Acts 16:6-9 "They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
I love to make plans and I'm pretty good at it. I love it when my plan comes together, but I get frustrated when things don't go the way I laid them out. I should know better. As a teacher, I was accustomed to making detailed lesson plans for the coming week. They looked great on Monday morning, but by Tuesday afternoon there were lots of "cross-outs", circles, and arrows. When plans intersect with people, plans change.
It's that way in my walk with God... like Paul on his second missionary journey. He and Silas had a plan to go back and visit the churches of Asia, encouraging and strengthening the Christians. They set out from Antioch, itinerary in hand, sure of where they were headed. Then the Holy Spirit intervened, and their plans went out the window. God had a bigger plan in mind: to take the Gospel to Europe.
I love Paul's response to God's change in direction. Like a good teacher, he had a "Plan B". But God nixed that one, too. What did Paul do then? He didn't fret or throw a temper tantrum; he didn't pack up and run home in frustration. He waited to hear from God, and when The Lord spoke, he immediately swung into action. God's plan became Paul's plan.
I want to be like that. I'll never stop being a planner. It's part of who I am. I am learning however, that while they organizes my thoughts and give me a sense of direction, my plans must be subject to change. I'm trying to consciously turn them over to God for a "plan check", asking for His direction and correction. Like Paul, I am learning that my plans are often short-sighted, that God has something bigger in mind.
Father, thank You for being so patient with me. It must frustrate You when I plow ahead with my agenda, despite Your attempts to adjust my course. Thank You for caring enough to intervene and "close doors" when my plan doesn't line up with Yours. Lord, please help me today to hear You and respond. I do love it when Your plan comes together! Amen.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
I love my job!
Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
I'm the principal of a Christian school (K-8) and, like most educators, our jobs can become quite a grind. I've been around long enough to observe how kids, parents, family structure, discipline, etc. have changed over the years. Quite frankly, much of the fun has gone out of being an educator. That's the tired, old part of me talking after a frustrating series of conferences, discipline issues, and phone calls.
Then there are days like today. This morning I had a 3rd grade visitor to my office. This young man has a very highly defined, very narrow sense of "fairness". When something doesn't go his way, or he is called "out" in a game, he reacts inappropriately, to say the least. That was the case today. After our session, I sent him, still a bit teary-eyed, back to class, and I asked my secretary to watch him on our security monitors to be sure he made it safely. Here's what she saw. Two 7th graders walked past my little friend and then, the larger of the two turned back to check on him. He approached the little guy, got down on one knee and talked with him. My secretary couldn't hear the conversation, but from the body language and facial expression, it must have been encouraging. The brief encounter ended with the two boys bumping knuckles and going their separate ways. That little vignette nearly brought the two of us to tears.
A little later, on my way to visit a class, I passed the kindergartners at the lunch tables. As I walked by, a little boy ran after me, anxious to get my attention. "Guess what, Mr. Brown", this 5-year-old exclaimed excitedly. "Last night I asked Jesus into my heart!" Wow! Two tear-jerkers in one day!!
That's why I do what I do. I'll let you in on a little secret. It's not the academics that get me out of bed in the morning. Yes, academics are important; after all, we're a school. But the reason I keep coming to the office is much bigger, much more important than that. We are in the business of building foundations, helping children to have something solid, eternal that will help them make wise decisions as they mature. We're in the "fruit tree planting" business. We keep planting and watering seeds of Truth, hoping someday to see the fruit of godly character, growing from an intimate relation with Jesus.
As in any vocation, there are ups and downs, good days and bad days. It's days like today that remind me why I love my job!
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to be able to share Your truth with children and young adults. Thank You for days like today when I catch a glimpse of what You are doing in their lives. Thank You for re-energizing me. Amen.
I'm the principal of a Christian school (K-8) and, like most educators, our jobs can become quite a grind. I've been around long enough to observe how kids, parents, family structure, discipline, etc. have changed over the years. Quite frankly, much of the fun has gone out of being an educator. That's the tired, old part of me talking after a frustrating series of conferences, discipline issues, and phone calls.
Then there are days like today. This morning I had a 3rd grade visitor to my office. This young man has a very highly defined, very narrow sense of "fairness". When something doesn't go his way, or he is called "out" in a game, he reacts inappropriately, to say the least. That was the case today. After our session, I sent him, still a bit teary-eyed, back to class, and I asked my secretary to watch him on our security monitors to be sure he made it safely. Here's what she saw. Two 7th graders walked past my little friend and then, the larger of the two turned back to check on him. He approached the little guy, got down on one knee and talked with him. My secretary couldn't hear the conversation, but from the body language and facial expression, it must have been encouraging. The brief encounter ended with the two boys bumping knuckles and going their separate ways. That little vignette nearly brought the two of us to tears.
A little later, on my way to visit a class, I passed the kindergartners at the lunch tables. As I walked by, a little boy ran after me, anxious to get my attention. "Guess what, Mr. Brown", this 5-year-old exclaimed excitedly. "Last night I asked Jesus into my heart!" Wow! Two tear-jerkers in one day!!
That's why I do what I do. I'll let you in on a little secret. It's not the academics that get me out of bed in the morning. Yes, academics are important; after all, we're a school. But the reason I keep coming to the office is much bigger, much more important than that. We are in the business of building foundations, helping children to have something solid, eternal that will help them make wise decisions as they mature. We're in the "fruit tree planting" business. We keep planting and watering seeds of Truth, hoping someday to see the fruit of godly character, growing from an intimate relation with Jesus.
As in any vocation, there are ups and downs, good days and bad days. It's days like today that remind me why I love my job!
Dear Lord, I am so blessed to be able to share Your truth with children and young adults. Thank You for days like today when I catch a glimpse of what You are doing in their lives. Thank You for re-energizing me. Amen.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Lessons from the Wheelhouse
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your steps."
I just returned home from a wonderful week of oceanography/marine biology experiences with our 7th graders. While crossing the channel from Catalina Island to Long Beach, I had the privilege of taking the helm of our ship, The Wilderness Explorer. Standing in the wheelhouse, I received instructions on how to safely pilot her towards port. In front of me were a variety of instruments that informed me where I was and in what direction I was headed. They also warned me of potential dangers.
So... my job was to focus on the compass and to keep the ship headed on a bearing of 31 degrees. Sounds easy enough. Not so. Although the sea was relatively calm, there was a strong current from the northwest which, along with the winds, kept pushing the ship southeast. I was constantly adjusting our course, and, unlike a Sea Doo, our ship didn't respond immediately. She came about gradually and it was easy to over-correct. I'm sure our wake showed a dramatic zig-zag pattern.
Fortunately for me, there was a GPS that illustrated our position and course. There was a lever that rotated, showing me the position of the rudder whenever I turned the wheel. It was important to keep the rudder pointing in the right direction. There was a radar screen that pictured traffic in the area, and there was a sonar readout that showed the ocean depth. Positioned right in front of me, in the center of the dashboard, was a large compass. It was my primary focal point, for it informed me of my heading, and helped me to know which direction to steer when I needed to make a course correction. In addition to paying close attention to the instruments, I had to continually scan the horizon, watching for approaching traffic.
Piloting a ship is not as easy as I thought it would be. Fortunately, an experienced helmsman was standing at my shoulder to provide instruction and encouragement. As I stood at the helm, wheel in hand, I saw a striking parallel to my walk with Jesus.
I am on a voyage to a specific destination: Heaven. The Bible is both my chart that sets the course, and the compass that informs me of my "heading". The Holy Spirit is my GPS, my sonar, and the experienced helmsman who stands at my shoulder to direct me. My fellow Travelers warn me of approaching dangers.
Though the course is set and the vessel is seaworthy, the voyage is not simple. Keeping the ship on track and avoiding danger is not an easy task. I am constantly buffeted by winds of doubt and fear, pushed off course by tides of the cares and temptations of this world. Thank God for His "navigational instruments", the constant reassuring presence of His Helmsman , and the accountability and fellowship of my fellow passengers! With God's help, I will reach my destination safely.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You have not left me to navigate this voyage by myself. Without You, I would end up crashing on the rocks or capsizing in the waves. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for standing at my shoulder. I will keep my eyes on the course and listen carefully to your instructions. What a beautiful day for a voyage! Amen.
I just returned home from a wonderful week of oceanography/marine biology experiences with our 7th graders. While crossing the channel from Catalina Island to Long Beach, I had the privilege of taking the helm of our ship, The Wilderness Explorer. Standing in the wheelhouse, I received instructions on how to safely pilot her towards port. In front of me were a variety of instruments that informed me where I was and in what direction I was headed. They also warned me of potential dangers.
So... my job was to focus on the compass and to keep the ship headed on a bearing of 31 degrees. Sounds easy enough. Not so. Although the sea was relatively calm, there was a strong current from the northwest which, along with the winds, kept pushing the ship southeast. I was constantly adjusting our course, and, unlike a Sea Doo, our ship didn't respond immediately. She came about gradually and it was easy to over-correct. I'm sure our wake showed a dramatic zig-zag pattern.
Fortunately for me, there was a GPS that illustrated our position and course. There was a lever that rotated, showing me the position of the rudder whenever I turned the wheel. It was important to keep the rudder pointing in the right direction. There was a radar screen that pictured traffic in the area, and there was a sonar readout that showed the ocean depth. Positioned right in front of me, in the center of the dashboard, was a large compass. It was my primary focal point, for it informed me of my heading, and helped me to know which direction to steer when I needed to make a course correction. In addition to paying close attention to the instruments, I had to continually scan the horizon, watching for approaching traffic.
Piloting a ship is not as easy as I thought it would be. Fortunately, an experienced helmsman was standing at my shoulder to provide instruction and encouragement. As I stood at the helm, wheel in hand, I saw a striking parallel to my walk with Jesus.
I am on a voyage to a specific destination: Heaven. The Bible is both my chart that sets the course, and the compass that informs me of my "heading". The Holy Spirit is my GPS, my sonar, and the experienced helmsman who stands at my shoulder to direct me. My fellow Travelers warn me of approaching dangers.
Though the course is set and the vessel is seaworthy, the voyage is not simple. Keeping the ship on track and avoiding danger is not an easy task. I am constantly buffeted by winds of doubt and fear, pushed off course by tides of the cares and temptations of this world. Thank God for His "navigational instruments", the constant reassuring presence of His Helmsman , and the accountability and fellowship of my fellow passengers! With God's help, I will reach my destination safely.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You have not left me to navigate this voyage by myself. Without You, I would end up crashing on the rocks or capsizing in the waves. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for standing at my shoulder. I will keep my eyes on the course and listen carefully to your instructions. What a beautiful day for a voyage! Amen.
Monday, September 30, 2013
J.O.Y. - the secret to a Mega-Church
Acts 4:32-34 (32) "And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. (35) And with great ("Mega") power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant ("Mega") grace was upon them all. (36) For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales..."
I want my church to be a "Mega-Church", full of "Mega-Christians". Not "Mega" by the world's standard, but "Mega" like the early church.... like what verse 35 describes... full of "mega-power" and "mega-grace". You can go to any Christian bookstore and find scores of "how to" books that claim the secret of building a successful church, but save your money.... I'll show You God's plan.
I remember learning in Sunday School as a young boy, that the secret to a joyful life was keeping my priorities straight. Our teacher taught us an acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself. He said that if we live each day with those things in the right order, God will fill us with joy and with a sense of His Presence.
When I look carefully at the context in Acts 4, the description of the "mega-church" in verse 35 is sandwiched by J.O.Y. The Believers had given themselves completely to Jesus and also to each other. They were truly living out Paul's words in Philippians 2:2-5 "... make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,.."
So, how do I build a "mega-church"? It starts with me and my priorities. If I wholeheartedly give myself to the "J.O.Y. Principle", God will work in and through me to impact other people with His grace and mercy. He will transform them and they, too, will become propagators of J.O.Y. Before too long, we will resemble the church in Acts 4.
Dear Lord, I fully embrace the concept of J.O.Y. Please, Holy Spirit, make it a reality in my experience today. Live through me and let me be an example of Your power and grace. Help me to be a "Mega-Christian" today.
Amen.
I want my church to be a "Mega-Church", full of "Mega-Christians". Not "Mega" by the world's standard, but "Mega" like the early church.... like what verse 35 describes... full of "mega-power" and "mega-grace". You can go to any Christian bookstore and find scores of "how to" books that claim the secret of building a successful church, but save your money.... I'll show You God's plan.
I remember learning in Sunday School as a young boy, that the secret to a joyful life was keeping my priorities straight. Our teacher taught us an acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself. He said that if we live each day with those things in the right order, God will fill us with joy and with a sense of His Presence.
When I look carefully at the context in Acts 4, the description of the "mega-church" in verse 35 is sandwiched by J.O.Y. The Believers had given themselves completely to Jesus and also to each other. They were truly living out Paul's words in Philippians 2:2-5 "... make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,.."
So, how do I build a "mega-church"? It starts with me and my priorities. If I wholeheartedly give myself to the "J.O.Y. Principle", God will work in and through me to impact other people with His grace and mercy. He will transform them and they, too, will become propagators of J.O.Y. Before too long, we will resemble the church in Acts 4.
Dear Lord, I fully embrace the concept of J.O.Y. Please, Holy Spirit, make it a reality in my experience today. Live through me and let me be an example of Your power and grace. Help me to be a "Mega-Christian" today.
Amen.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Boldness or Bravado?...
Acts 4:13 "Now as they observed the boldness of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
Acts 4:29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all boldness,"
Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness."
Peter and John had been dragged from the Temple and found themselves in the center of a room, surrounded by a hostile group of Jewish leaders - the same group who had condemned Jesus on the night Peter denied the Savior just a few months earlier. Why the drastic difference in Peter's response?
This was not the same Peter as the one who routinely seemed to speak before he engaged his brain. His bravado had been replaced by boldness. It began on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit baptized, filled him and his fellow disciples, and it became a signature descriptor of his ministry.
I want that! I want to be so controlled by the Spirit that my words and my actions reveal that I, too, have been with Jesus. How do I do it? It's simple, really, but it's not easy. Simple because all it requires is for me to trust Him and yield my will to His. Difficult because that's not how I function naturally. My natural tendency would be to go through my day, making decisions with no thought of God. Yes, I pray to start my day but, as the day progresses, I tend to slip into "auto-pilot".
Fortunately, The Lord also wants me to be controlled by His Spirit, and He doesn't leave me to my own devices. He has a way of interrupting, of catching my attention and pulling me back on course. I am so thankful for that!
So, here's my test for today. The Lord woke me up earlier than usual this morning with a multi-item "to-do" list swirling in my head. As I groggily typed them into my iPad reminders, He kept adding more tasks to my day. Now, as I sit in my study, I am going over the "impossible-to-accomplish-in-
Dear Father, I am really looking forward to what You are going to do in, through, and for me today. Thank You for transforming today's task list from "daunting" to "do-able"! Thank You for changing my attitude from "dreading" to "daring". Please, Lord, reveal Your boldness in me. I want people to notice that I've been with Jesus this morning. Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Expect More...
Acts 3:3-6 "When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, 'Look at us!' And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said to him, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!'"
Over the years I have read a few books that have radically impacted my spiritual life. One of the first was a little volume written by J. B. Phillips, "Your God is Too Small." He helped me realize that I had "compartmentalized" God. I had tried to squeeze the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite God into a finite, convenient, comfortable, controllable "box". How foolish and presumptuous I was.
Similarly, I keep discovering how limited are my expectations of Him. I'm too much like the lame beggar in Acts 3. When Peter got his attention, he expected a "handout", a few coins. Little did he know that God had a much greater gift for him. God gave him a "hand up"... Instead of a temporary fix, he received a total makeover.
I wonder if my limited expectations of God hinder my enjoyment of Him. I ponder my prayer life and can't help but think that I have tunnel vision. I see from my limited perspective what I think I need, what I perceive God to be doing, what I believe He wants from me, and where I sense He's directing my steps. He obviously sees these same things from a much broader point of view!
I want to see things more from His perspective than from mine. I don't want to settle for a "few alms" when God has planned so much more. I want to raise my expectations so that what I expect is more in line with what He has in mind. I can't do that by myself. That's a job for the Holy Spirit. I need to listen carefully to His voice and see with His eyes today.
Dear Lord, You know me inside out. I know that You have plans for me, both short and long range. I pray that You will keep my spiritual "bi-focals" clean today so that I will have a clear vision of both the details of today and the broader view of tomorrow. I don't want to miss anything You have planned for me. I can't wait to get started! Amen.
Over the years I have read a few books that have radically impacted my spiritual life. One of the first was a little volume written by J. B. Phillips, "Your God is Too Small." He helped me realize that I had "compartmentalized" God. I had tried to squeeze the eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite God into a finite, convenient, comfortable, controllable "box". How foolish and presumptuous I was.
Similarly, I keep discovering how limited are my expectations of Him. I'm too much like the lame beggar in Acts 3. When Peter got his attention, he expected a "handout", a few coins. Little did he know that God had a much greater gift for him. God gave him a "hand up"... Instead of a temporary fix, he received a total makeover.
I wonder if my limited expectations of God hinder my enjoyment of Him. I ponder my prayer life and can't help but think that I have tunnel vision. I see from my limited perspective what I think I need, what I perceive God to be doing, what I believe He wants from me, and where I sense He's directing my steps. He obviously sees these same things from a much broader point of view!
I want to see things more from His perspective than from mine. I don't want to settle for a "few alms" when God has planned so much more. I want to raise my expectations so that what I expect is more in line with what He has in mind. I can't do that by myself. That's a job for the Holy Spirit. I need to listen carefully to His voice and see with His eyes today.
Dear Lord, You know me inside out. I know that You have plans for me, both short and long range. I pray that You will keep my spiritual "bi-focals" clean today so that I will have a clear vision of both the details of today and the broader view of tomorrow. I don't want to miss anything You have planned for me. I can't wait to get started! Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Hopelessly devoted...
Acts 1:14 "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."
Acts 2:42 "They were continually devoting themselves to teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..."
Each of us is devoted to something or someone. As a husband and father, I am devoted to my wife and family. In the movie, "Grease", Olivia Newton-John's character, Sandy, poured out her heart as she sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" to the love of her life, Danny.
What is it to be "hopelessly devoted"? It means to be so committed to someone or something that nothing can diminish your passion; it is to be single-minded, entirely focused, making it your highest priority, giving it your undivided attention.
That word is used 10 times in the New Testament. Half of those verses deal with our attitude toward prayer. It describes Jesus' habit of continual communication with His Father and it pictures the priority of the early Christians. As I ponder this, I have to ask the question, "Does it describe me.?"
What does "devotion to prayer" look like? I don't think it means that we have to spend hours at a time on our knees, although sometimes that will happen. It's more of a constant conversation with God, a continual awareness of His presence, actively listening for His voice, seeking His advice, counsel and direction throughout the day. That's what Paul meant when he advised us to "pray without ceasing."
That's what I desperately want and need today... and tomorrow... and the next day.
Dear Lord, I am so amazed and thankful that You would want to carry on a conversation with me today. I don't understand why, but I gladly, wholeheartedly accept your offer. Please, Holy Spirit, help me to listen carefully, discern Your voice, and follow Your lead throughout this day. I am hopelessly devoted to You! Amen.
Acts 2:42 "They were continually devoting themselves to teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..."
Each of us is devoted to something or someone. As a husband and father, I am devoted to my wife and family. In the movie, "Grease", Olivia Newton-John's character, Sandy, poured out her heart as she sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" to the love of her life, Danny.
What is it to be "hopelessly devoted"? It means to be so committed to someone or something that nothing can diminish your passion; it is to be single-minded, entirely focused, making it your highest priority, giving it your undivided attention.
That word is used 10 times in the New Testament. Half of those verses deal with our attitude toward prayer. It describes Jesus' habit of continual communication with His Father and it pictures the priority of the early Christians. As I ponder this, I have to ask the question, "Does it describe me.?"
What does "devotion to prayer" look like? I don't think it means that we have to spend hours at a time on our knees, although sometimes that will happen. It's more of a constant conversation with God, a continual awareness of His presence, actively listening for His voice, seeking His advice, counsel and direction throughout the day. That's what Paul meant when he advised us to "pray without ceasing."
That's what I desperately want and need today... and tomorrow... and the next day.
Dear Lord, I am so amazed and thankful that You would want to carry on a conversation with me today. I don't understand why, but I gladly, wholeheartedly accept your offer. Please, Holy Spirit, help me to listen carefully, discern Your voice, and follow Your lead throughout this day. I am hopelessly devoted to You! Amen.
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