Luke 2:10-12
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
John 8:12
12 Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”
Merry Christmas to all!
Being from Florida you would think that having a Christmas Eve service outside would be perfect, but trust me it was cold. As the sun was setting it was amazing to hear the carols and watch the stars paint the sky as if it were a majestic masterpiece.
Before service started we were given candles. As we lit the candles though we found it a challenge to keep them lit as the light breeze found those unlikely candidates to snuff out the candles.
So as I am listening to the pastor in the 50 degree brisk Florida sky I thought, is this what it was like when Christ was born? Was the sky as brilliant as the Florida sky before me? Was it this cold as the breeze was biting through? So many questions kept going through my head.
So as I am still listening to the pastor, my attention shifted back to the candle. Wait a second, on this day a single light has come! His name is Jesus. He came in such a humble way, born in a barn, a mess all around with smells certainly not fit for a king. But being a young couple you make do with what you have.
As I thought about this single candle now lit in my hand bringing warmth and light, how much of an impact does my one candle have? I scanned around to see several hundred people, some with their candles lit, others with theirs not and yet others struggling to light and keep their candles lit.
Then I thought about John 8. Could it be a single light that cannot be extinguished be born on a night like tonight, in the cold and darkness? Yes a Savior which is Christ the Lord!
As Christ came He has ignited hundreds, thousands and even millions over generations. But as our candles are lit we always find that little breeze trying to snuff out our light and drag us back into the cold darkness. Some of us find another flickering flame to reignite us. Some find themselves as being the flickering light that lights others. Then there are those who allow the winds of this world to blow out our flames.
As we reflect on Christmas may I say......a Savior is born and He is the Light of the world!
So I ask, what condition is your candle? Are you that burning flame? Maybe you are the one who needs to be relit or have allowed the cares of this world to wipe out your flame. Regardless your condition, there is a light that can fire you up! He was born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord! He is the Light of the world!
CAL
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Three Wisemen
December 22, 2013
Proverbs 17:17
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
As I woke up this morning I could not help but think about some of my friends. Moreover I had to thank God about the Three Wisemen God had so strategically added to my life.
I know you may be thinking that this is a little peculiar of a post to share for Christmas, as I did, but as I gave it a little more thought I found it is most appropriate when you look at the bigger picture. The three men I am about to mention are men who may not know I am talking about them and may not even realize the impact they have had on my life. Please understand these are men who have been beside me through thick and thin, seen me in my worst as well as my best and have been added in those times of need at the right time. They are men who did not undermine the role of my parents but have enhanced my life in a different facet of my journey.
As I sat back trying to remember how I met these three wisemen I had a hard time remembering how they were brought into my life. But as God reminded me I realize over time that their entrance into my life was God ordained.
Let me introduce you to the Three Wisemen.
“The Wiseman From the North:”
During my college years at Ohio State no one impacted my life more than Jerry and Melanie Emrich. Jerry was a kind and compassionate man who loved God, his family and helping others.
As a 21 year old college student you start to wise up, after thinking you have all the answers. You then have an epiphany and realize that not only are there other people out there that know more than you but understand how to love you in a way that not even you can understand how to love yourself.
Jerry and Melanie had a passion for youth and young adults. They actually dedicated their time to create a place for teens and collage students to get together on the weekends to just have something to do and build relationships.
As I watched Jerry and Melanie’s love for God I found it challenging me in ways that I could not imagine. From the times we would open the Klub, to the times we would join them for a bible study in their home I knew God was moving. Jerry would not start anything though without prayer and was always followed up by music.
In 1998 the unexpected happened. I was just recently married and living in the Chicago area when I got the call from one of my best friends. It was about Jerry. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after not feeling good and being rushed to the hospital. A short time later he passed away.
The feeling I had was like the air being let out of a balloon. “God how could this happen? What is going on?”
Now almost 15 years later I know God’s goodness lives on through his children and grandchildren. I see the foundation that he laid in his son and two daughters and see the blessings God had in store touching the lives Jerry had touched and must say that he was a wise man.
Every once and a while I will go searching through my file cabinet for something. As luck has it I will come across the picture I have of Jerry and Melanie and thank God for the impact they had on my life.
“The Wiseman From the West:”
When you start a new church as a young couple with four little children, you look for others you can gravitate toward that you will jell with. Sometimes you look for people of your same age bracket and other times you look for someone who can mentor you and enrich your life. This was the Wiseman from the West.
David was not always from Texas. In fact he was from the western suburbs of Chicago and after I moved to Florida he and his wife at the time set off to Texas.
David always intrigued me for so many reasons. He is a father and patriarch to a large family. He has had his share of ups and downs and as a result has grown closer to God. As I have watched my friend over the past almost 13 years I have seen a man who has walked with God unwavered.
About five years ago when things took a dive for me in my marriage and career, he was there covering me and walking me through those times. At the onset when I met Dave I never thought that one of the only couples I had hung out with would now become a vital life line in a time of adversity.
He has been there through the thick and thin and has given me advice that very few had the insight to do. He has heard my tears, my frustration and my joys. He has known when to speak and has known when to be silent.
One of the things I remember the most, and will never forget is when Dave and his wife came over to my house and made an impact on my children. It was Valentines Day and was the birthday of my oldest son as well as his own birthday. After my son had opened up all of his gifts, he gave thought to what he had and wanted to do. After a few minutes my son decided that he needed to share his gifts with Dave seeing that it was his birthday as well, and gave him a bear he received for his birthday.
Now as almost a decade and a half have passed, I know that Dave and I will remain friends. It is that love for God and continuous passion for seeking God in all matters. It is that iron sharpening iron.
“The Wiseman From the South:”
Southern boys are so much different then we northern boys. They have life experiences that are far different and more colorful than you can image. The Wiseman from the South is not only a colorful character but a man of many stories.
About eight years ago when I met Phil I never thought that we would have the long standing relationship we have today. When I tried to think about how we met, I almost forgot and had to wrack my brain.
I was November of 2006 and I had just lost my job. After being in Florida for just short of two years and having to take care of my family I had to think quickly in order to recover and get back on my feet. My church was in the process of building a new facility and wanted me to be on the board. As I went to the first meeting I was introduced to a team of architects which included Phil.
Phil and I became very good friends as we entered into a strong working relationship. He had asked me to come and work with him as I had my business to do the drawings for the church. Later he decided to hire me on when he saw my business struggling and latter I closed the doors of my business.
As time went on Phil and Karen had gotten to know my family and I and took a great liking to what was going on. He had taken a great interest and has become an inspiration to the person I am today.
When my wife left me taking my four children, Phil was there. He had seen me when I was homeless, unemployed, destitute and hurting. He had seen me in my trials, successes and failures. He had given me a place to stay when I had no place to go, fed me when I was hungry and talked to me when I was lonely.
During my recovery process through all the pain, Phil and Karen stood by my side. They had encouraged me to write and loved to listen to the stories and things I had to say. It became helpful seeing the encouragement of a professional architect and English major.
After the passing of his wife Karen almost a year ago I have seen him struggle. I know the loss requires me to step up as a friend and cover him in prayer and be there for him in his times of need as he had been there for me.
Looking at these Three Wisemen I will say that the impact that they have had in my life is something that can never be replaced, bought or earned. These are three men I will say that they are immeasurable and could not be replaced.
As I look to the future God has set before me, I pray that He continues that good work in me and allows me to have the attributes these men have portrayed. May He, one day, use me to impact others in the same fashion they have in my life.
Just as the Three Wisemen came to Christ’s birth, it was those men had a future impact on the life of our Savior. As Christmas is but a few days away, I encourage you to think about the Three Wisemen in your life. Maybe it is the one who had the heart of gold from the North who gave his life impacting yours and being a light to the world. Then again it may be the Wiseman from the West who has been like Frankincense bringing healing through the pain. Or like the Wiseman from the South, like Myrrh, seeing death beset your life and breathing life and hope back into your situation.
Regardless the journey, regardless the pain; remember those close to you and more over the Savior who has committed to stick closer to you than a brother. He came to give you life and give it more abundantly. – John 10:10
CAL
Proverbs 17:17
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
As I woke up this morning I could not help but think about some of my friends. Moreover I had to thank God about the Three Wisemen God had so strategically added to my life.
I know you may be thinking that this is a little peculiar of a post to share for Christmas, as I did, but as I gave it a little more thought I found it is most appropriate when you look at the bigger picture. The three men I am about to mention are men who may not know I am talking about them and may not even realize the impact they have had on my life. Please understand these are men who have been beside me through thick and thin, seen me in my worst as well as my best and have been added in those times of need at the right time. They are men who did not undermine the role of my parents but have enhanced my life in a different facet of my journey.
As I sat back trying to remember how I met these three wisemen I had a hard time remembering how they were brought into my life. But as God reminded me I realize over time that their entrance into my life was God ordained.
Let me introduce you to the Three Wisemen.
“The Wiseman From the North:”
During my college years at Ohio State no one impacted my life more than Jerry and Melanie Emrich. Jerry was a kind and compassionate man who loved God, his family and helping others.
As a 21 year old college student you start to wise up, after thinking you have all the answers. You then have an epiphany and realize that not only are there other people out there that know more than you but understand how to love you in a way that not even you can understand how to love yourself.
Jerry and Melanie had a passion for youth and young adults. They actually dedicated their time to create a place for teens and collage students to get together on the weekends to just have something to do and build relationships.
As I watched Jerry and Melanie’s love for God I found it challenging me in ways that I could not imagine. From the times we would open the Klub, to the times we would join them for a bible study in their home I knew God was moving. Jerry would not start anything though without prayer and was always followed up by music.
In 1998 the unexpected happened. I was just recently married and living in the Chicago area when I got the call from one of my best friends. It was about Jerry. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after not feeling good and being rushed to the hospital. A short time later he passed away.
The feeling I had was like the air being let out of a balloon. “God how could this happen? What is going on?”
Now almost 15 years later I know God’s goodness lives on through his children and grandchildren. I see the foundation that he laid in his son and two daughters and see the blessings God had in store touching the lives Jerry had touched and must say that he was a wise man.
Every once and a while I will go searching through my file cabinet for something. As luck has it I will come across the picture I have of Jerry and Melanie and thank God for the impact they had on my life.
“The Wiseman From the West:”
When you start a new church as a young couple with four little children, you look for others you can gravitate toward that you will jell with. Sometimes you look for people of your same age bracket and other times you look for someone who can mentor you and enrich your life. This was the Wiseman from the West.
David was not always from Texas. In fact he was from the western suburbs of Chicago and after I moved to Florida he and his wife at the time set off to Texas.
David always intrigued me for so many reasons. He is a father and patriarch to a large family. He has had his share of ups and downs and as a result has grown closer to God. As I have watched my friend over the past almost 13 years I have seen a man who has walked with God unwavered.
About five years ago when things took a dive for me in my marriage and career, he was there covering me and walking me through those times. At the onset when I met Dave I never thought that one of the only couples I had hung out with would now become a vital life line in a time of adversity.
He has been there through the thick and thin and has given me advice that very few had the insight to do. He has heard my tears, my frustration and my joys. He has known when to speak and has known when to be silent.
One of the things I remember the most, and will never forget is when Dave and his wife came over to my house and made an impact on my children. It was Valentines Day and was the birthday of my oldest son as well as his own birthday. After my son had opened up all of his gifts, he gave thought to what he had and wanted to do. After a few minutes my son decided that he needed to share his gifts with Dave seeing that it was his birthday as well, and gave him a bear he received for his birthday.
Now as almost a decade and a half have passed, I know that Dave and I will remain friends. It is that love for God and continuous passion for seeking God in all matters. It is that iron sharpening iron.
“The Wiseman From the South:”
Southern boys are so much different then we northern boys. They have life experiences that are far different and more colorful than you can image. The Wiseman from the South is not only a colorful character but a man of many stories.
About eight years ago when I met Phil I never thought that we would have the long standing relationship we have today. When I tried to think about how we met, I almost forgot and had to wrack my brain.
I was November of 2006 and I had just lost my job. After being in Florida for just short of two years and having to take care of my family I had to think quickly in order to recover and get back on my feet. My church was in the process of building a new facility and wanted me to be on the board. As I went to the first meeting I was introduced to a team of architects which included Phil.
Phil and I became very good friends as we entered into a strong working relationship. He had asked me to come and work with him as I had my business to do the drawings for the church. Later he decided to hire me on when he saw my business struggling and latter I closed the doors of my business.
As time went on Phil and Karen had gotten to know my family and I and took a great liking to what was going on. He had taken a great interest and has become an inspiration to the person I am today.
When my wife left me taking my four children, Phil was there. He had seen me when I was homeless, unemployed, destitute and hurting. He had seen me in my trials, successes and failures. He had given me a place to stay when I had no place to go, fed me when I was hungry and talked to me when I was lonely.
During my recovery process through all the pain, Phil and Karen stood by my side. They had encouraged me to write and loved to listen to the stories and things I had to say. It became helpful seeing the encouragement of a professional architect and English major.
After the passing of his wife Karen almost a year ago I have seen him struggle. I know the loss requires me to step up as a friend and cover him in prayer and be there for him in his times of need as he had been there for me.
Looking at these Three Wisemen I will say that the impact that they have had in my life is something that can never be replaced, bought or earned. These are three men I will say that they are immeasurable and could not be replaced.
As I look to the future God has set before me, I pray that He continues that good work in me and allows me to have the attributes these men have portrayed. May He, one day, use me to impact others in the same fashion they have in my life.
Just as the Three Wisemen came to Christ’s birth, it was those men had a future impact on the life of our Savior. As Christmas is but a few days away, I encourage you to think about the Three Wisemen in your life. Maybe it is the one who had the heart of gold from the North who gave his life impacting yours and being a light to the world. Then again it may be the Wiseman from the West who has been like Frankincense bringing healing through the pain. Or like the Wiseman from the South, like Myrrh, seeing death beset your life and breathing life and hope back into your situation.
Regardless the journey, regardless the pain; remember those close to you and more over the Savior who has committed to stick closer to you than a brother. He came to give you life and give it more abundantly. – John 10:10
CAL
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Sitting
on the Precipice-
Exodus 24:1,
2
24 Then He
said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy of
the leaders of Israel and worship from far away. 2 But Moses alone may come
near the Lord. The others should not come near and should not come up with
him.”
As a child I loved to play King of the
Mountain. The best times to do so was when my dad ended up getting a fresh
truck load of dirt dropped off, the aftermath of a snow storm or a house under
construction. Having many brothers though finds itself to be problematic. Not
only do you find yourself to fall off the mount but also maybe the ground
shifts under you or you find yourself sinking.
Trying to get to the precipice of a hill can
be scary. Maybe it can be a lot of hard work. As a result many decide not to
climb the mountain because of their fear or as a result that it may cost you something.
Years ago I drove out to Colorado for the
wedding of one of my brothers with my wife and new daughter. We decided to rent
a vehicle for a little more comfort. We decided to drive up to Pike’s Peak as
an extracurricular activity.
Pike’s Peak protrudes more than two miles
above sea level and is more majestic than one’s imagination. What I did not
realize about Pike’s Peak though until I started journeying up was how
terrifying the drive can be. The trip does not seem all too bad at the start,
but do not be deceived. With a van load of members of my family I realized that
their lives were in my hands. As I journeyed further I then realized that the
road became narrower and in addition guard rails were obsolete. I was a little
more curious about this and stressed as I realized that any slight
miscalculation could cause me and six other people their lives.
Further up the mountain I understood why there are no guard rails up the mountain. Seeing that as you get about two thirds the distance up (maybe less dependent upon the time of year) you can find yourself in a snow storm in short order and the snow is measured in feet not inches. As a result it is too difficult for a snow plow to navigate with the requirement of guardrails as snow removal may require a little more latitude.
As I was driving up I saw all of the beauty
below me and all of the terror ahead of me. The question struck me, “Do I proceed on not knowing the future and
what may lie ahead or do I allow my fear to overcome me, turn around and always
wonder what it would be like on the top of the mountain? Did I miss out on
something God had to show me?”
In Exodus God calls Moses up twice to Mount
Sinai. The first time He did, the people of Israel were not allowed to even go
near the mountain as they would surely die. The second time was when God invited
Moses and a team to meet with Him but asked Moses to come further on his own
for that intimate time with God.
I could only imagine what I would have
thought if I were there. What is going on? What is God teaching or showing
Moses? Can I too have that intimate time with Him as well?
God desires to have that time with us. He
desires for us to make it to the top of the mountain and sit and eat with Him
so he can share with us things that would blow our mind (Isaiah 64). We decide if we are
going up that mountain, if the journey is worth it and what distractions may
make us turn back.
What is holding you back or distracting you?
Is it the cell phone and text messages that never seem to end? Maybe it is the
social media site that becomes a distraction with someone’s new post, comment
or picture. Maybe it is just the busyness of life with the activities of the
kids or the work that never seems to get done or the house that seems upside
down if I don’t get to it now.
God is calling each one of us. He wants us to
sit at the precipice and see some things that will blow our mind! Are you ready
to see the King of the Mountain?
CAL
10/15/13
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Plans-
Jeremiah
29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I
will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all
your heart.
Plans are a very important part of life.
Without a plan or course of action the costs could be much more than expected
and may take you off course in the direction you plan to go.
Planning is necessary in business, life and
simply just the daily decisions we make. As I say frequently “If you fail to
plan you have just planned to fail.” But what happens in those times that God
asks you to move in a direction without plans, without a course of action or
even without the guarantee that things will work out? I guess I can say I know
this all too well.
Here it is as a 23 year old adult thinking I
have it all together and finding the woman I felt God meant for me. At of 25 I found
myself blessed with the start of a family and not just my first child but my
only daughter to be first when the odds where against me in a dominant family
of males. God blessed me with a great job and what looked as a great life. The
plans were great.
After I have my fourth child I felt what
could be better? I have a great marriage, good job and great children and
looking to watch God’s goodness continue. Then the plans changed! Just nine
years ago I know that God called me and my family to Central Florida from the
comforts of the north, family and all other things I was used to, but why? I
still ask that same question today. Was I moving in faith or foolishness? In
just nine years I lost everything; job, home, income, marriage, family and so
on.
As I went up north to celebrate my parent’s
50th Anniversary I was plagued with the thought “Does God have a
plan for me? Have I not heard His voice? Will my children make the mark God has
for them?” As I was pondering all of this it weighed heavy on me that not only
would I be blessed with a marriage that can reach 50 years. In fact none of my
plans, no matter how good they look on paper may ever come true. What’s more I
am guaranteed the plans for a hope and a future, but not necessarily a
guarantee that it may ever happen in my life time. What a sobering reality!
After wrestling with the reality of life I
had to come full circle with the past and the direction of the present and the
future. We put a false hope in OUR plans as we cannot control the outcome of
anything. We can only have a desire of direction, a drive, a desire for the
best.
It is only God who can make our plans a
reality. This is why Jeremiah says “You will find God when you seek Him with
all your heart.” Better explained, “Once you have made a plan for your life,
submit it to God as you WILL find the best direction He has for your life.”
You cannot plant a straight line when you are
looking backwards. Nor can you avoid obstacles if you are always looking down.
So keep moving forward. Keep looking up. Keep seeking the Father’s approval to
your plans. When you do you will find those promises God has in store both now
and for generations to come.
CAL
10/07/13
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