I love stories that creep into our lives and move us into closer communion with the body of Christ.
I received an email today from an old friend forwarded through my wife. I then called to approve the use of this story. As we conversed the blessing of God continued to grow. This old friend of mine and I apparently share a mutual friend, Jesus the Christ. We exchanged briefly our faith and for a moment saw this Jesus in one another.
The following is a guest post from my friend Kari.
I wonder how much is riding on this little story? How many souls will be touched? God has purpose and it will be fulfilled.
So - From a child to a mom, from a mom to a friend, from a wife to a husband, from a blog to a…?
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I just had to share a "special moment" with you.
Sometimes I wonder why the Good Lord blessed me with two little innocent angels to care for. I know he gave them to me so that they can teach me, for one. Oh, the questions these little ones can ask.
Tonight Josie and I were watching the Olympics. In case you don't know, Josie is a little gymnast in training. She loves it so much. But tonight we watched Michael Phelps win his seventh gold by the tip of a nail. When they sang the National Anthem during the medal ceremony, she asked, "Mommy, why don't we sing that in Guntersville?"
I didn't really understand what she meant. Maybe, our past military life made her ask. We were always in "military cities", and when on base, you'd hear these things. I'm just not sure what she meant. Then later, lying in bed, she went on to say, "You know, we don't pray at school."
In total amazement, I tried to explain that in the past she's gone to Christian schools and now she is in a public school. Prayer isn't allowed because some people aren't Christian.
She continued on to say, "We don't even sing songs about Jesus in school." Then, I saw in her little eyes and heard in her voice the genuine concern, "You mean Mrs. Brazelton doesn't know God?"
"Yes, she knows God." I said.
I just learned something from my five-year old child...
Where is my concern for others? I'm so caught up in other things I don't even wonder if someone might not know God.
Today I know why God gave me the privilege of being a mommy.
May God bless our sweet, innocent, pure children.
Kari
Monday, August 18, 2008
Jesus, walk with me.
A number of years ago I requested repetitively within the sphere of my prayer life the following sentiment.
“Lord, please don’t leave me. No matter how far away I roam, no matter how far into darkness I trek, please don’t leave me. Allow me one last chance. Bring me back home.”
The admission to God that I will attempt to hide, that I will run away, that I will fail morally and be ashamed to return I repeated often, but in retrospect the statement seems rather childish. My admission, a type of constant confession. My request, a type of maintained path to repentance. They seem confused. I am not saying that I will not hide or run or fail in the future, but to think that somehow these things separate me from God seems wrong.
I pray now for continued compassion, continued touch, continued teaching.
“Jesus, walk with me. Wrap your arm around me. Take me and lead me. Be so present that you not only are there, that you are not only an option or a safety net, but Jesus, be so present as to touch me continually. Stay with me constantly, no matter where I hide, where I run, no matter what kind of failure I venture into, be with me and teach me your way.”
In John 15 Jesus proclaims,
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” vs15
“Jesus, my friend, teach me your command. Allow me your guidance. Please never take your arm from around me. Never lose contact. Stay with me.”
“Lord, please don’t leave me. No matter how far away I roam, no matter how far into darkness I trek, please don’t leave me. Allow me one last chance. Bring me back home.”
The admission to God that I will attempt to hide, that I will run away, that I will fail morally and be ashamed to return I repeated often, but in retrospect the statement seems rather childish. My admission, a type of constant confession. My request, a type of maintained path to repentance. They seem confused. I am not saying that I will not hide or run or fail in the future, but to think that somehow these things separate me from God seems wrong.
I pray now for continued compassion, continued touch, continued teaching.
“Jesus, walk with me. Wrap your arm around me. Take me and lead me. Be so present that you not only are there, that you are not only an option or a safety net, but Jesus, be so present as to touch me continually. Stay with me constantly, no matter where I hide, where I run, no matter what kind of failure I venture into, be with me and teach me your way.”
In John 15 Jesus proclaims,
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” vs15
“Jesus, my friend, teach me your command. Allow me your guidance. Please never take your arm from around me. Never lose contact. Stay with me.”
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Stitches of Life
An older fellow came by my office this morning to sit for spell. We of coursed discussed the pressing business of the day but then moved further. We dove into a more personal banter. As we spoke, he enlightened me concerning a few of his wife’s ailments. He further explained his own pains and sufferings. Rehab. Medications. Therapies.
History of his vocation dropped by for a visit as well. Apparently, he worked for GM in the past where he grew quite fond of the GM product. He walked me through some of the different vehicles on the market and how they perform; their mechanical intricacies as well as inserted opinion as to how their designs benefit or hinder their performance.
He had personal testimony concerning each vehicle that he had driven or even family members had driven in the past.
But then, nearly agitated, he recalled one particular brand of vehicle that seemed to raise a rash from under his skin. I will not disclose which brand for fear of stepping on toes of those whom are currently riding the same. But, the finality of his perturbed explicative was the following.
“You know when you drive a car and you can just feel it? It’s ride nearly becomes a part of you? It feels alive? This car ain’t got it. It’s dead. A car has to be alive.”
Well said my friend. Total agreement. Death gets me agitated as well. Life enhances the ride.
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10
Do you get confused as to the origin of Life sometimes? Many times we have a decent design for our life. We have a great design team that even guides us along the way, but are we walking in death or are we walking in LIFE?
Life is found in Christ and him alone. He holds all things together for us.
The older fellow continued relieving the stress upon his chest, from all these experiences in his life, by allowing me yet another story concerning shopping and the outrageous prices at some of our well known establishments.
To be cordial, I offered audience to his rather lofty ascension. However, once his summit to the proverbial soap box was complete he turned to proclaim truth from the hills.
“You’ve got to look at how things are made. How they are stitched together. If the stitching is right then that $10 dress will do you better than a $100 dollar dress any day.”
I must have dosed off a bit as I’m not sure why he was shopping for dresses but again I say, what truth.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 - Concerning Christ
You have got to look at the stitches. Is your life held together in Christ? Is your church held together in Christ? $100 dollar dresses are fine, but let’s make sure we are not swayed by fashion and glamour, what brand is in style or not.
Make sure you are clothed with a dress stitched together with Christ.
Simple words come into our lives every day. Are we remembering Christ within their framework? We must die to ourselves so that he can live within us. Constant communion with Christ. Life eternal.
History of his vocation dropped by for a visit as well. Apparently, he worked for GM in the past where he grew quite fond of the GM product. He walked me through some of the different vehicles on the market and how they perform; their mechanical intricacies as well as inserted opinion as to how their designs benefit or hinder their performance.
He had personal testimony concerning each vehicle that he had driven or even family members had driven in the past.
But then, nearly agitated, he recalled one particular brand of vehicle that seemed to raise a rash from under his skin. I will not disclose which brand for fear of stepping on toes of those whom are currently riding the same. But, the finality of his perturbed explicative was the following.
“You know when you drive a car and you can just feel it? It’s ride nearly becomes a part of you? It feels alive? This car ain’t got it. It’s dead. A car has to be alive.”
Well said my friend. Total agreement. Death gets me agitated as well. Life enhances the ride.
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10
Do you get confused as to the origin of Life sometimes? Many times we have a decent design for our life. We have a great design team that even guides us along the way, but are we walking in death or are we walking in LIFE?
Life is found in Christ and him alone. He holds all things together for us.
The older fellow continued relieving the stress upon his chest, from all these experiences in his life, by allowing me yet another story concerning shopping and the outrageous prices at some of our well known establishments.
To be cordial, I offered audience to his rather lofty ascension. However, once his summit to the proverbial soap box was complete he turned to proclaim truth from the hills.
“You’ve got to look at how things are made. How they are stitched together. If the stitching is right then that $10 dress will do you better than a $100 dollar dress any day.”
I must have dosed off a bit as I’m not sure why he was shopping for dresses but again I say, what truth.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 - Concerning Christ
You have got to look at the stitches. Is your life held together in Christ? Is your church held together in Christ? $100 dollar dresses are fine, but let’s make sure we are not swayed by fashion and glamour, what brand is in style or not.
Make sure you are clothed with a dress stitched together with Christ.
Simple words come into our lives every day. Are we remembering Christ within their framework? We must die to ourselves so that he can live within us. Constant communion with Christ. Life eternal.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Crisp August Sky
“The Spirit of God puts the people of God into the presence of God.”
Henry Blackaby
If you are not listening to the Spirit, the sword will be pulled (which is the WORD of God) Ephesians 6:17 to direct you back to the holy presence of God.
"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD
Jeremiah 23:29
"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Luke 12:49
May you be pierced with the Sword of the Spirit and drenched with the Fire of God.
Bath yourself in the word – and the Spirit will take you to God. Your day will be crisp with Joy and Beauty will fill the air you breath. Wonderful how a little Word will put you where you need to be.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh” John 1
I love God, in all his spectacular trinity and within the communion of unity found in his followers.
"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" Deut. 30:14 also reclaimed by Paul to the Romans (Chap 10)
Our GOD lives. Can you shout it?
Henry Blackaby
If you are not listening to the Spirit, the sword will be pulled (which is the WORD of God) Ephesians 6:17 to direct you back to the holy presence of God.
"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD
Jeremiah 23:29
"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Luke 12:49
May you be pierced with the Sword of the Spirit and drenched with the Fire of God.
Bath yourself in the word – and the Spirit will take you to God. Your day will be crisp with Joy and Beauty will fill the air you breath. Wonderful how a little Word will put you where you need to be.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh” John 1
I love God, in all his spectacular trinity and within the communion of unity found in his followers.
"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" Deut. 30:14 also reclaimed by Paul to the Romans (Chap 10)
Our GOD lives. Can you shout it?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Express Faith
-This is a partial and unedited entry - the logic and communication of ideas are lacking - however I felt the need to publish - I will revise at a later date -
Outward expression of ones inward faith is vital to the continued growth of the Kingdom of God in the current micro culture we find ourselves apart. There are cultures fed by many influences that we simply are not privy to and this has and will be the case throughout time in all directions. The intense complexity of the unity of Christ shown within the brotherhood has and will ever change. There is a fluid nature to life that will always bring new experience and need for change. I do not say that GOD is not the same today as he was in the past and will be in the future for He is outside of time; he is the originator. I simply suggest that our digestion of this sameness may not be fully in tune with the true vine of Christ. Are our practices fully alive?
One such expression in recent years has been popularized, at least in our current culture, by the Pentecostal or Charismatic movement. The act of raising hands while in praise or prayer.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
Psalms 134.2
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalms 63.4
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
1 Tim. 2:8
There are many scriptural references concerning this act as well as condemnations from God when ones participation in this act is hypocritical or superficial. (Isaiah 1:15) Always, with any action, it is the heart that God views.
The idea to ponder within this discussion is not the validity or acceptance of this ritual but the power that it may possibly have within the community of Christ.
Personally I pray. Personally I fast. Personally I read. Personally I sing. Personally I worship. Personally I confess. Personally I have unity with God through Christ guided by Spirit.
BUT – I also practice all these things in community – At church.
How can one see my heart? Only in Christ through the Spirit can one unite with my heart. But, how does one know that I need their unity? There are many answers, but one that may be simple enough to digest and use regularly is the Lifting of Holy Hands. If you can so connect with God as to block out circumstance then through this action there may be unity found among believers.
Here is my testimony of the same.
I was at worship in the midst of thousands of others this past weekend. We where gathered at a church that regularly holds 10-15 thousand souls. If I where to be apart of this service regularly I would struggle to connect. How can one build relationship while congregating with a group so large? Well, the passage when Jesus commands us to love one another came to a new light in this setting.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35
Now keep your mind within the concept of unity. When we bond with God through Jesus by the Spirit we are united. If there are others within this same unity then we in fact have bonded with them as well. So, when I look around a group of 15,000 men praising God I know that they are disciples because of their love. Their love - that I can physically see within the act of praise and lifting of hands.
I realize this is semantics at best and the argument will not stand intellectually so here is a further testimony of the same.
This past Sunday morning the Shekinah Glory of God fell upon the group I meet with regularly after all the rationalization and after all the corporate praise in the form of confession and testimony. From my personal participation I can confirm the love found in another when they are connected to God. I was moved to respond as well as to continue in the testimony when I saw the outward expression of inward faith. In my cultural paradigm we always end a session of community with a invitation to the alter of God. A song is sung and the wrestling begins. Within my own battleground I was faltering until I saw the hands of my fellow brothers in arms raised in unison to God the Farther. I then was redirected, realized I was not alone, I was loved by the others and I knew they where disciples of the true and mighty God. So I allowed myself sacrificed and the Spirit lead me from there to the alter of God. My ego there was slain and the blood of Christ was poured out.
A portion of this love, this fire that Christ came to our world to ignite (Luke 12:49), was sparked by the outward expression of others faith. They lifted their hands. My soul died. The Spirit led. And Christ poured out.
Express your faith! There are many ways to express. But Express.
Outward expression of ones inward faith is vital to the continued growth of the Kingdom of God in the current micro culture we find ourselves apart. There are cultures fed by many influences that we simply are not privy to and this has and will be the case throughout time in all directions. The intense complexity of the unity of Christ shown within the brotherhood has and will ever change. There is a fluid nature to life that will always bring new experience and need for change. I do not say that GOD is not the same today as he was in the past and will be in the future for He is outside of time; he is the originator. I simply suggest that our digestion of this sameness may not be fully in tune with the true vine of Christ. Are our practices fully alive?
One such expression in recent years has been popularized, at least in our current culture, by the Pentecostal or Charismatic movement. The act of raising hands while in praise or prayer.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
Psalms 134.2
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalms 63.4
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
1 Tim. 2:8
There are many scriptural references concerning this act as well as condemnations from God when ones participation in this act is hypocritical or superficial. (Isaiah 1:15) Always, with any action, it is the heart that God views.
The idea to ponder within this discussion is not the validity or acceptance of this ritual but the power that it may possibly have within the community of Christ.
Personally I pray. Personally I fast. Personally I read. Personally I sing. Personally I worship. Personally I confess. Personally I have unity with God through Christ guided by Spirit.
BUT – I also practice all these things in community – At church.
How can one see my heart? Only in Christ through the Spirit can one unite with my heart. But, how does one know that I need their unity? There are many answers, but one that may be simple enough to digest and use regularly is the Lifting of Holy Hands. If you can so connect with God as to block out circumstance then through this action there may be unity found among believers.
Here is my testimony of the same.
I was at worship in the midst of thousands of others this past weekend. We where gathered at a church that regularly holds 10-15 thousand souls. If I where to be apart of this service regularly I would struggle to connect. How can one build relationship while congregating with a group so large? Well, the passage when Jesus commands us to love one another came to a new light in this setting.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35
Now keep your mind within the concept of unity. When we bond with God through Jesus by the Spirit we are united. If there are others within this same unity then we in fact have bonded with them as well. So, when I look around a group of 15,000 men praising God I know that they are disciples because of their love. Their love - that I can physically see within the act of praise and lifting of hands.
I realize this is semantics at best and the argument will not stand intellectually so here is a further testimony of the same.
This past Sunday morning the Shekinah Glory of God fell upon the group I meet with regularly after all the rationalization and after all the corporate praise in the form of confession and testimony. From my personal participation I can confirm the love found in another when they are connected to God. I was moved to respond as well as to continue in the testimony when I saw the outward expression of inward faith. In my cultural paradigm we always end a session of community with a invitation to the alter of God. A song is sung and the wrestling begins. Within my own battleground I was faltering until I saw the hands of my fellow brothers in arms raised in unison to God the Farther. I then was redirected, realized I was not alone, I was loved by the others and I knew they where disciples of the true and mighty God. So I allowed myself sacrificed and the Spirit lead me from there to the alter of God. My ego there was slain and the blood of Christ was poured out.
A portion of this love, this fire that Christ came to our world to ignite (Luke 12:49), was sparked by the outward expression of others faith. They lifted their hands. My soul died. The Spirit led. And Christ poured out.
Express your faith! There are many ways to express. But Express.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Naked
Naked, Samuel sat in the playroom last night. With anguish he cried. He had previously been given direction. He was instructed to put all the crayons back in their box before he could go to bed. What misery he struggled with. The thought of this service was to much. How could his Father allow such injustice in his life?
I approached, kneeled down and said, “Listen to me. I want you to start picking up these crayons and I want you to notice what happens. Just start and see what happens.”
With heavy arms he slowly dredged his way through the pain and began to place a few lone Crayolas back to there original state. First an Orange, then a Green, maybe a Black, half of a Pink. Slowly the process began.
I then began to assist him with his purpose. Large fist full’s at a time where falling from my hands into the box.
I asked, “See what is happening? What is happening Samuel?”
Silence. (ok, maybe a whimper or two)
“Open your eyes, son. Can you see? Can you see what is happening? Look. See?”
I’m not sure he understood completely, but we reviewed.
When he began the task at hand his Father began to help. When he started. When he submitted to the calling, Daddy did most of the work. I drilled these ideas until he recited back, “You helped me.”
“Why did I help?”
“Because I started and because you love me.”
If there is something that has been assigned for you to do, I simply want to remind you GOD will help. He will do most of the work, but only if you start and only because he loves you and he wishes to teach you a lesson.
I approached, kneeled down and said, “Listen to me. I want you to start picking up these crayons and I want you to notice what happens. Just start and see what happens.”
With heavy arms he slowly dredged his way through the pain and began to place a few lone Crayolas back to there original state. First an Orange, then a Green, maybe a Black, half of a Pink. Slowly the process began.
I then began to assist him with his purpose. Large fist full’s at a time where falling from my hands into the box.
I asked, “See what is happening? What is happening Samuel?”
Silence. (ok, maybe a whimper or two)
“Open your eyes, son. Can you see? Can you see what is happening? Look. See?”
I’m not sure he understood completely, but we reviewed.
When he began the task at hand his Father began to help. When he started. When he submitted to the calling, Daddy did most of the work. I drilled these ideas until he recited back, “You helped me.”
“Why did I help?”
“Because I started and because you love me.”
If there is something that has been assigned for you to do, I simply want to remind you GOD will help. He will do most of the work, but only if you start and only because he loves you and he wishes to teach you a lesson.
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