Genesis 1;1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
It’s completely dark and way too early but this is the last day of the trip and it’s one of those rivers I’ve wanted to fish for a long time. And besides we’ve been here for three days and I’ve been a little bit beaten by this river but I am determined to finish strong. Not that it matters, it doesn’t matter to anyone but me.
I sorted my gear the night before, laid everything out that I would need (and more), and tied on two perfectly chosen flies. Now it was time to go to the river in the still dark morning. I have unfortunately aged a bit over time so the eyes are not quite as sharp and the feet not quite as sure and this slows me in the darkness but I find the spot described to me last night by one of my friends. He had caught several nice trout in this spot the day before and wanted me to have a good morning so I went directly to the hole from his directions and began to unspool some fly line.
All my friends on this trip are believers but I have others that aren’t. As for those that aren’t -we don’t argue anymore but I still get a gentle plug in whenever I can. And I still pray for them and have hope for them. Sometimes they’ll bring up geology and evolution and all the other scientific theories that they say explains away the world. I’ll listen quietly and think to myself that they’re missing the point. Sometimes they’ll ask me how I can believe as I do when all the “evidence” points in different directions. Many of these men love the outdoors as I do so we agree to disagree, but I still pray.
It’s dark still, but just barely. The sun is beginning to move over the treetops as I stand in the water, the river flowing silently around my legs. I start false casting as the sky lightens to a point where I can see the indicator on the water, completely focused on the rhythm of the rod and the expectation of a striking trout. Then, just as I prepare to lay the first cast on the water the sun moves completely above the tree line and the whole river is bathed in early morning sunlight of golds and reds and mist. I look up and my rod stops mid-cast, the line dropping to the river’s surface, the flies forgotten and I ask myself, “How can you not believe?”
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Devotion 12: More Thoughts on Peace
Leviticus 26:6
6 "I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country.”
At the beginning of each meeting with our church small group we go around the room asking for prayer concerns. Some weeks there are many requests, some weeks there are few. They can be for healing, or travel, or jobs, or relationships, or whatever is on the heart of the members of the group. Last week as I listened to the requests I heard the same theme come through no matter what the issue –Peace. God’s people were asking for peace in their lives. After the meeting I couldn’t get this theme, this plea, off my mind. God’s people seek peace. And God promises this peace, here in Leviticus and elsewhere.
“You will lie down and no one will make you afraid.” – How comforting. This is God’s promise and when we are closest to God we feel this peace. When we are in the midst of the trials of life our prayer is for peace either by getting over the trial or getting through the trial or being removed from the trial. What we learn is that we can find peace even in the middle of the trial if we focus on God and his promise.
How do we lose peace? Well, as we’ve said, it can be taken from us by the trials of life. But there is also a way that we can just lose peace by our own actions. We can remove ourselves from God. Think back over your life. Has there been a time when you were in a situation where you removed yourself from God’s love? If so, were you at peace? Probably not. Ask yourself when you found peace again. If you’re honest it was probably when you opened yourself up to God once again. In Isaiah we find, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17). God’s plan is for us to live under his care so that he can grant us peace throughout it all so that “no one will make your afraid.”
6 "I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country.”
At the beginning of each meeting with our church small group we go around the room asking for prayer concerns. Some weeks there are many requests, some weeks there are few. They can be for healing, or travel, or jobs, or relationships, or whatever is on the heart of the members of the group. Last week as I listened to the requests I heard the same theme come through no matter what the issue –Peace. God’s people were asking for peace in their lives. After the meeting I couldn’t get this theme, this plea, off my mind. God’s people seek peace. And God promises this peace, here in Leviticus and elsewhere.
“You will lie down and no one will make you afraid.” – How comforting. This is God’s promise and when we are closest to God we feel this peace. When we are in the midst of the trials of life our prayer is for peace either by getting over the trial or getting through the trial or being removed from the trial. What we learn is that we can find peace even in the middle of the trial if we focus on God and his promise.
How do we lose peace? Well, as we’ve said, it can be taken from us by the trials of life. But there is also a way that we can just lose peace by our own actions. We can remove ourselves from God. Think back over your life. Has there been a time when you were in a situation where you removed yourself from God’s love? If so, were you at peace? Probably not. Ask yourself when you found peace again. If you’re honest it was probably when you opened yourself up to God once again. In Isaiah we find, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17). God’s plan is for us to live under his care so that he can grant us peace throughout it all so that “no one will make your afraid.”
Devotion 11: Thoughts on Peace
Leviticus 26:6
" 'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country – Leviticus 26:6
Peace – What a word. It’s used 231 times in the NIV. It’s used as a blessing, a greeting, a prayer, and an emotion. As children of God we seek peace through Jesus. When we stray from God’s intent we know because we don’t feel at “peace”. How many times have we prayed for peace for ourselves or a loved one or our country? But what is peace, can we define it? If I asked you to define “peace” in twenty-five words or less, could you? Maybe not, but I guarantee you know what it feels like and if you think about it I bet you know where to find it.
If you’ve forgotten, close your eyes and repeat after me, “The Lord is my shepherd….”
Prayer
Father, grant us the wisdom to pursue peace in all we do.
" 'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country – Leviticus 26:6
Peace – What a word. It’s used 231 times in the NIV. It’s used as a blessing, a greeting, a prayer, and an emotion. As children of God we seek peace through Jesus. When we stray from God’s intent we know because we don’t feel at “peace”. How many times have we prayed for peace for ourselves or a loved one or our country? But what is peace, can we define it? If I asked you to define “peace” in twenty-five words or less, could you? Maybe not, but I guarantee you know what it feels like and if you think about it I bet you know where to find it.
If you’ve forgotten, close your eyes and repeat after me, “The Lord is my shepherd….”
Prayer
Father, grant us the wisdom to pursue peace in all we do.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Devotion 10: Once Upon a Time There Was This Guy....
Philemon 1 (New International Version)......... 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….
When Paul writes, (you know – PAUL –the LETTER WRITER!), he usually doesn’t mince words. Why, I’ve read some of his letters to church's that would make a preacher blush, I’ve read letters where he’s called out whole church's and then gone back and checked to make sure they had straightened things out! So, when I read Paul’s letter to a man he calls, “our dear friend and fellow worker,” I pay attention to what it is he LIKES about this person. So, here are three thoughts on things Philemon does that Paul approves of:
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….was active.
Active: effective, powerful
If we research the word “active” just a bit we find that it’s related to words like “effective”, and “powerful”. Now, most men would probably be fine with having these words used to describe themselves wouldn’t they? You’re effective in your work and just generally a powerful guy – right? But are we “active” Christian men? Is our personal Christian life effective and powerful? When was the last time you did something for the Lord? Guys, I think Paul might say to most of us that it’s time to get off the bench and in the game.
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….was an encouragement.
Encouragement: consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment
Men, in general, are leaders and loners and stiff upper lip kind of creatures. A lot of the time we leave the nurturing and encouragement to the ladies and that’s a mistake. Not that they don’t do an awesome job but….. If we can band together for teams we should be able to band together as a church or Men’s Group or whatever and encourage one another. Before they moved away my son-in-law was part of an accountability group of young married men at our church. These were young men starting families and recognizing it was hard being the kind of men they wanted to be. They prayed together and called upon each other when they had questions or problems or just wanted to ask, “Hey, am I doing OK here?” And the other men would listen to them and be there for them and encourage them. And I was humbled.
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….refreshed
Refreshed: to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength
OK, on this one I know EXACTLY what Paul means. On Wednesday nights I lead a “Small Group” at our church. We all know Wednesdays. We are one-half way through the week and about three quarters worn out. Almost invariably something happens at the office that adds to my stress level so that most Wednesdays nights I’m not necessarily in a worshipful mood by the time I reach church. But God is good and I am part of a very, very special group. My small group is truthfully like no other group I have ever been part of. You see, this bunch of Christians genuinely likes each other –the whole darn group. We gather together with laughter and smiles and move on to prayer and study. We build each other up and rejoice at our time together with God’s people. As the evening goes on I feel more and more energized and closer to God than when I walked in the building.
One of our customs is that each Wednesday night I close our time with prayer. And virtually every Wednesday my prayer starts, “Father, I am refreshed….”
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….
When Paul writes, (you know – PAUL –the LETTER WRITER!), he usually doesn’t mince words. Why, I’ve read some of his letters to church's that would make a preacher blush, I’ve read letters where he’s called out whole church's and then gone back and checked to make sure they had straightened things out! So, when I read Paul’s letter to a man he calls, “our dear friend and fellow worker,” I pay attention to what it is he LIKES about this person. So, here are three thoughts on things Philemon does that Paul approves of:
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….was active.
Active: effective, powerful
If we research the word “active” just a bit we find that it’s related to words like “effective”, and “powerful”. Now, most men would probably be fine with having these words used to describe themselves wouldn’t they? You’re effective in your work and just generally a powerful guy – right? But are we “active” Christian men? Is our personal Christian life effective and powerful? When was the last time you did something for the Lord? Guys, I think Paul might say to most of us that it’s time to get off the bench and in the game.
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….was an encouragement.
Encouragement: consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment
Men, in general, are leaders and loners and stiff upper lip kind of creatures. A lot of the time we leave the nurturing and encouragement to the ladies and that’s a mistake. Not that they don’t do an awesome job but….. If we can band together for teams we should be able to band together as a church or Men’s Group or whatever and encourage one another. Before they moved away my son-in-law was part of an accountability group of young married men at our church. These were young men starting families and recognizing it was hard being the kind of men they wanted to be. They prayed together and called upon each other when they had questions or problems or just wanted to ask, “Hey, am I doing OK here?” And the other men would listen to them and be there for them and encourage them. And I was humbled.
Once upon a time there was this guy named Philemon who….refreshed
Refreshed: to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength
OK, on this one I know EXACTLY what Paul means. On Wednesday nights I lead a “Small Group” at our church. We all know Wednesdays. We are one-half way through the week and about three quarters worn out. Almost invariably something happens at the office that adds to my stress level so that most Wednesdays nights I’m not necessarily in a worshipful mood by the time I reach church. But God is good and I am part of a very, very special group. My small group is truthfully like no other group I have ever been part of. You see, this bunch of Christians genuinely likes each other –the whole darn group. We gather together with laughter and smiles and move on to prayer and study. We build each other up and rejoice at our time together with God’s people. As the evening goes on I feel more and more energized and closer to God than when I walked in the building.
One of our customs is that each Wednesday night I close our time with prayer. And virtually every Wednesday my prayer starts, “Father, I am refreshed….”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Devotion 9 - Who's The Boss?
Colossians 3: 23-24, "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord-you serve the Lord Christ."
SERVE -to obey, submit to, a) in a good sense, to yield obedience.
Both of my Grandfathers had farms and hired temporary workers when the seasons demanded it. During the summers as a teenager I worked for each of them when they needed help. As we worked together they tried to teach me what was expected of a man by being men and working alongside of me and just generally being there as an example. I learned a bit and there have been many times I've wished I could go back for a "refresher" course.
I've never worked harder because I loved my "bosses". It's not that they paid particularly well, or that the work day was short, or the lunches were exceptionally good (OK, they were - both my Grandmothers were great cooks), it's because I loved them and wanted to please them. if the truth were known I would probably have worked for free. My absolute best teenage memories are those long days in the sun working for two of the men I most respected and seeing their pride in what I was slowly becoming. Deep down I had already "submitted" to these men a long time ago. That submission, or obedience, had been cemented in me as a very small child - along with love for these men. And I would serve them with my last ounce of strength in anything they asked.
Each day as we leave our homes to go off and earn our living maybe we need a little "attitude adjustment". What if everything we did on this earth was consciously done for the Lord we love? What if every meeting, every sale, every performance report, every house we build, every car we make, every interaction we have with friends or family, everything, was done for the Lord? I know that if I did this almost everything I did would be better. I also know that if I focused my work on the Lord and not on man and did my best I would take a lot of pressure off myself. You see, if you're not trying to please man you won't worry about what man thinks of how you're doing. If you're trying to please the Lord, well He already loves you and that won't change
SERVE -to obey, submit to, a) in a good sense, to yield obedience.
Both of my Grandfathers had farms and hired temporary workers when the seasons demanded it. During the summers as a teenager I worked for each of them when they needed help. As we worked together they tried to teach me what was expected of a man by being men and working alongside of me and just generally being there as an example. I learned a bit and there have been many times I've wished I could go back for a "refresher" course.
I've never worked harder because I loved my "bosses". It's not that they paid particularly well, or that the work day was short, or the lunches were exceptionally good (OK, they were - both my Grandmothers were great cooks), it's because I loved them and wanted to please them. if the truth were known I would probably have worked for free. My absolute best teenage memories are those long days in the sun working for two of the men I most respected and seeing their pride in what I was slowly becoming. Deep down I had already "submitted" to these men a long time ago. That submission, or obedience, had been cemented in me as a very small child - along with love for these men. And I would serve them with my last ounce of strength in anything they asked.
Each day as we leave our homes to go off and earn our living maybe we need a little "attitude adjustment". What if everything we did on this earth was consciously done for the Lord we love? What if every meeting, every sale, every performance report, every house we build, every car we make, every interaction we have with friends or family, everything, was done for the Lord? I know that if I did this almost everything I did would be better. I also know that if I focused my work on the Lord and not on man and did my best I would take a lot of pressure off myself. You see, if you're not trying to please man you won't worry about what man thinks of how you're doing. If you're trying to please the Lord, well He already loves you and that won't change
Friday, October 30, 2009
Devotion 8: Man Up
1 Thessalonians 4: 11 - 12
11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
OK - I'm stuck on this scripture - so?
It seems like even Paul tell us to be John Wayne and “Man Up”. Everywhere we go from the time we are little boys someone is telling us to stop crying or toughen up or “take it like a man”. In school, in work, in sports, and yes even from the Bible men are taught to suffer in silence – or think they are. It’s no wonder that we go through life thinking we have to swallow every emotion and never ever let anyone know that we need the help of others.
Well guys, I’m here to tell you that if you live like that – in total isolation – without a support group -you will either whither up and die or explode. Even Jesus needed. Before Golgotha was Gethsemane where Jesus prayed to HIS father for strength and with him at Gethsemane were some friends – his support group, his guys.
There’s a difference between what Paul is saying and being alone. Paul is telling us to take care of ourselves and be an example – for the glory of God – so that others, the “outsiders”, will respect us. I think if we look at all of Paul’s teaching we’ll see that he ALSO wants us to be part of the community of believers, what we today call our Christian family, and lift each other up. Remember, Paul’s letter is to the church, not just one man. We get through this together as men – the good times and the bad. Today I lift you up, tomorrow you lift me up and the next day we lift up another –all for the glory of God.
11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
OK - I'm stuck on this scripture - so?
It seems like even Paul tell us to be John Wayne and “Man Up”. Everywhere we go from the time we are little boys someone is telling us to stop crying or toughen up or “take it like a man”. In school, in work, in sports, and yes even from the Bible men are taught to suffer in silence – or think they are. It’s no wonder that we go through life thinking we have to swallow every emotion and never ever let anyone know that we need the help of others.
Well guys, I’m here to tell you that if you live like that – in total isolation – without a support group -you will either whither up and die or explode. Even Jesus needed. Before Golgotha was Gethsemane where Jesus prayed to HIS father for strength and with him at Gethsemane were some friends – his support group, his guys.
There’s a difference between what Paul is saying and being alone. Paul is telling us to take care of ourselves and be an example – for the glory of God – so that others, the “outsiders”, will respect us. I think if we look at all of Paul’s teaching we’ll see that he ALSO wants us to be part of the community of believers, what we today call our Christian family, and lift each other up. Remember, Paul’s letter is to the church, not just one man. We get through this together as men – the good times and the bad. Today I lift you up, tomorrow you lift me up and the next day we lift up another –all for the glory of God.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Devotion 7: Up The River and Only One Paddle
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12,
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind you own business and to work with your hands, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
I have a long history with boats and outboards. It's not a very good history and I think the reason may be that I try to buy boats and motors that were manufactured as close to my date of birth as possible. In other words I buy junk and expect them to work like new, high dollar, bass rigs. It never, ever, happens.
I've become accustomed to this. It's the norm for me to have to shoot starter fluid into the engine to get it to fire and run. It's the norm for me to have to take a boat motor to a mechanic and sheepishly say, "I don't know what happened it was running fine last year."
Now, I have this friend I met a few years ago when I was a duck hunter. This man can take apart any boat motor while hanging on the transom in the middle of winter and get it running using a safety pin and duct tape. He is truly a genius. He is also one of the most genuine, unassuming people I have ever met. A TRUE gentleman in every sense of the word.
My latest boat motor is a fairly new 1968 model - 20hp manual start. The first time I took it out it ran hot. The second time I hit a rock and broke the shear pin. Then the lower unit started to leak so I asked my friend what I needed to do to reseal it. He said something like, "It's easy, all you have to do is.....and all you need is a....." (Now understand I have a hammer and a pair of pliers and starter fluid). So I gently asked him if he would reseal it. The next thing I knew he had put another, better, lower unit on and I was good to go. Twenty bucks for parts....no labor.
Now it's a good motor as far as outboards go and I see a lot of potential. So much so that I bought an electric starter for it. I called my friend for advice on how to install the starter and he said something like, "It's easy, all you have to do is..and you need a....." OK, so I gently ask him if he would consider installing it. He agreed and brought back this custom job that looks factory (for a 1968 model). Fired up first time he hit the starter button - forty bucks for parts, no labor. I was ecstatic and could not wait to hit the river. Finally another friend and I took off Saturday morning for a warmwater fishing trip in the Perfect Drift with the electric starter. Boat loaded, trailer backed into the water, anticipation high - I hit the starter and it wouldn't turn over -nothing, again and again. Out comes the starter fluid - nothing. I know without a doubt that I have broken the motor somehow. We spend the rest of the day using the trolling motor. It pays to have understanding fishing partners...
The next day I spend two hours doing what little I knew to get this motor running (more starter fluid). No success so I go on eBay to see about how much another motor will cost. I shut down eBay. So, last resort I call my boat mechanic genius friend. He laughs and says something like, "I'll be right over." Being the genius that he is he brings tools and proceeds to break down the carburetor where we find the gunk causing the problem. He runs home where he happens to have a rebuild kit for the carb - comes back and proceeds to rebuild the carburetor on my garage floor while we catch up on life. I help by not touching anything. All the pieces go back together and the motor once again fires the first time, no charge.
This man's family obviously came from Thessalonia and heard Paul's words and took them to heart. It became a genetic thing passed from generation to generation. Had to, no other explanation. I can not tell you how much respect I have for this guy. He does all this and just walks away with a big smile telling me how much he enjoys working on motors - like I gave him some huge gift by begging him to fix my piece of junk. What a friend.
This may be my last post. Say a prayer. Today we take the Perfect Drift back to the river for another trip. I have faith. It's not a bad motor....
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind you own business and to work with your hands, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
I have a long history with boats and outboards. It's not a very good history and I think the reason may be that I try to buy boats and motors that were manufactured as close to my date of birth as possible. In other words I buy junk and expect them to work like new, high dollar, bass rigs. It never, ever, happens.
I've become accustomed to this. It's the norm for me to have to shoot starter fluid into the engine to get it to fire and run. It's the norm for me to have to take a boat motor to a mechanic and sheepishly say, "I don't know what happened it was running fine last year."
Now, I have this friend I met a few years ago when I was a duck hunter. This man can take apart any boat motor while hanging on the transom in the middle of winter and get it running using a safety pin and duct tape. He is truly a genius. He is also one of the most genuine, unassuming people I have ever met. A TRUE gentleman in every sense of the word.
My latest boat motor is a fairly new 1968 model - 20hp manual start. The first time I took it out it ran hot. The second time I hit a rock and broke the shear pin. Then the lower unit started to leak so I asked my friend what I needed to do to reseal it. He said something like, "It's easy, all you have to do is.....and all you need is a....." (Now understand I have a hammer and a pair of pliers and starter fluid). So I gently asked him if he would reseal it. The next thing I knew he had put another, better, lower unit on and I was good to go. Twenty bucks for parts....no labor.
Now it's a good motor as far as outboards go and I see a lot of potential. So much so that I bought an electric starter for it. I called my friend for advice on how to install the starter and he said something like, "It's easy, all you have to do is..and you need a....." OK, so I gently ask him if he would consider installing it. He agreed and brought back this custom job that looks factory (for a 1968 model). Fired up first time he hit the starter button - forty bucks for parts, no labor. I was ecstatic and could not wait to hit the river. Finally another friend and I took off Saturday morning for a warmwater fishing trip in the Perfect Drift with the electric starter. Boat loaded, trailer backed into the water, anticipation high - I hit the starter and it wouldn't turn over -nothing, again and again. Out comes the starter fluid - nothing. I know without a doubt that I have broken the motor somehow. We spend the rest of the day using the trolling motor. It pays to have understanding fishing partners...
The next day I spend two hours doing what little I knew to get this motor running (more starter fluid). No success so I go on eBay to see about how much another motor will cost. I shut down eBay. So, last resort I call my boat mechanic genius friend. He laughs and says something like, "I'll be right over." Being the genius that he is he brings tools and proceeds to break down the carburetor where we find the gunk causing the problem. He runs home where he happens to have a rebuild kit for the carb - comes back and proceeds to rebuild the carburetor on my garage floor while we catch up on life. I help by not touching anything. All the pieces go back together and the motor once again fires the first time, no charge.
This man's family obviously came from Thessalonia and heard Paul's words and took them to heart. It became a genetic thing passed from generation to generation. Had to, no other explanation. I can not tell you how much respect I have for this guy. He does all this and just walks away with a big smile telling me how much he enjoys working on motors - like I gave him some huge gift by begging him to fix my piece of junk. What a friend.
This may be my last post. Say a prayer. Today we take the Perfect Drift back to the river for another trip. I have faith. It's not a bad motor....
Friday, May 29, 2009
Devotion 6 - Fishing With Paul
2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (New International Version)
Paul's Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
I went fishing with Paul last month. You know PAUL -the Apostle. We didn't catch a single fish all day but that's how it goes sometimes. OK, maybe his name was Roscoe. And maybe he's the young minister at the church my daughter and her family started attending when they moved to upstate New York. and by God's own providence he's a Fly Fisherman. But it did feel a little like talking to Paul - on a good day.
Roscoe and I had quite a bit of time to get to know each other as we drove to a couple of favorite fishing spots. I learned a little about how hard it is to start a church from "scratch". Roscoe told me about the first meeting of the church and how he hung around the door to see if anyone would come. A few did, not very many. He told me about the support he had had through all this - primarily from God and from his wife. But also from his wife's home church several miles away -they sent a few members for several months to run the nursery, greet visitors, do whatever it took to get the fledgling church up and going. And there was some financial support from other churches and folks. Money to pay for a place to meet ad buy those bare essentials needed to start a church in the 21st century -oh, and a little left over to provide for Roscoe and his family. Rosoce and I talked about all this as we drove to the river. He went on to tell me that this past Easter there were more people on the stage at the High School where they meet than had been in the entire congregation that first meeting. As he talked I could feel his excitement. I could see he was doing what he felt he should be doing. I could see a little of how hard it had been. I could see he wasn't finished. So, yeah - I went fishing with Paul and I learned just a little about the good times and the bad when we spread the word.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Devotion 5: Easter, and following
John 21:3 - 7
3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5He called out to them, "Friends haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.
6He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
One of my favorite versus in the entire Bible is John 21:3. Not necessarily because Peter was a fisherman, although that’s fun, but because of what happened after the fishing trip. If you’re a fisherman there have probably been times in your life when you “needed” to fish. You needed time to reflect, process bad news, heal from a hurt, recharge and regroup. Hopefully, time to pray.
Now, imagine you’re Peter – after the crucifixion. Peter had invested EVERYTHING in following Jesus. He had walked away from job, friends, family - all on a promise of something he felt when Jesus walked up to him and said, “come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). Three years later Jesus is dead. Then resurrected and visits the disciples. Then gone again…. Talk about a mind-bending experience. It’s no wonder that Peter returned to a place he felt comfortable. By returning to the water and going fishing Peter I imagine was trying to process everything that was going on by centering himself where he felt comfortable. For some of us that’s a church. For some a river. For Peter it was in a boat with friends doing what he knew.
They fish all night and catch nothing. Who of us hasn’t had a trip like that? But it can still be a good trip because it’s called fishing not catching. And besides, Peter was with two other disciples. They talked all night I’m sure, trying to understand all that was going on and what to do next. The sun comes up. They head to shore and then in the distance someone calls to them with some advice and surprisingly they take the advice and WHAM, catch a bunch of fish. And then, even more surprisingly, the stranger on the shore is recognized. And Peter – without hesitating, without looking back, without doubting, without even thinking jumped into the water to meet his master.
Happy Easter.
3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5He called out to them, "Friends haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.
6He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
One of my favorite versus in the entire Bible is John 21:3. Not necessarily because Peter was a fisherman, although that’s fun, but because of what happened after the fishing trip. If you’re a fisherman there have probably been times in your life when you “needed” to fish. You needed time to reflect, process bad news, heal from a hurt, recharge and regroup. Hopefully, time to pray.
Now, imagine you’re Peter – after the crucifixion. Peter had invested EVERYTHING in following Jesus. He had walked away from job, friends, family - all on a promise of something he felt when Jesus walked up to him and said, “come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). Three years later Jesus is dead. Then resurrected and visits the disciples. Then gone again…. Talk about a mind-bending experience. It’s no wonder that Peter returned to a place he felt comfortable. By returning to the water and going fishing Peter I imagine was trying to process everything that was going on by centering himself where he felt comfortable. For some of us that’s a church. For some a river. For Peter it was in a boat with friends doing what he knew.
They fish all night and catch nothing. Who of us hasn’t had a trip like that? But it can still be a good trip because it’s called fishing not catching. And besides, Peter was with two other disciples. They talked all night I’m sure, trying to understand all that was going on and what to do next. The sun comes up. They head to shore and then in the distance someone calls to them with some advice and surprisingly they take the advice and WHAM, catch a bunch of fish. And then, even more surprisingly, the stranger on the shore is recognized. And Peter – without hesitating, without looking back, without doubting, without even thinking jumped into the water to meet his master.
Happy Easter.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Devotion 4: My Small Price for Freedom
Isaiah 9: 8
8 The fishermen will groan and lament, all who cast hooks into the Nile; those who throw nets on the water will pine away.
OK, I couldn’t resist –it’s close to Tax Day here in the old U.S.A. and my annual tax payment is well within the loving arms of my Uncle Sam. And like all the other fishermen I know I’ve been groaning and lamenting since the first of the year as all the important tax documents show up in the mail. We groan on the stream and lament at the lunch table – but we still render unto Caesar what is Caesars - some years more than others (no new bamboo rod this year). But, what a great country – faults and all – where we can worship without fear whenever, where-ever we want. We can sing at the top of our lungs or sit reverently in silence in our churches without fear of arrest, persecution or even death. We can celebrate Easter and Christmas and get as silly as we want to. And we can do all this right out in the open. A lot of people paid high prices for our right to worship this way - people from the beginning of this nation to our soldiers today. And a lot of people across the earth are still paying high prices for their right to worship. The least I can do is write a check for my small portion of what it takes to keep the gears moving in this great old Nation of ours.
Maybe I didn’t need that new “Boo” as much as I thought.
Prayer: Lord - Help me be a great Christian citizen. Guide and protect our leaders and bless them with discernment each and every day. Also, please remember those across the earth that have to worship you in darkness and fear, bless and protect them.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Devotion 4: Long Fall, Longer Winter
James 1: 2-4
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do it's complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
It's been a while since I posted here. About the time I started this blog my wife of 30+ years was diagnosed with Horner's syndrome, which led to thyroid cancer and removal of her thyroid, which led to the discovery of breast cancer and a double-mastectomy, which led to her almost bleeding to death as the result of having some polyps removed to avoid colon cancer. During which my Daughter, Son-in-law and our two Grandchildren moved from about 10 miles from us to about a thousand miles away and my son graduated from college and is now employed. By the grace of God my wife is fine and our lives are returning to "almost normal". I honestly have been in awe of her strength and faith throughout this. Interestingly, I had seen her faith grow significantly over the past few years to a point now where I know of no one whose faith is stronger. It was almost as if God were preparing her for the trials she would face this past year.
But, now we go forward.
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