
My wandering hasn't come from a place of evil intended disobedience. I haven't been trying to rebel against God and his will. But just because I didn't intend for that does not mean it hasn't unintentionally occurred. My wandering mind has created a wandering heart. Instead of relying on God to call me back over and over, I need to focus my eyes on him without being prompted. I need to wake up each morning with my eyes on him and keep them there throughout the afternoon and into the evening hours. As the sun sets my eyes and heart must remain steadfast in their focus. A heart yearning for God isn't limited to a specific time during the day or a Bible study during the week. It must be an every minute, consistent and constant dedication to seeking out his face in all circumstances and all surroundings, each and every day.
This used to make our walks annoying at times. I'd be walking, my mind not thinking about what might lie in the next patch of grass and then, all of a sudden, my whole body would be abruptly yanked to the right as Pippy caught wind of something I couldn't detect. I would have no warning and my shoulder would pay the price. Now, with the addition of free sniff time in the yard, this isn't as much of an issue. Pippy gets her chance to smell at her leisure and my shoulder isn't at risk of dislocation. It is a win-win.
The only loss in this scenario is the occasional missing dog - not that she has gone missing for long, but there have been 5 or 10 minute periods where Pippy has gone MIA. She follows the sniff right out of the yard, into a neighbors back yard and clear into paths leading down the street. She wanders a bit far. This doesn't cause me to panic. I trust her nose enough to get her back home. So far, with the addition of a little calling out her name, Pippy has always returned. I still wish she wouldn't wander to begin with. I wish she would just keep the sniffing to the general area, where I can easily spot her. She is very obedient about coming back and usually doesn't take more then a minute to return after being called. By why not just stick around in the first place?
Then, it hit me. Pippy is me. I am Pippy. We are both so prone to wander, and even though we come back when prompted, we still stray off the path when no one is looking. For me, I don't wander to sniff, I wander in thought. I start filling my mind with negativity or with meaningless dribble that doesn't build me spiritually. I fall into the mind numbing place of stupid TV and dumb magazine articles on how to organize a bedroom closet for maximum efficiency. Not that organization isn't a good thing, but unless you are shopping for a California Closet system or in the middle of a spring cleaning event, chances are the article is simply a time filler and not so much a life changer. Plus, who truly needs to be told how to organize their closet? Isn't it pretty self explanatory. We all know deep down that to have an organized closet (or an organized life for that matter) we must purge the unnecessary. We all know it but try putting that one into practice! I have kept adorable printed flats for years just in case I ever find the perfect shirt to match so I can wear them to an event I have yet to know exists, must less been invited to. But gotta keep those shoes, just in case!
These are the useless matters that threaten to overtake day to day thinking. Spiritual growth takes a back seat. Focusing on learning more about God becomes a small part of a 15 minute morning devotional. The rest of the day becomes filled with the meaningless, the mundane and the fleeting.
Today, when I stood out on the porch calling Pippy's name I started to get frustrated. Where had she gone this time? I called and then paused. No Pippy. So I called her name again. Off in the distance I heard the distinct sound of the metal on her collar dinging against the clasp. I stayed silent, wondering if my ears were tricking me. Then a brush in the bushes behind my neighbor's garage. I paused another second and looked to the left of my house just in time to see Pippy bound from the gap in the neighbor's fence. She ran to the stairs and gave me her classic look: "You called?" Yes, now get in here!
I opened the door and called her name again. That silly dog went through her crazy routine to get up the stairs, just like she always does. She crouches down, sways back and forth (gaining momentum I suppose?) and then bonded up the 3 steps onto the porch.
She didn't wander to try to scare me or defy my authority. She just wanted to sniff. When I called, she was quick to head my command and come back home. I wish I could teach her to never wander in the first place. It is all well and good to have a dog that comes when you call, but what if her wandering got her in some trouble that she didn't intend to find? What if her wandering took her to a busy street and she ran in front of a car? She might get hurt, or worse, and not be able to physically make it back to the house when I would call for her. She might have never intended to wander that far or not come back when called, but circumstances would make it impossible for her to obey.
When I watched Pippy run onto the porch today it hit me that the same principle applies to me, too. I don't mean to abandon God when my mind wanders. When I worry or have negative thoughts I'm not intentionally trying to defy God or hurt him. Yet, that is exactly what I am doing. Even though I am well intentioned, I must stay focused as well. I can't wait till he calls me back every time. Yes, I listen when he calls. But why did I wander in the first place? Don't I know well enough by now that he wants me to be focused on him without him having to remind me? Just like a parent who constantly has to remind their child to make their bed, God doesn't want to have to remind me of the most basic aspects of our relationship: I am to be fixed on him.
My wandering hasn't come from a place of evil intended disobedience. I haven't been trying to rebel against God and his will. But just because I didn't intend for that does not mean it hasn't unintentionally occurred. My wandering mind has created a wandering heart. Instead of relying on God to call me back over and over, I need to focus my eyes on him without being prompted. I need to wake up each morning with my eyes on him and keep them there throughout the afternoon and into the evening hours. As the sun sets my eyes and heart must remain steadfast in their focus. A heart yearning for God isn't limited to a specific time during the day or a Bible study during the week. It must be an every minute, consistent and constant dedication to seeking out his face in all circumstances and all surroundings, each and every day.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Soak it up....
"I want you to soak up more of me," he says.
God is calling out to me, asking me to stop and enjoy his presence.
".....Far too often you are too busy trying to soak up something other than my presence...the sun, the gym, your dinner, a cup of coffee, the racks of shoes at TJ Maxx, a walk with Pippy, the most recent book you have pulled from the shelves...these things may not appear evil on the surface but if you are replacing them with me then they are evil indeed. Is your focus on soaking up the things in this world that you can see, touch and feel? Or are you more focused on soaking up my presence? I am here, I am ready to pour out to you such wonderful truth, knowledge, goodness, love, mercy, grace, and blessing but you keep looking to other things. You keep trying to soak up other fleeting pleasures instead of what I have to offer you. Slow down, stop, be silent and let me pour out to you wonders beyond your imagination.
To receive what I have I need you to be still. I need you to stop what you are doing and simply focus in on me. Don't focus on the things you think you should be accomplishing or another place you could go and another thing you could be doing with your time. Anything other then soaking in more of me is a waste of time. Simple as that. You are a dog chasing your tail. You will get no where fast. But stop to get at the heart of me and then you will truly be making progress. Maybe it won't be progress like the world defines progress. But who would want that anyhow? Don't you want spiritual progress? Don't you want what will last past this life? Remember all I have taught you so far. That is just the beginning. Look back over the last 12 months. Could you have imagined you'd be here, in Chagrin Falls, attending Parkside? Can you believe the path I took you on and the journeys of the last 3 years? That is all just the beginning. You didn't plan that out. I did. And I am still in control of the plan. I don't need your ideas, I have my own. Trust me, mine are better. They will excite you and surprise you. But you have to be paying enough attention to me to see them! If all you are focused on is your own human desires then you are going to miss out on the better, bigger plan.
So slow down, be still, and soak up all I have for you. Soak up who I am; soak up my Holy Spirit. You are my child and I have not abandoned you and I have never forsaken you. Where have you been? Has your heart been wandering about, looking to fill a void? Fill it with me. I am sufficient. I am enough. Let me be the desire of your heart and I promise, that void will be a thing of the past."
God is calling out to me, asking me to stop and enjoy his presence.
".....Far too often you are too busy trying to soak up something other than my presence...the sun, the gym, your dinner, a cup of coffee, the racks of shoes at TJ Maxx, a walk with Pippy, the most recent book you have pulled from the shelves...these things may not appear evil on the surface but if you are replacing them with me then they are evil indeed. Is your focus on soaking up the things in this world that you can see, touch and feel? Or are you more focused on soaking up my presence? I am here, I am ready to pour out to you such wonderful truth, knowledge, goodness, love, mercy, grace, and blessing but you keep looking to other things. You keep trying to soak up other fleeting pleasures instead of what I have to offer you. Slow down, stop, be silent and let me pour out to you wonders beyond your imagination.
To receive what I have I need you to be still. I need you to stop what you are doing and simply focus in on me. Don't focus on the things you think you should be accomplishing or another place you could go and another thing you could be doing with your time. Anything other then soaking in more of me is a waste of time. Simple as that. You are a dog chasing your tail. You will get no where fast. But stop to get at the heart of me and then you will truly be making progress. Maybe it won't be progress like the world defines progress. But who would want that anyhow? Don't you want spiritual progress? Don't you want what will last past this life? Remember all I have taught you so far. That is just the beginning. Look back over the last 12 months. Could you have imagined you'd be here, in Chagrin Falls, attending Parkside? Can you believe the path I took you on and the journeys of the last 3 years? That is all just the beginning. You didn't plan that out. I did. And I am still in control of the plan. I don't need your ideas, I have my own. Trust me, mine are better. They will excite you and surprise you. But you have to be paying enough attention to me to see them! If all you are focused on is your own human desires then you are going to miss out on the better, bigger plan.
So slow down, be still, and soak up all I have for you. Soak up who I am; soak up my Holy Spirit. You are my child and I have not abandoned you and I have never forsaken you. Where have you been? Has your heart been wandering about, looking to fill a void? Fill it with me. I am sufficient. I am enough. Let me be the desire of your heart and I promise, that void will be a thing of the past."
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