An account of God's people in a steep learning curve is found in I Samuel 4-7. If the Lord sparks it in you, get a Bible and read those chapters along with these brief remarks.
As I did so this morning (thanks to Jackie's prompt) I was struck by the contemporary voice in these chapters.
Simply -
#1 - the Israelites go to battle, pull in the ark of God to seal what they hope will be a victory - Presumption: the presence of the ark will force God to act on our behalf. Wrong. The ark is lost to the Philistines. And key leaders begin to die for their part in it all.
#2 - The Philistines take it home - thinking it will be a "blessing" and guarantee of success. Presumption: the presence of this object will gain us favor. Wrong. They are struck with tumors, panic and more. Their chief god oject keeps doing obeisance to the ark...and the cry of a whole city begins to go up to heaven.
#3 - Get rid of the ark becomes their intense focus...and so it is returned to Israel with offerings (golden mice and tumors!! - extemely costly and in focus gifts)
#4 - Their presumption (and ours too) ..do the right things and all will quickly be restored. Wrong. For twenty years "the house of Israel lamented after the Lord."
Before this episode resolves, there is an intense crying out to the Lord that must occur, a thundering from heaven from a God who is not captured or manipulated by our golden objects. What he is responsive to is the integrity of our hearts, our humility, our prostration before him...our total submission to him. He looks always on the heart.
Oh, and the two milking cows, yoked together and sent on a fifteen mile journey the dstiny of which the people will accept as God's work? Is this not one of the most extremely non-presumptive, hands-off moments in history? (Jackie: "milking cows?!")
Lots to think about in these chapters. May God give us heart-shaped altars...and remove presumption further from us today.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Encounter
I had an early meeting today with a friend in a coffee shop. Great talk, great mutual encouragement. Time flying by.
As this time ended, we were rising to depart our separate ways, and I noticed, a few tables away, a man with Bible opened. Sitting by himself.
Quickly into my mind came this prompt...say "Hello." And after a bit of resistance, I stepped towards the table and as I did, this intro came to my mind: "Understandest thou what thou readest?" An ancient translation of Acts 8:30. The ancient words I understood immediately to be a way to include a modicum of humor, friendliness...and engagement.
After a bit of a suprised look, a smile broke across his face and he replied..."I sure hope so."
With that we began a conversation that was mutually uplifting...great similarities and interesting differences.
Similarities:
Both pastors
Both teachers
Both Kingdom of God questers
Both with challenging journies.
Both with a current same good friend!
Both writers and recent publishers.
Both disciplers in similar directions.
Both risk-takers and open-hearted.
Differences:
Family situations.
Spiritual roots.
Current challenges.
It was a great conversation out of which we exchanged ideas, and contact info...and perhaps started a friendship.
Did we meet by chance?
Don't think so.
What I really believe is that the Spirit of God has all kinds of agendas for us that are useful in His hands and make our journeys so much more lively and exciting.
"Chance" encounters...it's part of Kingdom life...where it seems more and more that a lot less stuff "just happens."
On the journey, with you...
As this time ended, we were rising to depart our separate ways, and I noticed, a few tables away, a man with Bible opened. Sitting by himself.
Quickly into my mind came this prompt...say "Hello." And after a bit of resistance, I stepped towards the table and as I did, this intro came to my mind: "Understandest thou what thou readest?" An ancient translation of Acts 8:30. The ancient words I understood immediately to be a way to include a modicum of humor, friendliness...and engagement.
After a bit of a suprised look, a smile broke across his face and he replied..."I sure hope so."
With that we began a conversation that was mutually uplifting...great similarities and interesting differences.
Similarities:
Both pastors
Both teachers
Both Kingdom of God questers
Both with challenging journies.
Both with a current same good friend!
Both writers and recent publishers.
Both disciplers in similar directions.
Both risk-takers and open-hearted.
Differences:
Family situations.
Spiritual roots.
Current challenges.
It was a great conversation out of which we exchanged ideas, and contact info...and perhaps started a friendship.
Did we meet by chance?
Don't think so.
What I really believe is that the Spirit of God has all kinds of agendas for us that are useful in His hands and make our journeys so much more lively and exciting.
"Chance" encounters...it's part of Kingdom life...where it seems more and more that a lot less stuff "just happens."
On the journey, with you...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Preslie Shay
We got up very early and drove all day. Jackie and I, putting a two-day "travel to" into one day "coming back." And the trip went quickly...our hearts focused on what would happen when we got "there."
What would happen had actually happened big time, the night before...Friday, about 6:30 Texas time, just before going into the Teen Challenge service. She was born and we were greeted via cell phone in the cooling evening air with the wondrous cry of a newborn. Greeting the world after a rapid entry into it, Preslie Shay was saying hello to us from the delivery room.
And so we traveled fast. And by early evening, we were advancing to the door, and peering in, saw her sound asleep, swaddled in pink, angelic in sweetness. I got to hold her for many moments and as she slept Jackie and I examined her closely. Ears, eyes, hair (rumpled still)...ah the smell... "Johnson and Johnson?", I asked, as I nuzzled her neck.
"No", I was told, "that is just the smell of a newborn." Amazing.
Occasionally she would move her eyes behind those tight lids, as though she was dreaming something special...and ever so rarely she would peer out to see who was holding her now. At an awkward movement, she seemed to flinch and show concern, but at the sound of her mother's voice, she was immediately calm again.
Long fingers, tiny feet, dainty nose, perfect lips, chubby cheeks. Preslie...you are a beauty. One of God's finest.
Welcome to the world. May you make a great difference in it.
I love you.
Gramps
What would happen had actually happened big time, the night before...Friday, about 6:30 Texas time, just before going into the Teen Challenge service. She was born and we were greeted via cell phone in the cooling evening air with the wondrous cry of a newborn. Greeting the world after a rapid entry into it, Preslie Shay was saying hello to us from the delivery room.
And so we traveled fast. And by early evening, we were advancing to the door, and peering in, saw her sound asleep, swaddled in pink, angelic in sweetness. I got to hold her for many moments and as she slept Jackie and I examined her closely. Ears, eyes, hair (rumpled still)...ah the smell... "Johnson and Johnson?", I asked, as I nuzzled her neck.
"No", I was told, "that is just the smell of a newborn." Amazing.
Occasionally she would move her eyes behind those tight lids, as though she was dreaming something special...and ever so rarely she would peer out to see who was holding her now. At an awkward movement, she seemed to flinch and show concern, but at the sound of her mother's voice, she was immediately calm again.
Long fingers, tiny feet, dainty nose, perfect lips, chubby cheeks. Preslie...you are a beauty. One of God's finest.
Welcome to the world. May you make a great difference in it.
I love you.
Gramps
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The fit
I suppose you are beginning to read with a few questions....like, does this mean that someone in his circle got really mad lately?, or does it indicate that the exercise program finally took hold?..and some pride is beginning to surface?
Nope...the title has to do with an experience I had yesterday.
In the morning we (Jackie and I) went to Waterford School in Salt Lake City...that is where two of our grandchildren (Rachel and Evan) are enrolled and our oldest daughter (Cami) teaches. It is a sprawling one-level campus that spreads across acres in east Salt Lake. Its very appearance says, "we care". And they do - seemingly about every student that goes through those doors.
Dress codes for the students...attractive sweaters and dresses. A buzz of focused activity. Teachers greeting one another warmly. Palpable joy and excitement.
Very little corraling of anyone...lots of purposeful, understood direction. Children arriving in classes and opening books immediately and beginning work rather excitedly. Talking with each other with maturity and interest. No acting out.
"The fit" came into view when we got to sit in the second grade math class - Cami's home room. Their love for her and hers for them...the thoroughness and creativity of their approach to learning...their readiness to interact, question and challenge, made the time fly by. Learning. Laughter. Love.
I sat there and backed up into a world of larger proportions, seeing a daughter who is now a leader, a teacher who is now inspiring another generation, and one who is so at ease doing so excellently in her calling. She fits. This is what she was made for. I could see shimmers of her birth mom shining through and thought how wonderful it is--this generational thing. Wet eyes. Expanding chest. Grateful heart.
May we each shine in the place that we fit...and may we work with excellence, investing well in the generations to come.
With a grateful heart...for the fit.
Nope...the title has to do with an experience I had yesterday.
In the morning we (Jackie and I) went to Waterford School in Salt Lake City...that is where two of our grandchildren (Rachel and Evan) are enrolled and our oldest daughter (Cami) teaches. It is a sprawling one-level campus that spreads across acres in east Salt Lake. Its very appearance says, "we care". And they do - seemingly about every student that goes through those doors.
Dress codes for the students...attractive sweaters and dresses. A buzz of focused activity. Teachers greeting one another warmly. Palpable joy and excitement.
Very little corraling of anyone...lots of purposeful, understood direction. Children arriving in classes and opening books immediately and beginning work rather excitedly. Talking with each other with maturity and interest. No acting out.
"The fit" came into view when we got to sit in the second grade math class - Cami's home room. Their love for her and hers for them...the thoroughness and creativity of their approach to learning...their readiness to interact, question and challenge, made the time fly by. Learning. Laughter. Love.
I sat there and backed up into a world of larger proportions, seeing a daughter who is now a leader, a teacher who is now inspiring another generation, and one who is so at ease doing so excellently in her calling. She fits. This is what she was made for. I could see shimmers of her birth mom shining through and thought how wonderful it is--this generational thing. Wet eyes. Expanding chest. Grateful heart.
May we each shine in the place that we fit...and may we work with excellence, investing well in the generations to come.
With a grateful heart...for the fit.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bits and pieces
Just returned from a wonderful marriage-focus weekend in Springfield, Colorado. People from various churches. Eager responses. A weekend we will long remember.
Tomorrow we leave for a short trip to Salt Lake to be a part of Grandparents Day at Waterford School...where two grandchildren attend and their mother (Cami) is a teacher.
Then we come back, repack and head to Texas for a special time with old friends.
And all the while we have been holding our breath, 'cause Jess is very great with child....so that could well change everything and add incredible wonder to all the other things going on.
I'll return to the blog on Sunday...probably with a whole lot of news and ideas to bring a Jesus spark to your life.
Tomorrow we leave for a short trip to Salt Lake to be a part of Grandparents Day at Waterford School...where two grandchildren attend and their mother (Cami) is a teacher.
Then we come back, repack and head to Texas for a special time with old friends.
And all the while we have been holding our breath, 'cause Jess is very great with child....so that could well change everything and add incredible wonder to all the other things going on.
I'll return to the blog on Sunday...probably with a whole lot of news and ideas to bring a Jesus spark to your life.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Forgiveness
People who live life on a rather feelings basis, often have a very hard time with forgiveness. Someone wrongs them - could be a little or big thing. They smart and fuss and get upset....and because they are used to living a lot by how they feel, they either don't forgive (just try to forget it) or live in some form of alienation and broken relationship. Families are shredded over this. Churches divided.
The way of Jesus is amazingly different. It takes only one person to forgive another....it is a unilateral act not a bilateral one (bilateralism has to do with a step after forgiveness, reconciliation.)
Jesus not only taught a lot about this suject, but on the cross gave the most profound model of forgiveness ever: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
The people "doing" it were standing there, still doing it. There was no remorse, only spitting and taunts. Little did they know that their action towards Him and His to them would still be the model of this grace-filled dynamic 2000 years later. By this act of Christ, grace not vengeance was placed in motion and their lives were changed. And Jesus went into "paradise" whole and pure.
Peter was standing there that day and was a candidate for Jesus forgiveness, for he had repeatedly denied being his follower with an oath, with cursing and swearing. He knew the transforming power of forgiveness both from the cross and later with a resurrected Christ. And his letter (I Peter) is filled with this dynamic...be sure to read it if this blog is just too short.
We simply choose to forgive...expressing in some form to the other person that we do so and want them to know it. In this, we encourage the action of God's Spirit in both of our lives, we get a better night's rest and provide a great model to those around us. And we frustrate the plans of the enemy to take us out of action.
Louis Smeedes, who has written a lot about forgiveness said this: "To forgive is to set the prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you."
Selah
David
The way of Jesus is amazingly different. It takes only one person to forgive another....it is a unilateral act not a bilateral one (bilateralism has to do with a step after forgiveness, reconciliation.)
Jesus not only taught a lot about this suject, but on the cross gave the most profound model of forgiveness ever: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
The people "doing" it were standing there, still doing it. There was no remorse, only spitting and taunts. Little did they know that their action towards Him and His to them would still be the model of this grace-filled dynamic 2000 years later. By this act of Christ, grace not vengeance was placed in motion and their lives were changed. And Jesus went into "paradise" whole and pure.
Peter was standing there that day and was a candidate for Jesus forgiveness, for he had repeatedly denied being his follower with an oath, with cursing and swearing. He knew the transforming power of forgiveness both from the cross and later with a resurrected Christ. And his letter (I Peter) is filled with this dynamic...be sure to read it if this blog is just too short.
We simply choose to forgive...expressing in some form to the other person that we do so and want them to know it. In this, we encourage the action of God's Spirit in both of our lives, we get a better night's rest and provide a great model to those around us. And we frustrate the plans of the enemy to take us out of action.
Louis Smeedes, who has written a lot about forgiveness said this: "To forgive is to set the prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you."
Selah
David
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10,000
At noon today we crossed the threshold.
My entry to check on the number registered 10,001.
Among the highlights:
People tracking from many different countries in the world.
The ten-state faithful spread of people who seem to drop in all the time.
The people stumbling onto the blog doing research on one of the words in title
...the comments, "I began to tear up," "this answered a need I have felt for a very long time." Like Like Like
...and the book orders..ones, and twos, and twenty-fives.
and the many times I have sat at this console not knowing what to write, and suddenly an idea comes, and a way to start, and a scripture, a title, and a strong sense of movement inside. It continues to feel to me like God likes this.
So, my 232nd blog-entry friend...let's keep going, you and me - writing, reading, thinking and listening for the "blog" His Spirit is writing in all of us.
God bless you!
David
My entry to check on the number registered 10,001.
Among the highlights:
People tracking from many different countries in the world.
The ten-state faithful spread of people who seem to drop in all the time.
The people stumbling onto the blog doing research on one of the words in title
...the comments, "I began to tear up," "this answered a need I have felt for a very long time." Like Like Like
...and the book orders..ones, and twos, and twenty-fives.
and the many times I have sat at this console not knowing what to write, and suddenly an idea comes, and a way to start, and a scripture, a title, and a strong sense of movement inside. It continues to feel to me like God likes this.
So, my 232nd blog-entry friend...let's keep going, you and me - writing, reading, thinking and listening for the "blog" His Spirit is writing in all of us.
God bless you!
David
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