Swine Flu Phooey!

I went to the store this AM and while interacting with the clerk, noticed she was sneezing. And not sneezing into her hand. yikes. I think it was cultural to not cover her sneezes. Her english was heavily accented. or maybe she was lazy. So, my mind wandered to thoughts of 'where is my Purell hand sanitizer?' I gave it away this morning so that my kids could use it. Are you worried about the swine flu? Many people are. I saw someone with a mask while walking to work from Grand Central Station. Schools are closing down. Globalization and freedom to travel certainly has its downsides. So what is your response? curl up? isolate yourself? Stay 3 feet from every person you walk near? Not plausible in NYC or any major city.

Matthew 8:14-15 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

All the News Fit to Print

There is no escape from the headlines when news is 24/7, no reprieve from the bad news..every day. From the mundaneness of fallen politicians to the saber rattling in the mideast and Russia, what do we make of it in our daily lives? How do events in North Korea, China, Iran, Russia, or India affect us? OR what about the inequity of the lives of those only 3 miles north of Rockefeller Center?

One of my heroes, Martin Luther King Jr. once said (and I am paraphrasing) that we are all connected - so that one person's conditions will indirectly affect another's life. Paul wrote to Timothy that such uncertainty would affect believers to stray so that we are to carefully remember ---

Timothy 4:9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

So fret not, be slow to anger, and do not despair. For as believers, we have a permanent place in the heavenly kingdom where there is peace with our Heavenly Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ. We also have good news to share with others.

A Little Help

We all need a little help. Just a little, not a lot. If we ask for a lot of help, we may seem needy or weak. Such vulnerability is just unacceptable to my ego. So, I rather just splash around helplessly in the sea of life. OR, I can see how the Gospel calls us to be vulnerable, to engage other people, to invest in others, and to have others invest in us. On Monday, at the entrepreneurs fellowship group meeting, we discussed mentors and advisors, and how we can be one or need one. If you are "alone" or have not considered finding someone to assist, even temporarily, through this wonderful journey God has put you on, do actively consider this in prayer and talk to others.

Mark 4:38-39 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Rounding the Corner

Home free! Not exactly...We have been reading Bonhoeffer's life Together as part our leaders' training series this "academic" year at the Center for Faith & Work. The last chapter is on confession and communion. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another. Does that mean approaching the nearest person and do a brain dump or air out your dirty little secrets? We should and can be more discriminating. There is a sense of liberation when we take our burdens and share them. Of course, bring the issue to God first and foremost, then upon examination through prayer, seek wisdom and grace through the community of believers. Last evening, the entrepreneurs group discussed why we need mentors or advisors in our lives. It is Biblical to be invested and engaged in the lives of those who we think can help us and those who might benefit from our time. So, if you are not there yet in confession and community, time to start rounding the bases and turning that corner.

Unexpected Guest

We were about to eat dinner. The door bell rang. Hmmm, who would come by unannounced like that? Most likely a neighbor. But knowing how things work around here, I suspected it would most likely be: overly-enthusiastic religious hawkers or social service representatives. BINGO! I am batting .500 in baseball terms. I am sure you have some wonderfully effective yet gracious strategy for taking care of uninvited guests but think hard about this. Why are these people put in your daily life? No, not to inconvenience you or make you miserable. That is far too selfish. Short term interruptions or moments of meeting are rarely impactful but still, how you master and manage the "little things" and how you care for the "least of these" can reflect your overall walk in life. What would happen if Jesus came knocking at your door? Well, my guess is that he won't do so literally, but he does so daily in your hearts. Are u prepared? Do you live your life with an eye to his return at some unexpected time?

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

Tinkering or Totally New

The birds are back. The ones that chirp incessantly early in the AM before the sunrise. A harbinger of the warm weather to come. So, instead of wanting to don my elmer fudd hat and rifle, I just embrace the noise as good news - time to work on my stroke. My golf game has been in hibernation, until last year, and someone gave me a golf book for my birthday so I have been reading - tinkering or using a new grip. Often, we try to keep our core practices and add on bells or whistles or small improvements. That is easy. Hard is tearing up your old strategy or habits, like a golf grip that works for you, and spending a little more time with a new grip. More work and time to get to a better game. As is with the Gospel...the Gospel does not improve you or help you make small adjustments. It is changing everything about how you looked at life and how you carry yourself. And it is not easy and will not be short. But one day, you will stand on the green and sink in that putt and feel pretty good about the hole that you played.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

He is Risen!

John 20:9 They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.

John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary".

Each day, we remind ourselves that Jesus has risen so our sins can be forgiven. Each day we know he loves us and looks forward to seeing us upon his return. He is the only hope for the human race.

Slippery When Wet

I like that phrase for a number of reasons. Mostly, as a driving enthusiast, I heed that. Mostly. It depends on which car I drive. My Audi handles really well along curves, has power and new tires. So I have alot more confidence in its ability when it rains or snows and it is this confidence that can also lead to taking more chances. Which leads to possible problems or accidents but thus far, it hasn't. The many accidents I have seen while driving reminds me that most did not have to happen but people take foolish risks, or take things for granted. So it is with our Faith. When we are feeling "good" or "strong" in our walk, this is when we have to heed the Slippery When Wet sign. Are we operating on fumes? Are we taking on more things, putting on a brave front, immersing ourselves in busy activities as a sign of our strong faith?

1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Comprende?

Repetition. Repetition. Well, you get it - sort of. When you use a new service or product, it helps to either read the FAQ's or product manual before or while you get started. You need help otherwise, you get frustrated and give up. So, it is with the Bible and reading bits and pieces of it throughout the day or week. Do you understand it well enough to share with someone else? Did you glean enough of it to hear the Word of God and put it into practice. They say that the best way to understand it is to be able to adequately explain it to others. Can you explain what you believe and why it is relevant to everyone? Why is the Gospel relevant to you, your loved ones, friends, and your neighbors? Understand Jesus? Comprende?

Mark 7:14-15 Listen to Me, all of you, and understand.

Working Alongside

When you read this post, you will probably be at work. If so, you will have said your "hello's" to your colleagues. Colleagues fall into several categories - those we work with daily in our group, those we occassionally work with, and those who we rarely work with. We know all the strengths and weaknesses of those we spend alot of time on projects with but not so much of those who we rarely work with. They have the halo effect of perceived strengths and weaknesses. If we rarely work with someone and they are quick with a smile or wave, we probably project "positive" traits or think "nice" things of them. So without any empirical evidence, we keep those uninformed opinions. It is much harder to work with colleagues on a daily basis because we sometimes see them as obstacles or another layer to deal with on the way to finishing off our brillant project or plans. But the Bible tells us we are to love them and we have the most impact with those we are with. In fact, outside of family and preferred friends, our colleagues are the ones we can have the most Gospel impact with. You are worshipping God with the work he has called you to do even if you are contemplating something else to do.

Acts 13:2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them."

Clutter

What do you "see" when you wake up in the AM?

What is on your mind? Well, there is certainly enough on everyone's "plate". Was it some disappointing news? A close relative is out of a job or facing some personal crisis. Someone let you down? It is far too common to see people back out or trying to redfine the word commitment. How can we exist as a Christian community when we dilute the word, friend, fellowship, or covenant? How does it happen? Sometimes, a big event can cause people to stray, but mostly, it is a gradual process. They get less excited, they place higher priority on other things, and the lesson is not - I am a victim - but to work through from the beginning what our ministries ought to be and our time commitments. Sometimes, we see what cannot be done and this is because we see all that is fallen around us. May this be impressed upon you during Holy Week.

Mediate on 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Beaten not Broken

I am sorry. I have been away. Missed you all. Think you missed my musings. It is hard to blog daily or 6/7 days. I confess, I was on vacation for about a week and enjoyed it. Lots to do, but cannot ignore my followers. Running the race, fighting the good fight, and finding it all very amusing that we only realize that God has done the work. In each situation, in our lives, He has given us victory. We must just proclaim and claim it. As the Bible says, "Pray without ceasing." This is the constant dialogue I am having with God. There is alot to do before we put on our Entrepreneurship Initiative "show" on Friday and Saturday. So, all I can do it pray, push, and push with the full confidence that God is lifting and enabling me to succeed and not my own strength. So, take that to bed with you.

Philippians 2:5-7 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant.