James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
As a devotion and time in the Word of God so important in our lives, so are our fervent prayers.
Waking up this morning, my heart was entrapped yet again by the questions of God’s plans, His direction and how He is moving. As I opened up the Bible on my smart phone I was welcomed to the account of Saul and his first encounter with Samuel. The story, which can be found in 1 Samuel 7-9, opens up with Israel wanting to be just like the surrounding countries and not being satisfied with the leadership set up God had instituted which was having district judges who would keep the communities accountable to the righteousness of God. The people thought this assimilation would give them an advantage over the Philistines and ward them off from battle.
Samuel was so frustrated thinking that this was a rejection of himself and God and his position which was given to him. God had to remind him that this was not about Samuel but about an attack on God and His people. He told Samuel that if this is what the people want then they need to understand that there are consequences to their actions.
As Samuel was to go up and give sacrifice God reveals to him that a man was to come to him and it was this man who he was to anoint as king over Israel. So as Saul was looking for some donkeys of his father he comes in path of Samuel to as if he could talk to God and help him find the donkeys. Samuel anoints Saul as king yet Saul, even though he was tall and handsome and looked to have everything together, he tells Samuel that he is from the smallest tribe and does not have much to offer.
The sad thing is Saul does not finish strong even though he started in humbled beginnings. As a result of greed, disobedience and trying to force God into his plans, he lost God’s blessings both for himself and future generations within his own line and heritage.
As I sat to reflect on the leadership roles that we have, I have found yet another leader has fallen this weekend. In just the past four years I have seen many pastors and leaders being adversely effected being on the front line. Some of these pastors I have known well while others I have known of and enjoyed their teachings as they have been strongly blessed by God and have come from humble beginnings all of their own. Some have been leaders of a few while others have been leaders of thousands. Some have been caught in infidelity while others have been adversely affected by tragedies such as deaths in their families.
My heart sinks as yet another pastor and leader falls and steps down from the post of leadership. So the questions start to flow as this happens just before a large movement and gathering for God is about to happen. What is God doing? What do you do now? But the real question is “Am I praying for God’s movement and His leadership?” Am I willing to sit back in silence and prayer asking for God to move in ways we cannot even imagine?
So often we ask God to give us a leader. So often though when we get what we have asked for we forget to go to the next step. We put all of our trust in the humanity of the one at the post, but forget to pray for the one who has the bull’s eye on themselves and their families. We forget if we struggle in our marriage, our family and our health that our leaders, pastors and volunteers are twice as susceptible to these turmoils. The enemy looks to take out the family whether it is our physical family or our spiritual family. If he takes out the leader he can scatter the flock. It is military strategy that has been practiced for centuries. If you undermine the father or mother or pastor you take down the family and those under that authority.
So what do you do about it? According to James there are two steps. The first is at all ties we must make ourselves accountable to others so we may be able to confess our sins, great or small to another who can see God’s growth and refinement in our lives. Second we must always be praying for our leaders.
So how hard are you praying? Do you pray for your pastors, the leaders of your community, the teachers who are interfacing with your children on a daily basis anf those parents who you just saw dedicating their child last Sunday (which you made an oath to hold the parents up in prayer and keep them accountable for the growth of their child). Yes we may have much going on in our lives, but without the fervent prayers and accountability we cannot finish strong.
As James says, we are only human but if we are in prayer we through God are a force to be reckoned with. Keep in mind he didn’t just stop there. He states that being in prayer and accountable we are to spur on each other and not write of those who have fallen or are struggling in the faith.
Who knows, you may just be one of the ones who is in need of being rescued.
CAL
Monday, April 7, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
"Holding the Bag"
Romans 8:27-30
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our endless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us knows far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines of life for His Son. The Son stands first in line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. After God made that original decision of what His children should look like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun.”
Have you ever felt like you have gone all out in a situation only to find yourself just holding the bag? Maybe you have helped out a family member get back on their feet only to find out that they had all the intent of just using you as their safety net to get what they wanted. Others may feel that they have fought for a cause with a good intent only to find that the cause was futile.
As I reflect upon the past 5 or 6 years of my life, I was telling my fiancé this morning how much I feel as if I have been holding the bag. As I was explaining this to her I was imagining in my head the bag. Here I am sitting with this brown paper lunch bag where the milk tipped over making a hole in the bottom of the bag wet and allowing all of the contents to fall out. It was like watching a cartoon looking at the camera with that indignant look of ‘what do I do now?’
So I ask you, have you looked at the bag with its emptiness of the contents? Maybe you think that what you are still holding is useless and just garbage at the end of the day. Others, in the same boat, may look at the bag wondering if there is a silver lining there somewhere (at least the milk didn’t fall on me soiling my clothing).
As I am talking about this and thinking about what I was saying I asked the question “How does God see the paper bag?”
Let me explain what my bag looks like and the content that was inside. Over the past five years I had things like a well paying job and business, a marriage I felt was good, four beautiful and amazing children, great friends and a good church. What happened next was beyond my imagination. Maybe you can say the milk of a failing economy was the thing creating the bottom to fall out or a marriage with a spouse who was looking for the exit sign. The truth is I just don’t know what made the bottom fall out. All I know is I lost it all at one time; husband, father and business owner, gone!
After a two year battle with my former wife she decided to take the only thing that meant anything to me, my children. After 4 judges she found one who granted her the wish she was looking for without justification.
As I was talking and reflecting, all I could hear was God telling me to give Him the damaged bag. Why, what can YOU do with it? Only to hear Him say, “Let me show you.” What I saw was the remnants changed from garbage to being folded up cut here and there and transformed into a paper chain of people; MY FAMILY!
In the After’s latest song “Broken Hallelujah” the band explains that sometimes we need to bring God those broken times. It is in those times we find ourselves bringing our broken hallelujahs.
As I reflected on the devastation over the past 5 years I heard God just say, “I am emptying your hands in order for you to lift them and be filled yet again.” Sometimes we may find ourselves weighed down with the groceries of life trying to take on more and more only to realize we were never made to carry so many things endlessly. Sometimes it requires us to empty our hands in order to take on more. Other times God allows our hands to be emptied in order to realize that we have been distracted from HIS plan for us.
So when the bottom falls out, don’t look at holding the bag as worthless or garbage.
Rather look at it as Paul says to Galatia.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Galatians 6:9
Maybe your bag looks like trash, maybe it has a silver lining or maybe it is just merely empty. The reality is don’t grow weary in doing good. Raise your empty hands to God and prepare for the harvest.
CAL
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our endless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us knows far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines of life for His Son. The Son stands first in line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. After God made that original decision of what His children should look like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun.”
Have you ever felt like you have gone all out in a situation only to find yourself just holding the bag? Maybe you have helped out a family member get back on their feet only to find out that they had all the intent of just using you as their safety net to get what they wanted. Others may feel that they have fought for a cause with a good intent only to find that the cause was futile.
As I reflect upon the past 5 or 6 years of my life, I was telling my fiancé this morning how much I feel as if I have been holding the bag. As I was explaining this to her I was imagining in my head the bag. Here I am sitting with this brown paper lunch bag where the milk tipped over making a hole in the bottom of the bag wet and allowing all of the contents to fall out. It was like watching a cartoon looking at the camera with that indignant look of ‘what do I do now?’
So I ask you, have you looked at the bag with its emptiness of the contents? Maybe you think that what you are still holding is useless and just garbage at the end of the day. Others, in the same boat, may look at the bag wondering if there is a silver lining there somewhere (at least the milk didn’t fall on me soiling my clothing).
As I am talking about this and thinking about what I was saying I asked the question “How does God see the paper bag?”
Let me explain what my bag looks like and the content that was inside. Over the past five years I had things like a well paying job and business, a marriage I felt was good, four beautiful and amazing children, great friends and a good church. What happened next was beyond my imagination. Maybe you can say the milk of a failing economy was the thing creating the bottom to fall out or a marriage with a spouse who was looking for the exit sign. The truth is I just don’t know what made the bottom fall out. All I know is I lost it all at one time; husband, father and business owner, gone!
After a two year battle with my former wife she decided to take the only thing that meant anything to me, my children. After 4 judges she found one who granted her the wish she was looking for without justification.
As I was talking and reflecting, all I could hear was God telling me to give Him the damaged bag. Why, what can YOU do with it? Only to hear Him say, “Let me show you.” What I saw was the remnants changed from garbage to being folded up cut here and there and transformed into a paper chain of people; MY FAMILY!
In the After’s latest song “Broken Hallelujah” the band explains that sometimes we need to bring God those broken times. It is in those times we find ourselves bringing our broken hallelujahs.
As I reflected on the devastation over the past 5 years I heard God just say, “I am emptying your hands in order for you to lift them and be filled yet again.” Sometimes we may find ourselves weighed down with the groceries of life trying to take on more and more only to realize we were never made to carry so many things endlessly. Sometimes it requires us to empty our hands in order to take on more. Other times God allows our hands to be emptied in order to realize that we have been distracted from HIS plan for us.
So when the bottom falls out, don’t look at holding the bag as worthless or garbage.
Rather look at it as Paul says to Galatia.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Galatians 6:9
Maybe your bag looks like trash, maybe it has a silver lining or maybe it is just merely empty. The reality is don’t grow weary in doing good. Raise your empty hands to God and prepare for the harvest.
CAL
Labor of Love
Micah 4:11-12 “But for now, they’re ganged up against you, many godless people, saying, ‘Kick her when she is down! Violate her! We want to see Zion grovel in the dirt.’ These blasphemers have no idea what God is thinking and doing in this. They don’t know that this is the making of God’s people, that thy are wheat being threshed, gold being refined.”
Life can be so cruel and unjust. As I sit here to write, I open my computer to the picture of my smiling children. Just a day ago one of the worst tragedies involving my children happened to me.
Over the past almost five years my former wife accused me of such wickedness dragging me through court. As a result she asked a forth judge to remove all parental rights from me where I would never again see them or talk to them until they became adults. The worst was when I heard a judge grant her wish and further it with his mocking of my relationship with them.
Five years. It is my labor of love. It brings me to tears as both of my dreams were stolen from me. It was first my marriage and now my kids. The two things God gave and the two things the enemy stole from me.
As I sit looking at the pictures of my kids and listing to music, I ask God let them see You in me. When they see me may they see You.
Yet through this tragedy I ask the same thing in each day until that day of restoration happens. Two weeks ago, at church, a guest pastor came and spoke about us being an impact on the children around us. Maybe it is the children under our roof. Maybe it is the children who may not be ours, a step child, a neighbor kid, a niece or nephew.
So as I wait I remain resolved until that day of restoration. I stand taking the opportunity to bless my nephews, my nieces, their kids and yes even my soon to be step children. As I open up in love, but with caution I realize something. I find God’s love pouring over a broken man who has felt defeated as a father through these children. It is their words of encouragement, desire to stand by my side and just say “hey I love you” with their hug.
The most encouraging word that was given to was from my fiancée’s daughter. She said, “Everyone wants a little happiness, no one wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain” capped off with an I love you.”
What happens though when we feel we have been kicked when we are down? Do we give up on God or do we trust His better plan when nothing makes sense and the false accusations go flying? Are we willing to allow God refine us when we are in the waiting room of reconciliation?
Just before I went to court to get the wind knocked out of me I heard a song I had only heard once before which has been my prayer for the year. In JJ Weeks song “Let Them See You” they sing a prayer of how we need to see our situations, how we see our kids and how we see our marriages.
The chorus says:
“Let them see You in me.
Let them hear You when I speak
Let them feel you when I sing
Let them see You in me”
We need to have the prayer that God will still be glorified in our lives at all times regardless the situation. Are we willing to stand when the walls around us are falling? Are we willing to see God be glorified? Are we willing to let our children, grandchildren, spouse, neighbors, friends and co-workers see Christ in us? You may be the only Jesus they may see.
Will I be reconciled with my four children? I know that it will happen, but I don’t know how. The reality is they are God’s children. Just as God gave me four of my own children He also gave me four children that are not my birth children. All I say is God, let them see You in me.
Court, Kay, Nos and Jay, you are a gift from God. You are my drive and my love. And to the other four children so close in my life, you too are God’s gift and blessing in my life.
CAL
Life can be so cruel and unjust. As I sit here to write, I open my computer to the picture of my smiling children. Just a day ago one of the worst tragedies involving my children happened to me.
Over the past almost five years my former wife accused me of such wickedness dragging me through court. As a result she asked a forth judge to remove all parental rights from me where I would never again see them or talk to them until they became adults. The worst was when I heard a judge grant her wish and further it with his mocking of my relationship with them.
Five years. It is my labor of love. It brings me to tears as both of my dreams were stolen from me. It was first my marriage and now my kids. The two things God gave and the two things the enemy stole from me.
As I sit looking at the pictures of my kids and listing to music, I ask God let them see You in me. When they see me may they see You.
Yet through this tragedy I ask the same thing in each day until that day of restoration happens. Two weeks ago, at church, a guest pastor came and spoke about us being an impact on the children around us. Maybe it is the children under our roof. Maybe it is the children who may not be ours, a step child, a neighbor kid, a niece or nephew.
So as I wait I remain resolved until that day of restoration. I stand taking the opportunity to bless my nephews, my nieces, their kids and yes even my soon to be step children. As I open up in love, but with caution I realize something. I find God’s love pouring over a broken man who has felt defeated as a father through these children. It is their words of encouragement, desire to stand by my side and just say “hey I love you” with their hug.
The most encouraging word that was given to was from my fiancée’s daughter. She said, “Everyone wants a little happiness, no one wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain” capped off with an I love you.”
What happens though when we feel we have been kicked when we are down? Do we give up on God or do we trust His better plan when nothing makes sense and the false accusations go flying? Are we willing to allow God refine us when we are in the waiting room of reconciliation?
Just before I went to court to get the wind knocked out of me I heard a song I had only heard once before which has been my prayer for the year. In JJ Weeks song “Let Them See You” they sing a prayer of how we need to see our situations, how we see our kids and how we see our marriages.
The chorus says:
“Let them see You in me.
Let them hear You when I speak
Let them feel you when I sing
Let them see You in me”
We need to have the prayer that God will still be glorified in our lives at all times regardless the situation. Are we willing to stand when the walls around us are falling? Are we willing to see God be glorified? Are we willing to let our children, grandchildren, spouse, neighbors, friends and co-workers see Christ in us? You may be the only Jesus they may see.
Will I be reconciled with my four children? I know that it will happen, but I don’t know how. The reality is they are God’s children. Just as God gave me four of my own children He also gave me four children that are not my birth children. All I say is God, let them see You in me.
Court, Kay, Nos and Jay, you are a gift from God. You are my drive and my love. And to the other four children so close in my life, you too are God’s gift and blessing in my life.
CAL
Friday, January 3, 2014
It's All in the Name
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
There is so much in a name. It doesn’t matter if the name is Ford, Wendy’s, Blue Cross, Met Life or Budweiser, you can literally go anywhere in the world and most anyone would know what you are talking about.
1948 was a big year for Mac and Dick McDonald. The brothers took a very daring move literally moving their father’s successful little carhop off of the historical Route 66 into San Bernardino , California
The brothers started their little restaurant as a famous BBQ restaurant before the likes of Sonny’s or any of the other BBQ restaurants. Just one year into their new venture they found themselves on the brink of going out of business requiring them to look at their menu and how they ran their business. What they found out was they could sell more hamburgers and cheeseburgers make them in less time them they could make good BBQ. So they shut their doors and retooled their image.
Today Mc Donald’s is one of the largest franchises in the world grossing in more than $8.5 billion with more than 34,000 locations a year. What was just the last name of two brothers is one of the most profitable companies.
Over the past several days this thing about a name has been on my mind. I believe there is much in a name. As such I will share more in another up coming post.
Just a few days ago my fiancé shared a post from Facebook with me she found a little peculiar. She asked what it meant. As I looked I saw “…G-d….” The first thing I asked was “Is this person Jewish?” She kind of laughed with a “Yes” in reply.
Imagine for one moment if you were the founder of a large business or the CEO like Mc Donald’s. Everyone that knows who you are melts at your presence and holds you with great regards. Maybe better yet you are a successful sports player widely recognized or even the president where everyone hangs from your every word and action. Like it or not, being in a position of honor, stardom or power holds a sense of awe. Thus the reason we have the word “awesome;” a sense of being breath taking, reverence or approach in fear.
But imagine for a moment that there was someone who just by His very name would make you at the least get goose bumps or pass out. When the Children of Israel were called under Abram, God revealed Himself in a way that no king, dignitary, athlete or founder of a company could ever do. The Jews, even to date, recognize that God’s is so great that even speaking His name could surely cost you your life.
It is that name that even the demons know and flee. It is the name that brings healing and sets the captives free. It is that name that puts one in power and another removed in disgrace. It is that name that is exalted above all others. It is the only name that is used when someone swears. It is the name that even brings me to tears. It that name I gave the initials to my youngest son that when he becomes an adult he will never forget his origins. It is that name you will be asked “What did you do with my Son?”
Yes, His name is Jesus!
If you realized how important His name is, how would you use it? Would it move you to tears or fear? Would you be able to shout His name in a way you are not ashamed proclaiming what He has done for you?
There is so much to a name and that name is waiting on YOU! Call on Him and he will show you things that will blow your mind (Jeremiah 33:3).
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
A Light has Come
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
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
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
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