Do you ever struggle with what you are suppose to be doing today, or even tomorrow? I know that I sure do. There are days that I have a hard time remembering what my job description really is. Oh, I know what is expected of me at the job I have that provides me a salary. I am expected to relate to numerous churches and church leaders in helping them to fulfil the mission that God has entrusted to them. While that may mean the need for a variety of strategies and approaches, the specific expection is rather clear - focus all of my energy, skills, and gifts in helping them either directly or indirectly. That may mean connecting a church or a leader with another church or leader to accomplish the task.
Likewise, I am on board with my job description within my family. First and foremost, it has to do with loving my (and the Bible says "even as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her."). Second it focuses on parenting children (while they are grown and married, they still have a need for a listening ear from time to time.) Third, and the most fun, it has to do with grandparenting (permissive, to some extent, but most of all available with time to play even when you have to get down in the floor - easy - getting up again is the hard part!). And the role still involves honoring parents (and age and sickness certainly have an impact here.).
But what I forget sometimes is my job description regarding life - the job description that God gives because He created me as a person. There would be many ways to phrase the description and it probably varies in wording from person to person. There are many specifics in the Bible about how I am to live. Some relate to loving God while others relate to treatment of my fellow man. Some have to do with the character and personality traits that I should develop and others have to do with the utilizing of gifts and skills. Some are specific commands composed of do's and don'ts. If not careful, the list could become so lengthy that the job description gets lost in the confusion.
Ultimately, there is one specific part of the job description God intends me to fulfill - I am to obey Him. My obedience is not based on how that affects me or anyone else. It is a freewill choice in response to God who created me, who loves me, who demonstrated His love for me by sending His Son Jesus into this world to die for my sins, and who extends to me the promise of eternal life when I place my faith in Jesus. Not so hard to obey One who cares for you like that.
"Lord, help me stay focused on my job description for life today!"
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
A Fresh, New Year
There are some things that are just at their best when they are brand new - a new jar of peanut butter; fresh clean sheets; the first spoon of Blue Bell French Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate ice cream; the smell of a new car; and the first cry of newborn baby. Of course all of us would put different things on such a list. I already wish I had listed "opening a new book from a favorite author" and "the first corn, green beans, and new potatoes from the garden."
While all of those things are great, perhaps nothing seems better and fresher than the start of a new year. Resolutions designed to improve oneself; better organized stuff; an uncluttered calendar; and a rested body and mind all cause me to believe that 2010 will be a great year. Of course, I had some similar thoughts about this time a year ago related to 2009. But the economy, bad decisions, careless eating, wasted time, and an illness or two messed that year up badly.
The truth is that this year could be great or it could be a lot like last year. The key to which way it goes is in my possession. It all has to do with self-discipline, attitude, and faith. I really wish there were a way to blame failure and disappointment on something or someone other than me. But since reality is imbedded in my personal 2010 resolutions, I guess that I need to acknowledge that my actions or lack of actions, my reactions and thoughts, and my personal faith or lack of faith have much more to do with the evaluation of a given year than the actions of anyone else.
God has created a fresh, new year for me to live. My responsibility is how I will choose to live it. My prayer becomes - "may I live this year in a way that will honor the One who created it."
While all of those things are great, perhaps nothing seems better and fresher than the start of a new year. Resolutions designed to improve oneself; better organized stuff; an uncluttered calendar; and a rested body and mind all cause me to believe that 2010 will be a great year. Of course, I had some similar thoughts about this time a year ago related to 2009. But the economy, bad decisions, careless eating, wasted time, and an illness or two messed that year up badly.
The truth is that this year could be great or it could be a lot like last year. The key to which way it goes is in my possession. It all has to do with self-discipline, attitude, and faith. I really wish there were a way to blame failure and disappointment on something or someone other than me. But since reality is imbedded in my personal 2010 resolutions, I guess that I need to acknowledge that my actions or lack of actions, my reactions and thoughts, and my personal faith or lack of faith have much more to do with the evaluation of a given year than the actions of anyone else.
God has created a fresh, new year for me to live. My responsibility is how I will choose to live it. My prayer becomes - "may I live this year in a way that will honor the One who created it."
Monday, December 21, 2009
Impatience with Christmas
Many people are stranded today at various airports as they wait, hoping for better weather in the Northeastern United States, so they can finally get a flight to their Christmas destinations. Some are waiting patiently with understanding regarding the unusual snowfalls this year. Others are demonstrating a great deal of impatience believing that somehow the airlines are at fault for the weather conditions.
Shoppers are finding crowds and long lines at many stores as they try to complete last meeting gift buying. Some are handling it with a relaxed Christmas spirit almost breaking into song from time to time. Others, however, are still complaining about why the store doesn't have more clerks working even though every cash register is in use. Some are also wondering why so many people waited so late to shop (of course they have a very good reason for themselves)!
I know a young couple who are expecting their first child sometime today. The word impatient would not apply but they are definitely ready as are the grandparents. As I was thinking about this family this morning, a song from church yesterday came to mind - "A Baby Changes Everything." Wow, that is such a true statement. This young couple will be great parents with extended family surrounding them with love and encouragement. But the birth of their baby will definitely change their schedule and routine, their leisure time, and their personal sleep.
Never has the birth of a baby changed everything as it did that first Christmas in Bethlehem when Mary gave birth to Jesus. The world was in a state of impatience. It has been since Adam and Eve had sinned in the Garden of Eden and broke that perfect relationship with God that had existed in creation. Generations had come and gone waiting for God to fulfill His promise of His intervention into human history. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. God had taken on flesh and come to dwell among men. Jesus would grow into a man; live a sinless life; die on a cross for the sin of everyone else; and be raised from the dead by God the Father completing the fulfillment of His promise of a Savior for all who believe.
Jesus' birth changed everything then and continues to change the lives of people today. When the pressure of the calendar and the clock instill impatience in our lives, we should stop and remember that the greatest need we have (greater than a gift to buy or a plane to catch) already has an available solution, patiently waiting upon our response of faith - Jesus the Christ born as a baby in Bethlehem is ready to change our lives today.
May all of our Christmas celebrations be filled with patience and with the reality of Jesus Christ.
Shoppers are finding crowds and long lines at many stores as they try to complete last meeting gift buying. Some are handling it with a relaxed Christmas spirit almost breaking into song from time to time. Others, however, are still complaining about why the store doesn't have more clerks working even though every cash register is in use. Some are also wondering why so many people waited so late to shop (of course they have a very good reason for themselves)!
I know a young couple who are expecting their first child sometime today. The word impatient would not apply but they are definitely ready as are the grandparents. As I was thinking about this family this morning, a song from church yesterday came to mind - "A Baby Changes Everything." Wow, that is such a true statement. This young couple will be great parents with extended family surrounding them with love and encouragement. But the birth of their baby will definitely change their schedule and routine, their leisure time, and their personal sleep.
Never has the birth of a baby changed everything as it did that first Christmas in Bethlehem when Mary gave birth to Jesus. The world was in a state of impatience. It has been since Adam and Eve had sinned in the Garden of Eden and broke that perfect relationship with God that had existed in creation. Generations had come and gone waiting for God to fulfill His promise of His intervention into human history. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. God had taken on flesh and come to dwell among men. Jesus would grow into a man; live a sinless life; die on a cross for the sin of everyone else; and be raised from the dead by God the Father completing the fulfillment of His promise of a Savior for all who believe.
Jesus' birth changed everything then and continues to change the lives of people today. When the pressure of the calendar and the clock instill impatience in our lives, we should stop and remember that the greatest need we have (greater than a gift to buy or a plane to catch) already has an available solution, patiently waiting upon our response of faith - Jesus the Christ born as a baby in Bethlehem is ready to change our lives today.
May all of our Christmas celebrations be filled with patience and with the reality of Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 30, 2009
It Is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
The song "It Is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" was written in 1857, but it has been the song that has continued to go through my mind all day today. Actually, in some communities and in many retail stores and shopping malls, it was beginning to look like Christmas well before Thanksgiving. The decorations, both for sale and for viewing, were already in place. In the neighborhood where I live, several people have lights hung and strung, inflatable yard ornaments, and Christmas trees visible through the front window. Some radio stations are playing Christmas music throughout the day. A number of people are already reporting that their Christmas shopping is already completed.
While I am still digesting turkey, dressing, and pecan pie, I don't have any real problem with the early Christmas sightings. While I would prefer to complete one holiday before going to the next, I know that Christmas is a "biggie." I just wonder if our rush to Christmas causes us to not have enough time to consider why Christmas is a "biggie."
My desire for all of us is that during our mad dash to December 25th we keep in mind that it is the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, that we celebrate. While it is fun to shop for gifts for the grandchildren, there is no greater gift to have than the gift that God gave us on that first Christmas when His Son was born to a humble family traveling to a distant city to be counted in a census so they could be taxed. They spent the night in the last available space, the shelter that was reserved for the livestock of those staying in a nearby Inn. Approximately 33 years later, Jesus, who lived a life of sinless perfection, was put to death on a cross in fulfillment of God's plan to offer His own Son as a sacrifice for the sin of all of us.
Even while writing that last paragraph, I felt myself slow down and become more thoughtful regarding this Christmas season. Taking seriously the real meaning of Christmas certainly will take more than just a day or two, maybe more than a month or two. It should take my entire life to just celebrate Him and what He has done for me and for you.
Now, if the stores will just hold off on Valentine's merchandise untile after New Year's.
While I am still digesting turkey, dressing, and pecan pie, I don't have any real problem with the early Christmas sightings. While I would prefer to complete one holiday before going to the next, I know that Christmas is a "biggie." I just wonder if our rush to Christmas causes us to not have enough time to consider why Christmas is a "biggie."
My desire for all of us is that during our mad dash to December 25th we keep in mind that it is the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, that we celebrate. While it is fun to shop for gifts for the grandchildren, there is no greater gift to have than the gift that God gave us on that first Christmas when His Son was born to a humble family traveling to a distant city to be counted in a census so they could be taxed. They spent the night in the last available space, the shelter that was reserved for the livestock of those staying in a nearby Inn. Approximately 33 years later, Jesus, who lived a life of sinless perfection, was put to death on a cross in fulfillment of God's plan to offer His own Son as a sacrifice for the sin of all of us.
Even while writing that last paragraph, I felt myself slow down and become more thoughtful regarding this Christmas season. Taking seriously the real meaning of Christmas certainly will take more than just a day or two, maybe more than a month or two. It should take my entire life to just celebrate Him and what He has done for me and for you.
Now, if the stores will just hold off on Valentine's merchandise untile after New Year's.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
When You Can't See the Answer
(This post is a reprint of a regular article I write entitled "Leading Forward" for the Denton Baptist Association newsletter Connections. This article appears in the November 2009 issue.)
One of the techniques I use to try and keep my mind sharp (or at least not too dull) is to work Sudoku puzzles. These nine-square puzzles, with each square containing nine squares, are completed by placing the numbers 1-9 in each of the inner squares. The trick is that each number is to appear in any row or column only once.
What I have discovered about these puzzles is that sometimes my brain reaches a point that I simply can’t discern the next placement of a number. The solution to this dilemma for some is to cheat by turning to some answer key. Because I abhor the concept of cheating, I usually focus on something else for a minute or two. The result is often that the next placement is obvious when I return to the puzzle.
We have all experienced that same phenomenon when struggling to solve a math problem in school or reconcile a bank statement in real life. Most of us have discovered the resolution technique of walking away, taking a break, or sleeping on it. And yet, we are still amazed when we follow one of these steps and it works.I wonder why we limit the use of this type of problem-solving or assessment of a situation to puzzles and numbers. Is it just possible that issues involving people – conflicts in marriage or between friends; decisions related to strategies or methodologies in a church; disruption and disagreements among co-workers – call for the use of a step back and refocus time before making a hasty decision or speaking some ill-advised words?
The situation may not involve personal conflict. Rather, it may be a time when the right decision must be made. Assessing the problem from all angles with various pairs of eyes at varying times may yield insight that was simply missed during the first look. Have you noticed that when a child is missing, a large number of people go out together to search an area? They may return to that same area a second or even third time in the hope of finding something they missed the first time.
Too often within the realm of ministry, when we can’t see the answer immediately, we either give up or make a decision without all the facts. I believe that all of us – individuals and organizations – must learn to take some time to refocus and allow our minds to both see and comprehend all that is happening. Based on a refreshed assessment, we will make better decisions with people and with critical issues. Maybe that is part of the truth of God’s Word when He states: “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10)
Some of the problems we will encounter today appear to be unsolvable at first glance. Taking a step back and refocusing upon God will give you a fresh look at the situation. That moment of refreshing may be all that is needed to move from not seeing to seeing the answer that God has for you.
One of the techniques I use to try and keep my mind sharp (or at least not too dull) is to work Sudoku puzzles. These nine-square puzzles, with each square containing nine squares, are completed by placing the numbers 1-9 in each of the inner squares. The trick is that each number is to appear in any row or column only once.
What I have discovered about these puzzles is that sometimes my brain reaches a point that I simply can’t discern the next placement of a number. The solution to this dilemma for some is to cheat by turning to some answer key. Because I abhor the concept of cheating, I usually focus on something else for a minute or two. The result is often that the next placement is obvious when I return to the puzzle.
We have all experienced that same phenomenon when struggling to solve a math problem in school or reconcile a bank statement in real life. Most of us have discovered the resolution technique of walking away, taking a break, or sleeping on it. And yet, we are still amazed when we follow one of these steps and it works.I wonder why we limit the use of this type of problem-solving or assessment of a situation to puzzles and numbers. Is it just possible that issues involving people – conflicts in marriage or between friends; decisions related to strategies or methodologies in a church; disruption and disagreements among co-workers – call for the use of a step back and refocus time before making a hasty decision or speaking some ill-advised words?
The situation may not involve personal conflict. Rather, it may be a time when the right decision must be made. Assessing the problem from all angles with various pairs of eyes at varying times may yield insight that was simply missed during the first look. Have you noticed that when a child is missing, a large number of people go out together to search an area? They may return to that same area a second or even third time in the hope of finding something they missed the first time.
Too often within the realm of ministry, when we can’t see the answer immediately, we either give up or make a decision without all the facts. I believe that all of us – individuals and organizations – must learn to take some time to refocus and allow our minds to both see and comprehend all that is happening. Based on a refreshed assessment, we will make better decisions with people and with critical issues. Maybe that is part of the truth of God’s Word when He states: “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10)
Some of the problems we will encounter today appear to be unsolvable at first glance. Taking a step back and refocusing upon God will give you a fresh look at the situation. That moment of refreshing may be all that is needed to move from not seeing to seeing the answer that God has for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)