The other day someone asked me if I felt alright. I responded by saying that I felt fine. Later in the day I began to wonder to myself how should I feel at this point in time of my life. I believe that I feel fine. I believe that I feel the way I should feel. But how do I know if I really feel the way I could feel?
Okay, okay I know that is some weird thinking, but that’s me. I am able to do everything that I do with no problems at all. But I do know that there are people my age that do things that I can not do such as run a marathon. I can’t do that and further more I have no desire to do that. All this did get me to thinking that maybe I should be doing more at this point in time of my life so I can stay healthy longer in life. I do know this, the old saying, “use it or loose it” is very true.
I know of people who are well into their 80’s and even some 90 year olds that still mow their lawns and still do gardening. These are people that run circles around most of us regardless of our age. They are truly inspiring people to know.
In a spiritual sense, how are you doing? Have you grown spiritually lately? Do you strive to grow spiritually on a daily basis? Think about these questions for a moment. Some of you may be saying what I said about my physical health, “how should I be doing?”
Well let’s ask some more questions. Is your understanding of scripture the same as it was last month, last year, five years ago or twenty years ago? Have you grown in your understanding of what God’s will is for your life? Are the weaknesses you had in your life a few years ago still weaknesses today? Are the struggles in your life still struggles today? Have you grown in your prayer life? Is your faith easier to share with others? Are you more willing to do good in the name of Jesus to those in need around you?
You see just as in your physical life you can know how you are doing spiritually. That old saying “use it or loose it” is also true about your spiritual life. So think about these things and develop a strategy for better spiritual health. Remember, your spiritual walk is a marathon and you should run the race to win. 1 Corinthians 9:24 “ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” The writer of the book of James simply put it this way, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” So get with it! Get in the spiritual shape of your life. The reward is out of this world!
Love God. Go Love Others.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Do You Remember?
April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City – Do you remember? It was a day much like today. Everyone was just going about their business when life in mid-America changed forever. A minute after 9:00 a.m. a bomb ripped off the front of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. 168 people died that day and countless other lives were changed forever.
We have other dates which are seared into our minds forever. December 7, 1941 is the “day that will live in infamy”. You only have to mention the numbers 9-11 and most Americans for instantly remember that tragic day that shook our nation and instantly changed the world forever. Life would never be the same.
So what do you say to the people of a city, state or nation that have been hit so hard time after time in such sense less ways? That is a difficult question to answer in some ways because we know deep down in our collective hearts that from time to time evil people will do evil things that hurt the innocent. As much as we may want to believe that we are prepared for such events we never really are.
We cannot ever be fully prepared, but we can be ready. You see there was another date over 2000 years ago about this time of year that really did change the world forever. It was the main event since the creation of the world. On that day the Lamb of God who was innocent of sin in his own life took on the sin of all humanity and gave up his life freely on the cross. Three days later he rose and won the victory over death and won the victory over Satan. Because of this event you and I can survive all other tragic events in our life. We know that regardless of what evil may abound we will be safe in the arms of Jesus. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
To the people of Oklahoma City, May God bless you this day. May you find comfort in knowing that ultimately evil does not win and may you find hope and peace in the arms of Jesus Christ.
Love God. Go Love Others.
We have other dates which are seared into our minds forever. December 7, 1941 is the “day that will live in infamy”. You only have to mention the numbers 9-11 and most Americans for instantly remember that tragic day that shook our nation and instantly changed the world forever. Life would never be the same.
So what do you say to the people of a city, state or nation that have been hit so hard time after time in such sense less ways? That is a difficult question to answer in some ways because we know deep down in our collective hearts that from time to time evil people will do evil things that hurt the innocent. As much as we may want to believe that we are prepared for such events we never really are.
We cannot ever be fully prepared, but we can be ready. You see there was another date over 2000 years ago about this time of year that really did change the world forever. It was the main event since the creation of the world. On that day the Lamb of God who was innocent of sin in his own life took on the sin of all humanity and gave up his life freely on the cross. Three days later he rose and won the victory over death and won the victory over Satan. Because of this event you and I can survive all other tragic events in our life. We know that regardless of what evil may abound we will be safe in the arms of Jesus. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
To the people of Oklahoma City, May God bless you this day. May you find comfort in knowing that ultimately evil does not win and may you find hope and peace in the arms of Jesus Christ.
Love God. Go Love Others.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Enjoy the Ride
Recently my wife and I purchased a couple of mountain bikes with the thought that it would be fun for go for a bike on a daily basis. We thought this would be a fun way to get some much needed exercise. This sounds like a good plan – Yes! Yes, it is a good plan with one small problem, riding a bike takes a lot of effort. At times it is even hard work. It is amazing just how much effort is required to make it up just the slightest hill. I have to admit I have started thinking about routes that don’t have hills and I have discovered that around here that is hard to find.
After several bike rides I have decided to just enjoy the ride. Yes, there will always be hills to climb, but the reward is on the other side. At times it may be a lot of work, but at other times I can coast and catch my breath and eventually all roads lead home. Home is a wonderful place with water, a place to rest and time to reflect on the completed journey.
That’s the way life is too. It is a long journey with its ups and downs. At times it is a lot of work and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. At other times life seems pretty easy and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. There are times when the relationships in your life are good and you are on the same page with your spouse and children and all is wonderful. Then there are other times when you seem to be at odds with just about everyone around you. Keep pedaling.
Life will present to you and me with a series of challenges and rewards. Some challenges are more difficult than others and some rewards are more amazing than others, but still it is good to know that life has its ups and down. My advice to you is to enjoy the ride. When life throws a huge hill in front of you just attack it will all you have within you. Work harder, pedal faster and don’t stop! Don’t stop because the reward is well worth all the effort and struggle.
Jesus did not come to take away the struggles in your life; he did come to help you through them. As a matter of fact, the only way to completely overcome the struggles of life is by allowing Jesus to show you the path that leads home. Being home with Jesus, now that’s a reward that is worth the journey.
So my friends live a life of hope and joy! Keep pedaling! Enjoy the ride!
Love God. Go Love Others.
After several bike rides I have decided to just enjoy the ride. Yes, there will always be hills to climb, but the reward is on the other side. At times it may be a lot of work, but at other times I can coast and catch my breath and eventually all roads lead home. Home is a wonderful place with water, a place to rest and time to reflect on the completed journey.
That’s the way life is too. It is a long journey with its ups and downs. At times it is a lot of work and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. At other times life seems pretty easy and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. There are times when the relationships in your life are good and you are on the same page with your spouse and children and all is wonderful. Then there are other times when you seem to be at odds with just about everyone around you. Keep pedaling.
Life will present to you and me with a series of challenges and rewards. Some challenges are more difficult than others and some rewards are more amazing than others, but still it is good to know that life has its ups and down. My advice to you is to enjoy the ride. When life throws a huge hill in front of you just attack it will all you have within you. Work harder, pedal faster and don’t stop! Don’t stop because the reward is well worth all the effort and struggle.
Jesus did not come to take away the struggles in your life; he did come to help you through them. As a matter of fact, the only way to completely overcome the struggles of life is by allowing Jesus to show you the path that leads home. Being home with Jesus, now that’s a reward that is worth the journey.
So my friends live a life of hope and joy! Keep pedaling! Enjoy the ride!
Love God. Go Love Others.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Garden of Your Soul
It is true what they said, “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence”, but you still have to mow it! Spring is in the air. The grass is getting greener, the flowers are blooming, the trees are putting on leaves; and of course there are weeds. I am not sure where weeds come from each year. My yard did not have weeds last fall when I stopped mowing, but now weeds are everywhere. It is as if when you are not looking the weed fairy sneaks onto your yard and drops their weed seeds into your soil and then wait for rain. Before you know it WEEDS EVERYWHERE!!!
That is the way life is, if you don’t pay attention to your spiritual growth daily, the spiritual weeds of life will sneak in and grow in the garden of your soul. Most of people who strive to follow Jesus have to pray and work at becoming more like Jesus on a daily basis. We have to focus on being: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Those attributes don’t just come to most of us naturally. We have to pray for them and work on them daily.
It is when we get spiritually lazy or distracted that we loose focus on those things that draw us closer to Jesus. So my fellow Christ follower – get the weeds out of your life! Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” It is time for spring gardening, make sure the stuff growing in the garden of your soul is spiritual fruit and water it daily.
Love God. Go Love Others.
That is the way life is, if you don’t pay attention to your spiritual growth daily, the spiritual weeds of life will sneak in and grow in the garden of your soul. Most of people who strive to follow Jesus have to pray and work at becoming more like Jesus on a daily basis. We have to focus on being: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Those attributes don’t just come to most of us naturally. We have to pray for them and work on them daily.
It is when we get spiritually lazy or distracted that we loose focus on those things that draw us closer to Jesus. So my fellow Christ follower – get the weeds out of your life! Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” It is time for spring gardening, make sure the stuff growing in the garden of your soul is spiritual fruit and water it daily.
Love God. Go Love Others.
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