Purpose

This blog of devotionals started out as a Monday to Friday activity related to what I do at Redeemer. I'd like to add some musings each day, including Saturday. One of my new year's goals (not resolutions) is to take a Sabbath (on Sunday) from email, the Internet, and other things that would take time from rest. I know not everyone has that benefit or mindset. Some run hard, really hard and it is not an option to take one day off. Though, if the Lord God could take 1 day off after 6 days of activity and declare 'It is good, very good'. Then who are we to think we can do more than His example. So, Saturday has been a day of errands and work on the p.c. Some friends are coming over later to experience our succulent braised short ribs with carrots, flavored by shallots, lots of garlic, along with a sweet baby spinach salad with pear, cranraisins, carmelized walnuts, and avocado. Oh, and breaking out a 2001 Merlot from Napa. Call me and we will get you on the guest list. But you have to come with bottles in hand. We are stocking up for the summer socials already. God Bless and Love you all. Please ping me or chastise me if u see me emailing or on facebook on Sunday. Help me to honor the Sabbath too. See u on Monday.

Close Calls

Timing. We all have close calls. Moments where we avert a potential bad situation. A split second makes a difference. So I left the office late last night after judging not-for-profit finalists as part of the Entrepreneurship Initiative's business plan competition. The presentations inspired and encouraged me but now we had to think about selecting a winner. One presentation moved me emotionally but judges aren't supposed to cry right? Lately, I have more pensive and sober and that remained true as I drove. As I merged onto a parkway, I saw a few cars ahead that with their hazard lights on the right lane and they appeared to have stopped. I figured something was wrong. But it was dark and hard to see ---- then a tire appeared right in front of the car and I quickly swerved left to avoid it. Then as I passed by, I saw a car flipped on its top and several people running to get to the overturned car. Timing. or is it more?

Psalm 84:9 Look upon our shield, O'God; look with favor on your anointed one.

It is all Relative

How are you feeling? Did you see the speech? You know, the speech? Yes, but as inspiring as words are, it is still alot of bad news out there. Millions losing their homes, millions looking for jobs that are not there, millions crossing into the poverty line, millions seeking help at charities and food pantries. People are hurting in our city, our country, and throughout the world. Wait a minute! Are we really hurting and without a safety net? Even if you have to cut back spending or rely on government assistance, is your lot not better than the 2 billion who live on less than $2 a day? Is your lot not better than those who suffer injustice and persecution for their faith, and are repressed by their governments or social system? Think about how blessed you are and how things are economically bad but not tragic. In hard times, we may look to a higher calling and purpose. Lift your head. Your Lord God is there.

James 5:13-15 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray...Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him...the Lord will raise him up.

Full of Yourself

There is a saying, "It's hard to be humble when you know how great you are." How can any of us living in a big city not grapple with the spirit of narcissism? Madison Avenue (advertising) tells us we ought to feel this way and operate this way. It is part of the marketplace make-up. When you meet someone new or someone you know casually, 'it's all good'. When is the last time you tried to impress someone with being dour, somber, or vulnerable? Great first and last date right? Who in the marketplace will buy anything from a salesperson who does not exude confidence and ego? Who wants to be with people who aren't "happy" and "better" than them? What is the right perspective then? How shall we be different as believers and live our lives according to the Gospel in this fast paced, highly caffeinated broken world? How about acting less like a sophisticated urban yuppie and more like a tax collector.

Luke 18:13"But when the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

Separate the Chaffe

The Season of Lent begins tomorrow. The period of time leading up to Easter (this year it is 46 days). How should we prepare our hearts for the season? Alot of people try to "give up" something or some things for the season. Please do take time now to consider shedding a practice that takes away from your relationship with God. Some may see this as a good time to exercise self-control and shed a personality trait (e.g., sarcasm, negativity, coarse joking, etc.) or an outward practice (e.g., sweets, salty snacks, coffee, soda, etc.). The idea is that we can start the process to possibly letting God cleanse us of a practice that may hinder our relationship with God. Now, some may say, 'what can a Kit Kat or Hershey's Kiss do to my walk with God?' and others may say, 'precisely'. It is a start.

Matthew 3:12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."