Complaining

Here are three links to some posts by Pastor Steven Furtick about how to deal with that complaining mess and perspective problem we all struggle with.  READ THEM!

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/convert-your-complaint/

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/the-100-year-grid/

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/the-grace-perspective/

Intentional

So often we live as if to expect that the move of God, the voice of God, the power of God in our lives will just happen to us.  We get frustrated saying, “God is silent.” or “God is absent.” or “God doesn’t seen to care.”  But the issue, almost always, is us.

We must be intentional about our relationship with God.  It’s about choices.  It’s about the right priorities.  If we choose to make time for scripture, prayer, and worship.  We are in position to hear God, feel His presence, and be refreshed to walk in His power.

How can you create some space in your life this week to be intentional with God?  What items need to go down the totem pole so God can be at the top?

Celebrate Love

Valentines Day.  One of the higher suicide rates of the year is around this day.  It is a hard time for a lot of folks.  Those who have lost loved ones and those who are lonely struggle as society focuses on relationships during this time.  We need to celebrate relationships.  I know I will definitely be taking Lisa out for a much needed date to honor her and comemorate my love for her.  But more important still is the need for all of us, single and couples, married and divorced, newlywed and widowed, to celebrate love.

For many love is not a happy thought.  Some have been left, hurt, abandoned, and let down.  But what I am talking about is something that goes beyond just mere human feelings and behavior.  I am talking about the unconditional commitment God has made to pave a way for human kind to know Him.  You see, love is not a feeling, a sex act, or an overused phrase.  Love, true love, is a commitment. For those of us who have chosen to follow Christ by faith, we need to celebrate that love, God’s commitment.  We need to remember and celebrate the grace and mercy He gives us as our commitment to Him is always wavering.

If this is a tough time for you, or when you reach a tough time in the “loves” you experience in this life.  I pray that, today, as we observe Valentines day, you would find peace, hope, and joy in the unwaivering, unconditional, love of God poured out to you.  Celebrate His love today.

Word

Have you heard God speak to you lately?  What has He been saying to you?  His word is life, we need it everyday.  Listen.  I need to, now more than ever.

It’s in the wind blowing among the trees.  It’s in the face of child.  It’s in the voice of a wise old believer.  It’s in that song that stirs your heart.  It’s in those scriptures handed down from the lips of God.

It’s His voice.

Mary in a Martha’s World

I’ve written some relating things to this in the past, but I was just winding down another crazy day to day and Allen Levi’s song came to mind.  I had just turned to Lisa and said, “It’s gets to be 10 PM in no time flat doesn’t it?”.  In my head I could hear Allen singing,

“Slow down, slow down

You’re like some little kid spinning round and round and round

You can lose your sense of balance if you twirl

It’s hard to be a Mary in a Martha’s world”

We have too much, we do too much, we (especially I) talk too much, we think too much.  Unclutter, throw out, be quiet, cut it off, cut it out, sit, breathe deeply.  Watch less tv, sing more songs.  Talk less to, pray more about. Observe more, criticize less.  CHOOSE to have joy, depend less on happiness.

I’m thinking that somewhere in all of the business is where my song-writing has gotten hung up.  I know that in all of the things that clammer for my attention is where I loose sight of God.

Slow down, Slow Down – Worship Jesus not stuff.

Thoughts on a quote

“True worship forgets itself” – Matt Redman from “The Unquenchable Worshipper” (My favorite book on worship aside from the Bible)

What does this mean to you guys?  Comment back and let me know what you think

It’s November 5th

If you happen to find yourself on the losing or the winning side of the election this morning and you are a follower of Jesus, then let me make an encouragement to you.

Do what we have been needing to do all along.  Get out your towel and take your basin and go wash some feet.

Jesus is still in charge!

Nuff Said, Politically Speaking

My feelings on the current election cycle and Christians is best said by Perry Noble on his blog today:

http://www.perrynoble.com/2008/10/28/frustrated-with-politics-christians/

Non-church worship

Time with wife, time with kids, a quiet evening paying attention to the people at home.

Selah

Praying for the Coopers

Our heart goes out to the Cooper family.  Please be praying for Jim, Will, Andrew, and Hunter.  We love them deeply and know that God is more than able.

The Hobbses