Casey Jones

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:6-8&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10:11&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15:13&version=NIV1984

John Luther Jones.  Chances are you’ve probably never heard the name before.  His nickname was ‘Casey’.  Casey Jones.  Now perhaps you’ve heard the name before.  No, he’s not the mighty Casey who struck out in a baseball game.  This Casey worked for the railroad.  Back in the 1890's.  After working as a brakeman and fireman, Casey was finally promoted to an engineer.  And he became a very good engineer at that.  Jones prided himself with being able to bring his trains in on time.  Every time.  Jones also had a distinctive whistle that he blew on his route between Tennessee and Mississippi.  It was said that when Casey blew his whistle in the middle of the night, people would turn over in their beds and say, “There goes Casey Jones!”

In the early morning hours of April 30, 1900, Casey left the station on a second run.  Another engineer had called in sick and Casey volunteered to get the passengers to their destination on time.  At the time of departure Casey was 95 minutes behind schedule.  Determined to arrive on time, Casey had his firemen pour on the coal as fast as he could.  Gradually Casey and his ‘Cannonball Express’ made up almost all the time.  With just a short distance to go it looked like Casey would once again arrive 'as advertised'.

Unbeknownst to him, disaster lay ahead.  Two trains were occupying the passing track ahead.  The result was that four cars ended up being on the main track.  Directly in Casey’s way.  As the speeding Cannonball Express got closer Casey’s fireman saw the red lights of the caboose up ahead.  He yelled to Casey.  Casey, in turn, told his fireman to jump to safety, which he did.  Casey then desperately tried to slow his train down.  Remarkably, in that short distance, he was able to reduce his train’s speed in half.  But it wasn’t enough.  The train plowed into the parked railroad cars.  Casey was killed.  His watch was found stopped at 3:52 AM, the exact time of impact.  However, because he stayed with his train, instead of abandoning it, no passengers were killed.  Casey was the only fatality.  Afterwards, Casey Jones became immortal due to a song that was written and sung about his heroism in the accident.  Today marks 112 years since Casey Jones died.

When I read about Casey Jones and his heroism, I couldn’t help but contrast it with the actions of Captain Francesco Schettino.  It was Captain Schettino who abandoned his ship, the Costa Concordia, earlier this year after it capsized off the Tuscany coast.  Thirty-two people are thought to have perished in the tragedy.  Also, when I read of Casey Jones, I couldn’t help but think of his similarity with Jesus.  In 2 Corinthians 5:14 we are told that Jesus “died for all”.  In other words, Jesus sacrificed His life so that the rest of us could live.  What sacrifice.  What heroism.  Of course, the difference between Casey Jones and Jesus is that Jesus intentionally died on the cross.  It wasn’t an accident.  It was planned from eternity past.  Yes, Jesus gave His life so that every single man, woman, boy and girl could arrive safely at Heaven’s shore.  This is why we sings hymns and songs of praise to Jesus.  Because He is worthy.  He truly is a hero.  More than this, He is our Savior!

Lord, I thank you for the willingness of Jesus to go to the cross.  To die for my sins.  So that I could live.  What an incredible sacrifice.  What a tremendous display of love.  For which I will be eternally grateful!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Divine Exchange

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil%204:19&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55:1&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1:18&version=NIV1984

Exchange.  We’ve all done it at times.  Probably hundreds of times.  Perhaps the most likely time we do this is immediately after Christmas.  We take gifts that were given to us and exchange them.  For a different style or color.  Or for an item/product that isn’t stained or damaged.   Or sometimes we simply exchange our gift for money.  This way we can purchase what we really want.  The whole purpose behind an exchange is that we get value for value.  We exchange a $20 article of clothing for another $20 article of clothing.  Or $20 in credit.  What we aren’t able to do is to exchange upwards.  So, for example, we can’t exchange a $20 gift for $40.  Or $100.  If were to do this, stores would soon go bankrupt.  Then we wouldn’t receive any gifts.

Now if someone who was rich wanted to, they could afford to exchange and receive lesser value.  The rich very rarely, if ever, do this because they aren’t into losing money.  They are into making money.  So generally, whenever a person does an exchange with a rich person, they know that they are going to come out on the short end of things.  That’s the way it goes.  The richer you are, the more money you make.  But again, if the rich wanted to, they could give a person greater value than what they’ve received.  They could do this because they can afford to.  They can take a monetary loss and still be financially stable.  Of course, no matter how rich a person is, they couldn’t afford to do this forever.  Sooner or later, depending upon the number of exchanges, and the amount of value lost, they would come to the point where they were broke.  Then the favorable exchanges would end.

Fortunately, there is a place where we can receive infinitely greater value for our exchanges.  It is called the ‘divine’ exchange.  It is run by God.  The way this exchange works is that we bring what we have to God.  And He gives us something of far greater value in return.  This exchange is made possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross.  And it is made possible by faith.  Among other things, we can exchange:
    Our sin for His righteousness.
    Our death sentence for eternal life.
    An eternity in Hell for an eternity in Heaven. 
    Our brokenness for wholeness.
    Our sickness for health.
    Our sorrow for joy.
    Our weakness for His strength.
    Our shame for His glory.
    Our trouble for His peace.
    Our ignorance for His wisdom.
    Our uncertainty for His guidance.
    Our fear for security.
    Our poverty for His wealth.

This list goes on and on.  Isn’t this great?  Nowhere in the world can we get such a one-sided exchange in our favor!  How can God do this?  First of all, because He is merciful and gracious.  Secondly, because of His unlimited resources.  As Christians, we are told in Philippians 4:19 that “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  The fact is that God has an unlimited supply of all kinds of things that we need.  And He is willing to exchange our poverty for His riches.  Wow!

So what are we waiting for?  If we haven’t brought our sins to God, we should do so today!  He will gladly exchange them for the righteousness of Christ.  And if there is any other area in our life where we are lacking, we can simply bring our lack or deficiency to Him.  And He will exchange it for His riches!  No, we don’t deserve it.  That’s precisely the point.  But as believers, it is our right.  Anytime, anywhere, we can come to the divine exchange.  We will never be turned away.  And we will never be short-changed.  Instead we will come away with far greater resources than we had.  All because of Jesus.  Isn’t that a reason to love Him all the more?

Lord, I thank you for the wonderful exchange that happened because of the cross.  All my sins, sickness and poverty were exchanged for Your righteousness, life and riches.  May I come freely to Your throne of grace.  Bringing my lack for Your supply.  I will never be disappointed!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Matter Of Facts. A Matter Of Faith.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb%2011:1&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb%2011:6&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov+8%3A17&version=NIV1984

Most of us are familiar with criminal investigations.  While very few of us have any actual experience with them, almost all of us have read or heard stories about how they are conducted.  Then there are all the TV shows that portray this process.  In a nutshell, a crime such as murder is committed.  This launches an investigation.

In some cases the investigation is fairly easy.  And so is the prosecution.  There were numerous witnesses to the crime.  Or there are pictures or video of it being committed.  The murder weapon has been recovered.  The fingerprints match the suspect.  There is plenty of proof.  The case is pretty much a slam dunk.  In other cases, the investigation is very different.  No one saw the murder being committed.  There are a handful of suspects.  The murder weapon has not been recovered.  A motive is unknown.  Evidence is scarce and has to be collected from a number of sources.  In situations such as this, trying to determine who actually committed the murder is difficult.  The result is that all of the evidence needs to be taken as a whole.  Only then can a jury hope to arrive at a conviction.  To some degree this is the dilemma of proving God's existence.

Is there a God?  This is a question that people have wrestled with down through the ages.  In Romans 1 we are told that creation is evidence of His existence.  In it we see intelligent design.  Order.  Balance.  Incredible variety.  Yet a number of people believe that everything we see just evolved.  Or that it was happenstance.  A one-in-a-trillion occurrence.  What is the problem?  The problem is that for His own reasons, God has stopped short of ‘proving’ that He exists.  Yes, there is a lot of evidence for His existence.  But no ‘proof’.  There is a big difference between the two.  Proof is clear cut.  Evidence has to be weighed.  Examined.  And a decision made based upon it.  So why doesn’t God just give us ‘proof’ that He exists?  That He created the universe?  Because God highly values faith.  In His divine wisdom God has given us a lot of evidence that points to His existence.  Evidence that points to the fact that creation had a Creator.  Based upon this evidence, God wants us to have faith.  Faith that He exists.  That He created everything that is.  Faith that He loves us.  And has made a way for us to enter a relationship with Him.

The reality is that there is all kinds of evidence in every single area of study (astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry, etc.) that points to the existence of God.  But facts alone are not enough.  To these facts must be added faith.  Faith says that, based upon the evidence of what is seen, or the facts, we can trust in what is not seen.  This is what we are told in Hebrews 11:1.  “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 

So, have you come to a conclusion about God yet?  Every day you see creation all around you and you think it just evolved?  From what?  A big bang?  A single cell a billion years ago?  Into all the variety and complexity that you see before you?  Really?  It is much easier to just believe the Bible.  That there is a God.  Who created the universe.  Who rules over it and cares for it every day.  The same God who created you.  One of a kind.  With a wonderful plan for your life.  Why not come to Him now?  The pathway is faith.  He’s already given you all kinds of evidence for His existence.  His power.  His creativity.  And He has given you His Word.  The Bible.  Check it out.  See for yourself.  And then put your faith in Him.  Guess what?  He will meet you right where you are.  And show Himself to you.  You will never be the same!

Lord, I thank you for the faith that I have in You.  Not blind faith which has no basis in fact.  But intelligent faith.  Rational faith.  Faith that is based upon what I see all around me in creation.  Faith that is based upon what I read about You in the Bible.  The fact is that You don’t have to prove Yourself to me.  Or anyone else for that matter.  Someday I will see You face-to-face.  Then I will have the ultimate proof of Your existence.  Until then, I believe You exist by faith.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Developing Intimacy In Relationships - Conclusion

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206:5&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29:13&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119:10&version=NASB

Intimacy = time + depth + intentionality

For the past few days I have been posting my thoughts about intimacy in relationships.  In so doing I have shared a formula I came up with to help understand what it is.  What the necessary ingredients of it are.  Someone once said that ‘knowledge is power’.  This is true.  But I would contend that knowledge is only good if we use it.  The same is true about this formula for intimacy.

Let’s take a moment and think about our relationships.  Our relationship with our parents.  Our spouse.  Our children.  Our boyfriend or girlfriend.  Would we say that these relationships are intimate?  If so, we are in a good place.  If not, then we have some work to do.

For those of us who are married let’s take our relationship with our spouse.  Marriage is the most intimate of all human relationships.  At least it is supposed to be.  Since they live together, a husband and wife know things about each other that nobody else does.  That’s a good start.  But it still doesn’t mean that they have an intimate relationship.  How can we determine this?  By using the above formula.  How much time do I spend with my spouse?  Talking?  Doing things together?  Having fun?  How deep is our conversation?  Do I know their hopes and dreams for the future?  Their fears?  Their insecurities?  Do they know mine?  Do I ever share my heart with them?  Do they share their heart with me?  How intentional am I about the relationship?  Is it a priority?  Or is it pretty far down the list?  How important is our relationship to them?  By asking questions such as these, we can quickly determine just how intimate our relationship is.  Of course, we can use this same formula to evaluate our relationship with our parents.  Our children.  Grandchildren.  Friends.  Co-workers.

Now part of the problem with relationships is that there are two sides.  So we may want to have an intimate relationship with someone but they may not.  Unfortunately this is far too common in marriage.  One person wants a deep, intimate relationship while their spouse is content with being a ‘roomie’ - someone who lives under the same roof but who doesn’t want to get too personal.  This may be because they are afraid of intimacy.  They are afraid to become vulnerable.  Or they tried once and were rejected.  Or maybe they don’t even know what intimacy is.  Now while we can’t control our spouse’s feelings about intimacy, by using the intimacy formula, we can at least work on deepening the relationship from our side.  Who knows?  Maybe after a while our spouse will catch a glimpse of how great and satisfying intimacy is and will decide to cooperate with us!

One thing about God, He is never against or ambivalent about intimacy in our relationship.  He is willing to go to depths in our relationship that we can’t possibly imagine.  So let’s apply the intimacy formula to our relationship with Him.  Do we spend much time with Him?  Uninterrupted time.  Quality time.  When we do, is it all one-sided?  Do we spend 90% of the time talking to Him?  Or do we take some time to listen to Him?  Do we share our hearts with Him?  Our hopes?  Our dreams?  Our insecurities?  Our fears?  Is our relationship with Him a priority?  Are we intentional about regularly communing with Him?  Do we commune with Him throughout the day?  By asking questions such as these we can determine what we need to do in order to become intimate with God.  The good news is that this is exactly what He wants, too!  So we know that He is more than willing to cooperate with us.  To lead us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.  One thing is for sure - any time or energy that we devote to increasing the intimacy in our relationship will pay huge dividends!

Well, there you have it.  My thoughts about intimacy.  Again, this all came about because God has shown me that I have a lot of work to do in getting there in my own relationships.  I hope that these posts have been helpful to you.  Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this subject as you pursue intimacy in your relationships.

Lord, thank you for all the relationships I have in my life.  Including my relationship with You.  Help me not to settle for second-best in them.  Help me to pursue intimacy.  To develop deep, personal relationships that are mutually satisfying and fulfilling.  May this be especially be true of my relationship with You.  May it become more than I ever imagined it could be.  Everything that You planned it to be.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Developing Intimacy In Relationships - Part IV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2043:10&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Josh%2024:15&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps+18%3A2&version=NIV1984

Intimacy = time + depth + intentionality

Yesterday we looked at the second ingredient of the formula for intimacy, depth.  Today we are going to look at the third ingredient that must be present to have an intimate relationship with someone, which is intentionality.  The fact is, most of the time, intimacy doesn’t just develop between two people.  It has to be worked on.  Cultivated.  This requires intentionality.  

To understand this better we need only look back on our dating relationships.  When we first became attracted to that certain guy or gal, what did we do?  We started to focus on them, didn’t we?  We began texting them. Calling them. Walking by their desk. Or driving by their house.  We made sure that we were where they were.  Though the first meeting may have happened by chance, subsequent meetings did not.  We planned to ‘bump’ into that person.  To see them.  To speak to them.  It was intentional.

To be honest, there are some situations where intentionality doesn’t apply.  I think of those situations where two people are put together against their will.  Such as being in the same foxhole together.  Or maybe in the same jail cell.  Under these conditions there is no intentionality.  The relationship develops intimacy (in most cases, though not in all) simply because the two of them are forced to spend time with each other.

Most relationships are not like this.  They have to be pursued.  Cultivated.  Sought out.  This is especially true with people whom we no longer see on a regular basis.  Such as a friend or family member who has moved away.  Or if we are the one who has moved away.  If there isn’t some intentionality to keep the relationship alive, on our part or theirs, it will gradually die.  All of a sudden it’s been months or years since we’ve had contact with them.  In a marriage, intentionality means that we deliberately set aside time to talk.  To do things together.  To connect.  So a wife might ask her husband to set aside a weekend so that they can go away together.  Or a husband might decide to take his wife out for dinner on a particular night.  These were not accidental happenings.  They were deliberate plans to keep the relationship intact.  Strong.  Healthy.

The same is true of our relationship with God.  The fact is that God is always near.  He has already taken the initiative to have a living, dynamic relationship with us.  That is why Jesus went to the cross.  The hold-up in the relationship is with us.  We don’t pursue Him.  As it relates to God, if we want to develop an intimate relationship with Him then we need to be intentional about it.  Intimacy with God doesn’t just miraculously happen any more than intimacy with other people miraculously happens.  The truth is that time for God isn’t found.  It’s made.  It set aside.  It’s planned for.  This requires intentionality.  If our relationship with God is a high priority to us, we will make sure that we stay in touch.  If not, there will be long stretches where we don’t communicate with Him.

In our human relationships, we all like to be pursued, don’t we?  We appreciate it when our spouse contacts us throughout the day.  When they deliberately set aside time to be with us.  To connect with us.  We appreciate it when our grown children stop by from time to time.  Or give us call.  Or send us a text.  It shows that they are thinking of us.  We appreciate it when an old friend or co-worker periodically connects with us.  It tells us that we are important to them.  In the same way, God’s desire is that we pursue Him.  Because it speaks volumes.  It tells Him that He is important to us.  That we care about Him.  And love Him.  Love Him enough to invest in the relationship.  And for God, that means everything!

Lord, in the busyness of my life help me not to neglect my relationships.  Especially with those who are nearest and dearest to me.  My family.  My friends.  You.  Help me to intentionally pursue You.  To make connecting with You my highest priority.  It is something that I desperately need.  And something that brings You great joy and pleasure.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Developing Intimacy In Relationships - Part III

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2017:3&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2063:1-2&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11:33&version=NIV1984

Intimacy = time + depth + intentionality

Yesterday we looked at the first ingredient of the formula for intimacy, time.  Today we want to look at the second ingredient that must be present to have an intimate relationship with someone, which is depth.  In other words, as key an ingredient as time is, (and we saw the importance of this yesterday), it is no guarantee of depth in a relationship.  A good example of this is us guys.  Most of us (not all of us) have a lot of surface relationships but very few, if any, deep relationships.  I mean, we can work with a guy for years.  Hunt and fish with him.  Play sports with him.  Just plain hang out with him.  And still not know how his marriage is doing.  Or what shape his finances are in.  What his fears or dreams are.  Whether or not he’s addicted to porn.  The fact is that very few guys have deep relationships with other guys.  We settle for surface relationships.  At the expense of intimate ones.

As far as marriage is concerned, we see that simply spending time together doesn’t always lead to depth either.  How many couples who spend the evening together watching TV or a DVD rarely, if ever, say a word to each other?  And when they do, how deep is their conversation?  Usually it is all surfacey stuff.  How their day went.  How the children behaved.  What chores need to be done, etc.  Now while light conversation is a necessary part of marriage, so is deep conversation.  It is the only way that a couple is going to develop intimacy.

So what does depth in a relationship look like?  Well it’s more than superficiality, that much I know.  It’s more than talking about the weather.  Or sports.  Or the news.  Depth in a relationship begins when we share our views.  Our feelings.  Depth occurs when we begin to share with others our fears.  Our struggles.  Our triumphs.  Our hopes.  Our dreams.  Depth is getting to know what makes the other person tick.  And sharing with them what makes us tick. This means that a husband is willing to share with his wife about the pressures he faces in his job.  Whether he is making wise choices in life.  Whether he still has what it takes.  It means that a wife is able to share with her husband that she doesn’t like her body.  Or that she feels insecure around certain people.  Or that she is fearful about getting old.  Depth requires that a couple is open and vulnerable to, and with, each other.  So that they can understand and support each other.

As it relates to God, we see that depth is often lacking.  It is possible for us to spend time with God on a frequent basis yet have very little depth in our relationship.  We read our Bible.  We say our prayers.  We go to church.  But none of it reaches down very deep.  We aren’t affected by God.  We aren’t changed by Him.  We don’t experience Him.  Then we wonder why God seems so distant.  Why our relationship with Him seems so stale.  So boring.  So yesterday.  What we need to do is to share our heart with God.  Our joys.  Our sorrows.  Our fears.  Our hopes.  Then we need to take the time to listen to God's heart as well.  Through His Word.  Through His Spirit.  Doing this brings a richness and a depth to our relationship with Him that makes it alive.  Dynamic.  Exciting.  Something that brings immense satisfaction and intimacy.

Lord, sometimes I don’t think I know what intimacy is.  So many of my relationships are shallow.  Concerned about nothing more than the weather.  Sports.  The economy.  It seems like I never get to the place of sharing my heart.  Even with my family and friends.  Or with you.  At times I think that I may actually be afraid of intimacy.  Afraid that I will be misunderstood.  Or rejected.  Give me a hunger to go deeper in my relationships.  To share my feelings and my heart with others.  To share my innermost self with You.  And to discover Your heart as well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Developing Intimacy In Relationships - Part II

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:8&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%206:33&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%206:6&version=NIV1984

Yesterday I mentioned how God has been revealing to me the lack of intimacy in my relationships.  I also shared the formula that I came up for it:

Intimacy = time + depth + intentionality

Today I want to look at the first ingredient that must be present to have an intimate relationship with someone, which is time.  Lots of time.  The more time the better.  Let’s face it, it’s really hard to have an intimate relationship with someone we just met, isn’t it?  I mean, we know some things about them but there is a lot that we don’t know.  How are we going to get to know more about this person?  By spending more time with them.  This could involve face-to-face conversation. Or talking on the phone. Exchanging e-mails. Texting or chatting. Clearly some form of communication needs to be established.  In my opinion, time is the first and foremost ingredient in intimacy.  It’s not rocket science.  Spend little time with someone, there will be little intimacy.  Spend a lot of time with someone, the greater the intimacy. 

This is the reason why so many marriages and families are in trouble these days.  People are not spending much time together.  With work, school, and other activities, it’s increasingly difficult to get everyone in one place at one time.  In many marriages both spouses work.  If they work different shifts chances are they spend very little time together.  And even if they do both work the same shift, when they arrive home there are things that need their attention.  Meals need to be prepared.  Children have to be tended to.  Bills have to be paid.  The house or apartment needs to be cleaned or tidied up.  Yard work and/or maintenance on the vehicles needs to be done.  Then, after all this is completed, what do many couples do?  They spend time apart!  One spouse spends time on the computer while the other one watches TV.  Or one spouse works in the kitchen while the other is working in the garage.  The sad reality is that with the increased use of technology, our lives have become nothing more than a series of sound bytes - a little attention here, a little involvement there, but nothing of substance.  The result is that very few couples spend much time with each other.  And then they wonder why they feel distant.  Why they feel like two strangers living under the same roof.

As it pertains to God, someone has said that “God’s acquaintance is not made in quick visits”.  Right on.  Think about this quote for a moment.  What is it saying?  That time is a prerequisite to intimacy with God.  Unfortunately, spending time with God, just like with humans, is difficult for us.  We are so busy.  The result is a quick prayer here.  A couple Bible verses read there.  A trip to church on Sunday mornings.  But no blocks of time.  No time where we can really get to know God.  Who He is.  What He wants from us.  When was the last time that we spent an hour reading the Bible?  When was the last time that we spent an hour in prayer?  When was the last time that we took the time to actually meditate on what we read in Scripture?  Or meditate on one of God’s attributes?  Or reflect on how well we lived our day for God?  Sadly, most of us spend very little time with God on a daily or weekly basis.  And then we wonder why we don’t feel close to Him.  Why He seems so far away.  Why He seems unreal to us. 

The fact is, that if we are going to develop intimacy in our relationships, there is no substitute for time.  Friends need to make time for each other.   As do spouses.  Parents need to make time for their children.  And as Christians, we need to make time for God.  Time to talk.  To get to know Him.  To fall in love with Him.  When we do this, we will marvel at how quickly the time went.  And how intimate the relationship has become.  And we will make sure that we devote even more time to the relationship.

Lord, I confess that I don’t always spend as much time with those I love as I should.  Including You.  The fact is that I am too busy.  And I often choose to spend my time on other things.  Things that ultimately don’t matter.  Help me to spend more time with those closest to me.  And with You.  May the time that I invest help to develop the intimacy that I long for.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Developing Intimacy In Relationships - Part I

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+9:24&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20COr%201:9&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2042:1-2&version=NIV1984

Even though I am a type-A person, goal-setter, and enjoy getting things done, I also think a lot.  At least I think I think a lot! :)  I wonder.  I ponder.  Lately God has been directing my attention to the area of intimacy.  As I have reflected on this I have come to the conclusion that I lack intimacy in my relationships.  As a pastor, I know a lot of people and interact with them on a regular basis.  But how many of them could I say I know intimately?  Not very many.  The fact is that most of us have very few relationships that we would classify as 'intimate'.  If any.  When we stop and think about it, that is sad.  Unfortunately I have discovered that I lack intimacy in two of my most important relationships.   My relationship with my wife.  And my relationship with God.  That is a disturbing thought.

Since I am a reductionist by nature (wanting to simplify things to their lowest, common denominator) I started thinking about what intimacy is.  Without consulting a dictionary, I would say that intimacy is when two people really know each other - their likes, their dislikes, their past, their hopes for the future.  It is knowing someone almost as good as you know yourself.  It is that feeling of being close to someone.  Understanding them.  And their understanding you.

Next I thought about just exactly how intimacy is developed.  While this is certainly not the last word on the subject, I came up with the following equation:

Intimacy = time + depth + intentionality

I may be prejudiced but I like this equation.  It breaks down the ingredients to something that I couldn’t otherwise grasp.  Unfortunately, in our culture, the word ‘intimate’ has a lot of sexual connotations attached to it.  This serves to complicate and hurt our understanding of it.  The fact is that just because two people have been intimate ‘sexually’ doesn’t mean that they have an intimate relationship.  There’s a bit of irony in this, isn’t there?  Over the years that I have been a pastor I have seen this first-hand.  A couple becomes ‘intimate’ with each other.  The hormones rage for a period of time.  But when they subside, the couple sometimes find that they have very little in common with each other.  That they actually don’t even like each other!   So in our look at intimacy I want to avoid the sexual aspect of it.  I want us to understand intimacy as closeness.  As knowing someone as good as we know ourselves.

I will post more on the subject of intimacy over the next few days.

Lord, thank you for the gift of intimacy.  Of getting to really know and understand someone else.  And their getting to know and understand us.  We need intimacy.  With others.  And especially with You.  Help us in our pursuit of this.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Broken Bones

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30:2&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103:2-3&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+147:3&version=NIV1984

A week ago our 5-year-old grandson, Brett, was doing what all boys his age do - pretending he was fighting.  Jumping off a chair while doing a karate-style kick, he landed on his foot awkwardly.  The next day, Easter Sunday, Beth & I noticed him limping as he was searching for Easter Eggs in our backyard.  We asked him what happened and he told us.  On Monday, he went to the doctor to have a check-up for his cold.  The doctor also examined his foot and didn’t see anything wrong with it.

On Thursday I noticed that Brett was still limping.  Late that night I mentioned this to Beth.  It seemed odd to me that 5 days later he still couldn’t walk properly.  I reasoned that if he had hurt a muscle or bruised it, he would have been on the road to recovery by now.  Beth said that he didn’t have any swelling or bruising.  I told her that I still felt that his parents should have it checked.  It could be a hairline fracture.  Well, the next evening I received a picture of Brett on my cell phone.  He is at the doctor’s office getting a cast put on his foot.  It turns out the x-rays reveal that he had 2 breaks in his foot.  I hate to say this but let the record show that I WAS RIGHT!  Although I hate to see Brett having to wear a cast for the next couple weeks, I am glad that it will help his bones to heal properly.  Then he can resume being a normal 5-year-old again.

Once again I see a spiritual application in this.  Like Brett, periodically we all receive injuries in life.  Some are of our own doing.  And some are not.  An illness or a disease.  A divorce or the ending of a friendship.  The loss of a job.  Maybe the loss of a house.  Bankruptcy.  Verbal abuse.  Or physical abuse.  Betrayal.  The death of a loved one.  These injuries result in broken bones.  Not physical, but mental.  Emotional.  Spiritual.  These wounds are real.  They shatter our dreams.  Or our faith and trust in others.  They cause us to hobble through life the best that we can.  Sometimes these injuries even force us to the sidelines for a while.  What we need is treatment.  Healing.  Broken bones that do not receive attention, or which are not set properly, can result in continued problems in the future.  Problems which may not be able to be fixed.  Or which may take a great deal of time and money to repair.  This is where God enters the picture.

In Exodus 15:26, God is presented as ‘Jehovah Rapha’ which means ‘the Lord who heals you.’  What a wonderful thought this is.  Now matter how broken and dysfunctional we are, all we need to do is to come to God.  First of all, He wants to heal us.  Secondly, He has the skill to heal us.  No matter what is ailing us, big or small, God has a solution.  His healing touch can mend our bodies.  Our minds.  Our emotions.  Our spirit.

So if you find yourself wounded, hurting, and barely able to function, what are you waiting for?  Come to God.  Now.  He is Jehovah Rapha.  The Great Physician.  He longs to bind up your wounds.  To nurse you back to health again.  To get you back up on your feet.  So that you can live for Him.  And be a blessing to others.

Lord, I thank you for the many times in my life that I have felt Your healing touch.  Physically.  Emotionally.  Mentally.  Spiritually.  How wonderful these times have been.  Your skill.  Your compassion.  Your love.  They have served to deepen my understanding and love for You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By The Grace Of God

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:6&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:8&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4:7&version=NIV1984

The other night I was preparing to take a shower.  I take one every night.  For some reason, on this particular night, I thought about it.  About how fortunate I am to have running water.  And hot water at that.  So that I can take shower.  And become clean.  Feel refreshed.  From there I began thinking about how many other blessings I enjoy in my life.  And how I don’t deserve them.

Have you ever wondered about this?  It seems that when bad things happen a lot of people go down this road.  How they don't deserve things.  But their focus is on all the bad things in their lives.  I don’t deserve to be laid off.  I don’t deserve this illness.  I don’t deserve to be 30 and still single.  Or divorced with three children.  But how many of us focus on the good things in our lives?  What have I done to deserve all the blessings that God has given me?  I have come to the conclusion that predestination plays a part in this.  On a practical level, it’s all about the grace of God.

By the grace of God I was born into a family that had a father and a mother.  By the grace of God they wanted me.  By the grace of God I was born in a hospital.  Where both myself and my mother received the best medical care.  By the grace of God I was born healthy.  With all my limbs.  With all my organs functioning properly.  By the grace of God I could see.  And hear.  Later I was able to walk.  And think.  By the grace of God my parents were good people who tried to raise me the best they could.  By the grace of God I wasn't born into a wealthy family but a poor one.  As a result, it taught me the value of things.  That money doesn’t grow on trees.  So I should spend my money wisely.  And that I need to take care of my possessions.

By the grace of God, I had enough food eat.  Clean water to drink.  Clothes to wear.  A roof over my head.  By the grace of God I was born in the USA.  I could have just as easily have been born in any other country.  Or any other time.  By the grace of God I was born in 1953.  I could just have easily been born in 1853.  Or 1753.  Or 53 BC.  By the grace of God I was able to attend school.  To read.  To learn.  To expand my intellect.

By the grace of God I was miraculously healed of a brain tumor when I was a young boy.  By the grace of God my parents kept their promise to start going to church if God healed me.  By the grace of God I heard the Gospel message and was able to respond to it.  By the grace of God the rest of my family responded to the Gospel as well.  By the grace of God we started attending a small church where I received great Biblical teaching.  By the grace of God there were plenty of opportunities for me to serve and develop my gifts and talents.  By the grace of God our family moved to a different neighborhood.  Where I eventually met my future wife.  Who lived 3 houses away.  Across the street.  By the grace of God I was also healed of epilepsy.  By the grace of God at age 17 I didn’t get that job in the automobile plant that paid so well.  By the grace of God I also didn’t get sent to Viet Nam when I was drafted at age 18.  The epilepsy prevented that. 

As I reflect back on my life I see the grace of God all over it.  In big ways.  And in small ways.  The thing I have come to realize is that at numerous times in my life, it could have easily taken a different direction.  Except for the grace of God.  The fact is that you can say the same thing about your life.  No matter where you are living or what your circumstances are, your life could be vastly different.  Except for the grace of God. 

So the next time that you begin to feel sorry for yourself, think about the grace of God in your life.  And how vastly different it would be if He hadn’t given it to you.  The fact is that each and every day God pours His grace into our lives.  We don’t deserve it.  If we did, it wouldn’t be grace!  As a result, there is no place in our lives for bragging.  Pride.  Or feeling that we are superior to others.   Because it is only by the grace of God that we are who we are.  And that we have what we have.  Instead, the grace of God ought to cause us to be thankful.  Like the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:10 we should say, “By the grace of God I am what I am and His grace to me was not without effect!”

Lord, thank you so much for the grace that You have poured into my life.  Grace that brought me to You.  Grace that has molded me and shaped me.  And caused me to be the person I am today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow This Blog = Many Options

I posted this exactly one year ago today as part of my initial blog.  I figured I would re-post it today for those who might find the information helpful:

There are many ways to follow this blog and receive automatic updates when I post new content:

• In the right sidebar there is "Follow By E-Mail" tool that you simply enter your e-mail address to receive e-mail updates of new blog posts.

• In the right sidebar there is a followers section that allows you to follow the blog using your Google, Twitter, or Yahoo account.
  
  
• At the bottom of the page (footer) you can subscribe to the blog using RSS feeds.

However you choose to follow, thank you and may God use this blog to bless your life!

One Year Blogging Anniversary

http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=apples+of+gold&qs_version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3:1&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:17&version=NIV1984

Well, it’s hard to believe but today is one year since I began my blog!  Up to that time I’d never blogged before.  In fact, I really had never followed anyone else’s blog either.  You might say that I was a true blog novice.  To tell you the truth I’m not sure why I even started blogging?  I think that it was the result of Casey Bertram.  I know that he’s the one who set up my blog.  Because I was clueless about the blogosphere.

When I first started blogging I made some initial determinations.  First of all, I wanted my blog to be meaningful.  I wanted to avoid the short, light, positive comment-of-the-day kind of thing.  They have their place.  But I wanted my blog to make people to think.  Reflect.  Ponder.  As a result, the length of my blogs has grown from those initial few posts.  On the other hand, I wanted to avoid making my blogs too long.  I have viewed a few other blogs whose posts were so long that I didn’t read them all the way through.  I wanted to avoid that.  I figure that most people will spend about 5 minutes reading what you have to say.  Longer than that and people will simply skim what you write.  Or maybe quit visiting your blog altogether.  So hopefully I have settled into a comfortable range between too short and too long.  You may have noticed that if I do want to post at length about a subject, I simply divide the topic up into several parts.  Again, I do this for your convenience so as not to overwhelm you.

Secondly, I wanted my blog to be current.  So right from the start I decided to post every day.  I thought that was what all bloggers did.  And I felt that this was the only way to gain a following.  If you post every day then people will routinely read your blog.  Well, it turns out that very few people post every day.  Oh sure, there are some ‘professional’ bloggers out there.  You know, the kind who post to their blogs every day because it is a part of their job.  Most  bloggers, however, seem to post on a weekly or monthly basis.  I remember a month into blogging when Casey told me that I was a ‘prolific’ blogger.  Oops!  I guess I went a little overboard!  The amazing thing is that I actually could find something to post about every day!  I mean 365 posts is a lot.  Not only that, I just checked and I currently have enough material for another 160 posts!  Who knew that God could inspire me to such a degree!

After one year of blogging, it appears that God has used it.  Which was the whole purpose behind it in the first place.  During this time my blog has had over 5,300 page views and it has been read in 65 countries, besides the United States.  Not bad considering I didn’t exactly have a large fan base from which to launch my blog.  All I had was a handful of people from my church.  And several friends.  It has grown from there.  I have also received some feedback on my posts.  All of it favorable.  And I have had several people tell me that they read my blog every day.  Wow!  That is humbling.  And encouraging.  That others would take the time to read what I post.

Unfortunately, now that I am a year into it, I think that I am going to be posting less frequently.  All told, by the time I post, add some verses, and a picture or two, I spend 2 hours per day on my blog.  Now in our busy world 2 hours a week is a significant time commitment.  But 2 hours a day?  I really don’t know how I’ve been able to do it.  Over the past year I have posted every day, including during birthdays.  Holidays.  Vacations.  A week of Bible camp.  Men’s retreat.  District functions.  And many other events.  This has meant a lot of late nights.  And time taken away from my wife Beth.  From reading.  And other activities I like.  And used to do.

So I will continue to post.  But probably not every day.  If you are really set on reading my blog on a regular basis, simply begin reading them over again.  As I said, at this point I have a post for every day of the year.  And I will be adding periodic posts this year as well.

Thank you for reading my blog.  It means a lot.  Hopefully God is using it in your life.  That is the  goal.  To Him be the glory!

Lord, I thank you inspiring me.  And for the privilege of being able to share my thoughts with so many.  May You continue to use the insights and thoughts You’ve given me to bless and help others.  To You alone be the glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Titanic

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16:18&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2024:44&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos%204:12&version=NIV1984

I don’t know what it is about April 15th but it sure doesn’t seem to be a very good day.  It was on April 15th, 1865 that President Abraham Lincoln died after having been shot the day before.  April 15th, 1945 was also the day that British troops liberated the Bergen/Belsen Concentration Camp in Germany, revealing to the world the terrible atrocities that had been committed there.  April 15th is also the day that taxes are due to the Federal government here in the United States.  Coincidently, it was on April 15th, 1992 that Leona Helmsley, an American businesswoman, was sentenced to a 4-year prison term - for tax evasion!  Of course, another infamous historical event that happened on April 15th was the sinking of the ocean liner, the Titanic.

The Titanic was the ship of all ships.  It was the largest ship in the world.   It was constructed with all of the best engineering and technology of the time. And the most modern conveniences, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, Turkish bath, squash court and lending library.  It even had an on-board telephone system and passengers had access to a wireless telegraph.  The ship was so well-built that it was claimed to be ‘virtually unsinkable’.  Well, we all know now that was not true.  Several days into its maiden voyage, the Titanic struck an iceberg, opening a long gash on its starboard side.  Unfortunately this gash was also below the waterline.  Less than 3 hours later, the unthinkable happened.  The ‘unsinkable’ Titanic sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic ocean.  As a result 1,517 people lost their lives.  This included some very rich and influential people.  And a number of poor immigrants.  All gone to a watery grave.

As word of the disaster spread grief, shock and disbelief were widespread.  Inquiries were made on both sides of the Atlantic.  In the aftermath, improved safety measures were implemented, such as ensuring there were an adequate amount of lifeboats aboard each ship.  Regular lifeboat drills were also mandated.  And wireless equipment on passenger ships were to be staffed around the clock.

So what can we learn from the sinking of the Titanic 100 years ago?  First of all, that’s its always better to be ‘safe than sorry’.  Believing that icebergs posed no threats to large ships, the Titanic’s crew ignored reports from others ships in the area about icebergs.  As a result, when the Titanic did strike an iceberg it was going full-steam.  Very foolish in retrospect.  Secondly, we should always prepare for the worst.  Unfortunately, since no one envisioned the Titanic as sinking, it had only enough lifeboats on board for one-third of its passengers.  And the crew wasn’t familiar with how many people each one could hold.  The result was that of the few lifeboats available, a number of them were launched half-full.  That is a double tragedy.  Thirdly, life often takes sudden, unexpected turns.  I’m sure that if we polled all the people who were on board the Titanic before it struck the iceberg, none of them expected for the ship to sink.  Not the passengers.  Or the crew.  Or the captain.  Or the designer.  Or the owners.  Everyone of them fully expected the Titanic to make a safe transatlantic voyage.  Unfortunately, they were wrong.  All of them.

Such is the way of life.  No matter how well things are going in our lives today, we never know what tomorrow may bring.  Or even tonight for that matter.  An accident.  A heart attack.  A disaster.  That is why we need to be prepared.  Prepared for death.  Prepared to go out into eternity.  Prepared to meet God there.  Because one never knows.

What we need is a Jesus.  He is the ultimate lifeboat.  When everything around us begins to sink He will carry us safely through.  That’s why we call Him our Savior.

Lord, I thank you for the security that I have in Jesus.  Nothing can separate me from His love.  He is my Rock.  My shelter in the time of storm.  No matter what happens in my life I know that Jesus will help me.  He will see me safely to the end of my voyage.  Until I reach the shores of Heaven.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Do It Now!!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+6:2&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+3:15&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%209:27&version=NIV1984

In yesterday’s post I mentioned how I am organized.  And enjoy it.  In fact, some of my pastoral colleagues have commented that I am the most organized person they know.  (I think that’s a compliment?)  Today I want to continue my thoughts on the subject and the spiritual principle at work here.

Yesterday I mentioned how the disorganized person operates. So how does this contrast with the organized person?  The organized person takes an extra 10 seconds and hangs their coat in the closet.  They take an extra 2 minutes and put their clean clothes away where they belong.  They take an extra 10 seconds and put their dirty clothes in the hamper.  They take an extra 30 seconds and put their plates, silverware and cup in the dishwasher.  They take an extra 10 seconds and hang up the keys to their vehicle.   Do you see the pattern?  Rather than lay something down and say, ‘I’ll get to it later’, they take time right away and put things where they belong.  They do it now.  And what is the result?  Very little, if any clutter.  No time spent searching for things.  Items are easily located since they are where they are supposed to be.  No money is spent purchasing things that are later found.  All because they took a little extra time in the beginning.  So one of the basic differences between the unorganized person and the organized person is that the unorganized person procrastinates.  The organized person lives by the motto, Do it now.

Where am I going with all this?  The Do-It-Now principle is not only  great for being organized.  It is absolutely essential for salvation.  You see, when a person first hears the Gospel message, they are faced with a decision.  Actually 3 decisions.  One, respond right away.  Admit that they are a sinner.  Confess their sins.  Put their faith in Jesus as their Savior.  Two, they can make a decision to not believe in and respond to the Gospel.  Three, they can procrastinate.  Not make a decision.  (Which really is a decision to not accept.)  All things considered, the ‘I’ll make a decision at a later date’ may be the worst one of the three.  Simply because it offers false hope.  ‘Someday I’ll explore the claims of Christianity thoroughly’.  ‘Someday I’ll get right with God’.  ‘Someday I’ll begin living for Him’.    Unfortunately, for many people, ‘someday’ never comes.  They die in their sins.  They are eternally lost.  Sentenced to spend an eternity in Hell.

This is why Scripture is so adamant!  “Now is the day of salvation.”  Do not procrastinate!  Tomorrow is promised to no one.  You may have every intention of surrendering your life to God in the future.  But you might forget.  You might get busy with all the clutter of life.  You might die before you get another opportunity.  All sorts of things can happen.  And none of them is good.  Why wait?  Why not put your faith in Jesus, now?  Why not get rid of the sin and guilt that you’ve been carrying around for so long?  Why not come running into the arms of Jesus - the One who loved you enough to die for you?

If you haven’t put your faith in Jesus as your Savior, the very best advice that I can give you is, Do It Now!  Right away.  Stop reading!  Hit your knees.  Pray.  Confess.  Accept.  Believe.  Get your life organized, beginning with the most important part - the spiritual.  I can assure you - you won’t regret it!

Lord, I pray for anyone who is reading this blog who hasn’t put their faith in You.  Impress upon them the urgency to come to You, now!  To not delay or put off this important decision.  To realize just how wonderful You are.  To understand how much You have sacrificed to make this relationship possible.  To come running to Your arms.  And never look back.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Being Organized

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2014:40&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+14:33&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2:5&version=NIV1984

I don’t know why but I have always been a very organized person.  I remember once when I was a child that I drew pictures on a number of pieces of paper and joined them together with a paper fastener.  On these papers I listed all of the things I needed to do in a day.  Brush my teeth.  Make my bed.  I don’t remember what the rest were.  Each day I would take out my papers and make sure that I did everything on them.  Why I just didn’t make a list I don’t know.  I probably had too much time on my hands.

For me, being organized comes easy.  Not only do I have a natural inclination toward this, my parents raised me to be responsible.  This meant putting my toys away when I was done with them.  And putting my clothes where they belonged.  Making sure that my shoes and sneakers were where they needed to be.  Of course, being a perfectionist really helped.  I strongly agree with the adage, ‘A place for everything, and everything in its place’.

I really like being organized for several reasons.  I know where things are when I want them.  I don’t have to spend minutes or hours looking for them.  (I hate wasting time).  Also things are neat and clean.  No matter what people may say, clutter is wearisome.  It drains a person's energy.  And depresses them.  Life seems out of control.  Conversely, organization and having things where they belong is energizing.  It puts people in a better mood.  They feel as if they have things under control.

Now I understand that not everyone is organized.  Some people don’t want to be, plain and simple.  They either see no need for it.  Or they are not motivated enough to be organized.  They want to go through life freely.  Without have to put a lot of conscious effort into things.  There are other people, however, who would love to be organized but don’t know how. 

So, what is the key to being organized?  There are several principles but the most important, I believe, is this = Do it now.  Not impressed?  I think you will be when I explain.  Suppose a person comes home from school or work.  They take off their coat.  The unorganized person lays it down somewhere.  Anywhere.  On a chair.  A table.  Maybe even on the floor.  The problem is that they generally don’t lay it down in the same place twice.  Now when they need their coat, what happens?  Chances are that the coat isn’t the only thing that hasn’t been put away.  There’s yesterday’s newspaper.  Books.  Mail.  Other items of clothing.  Somewhere in all of this clutter is their coat.  But they don’t know exactly where.  So they have to look.  And hunt.  And move things around.  If they don’t find it right away, chances are they simply get another coat or sweatshirt and take that.  Then when they come home, this gets laid down somewhere.  Making an even bigger mess.  And then some people wonder why their house or bedroom is such a disaster.

More on this subject and its spiritual application tomorrow.

Lord, I thank you for parents who made me put things away when I was a child.  How valuable that has turned out to be.  And I thank you for the desire and ability to be organized.  It has helped me so much over the years.  Help me not be organized as an end in itself but so that I have the time to do the things that You want me to do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.