Glimpses. Where do you see Jesus?

While I've reflected more on the glimpses that we see of both good and evil in world, I began to wonder where you've seen glimpses of good lately?

I've noticed that Jesus is very active in our world when we look and listen carefully!  He is continually giving us glimpses of the good and the peace that only He can bring.  Often it's in the simplest of things:

I've seen the heart of Jesus through friends of mine who are not only taking note of others less fortunate than themselves, but are going out of their way to bless and build relationships with those who need love and friendship.

I've seen Jesus through a man who works harder and longer hours than most--and yet in the midst of that Jesus is using him to bless and disciple others whom he works with!

I've seen Jesus through answered prayers!  Healing those the doctors said were all but goners!

Daily I see Jesus shared over a lunch or a cup of coffee as I see a variety of people loving others and carrying each others burdens in relationships of trust and love.

Don't miss the Glimpses of Jesus!

Share with us some of the ways that YOU are seeing Jesus at work in our world today!

Boston Bombing and a Walk through the Woods

Today I hiked through the woods holding my wife's hand, with our beautiful baby on my back and I thought to myself, "what an amazing world we live in!"

Today I watched the news of yet another horrific act of human violence and I thought to myself, "what an utterly broken world we live in!"

One day...two drastically different impressions of the world.  One day...two examples of the reality of two drastically different powers at work in our world.

Neither should surprise us; but both should cause the human heart to long for what is good and true!

Jesus said He came to bring life and life to the full--to restore the broken, heal the sick and wounded--and one day He says He is returning to make all things New.  Walking through the forest today was like a glimpse of that which is good and right--this is what Jesus desires all of us to know through Him.

But we cannot ignore the glimpses we have on days like today that cause so many to say "something is terribly wrong with humanity!"  Something really is terribly wrong with this world and with us.  And no matter how hard we try to fix it...no matter how much we long for justice and peace--it remains elusively out of our grasp.  Sin has gotten a hold of the human heart and it is wreaking havoc in our world--sometimes the glimpses are so clear that we can't ignore; but sin is always there--all one has to do is look honestly at their own heart.

Perhaps it's time we acknowledge that the problem is beyond the ability of mankind to solve.  Perhaps it's time that we look to the One who took our sin upon himself, and paid its price for us so that we may be free!

Humanity does not need to be in bondage to Sin any longer--there is a way to be free--the way is Jesus!

An Easter Poem

This is a "poem" that I wrote my Freshman year of college (Feb 10, 2002).  

"POEM OF MY SAVIOR"

Blood drips down, I can almost feel it pool at my feet.

I'm scared to look up, because I know the blood is not from me.

I know it should be.

A quick glance up I see Your feet.

Painfully nailed to the blood soaked tree.

Tears begin to form; I know your feet are pierced for me.

I raise my head a bit more,

all I feel is shame as I see Your wounded side.

Fresh blood still flowing out.

I look away just to see your pierced hands.

Hands that once healed, comforted so lovingly.

Now nailed to the tree.

I'm scared to look at Your face

Scared to see the pain caused by me.

Somehow I bring my gaze to Your eyes.

A tear rolls down Your cheek,

mixing with the blood pouring from your brow.

I see you struggle for breath as you smile,

all you can manage is:

"I love you my child."

Tears fill my eyes

I cover my face and bury my head.

How could I do this to You?

All I can do is fall down

I kneel and weep on the blood soaked ground

Feeling so much remorse, so much sorrow.

I fall still and silent

I lay so scared.

Finally I look up, I see the cross is bare

Blood soaked wood is all that remains

I feel a hand on me,

it pulls me up, it's You

You look me in my tear filled eyes, smile and say:

"I love you my child!"

Lessons from Adelaide

It's amazing what a 3 month old can teach you when you pay attention!

Adelaide and I often have "Daddy and Addie time" early in the morning before Mummy gets up.  Usually while I am downstairs eating breakfast and spending time reading and praying I hear Addie start to stir upstairs so I will go and get her and she will join me for the last part of my time with God.

The other day as I was reflecting and praying while holding Addie on my lap.  I was holding a toy in front of her that she began to swat at, and attempt to bring to her face to suck on.  This is a new thing for her, so she wasn't all that successful at first--but she kept trying, sometimes getting a hold of it, sometimes missing completely--all the while smiling and looking quite excited about the whole thing.

I started thinking how much that is like being a disciple and follower of Jesus.  It's an exciting journey--but it's one that we don't always get right--sometimes we "get a hold of it", other times we "miss completely"--but what a joy following Jesus can be!

However, as I had this thought--Addie grew tired trying to get her toy--frustration was finally setting in.  And soon she stopped striving and instead just tucked herself into my chest and relaxed.

And it hit me again--isn't THAT just like discipleship too.  Sometimes it's hard and frustrating--while it can be exciting and fun, there are times of growing weary and tired--times when we just need to cuddle up into the shadow of our Father's arms.

Being a disciple of Jesus is a journey, not a destination--it's a journey full of success and failure--it's exciting and frustrating all at the same time.  It's a journey that requires others who will encourage, challenge and support.

Ultimately, it's a journey of LOVE -- Addie can be successful, missing the mark, or just needing to come and rest in my arms--it's all part of the journey, and I love being on it with her.  Discipleship should be the same.

If you aren't on the journey with others of learning how to follow Jesus, I'd encourage you to find a few to start intentionally journeying with--you won't regret it.

Churches & Money -- How should they spend it?

This is something I'd love to hear your thoughts on--How should local churches spend the money they receive?

As I've been reading in the OT and in the Gospels the last number of months, it again becomes so obvious that God requires that His people give Him the best of what they have.  In money, sacrifices etc.  It also is obvious that as God's people it is expected that we are to care for the poor and the needy.

These are not new ideas to me--and they are ones I have grappled with regarding how I spend my money personally.  However, there is a growing sense within me that local churches often do not handle money in the way they should.  What do you think?  Please take a moment and answer a few of these questions:

What should be the top priority for local churches in regards to what they spend money on?
   --for example: salaries, buildings, the poor, missions work, evangelism, admin....other?

What would you like to see your local church do better in regards to how they communicate about what they spend money on?
   --for example:  discuss the budget with the congregation more; have "the numbers" available more easily...etc

Would how a local church spends money effect how you gave of your own money?

Should a church "tithe" (give 10% off the top) to another Christian community or church?

Is there a specific cause or organization that YOU would love to see your church give to?  Why?

Being a Dad and my view of God

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray he told them to begin with:

"Our Father..."

What an amazing way to be able to address the Creator of the universe.  One who is Holy beyond our comprehension!  Think about  that!

I've only been a Dad for less than 3 months as I write this--yet the experience already has given me insight into the Fatherhood of God that I had never known before other than perhaps on an intellectual level.

When Adelaide was only a few days old, I was holding her and just staring at her (it's amazing how long you can just sit and stare at your child!).  But as I sat there I was overwhelmed with the feeling both of love and responsibility.

I remember thinking how easy it would be to die for Adelaide if ever it came to that.  I also remember thinking how desperately I wanted the very best for her...and reflecting and feeling very aware of my short-comings and my inability to accomplish the very best for her!

Then I thought about our Heavenly Father.  He wants the very best for us.  He loved us so much that He willingly gave His only Son to give us the very best.  As the Psalmist says:  "His arm was not shortened"; in other words He is able to accomplish whatever he desires and wills.

His desire is that we would know Him; for He IS the very best.  He has no shortcomings; He not only saves us from Sin, but invites us to know Him with the intimacy of a child knowing their Father!

If you ever wondered about God's love for you--be assured that His love is unending, His desire is that you would have the very best through His Son!

A Bad Image?

"...tell John what you hear and see..."

(Matt 11:4b)

This was Jesus' response when John's disciples came to Jesus on behalf of John to ask if He indeed is the Messiah--the Saviour of the world.

If our world is looking...listening...waiting for someone or something to rescue them from the chaos that surrounds them will they be able to see and hear Jesus through US?

I often hear Christians complain about how difficult it is for the church to be relevant to our culture.  I don't buy it!  The gospel of Jesus is the most relevant possible thing that could be presented to people today!

Perhaps our problem...and why we lack relevancy is because Jesus is no longer visible or noticeable in the everyday lives of many who call themselves Christians.  Maybe our world doesn't need to be convinced that the church is relevant by us becoming more like them, or by apologetic arguments--maybe our world simply needs to see and hear something that is unlike anything else they experience in a world full of brokenness, injustice and pursuits that leave us empty.

But the question each Christian and each local church needs to ask themselves is:  What do people see and hear when they look at me/us?

It doesn't need to be complicated--every moment of our lives we make choices either to live and react to things the way the world expects--or to live by the Spirit and display Jesus in the simplest of ways.  

To react with love and forgiveness when hurt by others.

To be patient and kind even when another doesn't "deserve it"

To show compassion, rather than seeking ones own good.

To hold loosely money, possessions and even your own life--for the sake of serving Jesus.

To speak Truth with love--even when others may think you a fool...

The list could go on...What simple changes in your life could you make to display Jesus better?

If you are NOT a follower of Jesus--I would be interested (so we can learn) what you have often seen and heard from people who call themselves Christians?  Has it been positive or negative?