Your child's bent

Sunday morning I will mention (almost in passing) the wonderful verse found in Proverbs 22:6:  "Train up a child in a way that he should go."

In other words, raise your children in the "bent" that they have.  Each child has a particular bent, a set of characteristics created by God.  That bent is the result of the child's temperament, spiritual gifts, interest, physical qualities, and talents.

It is unique to that child. 

We all have ways that we would like our child to go - the direction we have for them; but at the end of the day we must find out their "bent" and train them and raise them to "be all that they can be" in that area of life.

For instance, you may love the arts, your child might love sports.  Your "bent" may be toward math, your child's "bent" might be toward history.

You might love reading, "your child might find reading tedious but might be wired toward science."

A key principle is this:  Don't raise the child in the way you want them to go (fulfilling your unfulfilled dreams and aspirations) but raise them in the direction they are equipped, created and wired by God to go.

The question becomes, "How do you do that as a parent?"

A few suggestions:

First of all, pray.  So simple and obvious, but so needed. 

You can pray something like:

"Father, we know that you have given us this child to raise.  We thank you for that - in fact we praise your for the opportunity to disciple this gift that you have given us. 

We now dedicate him to you, placing him/her in your hands.  We dedicate ourselves to raising him/her right - doing the best we can in raising them in the way "they should go."  Please help us understand this child.  Give us the wisdom we need to be good parents who will raise him/her right.  Amen."

Secondly, watch and observe your child.  Watch what their likes and dislikes are.  See how they interact with other children while doing certain activities.

Proverbs 20:11,12 points out the importance of watching (with the intent of finding our your child's bent), "the good or bad that children do shows what they are like.  Hearing and seeing are gifts from the Lord."

Finally, listen.  James Dobson writes, "parental insensitivity is the number one reason for the causes of an unhappy home."

What do they talk about the most?  Be sensitive to what makes them sad or happy.  What they like to talk about or not talk about.

Find out the answers to the following questions (all from the book Breakthrough parenting by John Maxwell - I recommend this book to all parents):

What gives my child joy?  Who is my child's hero?  What does my child fear most?  Which activities give my child energy?  Which ones wear my child out?  If my child could pick one activity for me to do with him or her, what would it be?  What music does my child like?  What does my child want to be when they grow up?

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Getting more than you bargain for

Sometimes we get more than we bargain for.

 

You want what you want and then when you get it - it can blow in your face.

 

I read a story today about Stuart Moffatt who woke up on the Saturday before Easter, loaded up his wife and three kids in the family car, and headed to the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the British town of Holford, Somerset.

 

About 25 children participated in the egg hunt in the field beside the busy road. As the hunt was drawing to an end, the parents began counting the gathered eggs to see if all had been found.

 

Stuart looked out and noticed a three-year-old little boy had wandered out toward the road, and had apparently found another egg.

 

Not recalling placing an egg that close to the road, Stuart walked out to the child, who was now standing on top of the egg. Impressed that the egg did not crack, Stuart walked up and noticed the egg was oddly shaped and textured. It wasn't until he knelt beside the little boy, still standing on top of the egg, that Stuart realized it was not an egg at all. It was a hand grenade.

 

In fact, it was a live, fully-functional World War 2 grenade. Stuart picked the boy up off the grenade and backed away. A bomb disposal unit was called in, and destroyed the grenade in a controlled explosion.

 

I know you will agree with me that we can't fault the child.

 

After all, it looked like an Easter egg, and Easter eggs were what he was looking for. But, sometimes, you get more than you bargained for.

 

What you see looks like what you want, feels like what you want. But when you get it, the results can be explosive.

 

Ask yourself today:

 

Have I prayed about that which "I have to have?"

 

Have I sought counsel from others?

 

Do I feel a peace in my spirit?

 

Have I considered the consequences both to myself and to my family?

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Generosity and life

I really like to hang around generous people.

 

People who give of their time.

 

People who give of themselves.

 

People who share of themselves as they really are.

 

People with whom you "don't have to watch what you say," all the time.

 

People who take me "as is, as I am," with all my strengths and weaknesses.

 

People who are generous with forgiveness.

 

People who are generous with mercy.

 

People who are generous with their time.

 

People who will stop and have a cup of coffee with you no matter what "pressing matter" they have - just to talk about the things of life.

 

Generosity doesn't always have to do with money.

 

Generosity can affect our every day lives - especially in our relationships with one another.

 

Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.  The servant came upon Rebekah who was drawing water from a well.

 

The servant approaches the well and says, "please put down your pitcher that I may drink."  And Rebekah says, "Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink."

 

In other words, I am going to give you water, but I am also going to go the extra mile and water your camels.

 

This was no small offer.  It wouldn't be like giving a dog a drink.  The servant had ten camels, each of which could drink twenty gallons of water. 

 

So, if the calculations are correct: 

 

10 camels at 20 gallons each = 200 gallons.

 

200 gallons drawn with a 5 gallon jar = 40 trips

 

40 trips at (a conservative) 3 minutes each = 2 hours.

 

That's generosity!

 

That is going the extra mile!  That's saying, "I'm going to do what you ask of me - and then I am going to do something more."  (As one version put it - "And then some.")

 

Here's what I know about generosity:

 

When you and I give generously, we receive more than we would ever think possible in return.

 

As I forgive, I receive forgiveness.

 

As I show mercy, I receive mercy.

 

As I give of my time, others give of their time to me.

 

But also:  As I am generous, it outlives me.

 

I think back over time to those who took the time to speak truth in my life.  Their time.  Their time became my time.  Those who coached me.  Those who overlooked my faults and loved me.

 

And now they are with Jesus.   One of those "type folks" passed away two weeks ago.  I miss him.

 

You see, in your moment of generosity, please know that your actions will affect the lives of others in the future in ways that you could not even imagine.

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

It was great having all of the "RFKC" people in with us in the second service - green shirts and all.

Ministry to children - priceless.

I would ask that we all be in prayer for the RFKC ministry team this week - and for the children attending.

Lots of rain the past few days - not to be corny or anything - but I am praying that God will "rain" upon us with His Holy Spirit!

Let it rain, Lord!

Let us sense your presence in our church in an even more powerful way!  Let the "grass of our lives" become greener and greener through a move of your Holy Spirit!

Debbie and I had lunch yesterday with a newer couple to our church family.  Great conversation.  Good food.  Nothing better.

I love to hang out with people who are on "fire for God" and want more of Him - in order to share "Him" with others!

You are, or you become like those you hang around.

The song, "We believe" continues to resonate in my spirit.

We are praying that this fall will be the greatest fall for Stone Church that we have had in recent memory.

Just about the time you might feel like giving up - God will step in and take you to victory - if you let Him.

Life is not about me - life is about God.

One more Sunday to go in Genesis.  We will begin Acts in mid-July.

We plant the seeds, we water, but at the end of the day - it is God who brings the increase.

Can I ask you a question:  Would you consider inviting and bringing someone to come to one of our Sunday morning services in the next few weeks?

Most people come to Christ through a friend.

The sequence is Pray.  Invite.  Bring.  Follow-up.

You are needed.  You are loved.  You are appreciated.  That is God's Word to you today.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

Walk in the confidence that you are a child of God.

Love you all......

Andy Griffith and the world

Every so often, as I am "channel surfing" I will land on the Andy Griffith show and watch an episode. 

Nothing will brighten up my day more than Andy solving one of the world's problems in his calm, rational, serene way.

In one episode, Andy, (as the sheriff of Mayberry) is out of town.  His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized the local mechanic who is named Gomer (Jim Nabors). 

The two deputies are walking down the street one evening when they notice that someone is robbing the town's bank.  They hide the car.

They are afraid and don't know what to do.

Finally, Gomer looks at Barney and says, excitedly, "Shazam!  We need to call the police."

In utter exasperation, Barney shoots back:  "We are the police!"

In the body of Christ, I hear people articulate that somebody needs to:

Pray.

Witness.

Grow the church.

Win our community for Christ.

Pray.

Bring unity to the body of Christ.

Work in the nursery.

Minister on the worship team.

Pray.

Fix up something around the church.

Work with teenagers.

Pray.

Give to the church.

See the building fund paid off.

Do something about abortion.

Pray.

Work with foster care children.

Start a life group.

Pray.

Care for the needy.

Reach out to the hurting.

Make Stone Church a place where people belong, grow and service.

Pray.

Grow the church numerically.

Feed the homeless.

Reduce crime.

Stem the tide of sexual perversion in our country.

Minister to men.

Minister to women.

Pray.

All of these are well and good.

But:  perhaps the person to do that (or at least participate in reaching the needs I mentioned above) is you. 

"We are the police," Barney cried out.

And I say, "We are the church!"  "You are the church."

Perhaps we all need to stop today and think through what element of life, society and our church that we can participate in - and see great things happen for God.

And maybe, just maybe, the responsibility for all of the above lies not with that "other person" but with me - and with you.

Just a thought for a Thursday.

Nurturing my relationship with the Holy Spirit

Like any relationship in life, our relationship with the Holy Spirit must be nurtured - daily.

In my relationship with Debbie, there are highs and lows - and I must do everything I can, each day, to draw closer to her - day by day.

It is the same with the Holy Spirit.

Here's what I know:  Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is daily.  Moment by moment.  Hour by Hour.

Here are some suggestions on how you and I can nurture our relationship with the Holy Spirit (daily):

Read God's Word.  Read God's word, but also take the time to let it speak to you.  It is not so much "how much you read," as "how much has God spoken to me through His Word?"

Have a meaningful conversation with God.  A good prayer guide would be your hand.  The thumb represents people who are nearest your heart - begin praying for them.  Then move on to the index finger or those who are an example and point the way - pray for them.  Next, the middle finger or those who are in places of temporal and spiritual authority.  The next finger, my weakest, are those in great need and vulnerability - pray for them.  And finally, the little finger, me - the smallest and the least.  Just a suggested prayer pattern.

Get rid of all sin, bitterness or unforgiveness.  I must daily (are you catching a theme here - daily) cleanse my soul from emotional impurities that have been allowed to "clog up" my relationship with the Holy Spirit.  Each night as I go to sleep, I must seek to do so with a clear conscience.

Be open to God's speaking to you throughout the day.  Pause, and ask, "Holy Spirit, what would you like to say to me?"

Seek to encourage or help someone whose need is greater than yours (reference the Good Samaritan - Luke 10:30-37).  I must rise above my concerns to enter in to the concerns of others.

Live one day at a time.  I can't be empowered to live the future unless I am empowered to live today.  Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not yet here, today is all we have.

Give myself, my total self to God for the day, each day.

Out of this daily relationship with the Lord flows the quality of life in which a connection to the Holy Spirit is nurtured and strengthened.  Out of that daily connection come the fruit of the spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

A nurtured relationship with the Holy Spirit - daily.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Addictions and our words

When you think of addictions, what do you automatically think of?

 

Alcohol.  Drugs.  Smoking.

 

Yet let me also add this:  some people are addicted to negativity in their speech; their words.

 

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, who wrote the book "Words that Hurt, Words that Heal," was lecturing one time about the powerful, often negative impact of our words.

 

He often asks audiences if they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about, or to, another person.

 

Invariably, a small number of listeners raise their hands, signifying "yes."  Others laugh, and quite a few call out, "No!"

 

Telushkin responds:  "Those who can't answer 'yes' must recognize that you have a serious problem.  If you can't go 24 hours with drinking liquor, you're addicted to alcohol.  If you can't go 24 hours without smoking you're addicted to nicotine.  So if you can't go 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, then you've lost control over your tongue."

 

The Bible says that our words can bring life or death.   Gossip, Slander, innuendo and other godless use of our words are taken seriously by our creator.

 

Maybe the greatest addiction we need to be concerned about today lies not in what we are doing but in what we are saying.

 

"Father, let my words be godly this day.  Let me speak of others as I would have them speak of me.  In your name, I pray.  Amen."

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

I am grateful for the calls that I received from my kids yesterday for Father's Day.

I really felt the love - and am thankful for that.

Each one of them is unique, their own person, doing well - and I love them a lot!

What a powerful sense of God's presence in worship yesterday.  I really liked the new song that Pastor Brian led us in, "We believe."

It is not only a beautiful tune, but has a strong sense of our theology as well.

Perfect.

There is nothing like being in the presence of God - truly worshipping him from our heart.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  Focus in on what your spouse is doing right and not on what they are doing wrong - and verbalize that.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  We are responsible people around us - but not for them.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  Dad, you love your children the best as you love your wife the most - and let them see that love.

Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs who won the NBA Championship yesterday.  A team that plays not only as a "team" but with class as well.  Truly, there is no "I" in team.

I am really excited about Pastor Brian taking over the leadership of our small groups.  We have been brainstorming together as to the future director of our life groups.

Announcement:  Life group leaders meeting this Wednesday at the church.  6:30 P.M.  Pizza provided.

Many, many thanks to Pastor Charlie for leading our missions team to South Dakota this past week.  I understand that it went really well - and a lot of great ministry took place!

Thanks to Pastors Charlie and Heather for all that they are doing!

We have a great team at Stone Church!

Once again - I am thankful for life itself.  Each day that God gives us is a "bonus" in the sense that we should never take our physical presence on this planet for granted.

We commented to ourselves this morning (in our pastoral staff meeting) how excited we are as to what God is doing at our church!

Onward and Upward!

I love you all......

Now just who is illogical?

If there is one thing that is illogical - It is that the belief in God is illogical.

It's a great question.  Just who is illogical?  The Christian or the atheist?

I was reading today what the comedian Louis C.K. said about his beliefs about the impossibility of atheism (the lack of logic in the belief system of there is no God) ( (and I quote):

"I'm not religious.  I don't know if there is a god.  That's all I can say honestly.  I don't know.  Some people can say that they know there isn't a god.  That's a weird thing you can say you know.  "There's no god."

"Are you sure?"  "Yea, there's no god."  "How do you know?"  "Because I didn't see him."

"But how do you know?  There's a vast universe.   You can see for about 100  yards when there's not a building in the way.  How can you possibly know?  Did you look everywhere?  Did you look in the downstairs bathroom?"

"No, I haven't seen him yet."  "Well, I haven't seen (the film) 12 Years A Slave yet, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Just who is being illogical?

Great question for your atheist friends (and take that Bill Maher :) ).

Just a thought for a Thursday.

parenting and time

I've said a couple of times lately that I really admire the parents in our church and the role they are playing in their children's development.

 

Dad's especially are doing a much better part (than in my generation) of actively parenting their children.  Mom's, wow, what a wonderful job you are doing!

 

Applause!

 

One thought for today:  How do you spell love for your children?

 

T.I.M.E.

 

A number of years ago, Dr. Robert Schuller was on a whirlwind book promotion tour, visiting eight cities in four days.  It was an exhausting schedule in addition to the normal duties  Dr. Schuller had on his shoulders as pastor of a large church. 

 

As he was going over his schedule with his secretary for his return home, she reminded him that he was scheduled to have lunch with the winner of a charity raffle.  Schuller was suddenly sobered when he found out the winner of the raffle, for he happened to know that the $500.00 the person bid to have lunch with him represented that person's entire life savings.

 

How did he know that?

 

The person was his own teenage daughter.

 

Trips to the zoo, Six Flags, ball games, museums and all that are great  - but more than an activity - what our children need is time spent with us doing something creative.

 

Reading a book together - building up their minds.

 

Memorizing a scripture together - building up their spirits.

 

Doing something creative together - building up their ability to tap into creativity.

 

Building something at the house together - building up their skills.

 

Worshipping at home together - building up their relationship with God.

 

Planting a garden together - building up an appreciation for God's creation.

 

Participating in something like "Feed My Starving Children." - building up their sense of seeing the needs of others and caring.

 

Taking them to a garbage dump and showing them that this is where all "stuff" eventually ends up - building up their sense of values.

 

Well, you get the idea.

 

Any activity that includes some kind of interaction with your child that will build them up spiritually and emotionally (and get them away from technology :) ).

 

Anyway, just a thought for a Wednesday from a dad (grandpa) who cares.

The limitations of others

Any time you try to do anything that brings excellence, change or advancement (in any arena of life), there will be those around you who will try to limit you (for whatever reason).

 

Our world is full of "limiters" (I just made that word up).  They are against anything and everything. 

 

"We've never done it this way."

 

"We've tried that before and it didn't work."

 

"It's not in the budget."

 

"There are too  many problems."

 

"A lot of people won't like it."  (I've always wondered who the elusive "lot of people" are. :))  (And then there is that unseen, "somebody".  When I get to heaven, my desire is to finally meet and shakes hands with that "somebody."  He or she is everywhere.)

 

Limiters.

 

Here is what I know about limitations and "limiters":

 

They can't limit us unless we let them.

 

Others around you may bring up the "why you can't do what God has called you to do," others may not see the potential in you or the situation that needs to be changed, but God does.

 

And God always sees you and your vision, not as you are but as you can be.

 

God is a God of potential.  Vision.  Mission. 

 

When you and I begin to realize that God plus me or God plus you is enough - than great things are accomplished.

 

Don't try to be someone else when other impose limitations on you.

 

There is a real temptation in the midst of the "negative speak" of "limiters" to try to be someone else or copy someone else.

 

God made you for a reason.  There is only one you.

 

You are unique.  God calls you to be you - yourself - real before Him and others.

 

God will never hold you accountable for gifts you do not have or responsibilities He hasn't given you. 

 

Be yourself when you are around limiters!

 

When you rise about your limitations and the limiters of life - you can help others to do the same.

 

At the end of the day, people will follow the example of the person who doesn't give in to fear and intimidation but walks with courage and boldness - that only comes from walking in the spirit.

 

Here is a prayer that you can pray today:

 

"Father, help me to see myself as you see me, not as others do, and to focus on what can be done with you and not what can't be done without you.  Help me to rise about the limitations placed on me by others, so that I might help others rise above their limitations."

 

Just some thoughts for a Tuesday.

 

 

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

Our summer youth mission's trip (to South Dakota) took off today.  Let's all continue to be in prayer for them and with them.

 

We are pleased that so many students and adults are going!

 

May God bless them and anoint them for ministry is our prayer - and take them and bring them back safely!

 

Pastor Charlie and Heather have done a great job of preparing everything for the trip. 

 

They will be back on Sunday morning (between services) and will be giving some stories of their trip!

 

Beautiful summer days.  Enjoy the weather.

 

I had the privilege of meeting several guests to our church yesterday.

 

What's really cool is that many of our visitors are deciding to not only continue to check us out but to call Stone Church their church home!

 

And what's even "cooler" is that I watch - as our church family are immediately interacting with first time and second time and third time guests!

 

Applause!

 

Why not consider inviting someone to one of our Sunday morning services this Sunday?  This coming Sunday is Father's Day.

 

Why not invite your dad to come to church and worship with you (especially if he is a non-churched person)?

 

Just a thought.

 

I really like the direction our worship is headed.  Alive.  Vibrant.  Pentecostal.  Energetic.

 

Thanks to Pastor Brian and our worship team!

 

The song "You deserve it all" (we sang it yesterday) has stayed with me - both the melody and the words.

 

Amy Beckberger did a wonderful joy in singing it.  She has a beautiful voice.

 

Thanks to Josh and Lynda Jamroz and David Beckberger for sharing yesterday about budgeting, tithing and getting out of debt.  It "fit" into the sermon perfectly!

 

We will have 10 free copies available this coming Sunday morning (in the information booth) of my sermon yesterday, "how to get out of debt" or "how to be free from the bondage of financial debt". 

 

Please feel free to take a copy and listen to the teaching again or with your spouse.

 

There was a lot I didn't get to (because of time) but will at a later date.

 

What were the words to help us get out of debt?  Accounting, Budgeting, Storing, Enjoying, Tithing and Praying.

 

God's will for your life is to be debt free.

 

As a pastoral staff, we are already planning the fall activities and ministries - It is great to feel the excitement level for September - in June!

 

We encourage you to give on-line when you are on vacation - that really helps us as we begin to plan for the fall.  Thanks!

 

Well, I want you to know that I love you all!

 

choices and responsiblity

I often say that the one of the most important principles you can teach your children is to make good choices.

 

And the way to make good choices is by learning to make good choices at the youngest age possible.

 

Parents, I would suggest that you don't wait until they are a teenager to place them in a position to make a choice(s).  Let them start as soon as possible.

 

Talk about the choices they make.

 

When they are good choices affirm them.

 

When they make bad choices - use them as a teaching tool to help them grow - and affirm your love for them at the same time.

 

However, here is a principle that we can all follow - as we seek to make choices - but choices that deal with the gray areas of life - what do we do when we don't know what to do?

 

Here's the answer in two words:  Be responsible.

 

Most of the choices we make in life are neither here nor there as far as right or wrong are concerned.

 

They are neutral.

 

What color of clothes you decide to wear on any given day.

 

If you decide to be a plumber or a doctor.

 

Whether you go to a White Sox game or not.

 

There is no moral or immoral sense in these aspects of life.

 

Maybe 95% of our daily decisions are about things that do not matter one way or the other morally.

 

So what do you do?

 

When in doubt - be responsible.

 

For instance, there may not be a specific rule to keep you from driving a certain way, but when in doubt drive responsibly.

 

There might not be a specific rule on what you can or cannot take home from work, but when in doubt be responsible.

 

There might not be a specific rule on what you can or cannot say when you are with a group of people, but when in doubt, be responsible.

 

Whether we like to admit it or not - our actions and words do affect the lives of others.

 

And - by acting responsibly in a bad situation, you can turn a wrong into the start of something good. 

 

Just as you and I can spoil a good act by doing something irresponsible, we can turn a bad action (or word) into something good by being responsible.

 

So today, why not respect the rules.  Why not consider the consequences.  Why not be responsible - and the world will be a better place.

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

Intercessory prayer and Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill's book, "Revival God's Way," is a must read.

 

Let me give you some bullet points from chapter 14, "Intercessory prayer," to stimulate your spiritual thoughts today.

 

All of these are quotes from that chapter - and please note that they don't connect to one another; just great sentences from a man who knew about intercessory prayer.

 

"The Church has many praying men, but few men of prayer.

 

I cannot find a place in the Scriptures where angels sing.  Neither can I find a place where their praying is mentioned.  Is there a connection?  Is it that they cannot sing because they know nothing of the victory of prayer?

 

I think that the greatest privilege ever offered to man was that of sharing Gethsemane with the Lord.

 

There is nothing mechanical about it (prayer).  There is no formula.

 

Let's get this straight in our thinking:  no one - and I mean no one - is going to tell God what to do or how to do it in His final act of mercy of this age.

 

We are not told that a person is superior to another because he has visions.

 

When asked what supported their faith in the prayer encounter, Peggy answered, "We had a consciousness of god that created a confidence in our souls which refused to accept defeat."  (I love that!)

 

And then Leonard Ravenhill closes the chapter with this poem (poems are a lost art in the kingdom of God) entitled "Watch and Pray".

If God should turn my night to day,
It matters not one jot,
If that's His way
To teach me how to watch and pray.

If He will give to  me a greater vision;
If He will grant my thoughts His own revision;
If He will give to me a broken heart;
If He will speak the word, "My son, depart,"

And I have less than
Other men to sleep,
And while they laugh
In loneliness I pray and weep,

What matters if believers think me mad?
In that Great Day, I shall not then be sad
That I had grace to softy steal away, to pray;
While others, maybe most, did idle time away.

This race is not to the swift or strong,
But to the few who fight the wrong
With revelation from His Word,
Reject Baal, and follow on to know the Lord!"

Good thoughts from a man of God on a Wednesday.

Walking in the spirit and walking in the flesh

I was reminded of a thought today that is so important in our dealings with one another in the body of Christ.

It is a thought that one of my coaches gave me over 10 years ago:

Expect people to act in the flesh - and when they act in the spirit - rejoice.

We get into trouble (and project unrealistic expectations) upon followers of Christ around us when we our expectations of them (and they are really unrealistic) is that they do the godly thing or say the godly thing ALL THE TIME.

And then when they fail - we get blown out.  "How could they."  "They call themselves a ministry leader and they said (fill in the blank)?"  Or, "They are a pastor, and they did (fill in the blank)."

Expect people to act in the flesh - and when they act in the spirit - rejoice.

Now then, let me anticipate a question that you might have.  "Is that simply an excuse for bad behavior or ungodly actions?"  No, absolutely not.

Someone once said that an excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.

But I am simply reminding us today that we can't put one another on an unrealistic pedestal, so high that when the natural fleshy part of us comes out - we are neither shocked or let down.

We are all, and I mean all of us - we are all doing the best we can.

Perhaps once safe guard is to remind ourselves today of our own humanity - and be thankful for God's patience with us.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

I got to spend time with my two granddaughters this past Friday.

I could almost write:  "enough said."

It was fun taking them to the zoo - and then watching the movie Frozen together.

Here's what I know about the two girls:  They are the smartest girls in the world, the prettiest girls in the world - and they are always, always right.  :) :)

I know, I know, each grandparent can say the same thing.  :)

Every so often, God visits us on a Sunday morning in a way that we remember for months, if not years to come.

Yesterday morning was that morning.

As I was teaching, I gave my story of how God touched me during my recent illness.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I had a "Pet Scan" (after my surgery) and that the results were that I am cancer free (I have to have check-ups every three months).

As I shared this story during the second service - a brother in Christ came up to me (I was on my knees in celebration of what God did in my life - the congregation as praising God with me).

He went to his knees with me, weeping before God.

He prophesied over me saying that "because you have honored God in your healing, you will be blessed with long life and signs and wonders in your ministry."

I had some men come up and pray with him - and then called the church "to the altar".

What a powerful sense of God's presence as the people of God experienced the manifestations of the Holy Spirit such as:

Falling on the floor - Ezekiel 1:28; 3:23; Daniel 10:9; Revelation 1:17

Shaking, jerking of hand, feet, head or body - Daniel 10:7; Psalms 99:1;  114:7; Jeremiah 5:22; 23:9; Habakkuk 3:16

Groaning/Travailing - Romans 8:26; Galatians 4:19

Deep Bowing - Ezra 10:1; Psalms 35:13,14

Heaving weeping/crying - Nehemiah 1:4; Ezra 10:1; Joel 2:12; Psalms 126:6; Luke 7:37,38

Being still/solemn - Psalms 25:5; 27:14; 37:7; 131:2

Powerful, powerful stuff.

What a privilege it is to see God move.  We need those times (as a church family) in God's presence.

And - you know it is a move of God - I didn't get to give the last 1/3 of my teaching! :)

More visitors Sunday - I encourage everyone to reach out and get to know someone you don't know.

Congratulations to Anna Kirsch for being an Honor Star!

Many thanks to Leisa McNamara and her team for a wonderful Mpact celebration last evening.  We are blessed to have gifted, faithful, dedicated leaders in this important ministry.

I love Jesus and I love you!