Now we're cookin'

Saw Julia and Julie last night w the Mrs. Fun movie. Foodie, blogger, and living in NYC. Merry Christmas to all in cyber space.

God interrupting

There is a saying in Yiddish, 'Man plans, God laughs" I had it all planned this AM, an intense devotional to set the tone for the day. Then as I was finishing my bagel and ready to commence my quiet time, a colleague stopped by to chat. I could have asked him to come back later, but as we spoke and as it went on, it was just a wonderful God moment. I respect this colleague much as he is a few years ahead of me professionally and spiritually. We chatted about our respective ministry and lives and prayed. What a wonderful time. It really interrupted my near OCD of sticking to a routine and not straying. Now, if this happens several times a day, I won't get anything "done" but we all need God to remind us that the mission is the people. So my prayer this AM is to keep modeling, the best I can, Jesus to everyone I come in contact with but even more for co-laborers in the Harvest.

My Utmost for His Highest today is 'whatever you do, do all to the glory of God —1 Corinthians 10:31.

The Company You Keep

Malachi 3:16Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. 17"They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Do your friends keep you on the straight and narrow or do they let you go astray. If they don't help you cling to God, what shall you do? Prune? Thus sayeth the Lord.

Simply Saved

If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life —Romans 5:10

Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace upon me and you, who believe, and live lives worthy of the calling that we have been given. This message is given freely to those who acknowledge their sinfulness and need for reconciliation with God. No, not perfect people, no, not unblemished lives, only because of God's gift of his son at the cross can we even think, let alone mention, our great God's name.

Stewardship

Luke 12:48 But the one who did not know his master’s will 1 and did things worthy of punishment 2 will receive a light beating. 3 From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, 4 and from the one who has been entrusted with much, 5 even more will be asked. 6

Did the bubble pop? I just went to the wedding of a friend and it was opulent, extravagant and probably over the top. I am so happy for the couple. They are smart, warm, and have an embrace life attitude. But the event probably would put alot of people to shame. Alot of $$ and time went into the planning and execution of the wedding. But then I thought about it, as a % of wealth, it probably was less than what people with ordinary means would spend. How does your faith guide you in how you consume and spend? Not just $$, mind you, how do you spend your time, do you build relationships or "consume" people?

Way of the World

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. When you wake up do you like what you see? When I turn on the news, there is alot of unease. There is brokenness. This is the world we have. If it was all there was, it would be a bleak world. A world of sickness, corruption, and injustice. Against all these things is a wonderful knowledge that our Creator, who wants and has provided victory against all these things through His Son, Jesus. Then I say, 'thank you'.

Construction Business

There has been a joke running around China that the national bird is the Crane because of all the construction that is taking place. This note is not about China or cranes but about letting God use us to build up His Kingdom. Last evening, an elder of our church shared his testimony on his love for NYC. A love not driven by $, influence, or other trappings of the city. Instead, he and his family has denied themselves of a less expensive lifestyle by staying in the city and being a part of the city. He cited 1 Chronicles where David and Israel embark on building the Temple - the house of God. With the Gospel as the foundation of our lives, we will give up ourselves to live it out.

1 Chronicles 22:1: Then David said, "The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.: