Eye Surgery
Hebrews 12:2- "Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
After having almost 30 years of wearing glasses and contacts I never knew technology would come to the point of fixing someone's blind eyes. At the age of 34 I went in to have LASIK surgery done.
Growing up I hated wearing glasses as it made me insecure as here I was with a handicap relying on a pair of glasses to allow me to see. I heard the comments and dealt with having to 'put on' something to see.
Upon getting surgery I found I was able to see immediately. What I did not realize, until talking to the doctor, I was the most extreme case he ever did. My eyesight before surgery was 680/20 with a number 4 stigmatism (5 is the most extreme). After surgery my eyesight improved to better than 20/20 with a stigmatism of less than 1.
Our walk in life is like being blind with an extreme case. When we become a Christian we rely on what I would call 'spiritual glasses.'
We find ourselves waking up to sin only to put on our glasses to see more clearly, but God has something better for us. God wants to give us 'spiritual LASIK' so we can see through His eyes.
As I was sitting in a support class, Hebrews 12:2 was mentioned. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. The reality is only through Jesus can our eyes be restored to see from God's perspective. When we can do that we can avoid the pitfalls of sin.
If though we water down our faith by occasionally going to church or reading the Bible on occasion we are doing nothing better than putting on spiritual glasses. Just like wearing glasses and going to play physical sports, it is likely that those spiritual glasses get knocked off or worse yet become broken when we are hit or knocked down. (Broken-turning your back on your faith/ Knocked off-failing to sin and struggling to forgive yourself to the point of getting back up).
God desires to give us Spiritual LASIK so that when the hard times and hits and times of being knocked down we can quickly bounce back without the distraction of not being able to see again. When we fix our eyes on Jesus it is like fixing our eyes on the prize.
John 10:10 Christ says I came to give you life and do so in abundance. How can we expect that if we are not fixing our eyes on Him in order to see?
Turn your eyes on Him! You will never know how much you have missed until you have allowed God's LASIK to happen to you. You will see in a different light and avoid the hits of sin and when the trials come see the prize set out for you; Jesus finishing your faith like a priceless piece of furniture.
CAL
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Mi Tiamo
Titus 2:1-5
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Sometimes you don't realize the impact someone has on your life until they are gone.
As I sit here on the eve of the fifth year of the passing of one of the greatest women I ever knew I think about the impact and things I have learned from her life and how she loved with an unconditional heart. As my former wife and I awoke to that dreaded call at 3:00AM that Nona did not have much time left to live a flood of both memories and emotions hit.
Here was a woman who lived life up to almost exactly 100 and a half years to the day, gone. It was a difficult time as there were many unanswered questions.
Prior to moving to Florida, Nona lived with us full time for three years and part time for the five years prior. I never had a grandmother so having her in my home was an experience I would not trade for the world.
Here was a woman who through her pain would pray for everyone through her part time English part time Italian speech. Oh the stories she would tell but better yet the example she would live.
I would eat it up as she and I would sit at the kitchen table for three or four hours talking about God and life. Looking back she may not had understood all I was saying, but all she spoke without saying one word spoke volumes. She believed in honoring the man of the home as the leader and emulated it in a way I had never seen.
Grace, she was full of it. I remember when she would see her grand daughter and I get in arguments she would say "Christo forgive Anna regardless. Make peace with her for it is not good for your health." Then there were the times people would treat her like dirt, which would make me very upset, and she would just sit there, show grace and hold her tongue.
The thing I remember the most about Nona was her passion for God. Even though she did not understand having a relationship with Him all her life she loved Jesus none the less.
I remember talking to her many times about heaven (Paradisio to her). I would ask "Nona are you going to go to Paradisio when you die?" Her response was always the same, "I don't know if I am good enough."
With that response it was difficult to leave her and go to Florida as we felt we were called. Her grand daughter was so stressed about the salvation of her grandmother and the only comfort I could bring was that God would do something miraculous in that relationship.
Upon her 100th birthday we found out from a family member that something happened while she had a stint in the hospital. During the visit with that family member they mentioned that Nona had a visitation from Jesus all in Italian. As Nona laid in that bed she entered into a relationship with Christ that only God could do.
Prior to her passing 5 years ago she told Ann that she was going to heaven as she walked with Jesus.
Yes the older are to teach the younger about temperance, patience and even life, but it it takes a special person who is willing to live like Christ.
Nona, Mi Tiamo (I love you). Thank you for being there.
Christo
Titus 2:1-5
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Sometimes you don't realize the impact someone has on your life until they are gone.
As I sit here on the eve of the fifth year of the passing of one of the greatest women I ever knew I think about the impact and things I have learned from her life and how she loved with an unconditional heart. As my former wife and I awoke to that dreaded call at 3:00AM that Nona did not have much time left to live a flood of both memories and emotions hit.
Here was a woman who lived life up to almost exactly 100 and a half years to the day, gone. It was a difficult time as there were many unanswered questions.
Prior to moving to Florida, Nona lived with us full time for three years and part time for the five years prior. I never had a grandmother so having her in my home was an experience I would not trade for the world.
Here was a woman who through her pain would pray for everyone through her part time English part time Italian speech. Oh the stories she would tell but better yet the example she would live.
I would eat it up as she and I would sit at the kitchen table for three or four hours talking about God and life. Looking back she may not had understood all I was saying, but all she spoke without saying one word spoke volumes. She believed in honoring the man of the home as the leader and emulated it in a way I had never seen.
Grace, she was full of it. I remember when she would see her grand daughter and I get in arguments she would say "Christo forgive Anna regardless. Make peace with her for it is not good for your health." Then there were the times people would treat her like dirt, which would make me very upset, and she would just sit there, show grace and hold her tongue.
The thing I remember the most about Nona was her passion for God. Even though she did not understand having a relationship with Him all her life she loved Jesus none the less.
I remember talking to her many times about heaven (Paradisio to her). I would ask "Nona are you going to go to Paradisio when you die?" Her response was always the same, "I don't know if I am good enough."
With that response it was difficult to leave her and go to Florida as we felt we were called. Her grand daughter was so stressed about the salvation of her grandmother and the only comfort I could bring was that God would do something miraculous in that relationship.
Upon her 100th birthday we found out from a family member that something happened while she had a stint in the hospital. During the visit with that family member they mentioned that Nona had a visitation from Jesus all in Italian. As Nona laid in that bed she entered into a relationship with Christ that only God could do.
Prior to her passing 5 years ago she told Ann that she was going to heaven as she walked with Jesus.
Yes the older are to teach the younger about temperance, patience and even life, but it it takes a special person who is willing to live like Christ.
Nona, Mi Tiamo (I love you). Thank you for being there.
Christo
Friday, January 20, 2012
Trusting God in All Circumstances
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
When times are good it is very easy to trust God. Unfortunately we forget to thank Him and worse yet forget to trust Him in those times as we go with the flow of letting the good times roll.
When the hard times come we run to God yet have a hard time trusting that God has our best interests in mind.
As I started the journey of the darkest time of my life, I found trusting God was a scary place to be and not even know how to do so. As I talked to one of my close friends he mentioned the best place to start was in worship.
Looking back at it today, all I can say is he was right. As we talked extensive hours of God's best in my life I realize that this friend was put at the heart of my life for this very time. Why, because God had my best interests in mind.
Granted we do not talk as much as we did at that time I have found two things that happened. The first is when I talk to my friend my gratitude is continued to him as well as our relationship is as strong as can be; he is a great man of God. The second, and most important, is my conversations with God have become more frequent and in fact more deliberate (even though 3:30AM comes rather fast).
Trusting God has nothing, as I found out, to do with getting what we want. The truth is it is all about submission. Am I willing to submit my ways, my thoughts, my actions and my day to God not knowing what is in store?
As I was driving into work this morning the song "Blessed be Your Name" came on. I have heard the song and have even sung it multitudes of times at church on the worship team, but I have never heard the rendition from Anthony Evans before. Maybe I would had heard the commonly played worship song, but it jumped out as I heard a jazz or gospel version of the song to only remind me of God's goodness.
As the song goes:
"Blessed be Your name
In a land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow.
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in a desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be Your name"
Maybe your in that desert, but are you at the point of saying "blessed be Your name?" Trust me it is a hard place to be.
You may be at the place where you are so angry at God for bringing you to the desert place, but you need to get to the place of saying as the old hymn goes "Though none go with me, still I will follow."
God is there. He is the thirst quencher for your soul. He is the light to your path. He is your shelter when the enemy is breathing down your neck. He is the I Am.
He is GOD (Guiding Our Direction). Praise Him and He will breath the life into you to carry on in the hard times and be your sustainer.
CAL
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
When times are good it is very easy to trust God. Unfortunately we forget to thank Him and worse yet forget to trust Him in those times as we go with the flow of letting the good times roll.
When the hard times come we run to God yet have a hard time trusting that God has our best interests in mind.
As I started the journey of the darkest time of my life, I found trusting God was a scary place to be and not even know how to do so. As I talked to one of my close friends he mentioned the best place to start was in worship.
Looking back at it today, all I can say is he was right. As we talked extensive hours of God's best in my life I realize that this friend was put at the heart of my life for this very time. Why, because God had my best interests in mind.
Granted we do not talk as much as we did at that time I have found two things that happened. The first is when I talk to my friend my gratitude is continued to him as well as our relationship is as strong as can be; he is a great man of God. The second, and most important, is my conversations with God have become more frequent and in fact more deliberate (even though 3:30AM comes rather fast).
Trusting God has nothing, as I found out, to do with getting what we want. The truth is it is all about submission. Am I willing to submit my ways, my thoughts, my actions and my day to God not knowing what is in store?
As I was driving into work this morning the song "Blessed be Your Name" came on. I have heard the song and have even sung it multitudes of times at church on the worship team, but I have never heard the rendition from Anthony Evans before. Maybe I would had heard the commonly played worship song, but it jumped out as I heard a jazz or gospel version of the song to only remind me of God's goodness.
As the song goes:
"Blessed be Your name
In a land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow.
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in a desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be Your name"
Maybe your in that desert, but are you at the point of saying "blessed be Your name?" Trust me it is a hard place to be.
You may be at the place where you are so angry at God for bringing you to the desert place, but you need to get to the place of saying as the old hymn goes "Though none go with me, still I will follow."
God is there. He is the thirst quencher for your soul. He is the light to your path. He is your shelter when the enemy is breathing down your neck. He is the I Am.
He is GOD (Guiding Our Direction). Praise Him and He will breath the life into you to carry on in the hard times and be your sustainer.
CAL
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Last Days
Seeing that we are in the last days of 2011 I could not resist bringing up a topic which was probably the most resounding I had heard all year. I have heard it from friends, family and even radio personalities. I saying is "I cannot wait for the rapture."
I sit back and lament about this, those who have said it and even the reason for why it has been said. The truth is it is one thing I am very cautious to say because I must check my motives for what I say. If it does not fall in check with godly intent it will not fall from my lips. Trust me this does not mean I am super spiritual nor does it mean I do not say some foolish or insensitive things without thinking. It only goes to show that if I know the conscience intent of something I must weigh out the motive of what and why I am saying it.
Prime example, here are just a sample of some of the reasons for what I have heard just this year for Christ's return or the rapture/last days. The other day I had the radio on and the man speaking stated "I wish the rapture would happen already as I am tired of this nonsense with the election already." The quotes have gone from everything from wanting the rapture and the last days because of the loss of a family member, bad economy, loss of a job, tired of the circumstances of life and so much more.
Honestly if any of these things were my motivation for the rapture I am sorry to say but it is wrong. Truth be known, 2011 has been by far one of the worst years of my life as I look at it today. The reality is will I be able to say that ten years from now after God has opened my eyes just a little more on the situation and where He has brought me?
I love how Psalm 118:24 puts it; "This us the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
If we focus our attention on the discomfort of the state we are currently in our desire for Christ's true return has been deflected from bring God glory to that of our own selfish gain. This should not be!
So as the year comes to a close let me remind you the reason for Christ's coming. This is what is reassuring when we are reeling in pain of our journey.
" A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (Message)
Seeing that the reason for Christ's coming is founded on that of having a more, better and eternal life should be the energy needed to enter tomorrow or even next year with the excitement of what God had in store for you. The truth is Christ's return has the exact same purpose for you in order to see God glorified through YOUR life. You are the beneficiary of a larger picture.
See it as a puzzle. Without the sum of the pieces the picture cannot be finished. If those pieces are not ready to be in place all is lost and the purpose is irrelevant.
So in turn, yes I long for Christ's return, for the last days and for the rapture, but I long greater for God's purpose to be fulfilled in my life and hear Him say "Well done!"
If you have lost hope or are worn out because of the beat down and battering ram of this past year let me leave you with a verse. The Psalmist continued in 118 with the following.
25 Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
As we enter a new year let me say that this is my prayer for you. I pray that God will send you prosperity from His house, that you will realize His blessing and in turn praise Him seeing that His mercy for you lasts forever. Do not give up hope. God has been with you every step of the way this past year and is committed to be there every step of the way next year until He returns.
Be blessed this coming year!
CAL
I sit back and lament about this, those who have said it and even the reason for why it has been said. The truth is it is one thing I am very cautious to say because I must check my motives for what I say. If it does not fall in check with godly intent it will not fall from my lips. Trust me this does not mean I am super spiritual nor does it mean I do not say some foolish or insensitive things without thinking. It only goes to show that if I know the conscience intent of something I must weigh out the motive of what and why I am saying it.
Prime example, here are just a sample of some of the reasons for what I have heard just this year for Christ's return or the rapture/last days. The other day I had the radio on and the man speaking stated "I wish the rapture would happen already as I am tired of this nonsense with the election already." The quotes have gone from everything from wanting the rapture and the last days because of the loss of a family member, bad economy, loss of a job, tired of the circumstances of life and so much more.
Honestly if any of these things were my motivation for the rapture I am sorry to say but it is wrong. Truth be known, 2011 has been by far one of the worst years of my life as I look at it today. The reality is will I be able to say that ten years from now after God has opened my eyes just a little more on the situation and where He has brought me?
I love how Psalm 118:24 puts it; "This us the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
If we focus our attention on the discomfort of the state we are currently in our desire for Christ's true return has been deflected from bring God glory to that of our own selfish gain. This should not be!
So as the year comes to a close let me remind you the reason for Christ's coming. This is what is reassuring when we are reeling in pain of our journey.
" A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (Message)
Seeing that the reason for Christ's coming is founded on that of having a more, better and eternal life should be the energy needed to enter tomorrow or even next year with the excitement of what God had in store for you. The truth is Christ's return has the exact same purpose for you in order to see God glorified through YOUR life. You are the beneficiary of a larger picture.
See it as a puzzle. Without the sum of the pieces the picture cannot be finished. If those pieces are not ready to be in place all is lost and the purpose is irrelevant.
So in turn, yes I long for Christ's return, for the last days and for the rapture, but I long greater for God's purpose to be fulfilled in my life and hear Him say "Well done!"
If you have lost hope or are worn out because of the beat down and battering ram of this past year let me leave you with a verse. The Psalmist continued in 118 with the following.
25 Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
As we enter a new year let me say that this is my prayer for you. I pray that God will send you prosperity from His house, that you will realize His blessing and in turn praise Him seeing that His mercy for you lasts forever. Do not give up hope. God has been with you every step of the way this past year and is committed to be there every step of the way next year until He returns.
Be blessed this coming year!
CAL
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Finding Baby Jesus
Just yesterday as I was driving to work I was reminded of a memory that brought tears to my eyes and that endless sigh to my soul. As I listened to the radio, the DJ said something about baby Jesus. I don't know what it was, but I found myself reaching back to Christmas past.
I had not thought much about it in years due to the separation and divorce that ravaged my family, but here I was crying over a good memory of the past and honestly it hurt. When the kids were very little, and it still brings tears to my eyes, my wife and I would talk to the children about baby Jesus coming for Christmas. As Ann and I talked about it we decided to make things more real and interactive for the kids. In doing so we decided to find a baby doll, wrap him in a cloth diaper and put him in a little basket with hay in it Christmas Eve after the kids went to bed.
For a week before Christmas the kids would talk non-stop about being so excited about finding baby Jesus under the tree. When people would ask our kids what they wanted for Christmas all they would say was "I'm excited because baby Jesus is coming." They would talk to each other about holding him, kissing him and not being able to wait to see him.
As Christmas Eve came Ann and I would scurry to make sure baby Jesus was put in the basket leading us to the 2:00 AM search and destroy missions to make sure he was there. The most rewarding thing was seeing the reaction of the kids. Here is Christmas Day and our children were so enamored with baby Jesus that their gifts were almost meaningless and even argued who would be first to hold the baby. For the next couple hours and even in to the next several days the kids guarded and took care of baby Jesus until we had to put him away for the next year.
As Christmas is just around the corner the question remains are you looking for Jesus with full anticipation or are you sitting on the sidelines? If you are looking for Jesus are you seeking Him putting all other things aside looking forward to spending hours with Him?
Jeremiah 33:3 reads, "Call on me and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not yet know." Some interpretations say "things that will blow your mind!"
God is looking for a people who has a heart, hunger and desire for Him. He is looking for someone who cannot wait to see what He alone has for their life.
Reflecting on those fond memories with my family are things I cannot forget. I cannot forget the passion and conversations and even opportunities of talking about Jesus with my kids and seeing the excitement they had for God's gift, Jesus even above the gifts they were given.
John 3:16-
"For God so loved the world (YOU) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
This Christmas accept God's greatest gift for you; Jesus. Wait with excitement and anticipation on Him as a child. Reflect on God's goodness and if it is hard to see that, call on Him and He will show you things that will blow your mind!
Merry Christmas!
CAL
I had not thought much about it in years due to the separation and divorce that ravaged my family, but here I was crying over a good memory of the past and honestly it hurt. When the kids were very little, and it still brings tears to my eyes, my wife and I would talk to the children about baby Jesus coming for Christmas. As Ann and I talked about it we decided to make things more real and interactive for the kids. In doing so we decided to find a baby doll, wrap him in a cloth diaper and put him in a little basket with hay in it Christmas Eve after the kids went to bed.
For a week before Christmas the kids would talk non-stop about being so excited about finding baby Jesus under the tree. When people would ask our kids what they wanted for Christmas all they would say was "I'm excited because baby Jesus is coming." They would talk to each other about holding him, kissing him and not being able to wait to see him.
As Christmas Eve came Ann and I would scurry to make sure baby Jesus was put in the basket leading us to the 2:00 AM search and destroy missions to make sure he was there. The most rewarding thing was seeing the reaction of the kids. Here is Christmas Day and our children were so enamored with baby Jesus that their gifts were almost meaningless and even argued who would be first to hold the baby. For the next couple hours and even in to the next several days the kids guarded and took care of baby Jesus until we had to put him away for the next year.
As Christmas is just around the corner the question remains are you looking for Jesus with full anticipation or are you sitting on the sidelines? If you are looking for Jesus are you seeking Him putting all other things aside looking forward to spending hours with Him?
Jeremiah 33:3 reads, "Call on me and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not yet know." Some interpretations say "things that will blow your mind!"
God is looking for a people who has a heart, hunger and desire for Him. He is looking for someone who cannot wait to see what He alone has for their life.
Reflecting on those fond memories with my family are things I cannot forget. I cannot forget the passion and conversations and even opportunities of talking about Jesus with my kids and seeing the excitement they had for God's gift, Jesus even above the gifts they were given.
John 3:16-
"For God so loved the world (YOU) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
This Christmas accept God's greatest gift for you; Jesus. Wait with excitement and anticipation on Him as a child. Reflect on God's goodness and if it is hard to see that, call on Him and He will show you things that will blow your mind!
Merry Christmas!
CAL
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Prodigal's Father
This Blog is prefaced due the possiblity that the content may be misinterpreted. As some may think that the story of the Prodigal Son protains only to the relationship between God and the sinnful Christian. I ask that you read on and look a little deeper at this story. This blog is not written as a Christian allegory or theological rhetoric rather from the heart of a father and the personal experiences I have lived. This may help to give a little different perspective of the heart of God and the humanity of the God we serve as we are made in His likeness.
As I have been going down an amazingly, incredibly, difficult journey over the past couple years and even more intensely over the past few months, God keeps talking to me about the story of the Prodigal Son, but not from the son's position rather from the Father's position.
As I have been going down an amazingly, incredibly, difficult journey over the past couple years and even more intensely over the past few months, God keeps talking to me about the story of the Prodigal Son, but not from the son's position rather from the Father's position.
The story starts in Luke 15-
The Story of the Lost Son
11-12Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'
12-16"So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
17-20"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.
20-21"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
22-24"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
25-27"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.'
28-30"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!'
31-32"His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'"
As I have sat and pondered the scope of this story I realized a couple things that happened with the father. Being a father and knowing what it is like to be married, love deep and being divorced this story hits me very hard. You see the father let his son go allowing himself to take on the rejection. He didn't try to reason, beg or plead with his son. Instead he found that he was willing to release his son whether it was for rebellion, defiance, hatred, bitterness or selfishness. Christ does not tell us what the reason for the son leaving other than he just left.
As you read on the father never gave up hope on his son. Instead he proceeded in preparation for his return. I know that the father anguished over his son's decision because he understood the pain his son would be experiencing as well as the pain and problems his sin would entail.
With the way the father responded to his son it is evident that he thought exhaustively about his son. He may have many nights where he tossed and turned praying to God for his return. Maybe he even thought about going out to look for him. What did he do though? He waited for his son's return. When it happened his return was more amazing than one could imagine. In fact the father described it as if his son where dead; he was lost and now found.
Going through divorce and in some ways having a loved one die this feeling can be very well share. Maybe your spouse walked out the door telling you that they wanted what is rightfully theirs. Maybe you are the surviving spouse who the night before their passing ended up in a fight only to find that they are now gone.
Regardless the position the heart is still the same; as longing for your loss. There is a deep desire to right a wrong or a struggle to have avoided the outcome.
Again look at the Prodigal Son's father. He was at a loss. He never gave up on his son. Instead he longed for that reunion again one day and prepared for that time.
I implore you, as I must do as well in my loss, not to give up hope. Do not allow this loss to trap you into the unknown loosing sight of both God's goodness and one of His most important names; "I Am."
Understand I say what I do through the more than 5 losses to me this year. I know too well the pain, the sorrow, the sleepless nights and yes even those times of "God do you hear me and understand my broken heart?"
The only way I can make it, is by knowing that He is my hope and strength. No matter how grime your situation God's plans are still true and planned before your existence. This includes the restoration in brokenness, loss, pain, rejection and yes even divorce and death.
Understand that healing and restoration do not happen over night but over time.
To those struggling with death, rest assured that God has not forgotten you. It is in your pain that God's glory shines through you and a hope on the other side of this life is there.
For those who struggle with the loss through divorce, there is hope. Prepare for what God has in store as it will blow your mind with what He will do. Never give up on your spouse or family as they are now in God's hands and you are called to love and forgive through the process.
For those whose child has rejected them, get ready for their return. Someone who knows Godly standards cannot run far for God's hand. As God's Word says "He will turn the hearts of the father back to their children." Likewise God can and will turn the hearts of the children back to their father. A child always desires the approval and blessing of their father regardless.
Stand strong in preparation of His restoration and the eventual return of the one who is gone. God will make all things new again and in doing so much better than you can prepare.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Being Nancy Drew
A couple weeks ago (I know my daughter won't be happy with me telling this story) I ended up sending some gifts to my daughter and her mother for their birthdays. In the process I used shredded paper from my diamond cut paper shredder. I needed to pack the items with something as the contents were fragile.
I had received two text messages. The first was to tell me that even with my precautions the content was received broken. The next one had to do with a question from my daughter asking why I used shredded paper from the shredder. As I asked what her concern was, she revealed that she had taken scraps of the paper and put it together finding her name and my son's name on an email to my wife from a few years ago.
My first thought was I was amazed at her persistence to put the paper together. I did not know there was any such thing in the packing, but as I assured her regardless the act was unintentional and was not meant for harm, but protection.
As I pondered further about this God showed me this is the way we are. He has an amazing gift wrapped up for us and we ignore the content because our Nancy Drew side comes out during the hard times.
We look at the fragments of our journey trying to piece it all together to see what God is doing and why we are going through what we are doing. We totally negate the plans, goals and promises within the box only for the goal to find out why. Why am I going through this? We see a fragment of our name going down this dark road and assume that there is only bad ahead and God's intent is leading us down a dark road. We find it more important to make sense of the journey rather than hold fast to the promise.
It is like we must know in order to out maneuver God's path and goodness for us. What we are really say though is "God I don't trust you promises and good that are the best for my life." We are not willing to submit our will to God fully and hold onto His promises thinking there has to be a better way.
The book of Exodus should show us otherwise. God allowed two men; Caleb and Joshua the opportunity to reveal God's truth for the Children of Israel. In turn the people where so frightened they wanted to kill the messengers and do their own thing not trusting for God's best even though they had seen God come through time and again. As a result 45 years past and an entire generation was wiped out. Do you ever think what would had happened is they resolved to hold to God's promise regardless how impossible or difficult it seemed.
Forward if you would to Christ in the Garden of Gathsemine. Christ asked God the Father to let the cup pass from Him if possible. He was asking is there another way because I know this is difficult. God did not change the plans and Christ held onto the promise which resulted in your freedom from sin.
I now look as a father to my daughter. She sees the path she is on is hard and looks at the fragments saying I see this and that and what I think is going to happen can only be bad. All I can say though is what is in the box? Do you trust me? Do you see the gift I have for you?
It is too easy to loose track of the blessings and promises especially when things have been so dark. We need to resolve to hold on to His promises regardless how dark the path.
Here are a few promises to hold onto. First in Jeremiah 1:7-12 God tells Jeremiah that He knows the plans for Jeremiah and not to diminish who he is. Later in Jeremiah 29 God reminds him again I know the plans I have for you. This still holds true to you.
If this is not enough flip to Psalm 23. When one of my friends challenged me to study and hold fast to that verse I found out something new. God does not say He will deliver us from the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Instead He would lead us into it and allow us to enjoy a feast in the presence of our enemies. When I thought about it I thought how stressful it would be to eat dinner in the same dining room as one who would want to cause me great harm or even death?
When I looked at the verse a little more God asks "Do you trust me?" The reality is when we know He is in control He puts up a shield to protect us so we can enjoy His promise regardless how dark the situation.
CAL
I had received two text messages. The first was to tell me that even with my precautions the content was received broken. The next one had to do with a question from my daughter asking why I used shredded paper from the shredder. As I asked what her concern was, she revealed that she had taken scraps of the paper and put it together finding her name and my son's name on an email to my wife from a few years ago.
My first thought was I was amazed at her persistence to put the paper together. I did not know there was any such thing in the packing, but as I assured her regardless the act was unintentional and was not meant for harm, but protection.
As I pondered further about this God showed me this is the way we are. He has an amazing gift wrapped up for us and we ignore the content because our Nancy Drew side comes out during the hard times.
We look at the fragments of our journey trying to piece it all together to see what God is doing and why we are going through what we are doing. We totally negate the plans, goals and promises within the box only for the goal to find out why. Why am I going through this? We see a fragment of our name going down this dark road and assume that there is only bad ahead and God's intent is leading us down a dark road. We find it more important to make sense of the journey rather than hold fast to the promise.
It is like we must know in order to out maneuver God's path and goodness for us. What we are really say though is "God I don't trust you promises and good that are the best for my life." We are not willing to submit our will to God fully and hold onto His promises thinking there has to be a better way.
The book of Exodus should show us otherwise. God allowed two men; Caleb and Joshua the opportunity to reveal God's truth for the Children of Israel. In turn the people where so frightened they wanted to kill the messengers and do their own thing not trusting for God's best even though they had seen God come through time and again. As a result 45 years past and an entire generation was wiped out. Do you ever think what would had happened is they resolved to hold to God's promise regardless how impossible or difficult it seemed.
Forward if you would to Christ in the Garden of Gathsemine. Christ asked God the Father to let the cup pass from Him if possible. He was asking is there another way because I know this is difficult. God did not change the plans and Christ held onto the promise which resulted in your freedom from sin.
I now look as a father to my daughter. She sees the path she is on is hard and looks at the fragments saying I see this and that and what I think is going to happen can only be bad. All I can say though is what is in the box? Do you trust me? Do you see the gift I have for you?
It is too easy to loose track of the blessings and promises especially when things have been so dark. We need to resolve to hold on to His promises regardless how dark the path.
Here are a few promises to hold onto. First in Jeremiah 1:7-12 God tells Jeremiah that He knows the plans for Jeremiah and not to diminish who he is. Later in Jeremiah 29 God reminds him again I know the plans I have for you. This still holds true to you.
If this is not enough flip to Psalm 23. When one of my friends challenged me to study and hold fast to that verse I found out something new. God does not say He will deliver us from the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Instead He would lead us into it and allow us to enjoy a feast in the presence of our enemies. When I thought about it I thought how stressful it would be to eat dinner in the same dining room as one who would want to cause me great harm or even death?
When I looked at the verse a little more God asks "Do you trust me?" The reality is when we know He is in control He puts up a shield to protect us so we can enjoy His promise regardless how dark the situation.
CAL
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