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Archive for the ‘Hope’ Category

God Desires More

Posted in Formation, Hope on September 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Yesterday, I was asked the question, “Why do you turn to Jesus?”  I in turn asked you the same question (you can link to that post here).

So why do you turn to Jesus?

Unfortunately, we typically turn to Jesus when we need something.  Maybe we are facing a big decision so we ask for God’s guidance.  Or maybe we have just experienced a tragedy and we turn to Jesus for comfort and peace.  It is natural to turn to Jesus in times of need.  During those times of life, we realize that we cannot do things on our own.  When things are going well, we allow ourselves to have false confidence and think we are independent and can handle things.  We might even begin to wonder why we need God at all.

But, many times, it only takes a moment of need to help us remember just how much we need God.

Don’t get me wrong – God is always with us – always.  So when we experience less than pleasurable circumstances, God will be there to offer strength, comfort, direction and peace.

But I can tell you, if my son only came to me when he needed something or when things went wrong, I am not sure I would consider that much of a relationship.  I would hope that we would have other conversations as well (and we do).  Not only that, but for the relationship between my son and me to remain healthy and grow, we must spend time together.

Is it any different between God and us?  Can we truly have a relationship if the only time we turn to God is when things go poorly or we need something?

My challenge to you today is to remember that God deeply desires to have a relationship with you.  It is your responsibility to make that happen.

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Are You Looking For God Today?

Posted in Formation, Hope on August 30, 2011| Leave a Comment »

When is the last time you saw God working around you?

Last Wednesday, I had prepared for our Bible study that evening.  I had been through my notes and re-read the passage for discussion.  As I prepared, I knew there was more to be said than what I had on paper but I could not seem to wrap my head around it.  I prayed for God to speak through me and open all of our hearts – which is my normal prayer before I speak.

As we began our Bible study, I had barely moved into my first point when a lady in the back of the chapel answered a question that I had asked.  All of the sudden, the truth of the passage opened up to me and we spent the next 15 minutes having great discussion around what that meant for our church.

As I drove home, I realized, God had shown up.  It is not that God is not normally present – the Bible teaches us that God is always with us.  But in that particular instance, I could see God at work.

I find that the problem is not that God is not working everyday, all around me.  The problem is with me.  I don’t slow down long enough to see.  My sensitivity to seeing God at work has been numbed by all the sights and sounds of this world.

Take time today to slow down and really look for God at work.  The question is not whether God is working – the question is whether or not you will see.

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Our Weakness – God’s Strength

Posted in Formation, Hope on August 29, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Last night at church, we talked about God’s power.  We looked at what Paul faced throughout his ministry.  We know, from reading in the Book of Acts and the letters Paul wrote, that he was an amazing giant in the faith.  He endured persecution and imprisonment, he was ship wrecked on the way to share the Gospel, he was rejected and beaten by different villages.  He endured all kinds of challenges but never once do we see in the New Testament that he was deterred from following through with what God had asked him to do.

I find it interesting that Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12 talks about his weakness.  You can read about it here.

We are not told what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was but there is no denying that Paul felt that it rendered him weak when it came to following what God had for him.  He asked God three times to remove it.  God answered by saying, “No – it is through your weakness that my strength comes through.”

Is God able to show strength through your weakness?  Have you thought about it?

God created you to be capable of doing many things.  But maybe you have thought to yourself, “If I just had more training, I could lead that small group.”  Or maybe you have thought, “Once I retire, I will have more time to do what I know I should be doing for God.”

What I find in myself is that I tend to work within what I deem to be my strengths.  I feel I know what God has gifted me to do and so I strive to make the most of it.  This approach is Biblical and I feel it is what God would have us do.  But I am left with the question, “What am I attempting to do today that if God does not show up, I will fail?”

Are you planning on attempting to do something today that is a little out of your comfort zone?

When we take the first step to venture out beyond our comfort zone, that is when God can do his best work.

Venture out today.

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First Day of School Prayer

Posted in Hope, Parenting on August 22, 2011| 1 Comment »

The first day of school.  Kinda brings back memories doesn’t it?  I remember having to get up and get  ready for school when I really didn’t want to go.  I didn’t have anything better to do, but I just didn’t care for school.

Somewhere along the line that changed and I realized I wanted to be a life-long learner.  But when I was the age of my kids – all I could think about was basketball, girls and getting out of school.

This morning I watched my middle son drive off with my youngest son as they headed off to high school together.  This is the first time as a parent that I have not had to carry at least one of our kids to school.  I guess I am feeling old but it would appear they are growing up!

As I watched them walk out the door together, I could not help but think to myself how they each have their whole life in front of them.  Ethan is a junior and Bryson a freshman.  They will have decisions along the way that, once made, could redirect their lives forever.  As a parent, it is a little scary to think about.

But my trust is in the Lord.  I have placed them in God’s hands today.  Today I pray for my kids, and all kids, as they begin school.

Lord God, I pray today that you will protect our kids.  Please grow them into the responsible people you want them to become.  Develop them into sincere followers of Jesus so they can make a difference in their schools, in our communities and in our world.  Amen!

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Things Learned in 500 Posts

Posted in Community, Formation, Hope on August 19, 2011| 2 Comments »

Wow!  It is hard to believe but today marks a significant milestone in this area of my ministry.  Today is post number 500 for Clay In The Hands.  It doesn’t seem possible that I have been involved in sharing my musings that many times since April of 2009.  But here we are – number 500.  So today, I thought I would list some things I have learned through this experience.

  1. It is really hard to have anything to say if I am not focusing regularly on my walk with Jesus.
  2. I have had to learn to be much more observant in order to see God at work around me.
  3. God can use the thoughts I share in ways I could not have imagined or planned.
  4. How humbling it is to have people actually read what I share here.
  5. How much better Mac’s are than PC’s – OK that was not necessarily learned through my efforts here – but it is true none the less!
  6. The joy I have experienced when someone from another part of the world sends me a message about how they have been affected by this ministry.
Those are just a few things I have experienced through this effort.  So I wonder how God will work through the next 500 posts?
Thanks so much for reading!
Be blessed today!

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In Spite of My Plan

Posted in Grace, Hope, Leadership on August 12, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever had one of those days?  Yesterday started out to be “one of those days.”  I got up at my normal 6:10 to get my youngest son up and off to cross-country practice.  I took him to practice and then returned home to get ready for work and a busy day.  At 7:25 I headed back to the practice to pick him up.  His run yesterday was much longer than normal so he did not make it to the car until about 8.  So now I was late.  I ran him back home, darted into the kitchen to top off my travel mug of coffee and then back to the car and down the road.

I made good time through town and out on the highway for the 24 mile drive to Littlefield.  I had my day mapped out and ready to go when I arrived at the office.  I parked the car and got out, opened the back door to grab my backpack (which contains my laptop) and – – yep, you guessed it – no backpack.  My “life” was sitting beside my chair at home – 24 miles away!

I went into the office and told my ministry assistant what I had done and then went back to the car to make the drive back home to get my computer!

I suppose it goes without saying that my scheduled plans were shot!

But I have to tell you – the day went fine in spite of me.  I had a good premarital counseling session (for which I did not feel as prepared as I like due to be being rushed), I had a great visit with a wonderful man who just lost his wife last month and actually got some things done to boot.

I was reminded that God can work in my life whether it is through my plan or in spite of it!

So today, I say – have a plan.  But don’t be so tied to it that you fail to see God at work around you!

Be blessed today!

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Strength to Be Bold

Posted in Formation, Hope on August 10, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Yesterday I told you about José and how he serves, day in and day out, in the middle of all the violence in Juarez, Mexico.  As we talked on Monday evening, I was challenged to look at the price I pay to follow Jesus.  I had to admit, it isn’t very high.  But I was also challenged to think about how much more I should be doing since I don’t have to deal with the stress of wondering if I will be gunned down in the next hour or two.

Then today, these were the verses I meditated on from Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Two things jumped out at me.  The first is that no matter what struggles or threats we might be dealing with today, God is present – ever-present!  God is our refuge; our safe place to hide and take cover.  There is comfort in knowing that God is ever-present and ready to protect us.

But the second thing I noticed in this passage is that God is our strength.  With the strength of God on our side – there is nothing we cannot endure and accomplish.  Sometimes the most crucial things in life, come out of very trying times.  God gives us the strength to experience those times.  The psalmist says, even if the earth gives way and even if the mountains fall off into the ocean, God is still in control and present – we have nothing to fear.

So – – my challenge today?  Today, we live with boldness!  Regardless of where you sit today.  Regardless of what you might be dealing with today.  Have no fear – God is ever-present!  Go out with boldness and make an impact for the Kingdom today!  That is what being a follower in the Way is all about.

Be blessed!

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Real Struggles and a Real God

Posted in Formation, Hope on August 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Struggles are a part of life.

Wow, what an uplifting way to begin a post on a Monday morning.  But it is true.  We live in a messed up world.  Struggles come our way on a daily basis.  Those struggles may be shoved on us from the outside.  Or they may be more personal in nature – battling unhealthy habits or desires from within.

But either way, I am here to tell you today that God loves you.  God created you – yes you – in order to have a personal relationship with you.  You are God’s pride and joy!

So. God cares about what you are going through.  God is aware of the struggles you will face today.  But God is present.  You are not alone in this.

Trust!  Listen!  Obey!

Be blessed today!

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God Still Moves

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on July 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Yesterday was an amazing day to be at our church.  I have to chuckle at myself.  I know in my mind that God is always present but it never fails that I am amazed when God moves in our midst!

I had prepared off and on all week to address the question, “Does God still speak?”  I had my sermon wrapped up by Thursday and was feeling pretty good about what God would have me say come Sunday morning.  Then on Saturday morning, I got up before anyone else to read and pray and look over my sermon.

As I mentioned, the sermon dealt with God speaking to us.  As I went over the outline, I felt the overwhelming sense that God was telling me, “This won’t work.”  I sat a minute and responded with resistance – “But God, this is what I thought you wanted me to say.  I have been working on this for a while now.  Here it is Saturday morning and you want me to start over?”

As I worked through the outline, I began to agree that there was too much there to really try and squeeze it into one sermon – but I could not figure out what to do about it.  In fact, I began to pray, “God, if you want me to change this at this point, just show me how.”  The answer came through Sunday morning about an hour before the service.  Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I don’t like operating by the seat of my pants.  But, I felt strongly that if I was going to stand before God’s people and teach about God speaking, then it would be a bit hypocritical if I didn’t listen to the prompting to change the sermon.

I changed the passage, re-ordered the outline, cut some stuff out and prayed through the entire process.  To be honest, I could not really tell you all that came out of my mouth on Sunday morning during the sermon, but I can tell you that God moved.  But God was not finished.  Our pianist had called on Friday to say she had the opportunity to go to Dallas and see family so we were going to be without a pianist on Sunday.  A few weeks ago, Andy (our interim worship leader) had asked one of the ladies on the worship team to work up a solo.  So Andy called her on Friday to ask if she could do her song on Sunday morning at the close of the service – where we often have a piano solo.  The song that Holly had chosen days before, fit perfectly with what God had led me say and was extremely moving.  Yep – God moved!

We serve a God who is constantly at work all around us.  And it is really cool when we stop long enough to notice!

Now I am looking forward with expectancy for this Sunday when we continue to look at how God speaks.  If you are around Littlefield, Texas on Sunday come join us!

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Rewards of Pouring Yourself Out

Posted in Community, Formation, Hope on July 22, 2011| 2 Comments »

This morning, I am just sitting – drinking my coffee.  I have a load of laundry going but other than that, I am taking a few minutes to just sit.  I did not realize how tired I am until I got up this morning.  I take Friday’s off when I can and so today – the plan:  wrap up my sermon, take care of some emails and then – hopefully not much else.

I attribute my fatigue to being at camp this week.  They were long days filled with Bible study, worship, activities and mostly 4th – 6th graders!  But what an experience!  I wish I could describe what it feels like to pour yourself into the lives of others.  But, I am sure, for many of you – if not all – you have experienced this for yourselves.

I guess it had not dawned on me until yesterday when the two vans of kids and sponsors rolled back into our parking lot at church.  I could hear the singing coming out of one of the vans even though the windows were up!

The kids piled out – looking a little tired – but looking mostly alive.  They were excited to be home to tell their parents about their week.  They greeted me with stories of what had gone on in the day since they last saw me.  They clamored over each other to tell their stories.

It was in that moment that I remembered why I do this!  At that moment, the late nights telling boys to get in bed didn’t matter.  The memories of having to put my foot down to make boys take showers didn’t cross my mind.  All that mattered in that moment – and since – was that these kids had an experience they will never forget, and it centered around Jesus!

Who are you pouring your life into today?

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