Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says this…
There are things I read about the way politics are working these days that makes my stomach turn and my heartache. It seems that the healthy dissent and honorable debate that the founding fathers engaged in is not what we are seeing today.
I am aware that you can’t paint all people in politics with the same broad brush of generalizing and stereotypes, but there are people on the left and on the right side of the aisle who have forgotten honor in their discourse. The name calling, accusing, mud slinging and attempts to tear others down show that our culture is slipping more and more into a shame and blame society.
Years ago when I was the Youth Pastor here at Neighborhood Church I was in a “reverent prayer position” I heard a voice out of nowhere whispering to me, “You will be leading an “honoring ministry.”
I looked up to see who had said that to me, but no one was present --just two other church staff members who were praying about other things nearby. I quickly decided that either the Lord had spoken to me or I was going crazy.
I was walking our two labra doodles one evening and was delighted to get to connect with quite a few of my neighbors. Our dogs are such happy, goofy, furry friends that they attract all sorts of attention – which gives me the chance to meet all sorts of people.
By the end of the walk I found myself sitting on the sidewalk surrounded by my two dogs and two huge beautiful Newfoundland dogs, both licking my face complete with a long dripping drool stream.
"Dad, the Lord has good things in storage…”
That’s what my ten year old, Mimi, told me last night.
I didn’t know if Mimi had heard a new phrase at youth group last night that I was unfamiliar with or not, so I asked her the clarifying question. “Mimi, did you mean the Lord has good things in store for us?” She agreed that’s exactly what she said.
I breathed a deep sigh as I nervously opened the letter...
This was a letter that I had been waiting for the last six months with the news about whether or not I had been awarded a grant for my sabbatical next summer. I have been praying and believing the Lord for good things, and for His favor on this request.
My heart stopped as I read the words, “Unfortunately, your proposal was not among those selected for funding this year.”
We’ve never launched a kid before…
This weekend Linda and I will move our firstborn down to Southern California. She will turn 20 in a few months and has been planning for this day over the past year. While she doesn’t have a job secured yet, she has saved up her money and has a few months before she will have to find another place to live.
For those who haven’t launched a kid – they scoff and say, “It’s no worries; she’s ready; she’ll be fine.” Others grimace and put their hand on our shoulder promising to pray for her in the coming days. Since I haven’t done this before I don’t know how to feel or what this will be like.
As humans we can’t help but ask that burning question when things go dreadfully wrong, when death comes knocking at our door, or diagnosis corners us in a fearful paralysis.
I was working out with a friend last week who felt overwhelmed by several premature deaths in his social circles. He was looking to me, the pastor, and asking the “why” question.
In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
This is a verse that comes from a longer parable that is often labeled “the sheep and the goats.” It is a passage that tells the story of a King who represents God, Himself. The King is judging and separating out those who belong to Him (the sheep) and those who seem like they belong but will be removed from His presence (the goats).
Ever hear the following questions…
“Can you give me some advice?”
“I have some things I would like to run by you to get your take…”
“I’m stuck. I’m not sure what to do. Can we talk?”