Christmas Eve 2014

Many churches, not all, have lost their role, and become a closed society.  Many are too large and corporate to connect their members.   Some is personal failings in the leaders.   Some is organizational - a member who was regular for over a year suddenly disappears, and the next communication they get is months later asking for a tithe commitment.  Services becoming so accepting that there is no respect for the real message.  No need to dress up, it's just a holy sanctuary - those shorts and sandals you wash the car in are fine, but you'd never even wear them to walmart.   No need for reverence there, drinks, snacks and side conversations are regularly ongoing, even by ushers.   New members seeking to engage take minor roles hoping to connect and get a chance to grow get pigeon holed and left to their role until they silently fade away.  No more hymns - don't connect to the young they say, and instead repetitive praise songs without doctrinal review sell a happy Jesus, who is only one face of our loving savior.  The expectations on staff become that of constant action and entertainment, not a meaningful reflection and self examination.   That might not feel good.   

And I know staff who see this, and try desperately to lead beyond as Christ deserves who aren't supported by those they seek to minister to.   Another sign of our too soft society, and social Christianity.   

And on days when I wax philiosphical, I thank God for those who I know try and lead the sheep.  And those sheep who, despite the worldly influences, seek that leadership and to know and feel the face of God through a personal relationship with Christ.   

Happy birthday Jesus, and thank you for saving me and being my friend.

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It's as simple as two words

Decision and discipline.

Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Blog Hits

I've just noticed, there have actually been quite a few folks read my blog.  I'd really like it if those of you who do would leave me a comment or something to let me know a little about my audience.  Are you someone I know, or someone who just randomly found this?  What are your thoughts about these devotions?  

Thanks,
Jim...

Devotions on prayer.

Here you go Beth.  

Thanks for all you do!

Hope you had a good vacation Walter!  I missed you.  

Jim... 

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Monday

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. ...   For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬ NKJV)

When I was a senior in high school, Butch Bennett was my physics teacher.  He was also a Christian.  He started a before school group that met to do a bible study.  Not one of the organized named groups you'd recognize like Campus Crusade or Fellowship of Christian Athletes, just a small group of students and one teacher with the same Savior.  

I don't really remember much about the group, who was in it, or the materials we studied.  But I do remember one acronym I learned there, that I still use almost daily even today - nearly 40 years later.   It was a little reminder of how to pray, and I'd like to share it with you.   

A - Adoration (Praise) 

C

T 

S

Our society today seems to think it is very self sufficient and powerful.  And it's partly true.  We have the power of the Internet at our fingertips on smart phones everywhere we go (apparently including the stall next to me in the airport restroom, but I digress).  We have new cars that not only have GPS and back up cameras, but some that parallel park themselves.  We have more cable shopping channels than we do real stores it seems.  Some millionaire athletes and movie stars giving focus to many good cases while others serve as really bad examples.  Many are living longer and better, and most anything seems within our power.   

But that's wrong. (Please forgive my use of a word that has quickly become unacceptable in our politically correct world).  We don't have it all together, and we aren't in control.  God made the heavens and the earth.  He gave His only son Jesus to die for sinners like me who had no other hope for salvation.  He is more awesome than we can even imagine, and He loves us.  And He wants a relationship with each one of us.  Wow.  

When I talk to Him, I try to start the conversation recognizing His perfection.  His beauty.  His kindness. His love.  His majesty.  Praising Him just for who He is.  

Although I'm more of a hymn junky, there's a praise song that expresses my adoration of my Lord better than I can. Kari Jobe wrote the Revelation Song.  Some of the lyrics are below. Read them slowly, and reverently.  Hear the melody in your head if you know it. Or pull it up on line, and play it with your eyes closed, and I think you'll feel yourself to be in God's holy presence (I have the Guy Penrod version with me all the time on my phone and iPad).  And if that's not a great way to start prayer, I don't know what is.   

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings! 
You are my everything, 
And I will adore You…! 

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King, 

Filled with wonder, 
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery

And the best part, is I know God adores you and me too.   

Tuesday 

In this manner, therefore, pray: ... forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.    (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬ NKJV)

Psalm 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.  (King David's prayer after becoming aware if his sin with Bathsheba.)

A - Adoration 

C - Confession

T

S

It's a lot harder for me to get excited about confession than it is praise and adoration.    I don't like being imperfect, and I really don't like letting someone else know my failings (although there are many and they are obvious).  Being Baptist forever I've tried the "forgive me for all my sins" method of quickly lumping all I've done into a short six word phrase so I can quickly move on.  I rationalize that God already knows everything so it's not necessary for me to waste my, I mean God's, time going into boring and embarrassing detail...  But after talking with a Catholic friend, I've had an ephiany.   God does know everything I've done wrong.  Every sin of commission, and omission.  When I did it, why I did it, what was in my heart when I did it.  The confession my friend makes to the priest, is not for the priest.  The confession I make when I pray is not for God.  My confession is for me.  Just as David needed to be explicitly aware of his sin with Bathsheba, I need to face specific failings in my life, so I can acknowledge each one and commit to doing my best to improve.  To accept the forgiveness for each foul sin and the love of a merciful God. 

And each day, there are things I need to confess.  I was irritated at my wife for something she can't help.  I wasted time being lazy when there are things I needed to do and would have been blessed if I had.  I procrastinated on some important things, and will be unhappy later when I need to catch up.  I could go on, and on, but I won't.  Not here with you, but tonight before I go to sleep, I hope to spend some time with my Lord.  I'll start out praising Him, and then face my failings in His non-judgemental presence.  Totally honest. Unafraid of His reaction. 

And then, like King David, I will receive His blessed cleaning and forgiveness:

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Wednesday

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving...

A - Adoration 

C - Confession 

T - Thanksgiving 

S

What are you thankful for?  I'm thankful for so many things. 

Some are just little things, like a parking place in a crowded parking lot.  An order of really hot French fries at lunch.  The intense little pug who greats me when I come home from work and licks my ears.  The "needs gas" light not coming on when it's raining.  

Some I see as little things, but in reality, they aren't.  Enough (too much?) food.  A bed to sleep on.  A home with a roof to keep the rain out.  Transportation.  A smart phone and satellite tv.  Freedom.   

Some I know are really big things.  Good friends who care about me.  Tracy's improved health.  A good job with benefits like health insurance ($98,000 hospital bills can be a bit unsettling!).  A modest 19 year old daughter with good grades and a great head on her shoulders. A good church. 

Some are almost humanly unbelievable.  A Virgin birth.  Jesus' sinless life.  His death for me.  His plan for Heaven.  

And as I look through lists like this one, it reminds me of the need to be aware and thankful.  To tell God thank you for big things and small.  To take nothing for granted.  

Join me today in seeking to be aware of things around us and offering up a word or two of thanks.   Don't try and save them up for bed time, or tomorrow's quiet time, or Sunday.  You don't have to close your eyes and bow your head to talk to God, or go to a specific place. He's everywhere, and loves to spend time with you.  Just be aware, and remember where the blessing comes from.  And simply say thank you. 

Thursday

In this manner, therefore, pray: ... Give us this day our daily bread. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬ NKJV)

A - Adoration 

C - Confession 

T - Thanksgiving 

S - Supplication 

Here, I am using supplication to mean "plead humbly".  Originally, I thought supplication was a $5 work for "ask" that fit the acronym.  And while I still think "ask" is a fair interpretation, as I grow older, to "plead humbly" more correctly describes how I think God wants us to ask Him for things.  Maybe it's because the things I want now are not typically immediately addressed.  Sure, there are the wants I experience like a child at Christmas (new car, motorcycle accessories, bigger garage, long vacation, etc.), but I am learning those are not the things that bring long term happiness.  And honestly, those are not needs... Didn't God already promise to meet our needs?

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ AMP)

(Now, I have on more than one occasion learned that what I thought I needed, was not really a need, but that's another topic for another day). 

Things like cars and vacations are honestly not things I can go before God and plead for at this point in my life and be humble.  But there are things my soul longs for that are worth repeatedly and humbly pleading for before God.  

I want my son make good decisions and become fully responsible for himself.  I want my daughter to work hard in college and learn how to translate her passions into a career that allows her to care for herself and enjoy her life.  I want Tracy to overcome the challenges she has faced in the recent years - to continue to improve her health and live a long, happy, and healthy life with me.  I want to be part of a vibrant and loving church again where I want to go, and where I can serve my Lord and His people.  And I'll keep asking for those.  My pleadings may evolve, and some things will certainly be added over the years to come, but these are things I truly want, things that I believe can honor God.  And as I think on theses things, I'm reminded of a verse I first heard years ago while I was still in school:

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. (‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ NASB)

Today, I hope you will join me in delighting in the Lord and pleading humbly with Him for things you truly want.  For if we are truly delighting in Him, our desires will be within His will, and granting those desires will be His blessing to us.  Trust Him to provide the things you desire in your heart in His own perfect time and way.   

Friday

For some reason, I've wrestled with the topic of prayer for a long time.  Even before accepting this assignment, and even more since.  For several weeks, I've tried to think of a way to wrap up this series in some way that you might remember and find a blessing in.  And all that has come to me is a series of words.  But maybe that is the summary.  

Resistance - I know I need to pray. I feel better when I pray.  God wants me to spend time with Him.  But I too often exhibit resistance.  

Persistence - but His pull continues. I may try to ignore it.  I may pretend I'm too busy.  Believe I have nothing significant to say to God, but He continues to whisper in my ear.  Unrelenting.  

Consistency - I try to think of what is it He wants?   He has a whole world out there, and I'm a small and insignificant piece.  And I'm pretty blessed already.  Things aren't too bad.  But He continues to pull, until at some point I realize my

Dependence - I really am small and insignificant.  I can do so very little on my own.  And so little of what I can do alone is good, pure, helpful to others. I'm selfish and lazy, and I need someone a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot wiser to lean on.  And I learn

Repentance -  as I am humbled.  Alone in the dark corner or my life, my head bowed, i join the tax collector in a simple prayer...

 ...the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' (‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬ NKJV)

And His love envelops me.  And I pray today, that His love will cover you today; and hold you close.  

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Walter, I think this will work for you. Fonts looked funny for some reason, but I figure Beth will make it look pretty. Please feel free to edit as you see fit, and thanks again for letting me be involved in this ministry. Jim...

2014.03.25. Easter devotions. Luke 19:28-44. Triumphal Entry

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Monday. 

Moses' Water Entry

Exodus 2:

1 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman,  2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.  3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.  4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.  5 Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it.  6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. 

This week as we prepare for Easter, we think of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  But there are actually many other illustrations in the Bible of God's people including great kings, beautiful queens, laymen, and children making unusual entries per God's plan.  Let's start the week with a small child.  

He probably would not have wanted to be born there.  It was dangerous, and if he was born safely and healthy, he was supposed to be drowned.  The Egyptian rulers didn't want him, but God did.  It was a lousy way for the one who would later deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians to arrive on the scene.  And talk about a parent's faith - I would never have been able to put Haley (I didn't have a three month old son, so bear with me) into a basket and set her afloat to enter the Pharaoh's palace grounds and an unknown future.  I would have foolishly thought I could protect her.  And I would very likely have lost her, and God would have used another plan.  But Moses parents had more faith than I do - and they set their boy free to serve their God.  And the entire world was impacted by Moses and his actions.  It was an auspicious beginning and God would do many amazing things through a man grown from a three month old boy in a basket.  

By all reasonable expectations at the time of his birth, Moses would have died an infant, but God had other plans.  His seemingly unwanted entrance to the world stage was a meager hand made basket floating on the Nile.  Seems to demonstrate that things don't always come out as planned.  Join me today looking for a small unexpected thing that God can use greatly in my (your) life, so He can use us to further His plans. 

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Tuesday. 

Sometimes, you have to be prepared to enter.  

Esther 5:

1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.   2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.  3 Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."

One of the things I've told my wife often is that to me, she is the queen of everything (making my daughter the princess of quite a lot). And in the extreme patriarchal society Esther lived in, even the queen was very subject to the whims of her husband the king.  To enter his presence uninvited could result in immediate punishment and even death.  God wanted her to intervene for her people, and she did - in her own way.  In our scripture today, we see some of her preparation.  She dressed up special for her king.  And even before this, she got her friends and family praying for her.  And when it was time, her approach was very well received.  (If you aren't familiar with the story of Esther, you should read it. A great example of how we hold each other accountable in God's will to accomplish great things.)

Preparation is not usually fun.  Ask anyone studying for a test.  I'm sure Moses' parents were not enjoying the basket preparation to send their son away.  I believe Esther was scared for her very life when she realized what she must do.  In both our stories so far this week, the results that God brought started by obedient preparation.  My challenge today, and you're welcome to join me, is to be still listen for God to tell me what to do, and then to obediently prepare for Him to use me.  

 

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Wednesday. 

Lazarus Triumphal Exit

John 11
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"   44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

When I first started on this assignment and I thought about the phrase "triumphal entry", several life events crossed my mind.  Births, graduations, weddings and funerals were the ones that I think apply most.  The cry of a newborn baby announces arrival to all those gladly assembled.  Graduations and weddings include all kinds of pomp and circumstance.  Funerals though, don't typically feel very celebratory.  Long lines of mostly big black cars escorted by police motorcycles and running through red lights - and how sad it is to be in the family limo.  The 21 gun salute, and Amazing Grace on the bag pipes is so surreal that you can't even cry. But Jesus even saw a way to turn a funeral into a celebration.  As one who had all power on heaven and earth given to Him by His Father, he just called Lazarus back.  If that's not a triumph of immense proportions, I don't know what is.  

Today, I want to be consciously thankful and celebrate that Jesus called me out of my death to sin years ago.  Like Lazarus, I couldn't do a thing to help myself escape the sins that bound me, and I had nothing to offer in the deal - but He loved me.  He really loved me, paid my price and made it possible for me to live life on earth in triumph knowing the glorious entry into heaven that awaits me.  And I wonder, what is He calling me to come forth and do right now?

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Thursday. 

Entering with the Dancing King

 
I Chronicles 15:

25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed–Edom, with rejoicing.   26 Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.   27 Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod.   28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams' horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps. 29 As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating... She despised him in her heart.  

My first memory of a parade was sitting nearly frozen on my big brothers shoulders watching high school bands and floats make their way down Locust Street in front of Miller's Department Store in Knoxville, Tennessee waiting to see Santa Claus.  My most recent parade memory was a pre-Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans about a month ago.  They had little in common.  I don't think either of these could have compared with the celebration when the ark of the covenant entered Jerusalem.  I can't imagine seeing the king in the midst of a parade in fancy clothes and dancing out of pure joy and happiness.  Main street must have been lined with people several deep cheering and laughing.  Smiling and greeting each other.  I can almost hear the music as all of Israel joined in the songs and celebration.  

Or almost all.  In this case, the scripture tells us David's wife wasn't too happy with him over this.  I'm not sure why - Was he wearing his good clothes and getting them dirty?  Was he out there away from his security detail and putting his safety at risk?  Did she think her husband was too old or mature to let his hair down and run around in an ephod?  Was he singing off key or dancing poorly and embarrassing her?

We'll never know, but I think there is a lesson in here for us today.  Even in the midst of great joy and celebration, you still can't please everyone.  My challenge today is to seek to hear the music and feel the celebration.  To let myself go, like King David did, and really feel the joy that only God can bring.  And to realize, I can't make everyone happy and let that go.  

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Friday

Jesus' Triumphal Entry. 

Luke 19

35 They brought  it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt (that had never been ridden) and put Jesus on it.    36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.  37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 

    38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"  40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.

Jesus entry to the world we live in was through a manger, and His entry was celebrated by the death of many male infants - Like Moses' was.  His parents had to listen closely to God for instructions on how to protect and raise Jesus, and then follow those instructions.  

Jesus mom probably wasn't the most well liked girl in her town.  She was pregnant, and she said it wasn't her fiancé's baby.  She had to trust God and prepare for her own journey to the cross.  And as time played out on the eternal stage, she had to make her entrances and execute the role God had for her much like Esther did.  

As a man, Jesus called us all to come forth.  To a new life of freedom and love - to know and serve Him.  We were as bound up with our sin as Lazarus was in his grave clothes.  And while Lazarus was certain to die again, we are called into eternal life.  

And now, as we see Jesus in our scripture today take His own journey to Jerusalem, for the last time, we see how much he resembles David.  He's entering as King - and His disciples begin to cheer and the crowds add their voices.  But just like David, not all are pleased with His entry - or with Him at all.  And as this great celebration resounds in the streets - the clock is set in motion.  I can only imagine the turmoil he felt as the crowds ebbed and flowed around Him.  Yet He was prepared, and empowered by His father.  He knew his apparent triumphal entry was moving us all one step closer to eternity.  

Today I want to quietly reflect on all the celebrations around me.  I want to enjoy them with a happy heart and do all I can to honor my God.  And I want to be constantly aware that there are always undertones playing out in every crowd - I will try  to be sensitive to others who may not see the joy and trying to see others through Jesus eyes, as he saw us as he entered Jerusalem. .  

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Good evening Walter, Here are my devotions. As always, feel free to edit as you see fit, and thank you for letting me participate. I am always blessed when I do this. Stay warm! Jim...

2014.03.02. Devotions. Questions About The Future.

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Questions about the future.
Monday.

In our lesson this week, Jesus is asked about the future and what would happen and when. I think that everyone has these questions. Even Adam and Eve.

Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Everything was literally perfect for the young couple. But despite that, I'm sure they wondered about the things ahead. Would there be other people? What are children? Why do apples look so nice?

In 1914, Herbert and Alice were also a young couple.  That year saw the first scheduled airline flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa on January first.  The first stone of the Lincoln memorial was put in place, and Babe Ruth made his baseball debut.  And WW1 began. And as they held hands and wondered what the future would bring, they didn't know that in three years they would have a son named John. They didn't know Alice would die young, and Herbert would marry Thelma and have two more children. They couldn't guess that during WW2 John would serve in Pearl Harbor after the Japanese bombing in 1941. But. God did. Herbert and Thelma were very active in their church. John survived his military duty. Herbert died in 1963 and Thelma survived him by 30 years honoring Herbert's memory and serving her Lord while ministering to family and friends. 

Join me today in thinking back about those long gone on who loved and trusted God. And think about the continuity of wonder about the future.   

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Tuesday.

Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

Improbabilities.  I can't imagine anyone involved in this story really expected the walls to fall down, especially those inside. But as unlikely as it was, Joshua led the people, and they followed His direction and God delivered.  Sometimes, just doing what's right even when you aren't sure is all God wants of us.  

In 1940, John and Myrtle had yet to meet. Nylon hose had just been invented and were the market rage. Americans were earning more and buying more as the Great Depresion was finally beginning to ease.  They didn't know how the war would impact the country girl from West Virginia or the city boy from Tennessee. Their meeting in DC. The two sons and four grandchildren; the alcoholism that would follow John much of his life; her Parkinson's and his dementia.  Or the 50+ years or marriage!  Who could have known two people from such different backgrounds would meet, and build a life together.  Only God. 

Today I marvel at the the confluence of improbable events that God uses as time plays out across the universe we live in. 

 

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Wednesday.  

Luke 15:11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.

Whose shoes feel more comfortable to you?  The prodigal son, or his father?   Who had more questions of what the future would hold?  Who was more confident. Even arrogant?  And who was standing, day after day, not knowing when, or if, but praying God would bring his son home.  Questions about the future?  Anyone facing the first real move to adulthood of leaving home has them. 

The year was 1980. Ronald Reagan was elected president and John Lennon was murdered. Herbert's grandson was a young man who had been married for two years and was nearing the end of his college journey. Little did Jim realize that despite his planning, knowledge, and preparation, he was merely rolling the dice of life for the first time. He loved his Tennessee friends and family, and the Great Smoky Mountains. He was already a deacon in his church and sang in a band. Church softball twice a week and choir practice on Wednesday.  Life was good.  

A good job and new, wonderful friends were waiting for him. He never expected to live in Texas. Or São Paulo, Brasil. Or Florida. Or Indiana. He didn't realize what wonderful things he would see and do or the great experiences that were ahead. Things like flights in private business jets and vacations in places like the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the jungles of Manaus, and the snowy slopes of Breckinridge were in his future, but beyond his imagination.  Our young college graduate to be didn't think much about things like divorce. He never thought about how lonely it can be in a city with millions of people. The challenges of raising children, a mortgage and unemployment, finding new friends or having loved ones die, or dealing with deadly diseases were far away, but still there below the horizon. 

Pray with me today for those of any age who are still seeking their own place in today's world.  It can be cold and lonely out there, and we don't know what the future holds.  And even I'd we know the One who holds the future, we all need someone who loves us looking out for us, and praying for us.  

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Thursday

2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

David was one of the most successful kings to ever live.  At the time of this verse, who would have thought that he would become an adulterer and a murderer?  Other tragedies were ahead. His daughter raped, and his son hung.  As he looked upon the young lady bathing, he didn't expect that kind of a future, as he was much more accustomed to success.  But we must all learn that each of our actions changes things.  And David was a man who repented and is called a man after God's own heart.  

It was 1995 when OJ Simpson was found not guilty, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame first opened its doors.  Jim and Tracy first looked down of the little girl named Haley.  They prayed for her to be healthy and to have a wonderfully full and blessed life. They worried if they could raise a daughter and how she would grow.  They didn't know the joys or challenges ahead, or the temptations they all would face to do less than their best for God. They didn't expect the sprains, strains, and breaks Haley's gymnastics career would provide.  They had no idea that leukemia would strike the family, or that what sounded like a bad movie - necrotizing fasciitis - would result in five surgeries in one week. They didn't appreciate the blessings they would know and come to take for granted.  But they knew their God was the answer.  And they prayed, and ponderd the questions in their hearts, as they sought to follow Him.  

Join me today in doing all we can to avoid temptations by doing the things we should and seeking to continually know God better, so we can be found worthy to be called His own.  

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Friday

Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

As the apostle John wrote these words, he was wondering what the world would come to.  He saw sin and hate around him, and a struggling church seeking to know and follow the Savior. But he couldn't describe the vision he saw.  He tried to put it into words and help us understand, but today, I sit alone in my "man room" and wonder the same things.  

Now we live in 2014, and, like John, we find a world full of division and sin.  Wars and rumors of wars abound. Russia raising its militant head again. Americans more focused on differences and feelings than principle and truth.  The world much smaller, but its tenants more divided.  

Jim and Tracy have come a long way from the time Herbert and Alice knew.  And yet, many similarities remain.  We are getting older. Can we care for our family as we want to?  What will happen to Nick and Haley in the years to come?  What will happen to our country, and the world as the years pass?  Will the leukemia stay in remission so Tracy can truly live and enjoy the remaining years?   Can Jim retire at some point and spend more time with Tracy?  After retirement, what will we do?  How can we continue to serve our Lord? Where will we live?   Who will be our friends?   

Whether it was the people talking to Jesus, the apostle John and the biblical characters, or people just like us, we all wonder. What's ahead?  What will happen?  When will we be with Jesus, and what will that be like?   And the answer, in Jim's paraphrase remains essentially the same.  Follow me, and believe.  

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